.357 Lever Action Rifles

[GuitarsAndGuns]

I have decided to have my LGS order me a lever gun in .357 this week, and so far it looks like the Rossi is my only option for around the $500-$600 mark. A different local store has the Winchester in stock, but it is way out of my price range. Is it true that Marlin is not currently producing these? I thought I read it somewhere, but can't find it now. Am I missing any other brands? Any help/advice you guys can provide would be greatly appreciated.

 

[oldcars]

I have owned a Marlin in the past and now own a 92 copy made by Rossi/Puma/Interarms and I like the the 92 much better. In my experience, it is smoother and just "feels" better. The Marlin worked fine as well, but the little 92 Rossi is one of my favorite little guns. With .38 specials it's as quiet as a.22mag, and still has plenty of punch.

 

[SPUSCG]

Marlin makes it in runs its not a full production model, i waited forever to get mine.

 

[cslinger]

Have two Marlins in .357 and a 39 in .22. Marlin makes a fantastic product.

 

[BrittB]

Henry makes a good one too!

 

[Doug S]

I wouldn't buy the Winchester even it were in your price range. Winchester uses a rifle caliber receiver for the pistol caliber carbines, unlike Marlin and Rossi which use a receiver designed for pistol caliber rounds. The result is that the Winchester isn't nearly as reliable as the other two. I'm speaking from experience after having bought the Winchester, and then trying the Marlin. Also have a friend who is very happy with the Rossi. My Winchester would jam regularly.

 

[Rockhanger]

I've got a Rossi 92. It's a great shooter, Never any problems.

 

[bamaranger]

snob I guess

I want my lever rifles to be US made, but I guess thats me.

I've owned a Marlin since the mid 80's, back before the cross bolt safety and it is one of my favorite carbines.

You will not regret a .357 lever, no matter where its made.

 

[Hardcase]

I also have the Rossi 92 in .357. It started out a little gritty, both the trigger and the lever. I spent many hours watching TV and cycling the action, which smoothed the grit away. I probably could have achieved the same thing with a stone, but doing it the old fashioned way eliminated any risk of mucking up the action (and given my heavy-handed skills, that's always a real possibility).

I've never had any problems with mine. I have a buddy with one in .44 mag and his is works just as well.

I have another friend with the Henry. It has the typical smooth as glass action and is as reliable as the day is long. But it's awfully heavy, although I suppose that's something that you could get used to. I don't care for the .22-style loading port, but to each his own. It's more expensive than the Rossi, but it's all American made and has a warranty that you can't beat.

 

[TNT]

beware of the Marlin Jam I like Marlins but the .357 I had started jamming and what the problem was that the lever was made out of a harder material than the feed ramp was and beings everything relied on intricate timing it chewed into the bottom of the feed ram creating what is know as the Marlin Jam. Throwing off the entire timing of the action. Feeding one on the ramp and allowing another to get caught between the feed tube and the ramp and then not allowing you to close the action. Sad part of the whole deal was it was a new gun.