I have an 1894 44 Mag... Tempted to pick up an 1894 CSBL 357 Mag...

[Macchina]

I've had a JM Marlin 1894 in blue/Walnut with a 20" barrel for about a decade. Love the gun but always wanted something just a bit smaller. The new 1894 CSBL (16" .357 Mag) is really tempting me but I'd love to hear from someone who owns one:

How is the quality on these?

Can the rear sight/rail be replaced with just a sight (that rail is huge)?

How light and handy is it compared to a 20" 1894? Is the 1894c a smaller receiver?


Here is my current Marlin 44 Mag with a Leopold Scout Scope:


And the 1894CSBL:

 

[gotboostvr]

One thing to remember, the outside diameter of a 357 barrel and a 44 barrel are the same. That means, due to the smaller bore, a 357 barrel of the same length will weight MORE than the 44 barrel.

How that effects handling I can't say, you might dig it.

If my Rossi R92 16" SS 44 didn't perform so well, I'd snap up a Marlin in a heart beat. That 94CSBL looks real good.

 

[troy fairweather]

i would like 357 to go with my 44 but for the price of the csbl you can buy a lot of ammo, or reload a lifetime of ammo. i dislike large levers, the make the gun fell sloppy to work and your hand has to move more to even touch the lever. the ss is nice the laminated is to but heavier then wood. like what gotboostvr said even with the shorter barrel that 357 will probably weigh more with that laminate wood and smaller bore

i have not handled any new marlins yet, guys say they are ok now, but i would only buy if i was at a store no online. for a few more bucks you can get a 1886 1892 or a 1894 winchester, just thin about that.

 

[earlthegoat2]

The CSBL is not worth the up charge IMO.

I would get a .357 1894C. If it is important to you JM ones can still be found...on GB.

If I got the CSBL the lever rail would go and an island XS sight would replace it. Then I would replace the stocks with wood or a better color laminate.

 

[Old Stumpy]

I would get a .357 1894C. If it is important to you JM ones can still be found...on GB.

I always found the JM 1894C to be the best balanced of all. The action really likes .357 magnum and it really handles well.

 

[Macchina]

I would be buying from a LGS that has them in stock for less than $900. I agree the markup is crazy, my JM 44 Mag 1894 was $500 about 10 years ago but I sure love that thing. The nice thing about the CSBL is it has everything I'd add to it and it's stainless. I've never bought a lever gun and not done a ton of things to it but with the CSBL I'd simply add a Leopold VX-1 2-7x33 I already have on my shelf...

 

[Hookeye]

With that long of a rail, what rings will still allow a 32mm objective?
I'd think an illuminated reticle/dot 1-4X w 20mm front could be mounted lower.
Since that stock designed for the irons, lower the optic the better IMHO.
Could just sit a reflex up there too

 

[dieselchief]

if you want the sweetest, nicest handling, quiet and most effective shootable small frame lever> hold out for a 1894cl in 32 20. I would sell every other gun I ever shot including some hi end zoot ones before that gets away from me. just saying. and now that we are in a ever increasing populated era, I find myself liking it more. just saying dc

 

[Pat Riot]

I do not know about the rifle you’re asking about but I do have a new Marlin 1894CB in .357. Compared to the same gun in .45 with the same barrel diameter the weight of the .357 vs the .45 is negligible. I wouldn’t allow this to be a deal breaker.

 

[Macchina]

Well, I did it...

 

[Old Stumpy]

It may not be enough gun for T-Rex but them ornery velociraptors and pterodactyls are dead meat.
Seriously though, looks like a great rifle.
I wish that they would bring back the standard 1894 .44 magnum in stainless.
I had a JM one years ago with really nice checkered walnut that shot great at 100 yards.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Like I said, it would not be my first choice but when I saw that picture it made me smile.

 

[Old Stumpy]

If I owned this rifle I would pick up some stainless detachable sling swivels and a nice leather retro-military Springfield / M1 adjustable leather sling. A really good one with quality stitching.
And yes, I would remove the long rail.
I think that I would replace that rear sight entirely with a lower profile Skinner sight (stainless steel base or blued steel base).
And if possible a more steamlined front sight ramp fitted with a Skinner blade sight.