Interarms Lever Action 357 Maximum

[PreserveFreedom]

I was at my local FFL today and the topic of 357 Maximum came up. He showed me something I knew I would like. It was a used Interarms lever action rifle. It was originally chambered in 38/357, but the chamber was bored out to accept 357 Maximum. Does such a thing compromise safety when it comes to chamber strength? If it was designed for Magnum, is it bound to explode from shooting Maximums in it? He offered it to me for $250 with a bag containing approxamately 100 rounds of 357 Maximum JHP. Now, this is used, and does show it. However, most of what I buy is used. Does this sound like something worth going after? I really like the idea of shooting any of the three cartridges. He said that it will feed 38/357 just fine, but the Maximums need to be fed single shot. If I do get it, I am waiting until after I get my tax return and can finish paying my house off. Please let me know what y'all think, good or bad. Thanx!

 

[Ron L]

Well, just for the gun alone in 38/357, it seems about an average deal (looking at Rossi rifles at auctionarms.com as a general reference). Add in the extra ammo and it's seems a little above average. Given that the gun's had some custom work done to it, you need to check out who did the work. (I'd be curious as well because I've considered this modification for my Marlin.) Whoever did the work could make or break the value of this rifle.

I'd try to find out who did the work and ask to try the gun out. Run through all forms of ammo (though wadcutter 38's would probably jam anyway) and see how it performs. The only caveat might be the action's pressure rating. I'm not sure how strong these actions are. I don't have any figures in front of me for the Maximum, but the average listed for Magnum loads is around 36000 to 43000 CUP. Compare the CUP between hot 357 magnum loads versus the Maximum loads to see how they compare. Maybe someone else here can find pressure data for the Maximum loads and the rifle itself. Besides the work, I'd want to make sure the gun can handle the extra pressure of the Maximum loads. Again though, these little rifles are still a blast, even if shooting only 38's and magnums.

 

[RugerNo3]

That model 92 replica is a stronger action then the Marlin. I'm sure you'll find the SAAMI operating pressure for the 357MAX is the same as the 357MAG. PITA loading it single shot though. If you want to shoot cast use LBT design or light loads of CASS ammo. The model 92 Winchester is a scaled down 1886 action. That's where its strength lies.