Marlin 38/.357 mag lever action MN

[larry_minn]

I was in Cabela's in Rogers. They have 3 "LNIB" marlins in used gun racks. Far as I could tell they could have only been test fired... $ 538 IIRC. I have been kinda wanting one... Tempted. I figure I can buy a lot of 30 30 ammo for $500/ so I am going to have to pass. Maybe someone else will want one?

 

[treeprof]

They had a handful of the same at the Dundee MI store a few weeks ago. Post-Cerberus manufactured with Remington proofs. Looked and cycled a little rough. Having already been burned on like-manufactured a 1894CSS, I passed. I have several older Marlins, including an 1894C in .357/38, all of fine quality, but I number among those who've walked away since their acquisition and move.

 

[Diverdave]

I just can't understand why a lever action .38/357 or a .44 etc. is so much more expensive than say a 30-30. Anyone know?

 

[trex1310]

It's called "supply and demand". There are more people wanting one
than there is rifles available. I have a 1894css and I can attest that
it is a load of fun to shoot.

 

[mdauben]

Probably not a bad price for a LNIB gun. Not a smoking deal, but not unreasonable (unless they are LNIB pre-Remington Marlins, in which case it probably is a smoking deal). I'd probably be worried why someone returned an almost new gun back to the store, myself, given the widespread reports of poor quality and functioning issues with new Marlin guns.

 

[RPRNY]

I see pre Remington and even pre-safety 336s in 30-30 on GB for under $350 regularly. I picked up a 30-30 '67 Texan (20" bbl, saddle ring, straight grip) in very good condition for $275 last September. I think 30-30 is viewed as old fashioned. Many younger shooters seem very focused on velocity. If it isn't in excess of 3,000 fps, it isn't worth shooting. Like their going to be zapping Taliban at 2000 yards. Plus, somehow it turns out you need AR type rifles to hunt deer, you know, in case they start returning fire...

I think the 357 and 44 Mag lever guns are in demand largely among older shooters who have lever gun nostalgia and appreciate that the right bullet in either caliber is going to put deer down quickly and is going to be smooth, accurate and powerful from a very handy carbine. I just built this little fellow as my new deer rifle. Based on an H&R break action single shot in 45LC/454 Casull:





20" barrel, 37" OAL, hot loaded it will push 300gr XTPs out at 1700 fps and 250gr Hornady SSTs at 2100 fps with enough retained energy to be a solid 150 yard gun. But, I recognize that single shot affliction is a rare one....