"New" Marlin

[PlumberjimC]

Just picked up a Marlin 1894 in .357 made in '81. Any important things I need to know? I've already been to the lever gun forum and gotten some basic "how to" type information.

Thanks.

Beginning to get attracted to lever guns -- my third: Win .22WMR, Win .44 Mag and now the Marlin .357.

 

[hoghunting]

I bought one new about that same time and the action felt a little rough. I stripped the gun and the action was full of metal shavings. The receiver must not have been cleaned out after machining. Cleaned and polished all the parts and reassembled and was as smooth as silk. With yours also being 25 years old, I would also strip it down and clean and relube it. It might not have ever been done. They sure are a lot of fun to shoot. Also yours will have the MicroGroove rifling and does not like the light bullets. Mine is not very accurate with anything lighter than 140 grs. But it is a tack driver with 158s.

 

[Rexrider]

Congrats on your new addition to the family. The only advise I can give you is have a lot of ammo on hand. Because you are going to have a good time shooting it.

Just for fun, try some plain old 38 specials. The recoil will feel like you picked up the .22 instead.