Range Report Marlin 1894C .357 (WWJWD if I Used The Phrase Tickled Pink?)

[wanderinwalker]

bender,

If a 6" Colt Python is too big and bulky, forget about anything in .44 Magnum for a revolver. I've never met a .44 that could be called "trim" or "svelte". Even a S&W Mountain Gun is a fairly large chunk of steel. A very, very nice, smooth, accurate, fairly large chunk of steel.

Ballistically, the edge is for a .44. I personally prefer the .44 over the .30-30 for ease of reloading cartridges (pistol calibers will always be cheaper and simpler with carbide-dies), and I really don't feel handicapped power-wise. But the .357 is possibly more fun and easier to shoot, and still a good round power-wise from an 18-20" barrel.

 

[cslinger]

I've never met a .44 that could be called "trim" or "svelte".

Ain't that the truth. If we are talking revolvers then I really like .357, the variety of platforms ranging from itty bitty uber lightweights all the way up to 8 shot Dirty Harry bad boys is mind boggling.

 

[bender]

I guess the 357 marlin, and a 357 revolver would be a better choice.

I don't mind big handguns, in fact I dislike small guns... I was complaining about the 6" Python because I don't like long revolver barrels... they are too "front heavy". I wouldn't mind a large frame revolver, but in a 4"...

I wonder if my favorite gun shop would make me a package deal on both at one time...

 

[cslinger]

I wonder if my favorite gun shop would make me a package deal on both at one time...

Hell my local gun monger would jump at the chance to give you a package deal, they even do buy one get one free deals for me all the time......course $950 for the lever action is a bit steep when it comes with the revolver...

 

[bender]

so what's a good price on the regular 1894 pistol-caliber marlin? My local Sportsman's warehouse only has the Marlin's in the "cowboy" style, with the octagonal barrels... which are something like $560. I'd rather pay $450 or less...

Don't know what 357 revolver to get to go with it, maybe a used smith, or a new ruger. No rossi or charter or other cheapos.

 

[cslinger]

You should be able to get the .357 Marlin 1894C (Compact) like mine for anywhere from 380ish to 450ish. The price you listed for the Cowboy ain't half bad.

As for the revolver, hell that is just about like asking what religion sombody is.

If it was me I think I would do the 1894C and a 3inch Ruger GP100. I have both and absolutely love both. I prefer the smaller grip of the 3 inch GP100 and mine has been laser accurate, has an decent trigger and is strong like bull.

The reality of it is any good .357 would go well with the lever. A Smith 686, 586, Ruger GP100, maybe an 8 shot N frame Smith......its all good.

This is my GP100

Chris

 

[bender]

wow, if I can get a marlin 1894 357 for 400 or less that'd be fantastic...

and the ruger gp-100 is probably the #1 revolver on my list. I think the 3" barrel is the perfect length, not too snubby, not too long...

and my favorite dealer (small shop, no employees) sells a lot of rugers & marlins

 

[xtarheel]

I added the XS ghost ring sights to mine, now it's just about perfect! Here it is with it's friend, a slightly modified Model 66

 

[pbhome71]

xtarheel,

When you put on the ghost ring sight, do you also had to put on a new front sight?

If so, how does the front post get on? I heard that you need to epoxied it on, true?

TIA,

-Pat

 

[xtarheel]

Not true. The front site fits in the factory dovetail. You order both separately. With the rear sight they send you a plastic front site insert that is divided into segments. I went to the range with this temporary front sight and started cutting off segments until the height was about right and that is the height I ordered. Easy to do. I'll measure the height of my front site over the weekend so you don't have to go throught all that since we have the same rifle.

 

[hqmhqm]

Not true. The front site fits in the factory dovetail. You order both separately. With the rear sight they send you a plastic front site insert that is divided into segments. I went to the range with this temporary front sight and started cutting off segments until the height was about right and that is the height I ordered. Easy to do. I'll measure the height of my front site over the weekend so you don't have to go throught all that since we have the same rifle.

I would also be interested, I have a 1894C which I am shopping for replacement for factory sights.

 

[xtarheel]

Just checked my order history with Brownells. The front site is a .400" .100" ramp. 006 113 400. It really makes the difference and XS sites have different size reticles available for the ghost ring. I bought two.

 

[DWARREN123]

The Marlin rifles are nice. I have 2, 1894CB 32 and 1894CB 357 and have Ruger revolvers to go with them.
My Marlins have the octogon barrels which make them heavier.
I really like them, good fit and finish and they are accurate.

 

[pbhome71]

... The front site is a .400" .100" ramp. 006 113 400. It really makes the difference and XS sites have different size reticles available for the ghost ring. I bought two.

Thank you very much for your help. I'll look it up and will order one.

-Pat