pistol caliber rifle ballistics, .32-.38-.357

[Thirties]

I own two Ruger s-sixes in .32 H&R mag, and two Smith K-frames in .38 special. I load my own ammo.

So, I'm looking to get a Marlin lever rifle (1894 model) in one of those calibers. They now make one in .38special, of course the .357/(.38), and this year there will be the .32mag coming out.

If I were a spendthrift, I'd get the .38 and the .32mag and be done with it, but I'd be set back over a thousand dollars.

So, I'm trying to decide which one rifle to buy. Can anyone give me their opinion on the effective target/plinking range of the .38spl vs the .357? And can anyone speculate where a 20 inch barreled .32H&R magnum would fall on that scale?

Also, is it a fools errand to plan on shooting .38 special rounds out of a .357 rifle?

The .357 guns are the cheapest, .32mag are more, and the .38 special rifles are made in a special accurized version making them the most expensive. But I would pay the .38 price if there would be a lot of difference in "quality".

 

[Brian Williams]

Get the 1894c which is the 357 version and shoot your 38's to your hearts content. Just remember when you change to 357's you should clean the chamber. I got mine for 275 out the door and put a Marble's tang sight from American backyard and it still cost me less than a Cowboy model 38 spec..

 

[Thirties]

Perfes', I was wondering if there would be any feeding issues with the .357 rifle when using .38s. Also, can you feed flush HBWC ammo in it, or do you need SWC or ogives for a longer C.O.L.?

If I can shoot .38spl well in that gun, then I would also be able to get me that new .32mag when it comes out -- I'd have two rifles (greedy).

What is the effective target/plinking range of the gun (not for deer hunting)?

Thanks for the reply...

 

[Brian Williams]

I plink at the range picking off pine cones at about 100 yds. Full wadcuters might not work well but if they have a nice crimp and are resized fully they might be great. You might get about 12 full wadcutters in a 18.5 barrelled gun.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I have to agree with Perfessr. Get the 1894C .38/.357. I have the 1894CP (16"-.357), and the 1894CBC .38. The .38 competition model is a luxury item for me, and the smaller lighter magnum is my everything but large game gun. My mag will feed almost any .38, And I shoot alot of .38's as a companion to my S&W model 10-7. I get good accuracy with .38's, usually around 2" at 50 yards from a rest. Heavy .357 loads will do that well at 100 yards. The marlins usually smooth up nicely after 500 rounds or so. If you are a dedicated reloader of 32 cal, then it might be worth a look. I like .38/.357 because I can pick them up at any hardware store, and they have good power with low recoil.

 

[Thirties]

OK, guys, WalMart in my area has the 1894C for $360.75. i think I'll bite. I just want to make sure I can feed and shoot flush mounted .38 HBWC rounds in that rifle.

Thanks...

 

[.41Dude]

Thirties, check over at http://www.leverguns.com
I have "rediscovered" the joy of a good .357 handgun.
Now I am starting to look for a .357 rifle.
The hunt is almost as much fun as the purchase
Steve.

 

[SapperLeader]

Thirties, did your walmart have the 1894c in stock, or are they ordering it for you? Reason I ask, is the only lever ctions Ive ever seen my walmart carry are .22 and 30-30. 360.75 sounds like an awesome price, I may have to go talk to my local walmart gun counter.

 

[Thirties]

Not in stock, they had it in their order book. 7-10 days to get it in, 50% money deposit with order.

 

[jaysouth]

Never shot flush wadcutters, but the 158 gr. SWC work great for practice or small game hunting. For a serious workout, mount a low power scope and use these SWCs to hunt squirrels.

Full pressure .357s loaded to the firewall kill whitetails like they were stuck by lightning.

 

[SapperLeader]

I might ahve to go look at thier order book tomorrow. That really is a nice price, might be worth putting up with the hassle of buying a gun from walmart.

 

[Thirties]

Sapper, what are the hassles of buying a gun a Walmart? I've never done it.

I understand the hassles of buying anything at walmart. But is there anything especially difficult in buying guns there?

 

[Thirties]

Sapper, at the risk of disturbing those who may worship an American icon, I will answer my own question.

I try to always avoid Wal-Mar in every way.

I walked into a branch to see what they would charge for the Marlin 1894C. It is as I told you, $360.76 or something in the 70s. OK, so that established (for me) the rock bottom price for a brand new one. Local gunshops here can order them for $420-$425, and a large outfit down-state has them in stock for $399.95.

I just phoned in a 20% deposit on the $399.95 gun which I will pick up later this month when i pass that way. They had one remaining in stock, and it's now mine (whenever I pick 'er up). Wal-Mart wouldn't take a credit card order on the phone. I'm 3/4 hour drive away from the nearest Wal-Mart.

I look forward to picking up my Marlin .357 lever gun soon (close to the end of the month). My anti-Walmart stance cost me $40.

 

[SodaPop]

I got my Marlin .357 for $200 used.

Shop around!