New Marlin 357 mag

W

wmg1299

New member
I have recently become interested in lever guns. The primary uses would be target shooting and clearing hogs from the family land. Marlin debuted several new 357 mags at Shot Show, but they have been delayed several times. I emailed the company, and they now claim that the model I am interested in (1894c) will ship to stores in early May. How confident are the rest of you that the new guns will be quality products, given the recent bankruptcy announcement? Am I better off just spending a little more to get a Henry, or possibly just buying the .44 mag Marlin that is available now? Any input from shooters with recent Marlin experience would be greatly appreciated.
 
I have been very pleased with the Marlin 336SS and the Marlin 1895 SBL that I purchased over the last year or so. Both are 2016 issue and both are fine weapons in every way. Though different from my JM Marlins the REP versions have cleaner metal work I would say but less so on the wood/laminate stocks than the JMs. Function and accuracy are at least equal. Now I fully realize there was a period there were quite a few rough rifles got through but I have been in the Marlin game since the late 60s and Marlin has produced numerous rough rifles through the years and I have owned at least one of them that still haunts me. Any gun you purchase, new, used, most all brands, please look it over in person CAREFULLY and if you cannot do that due to location have another person of valued opinion vouch for it. Or, you may wind up with something that you are not entirely happy with.

J
 
cecILL said:
Why take the chance? Get the Henry.
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Because, first Henrys have various issues too, second, they are ugly (opinion), three and big to me is that there is no loading gate so it is like a big BB gun that you have to point at your head to load and unload and four they pretend to have a history they do not. The ugly is an opinion, the rest is not.

Yes, the Henry is a viable option and many people love them and enjoy them.

3C
 
My 1894c is a tweener, it is not a JM and it is not from the last release of retooled 1894cs. I have not done a lot of load development for it, using the same loads I shoot in my GP100, it shoots 3-3.5" at 100yds.
 
Traditions has built muzzle-loaders for a long time. They just introduced a break open single shot rifle offered in many cartridges including 357 MAG, 35 Remington, and 35 Whelen. They also offer 44 MAG and 444. This would make a dandy hog rifle for a fair price and far less moving parts than a Marlin. I've always been a fan of break open single shot rifles and shotguns because they're lightweight and sturdy built.

Jack
 
I have a 2016 Marlin 1895 CBA 45/70, a 2016 Marlin 336SS 30-30, as well as a 2016 Henry 45/70. I like them all, but prefer the side loading gates. I did make it a point to inspect the Marlins, ahead of time. As far as that goes, I also looked at three different Henry's, just for the best looks of the wood.
 
I appreciate the advice. Hopefully, I will be able to find a .357 mag in stores and will have a chance to fully inspect it prior to purchase. I worry that it may be something where I have to order in advance. I probably would've already bought the 44 mag if it had been in stock at the store, instead of being "online order only."
 
3Crows said:
three and big to me is that there is no loading gate so it is like a big BB gun that you have to point at your head to load and unload
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I thought about getting one of the Henry's in 357, but this was what made me decide otherwise. I like the idea of being able to store it unloaded and throw a few rounds in if I needed to for varmints, nuisance animals, and the like. I have 22's and an AR (depending on the size of said animal) that can fill the role anyway, so wasn't a hard decision.
 
Like a muzzle loader, when loading the Henry it is supposed to be canted at an angle away from anyone.

Do report on the newer production Marlins.
 
I own a 1894C and love it. I have also shot friends Henry's and they make a fine rifle too. I guess it really comes down to which you simply "like" more and in what timeframe you wish to pick up one.

Regarding newer Marlins, I also own an 1895 made in 2015 and it is screwed together (straight sights, no buggered up screws, great wood to metal fit, etc.) as well as my 2007 1894C. I'm thinking of picking up a newer 336BL as a result. I am also intrigued by the Henry's and am considering one of those too. One is tube fed, one is loading gate fed. I guess that's why Baskin Robbins has 31 flavors...:)
 
Another thing to consider, IMO, is which caliber you currently have. If you have .357s handy then wait for the .357. If you have 44 magnums at this time, then get the 44 magnum.

Just like the thought, Become proficient with the firearm you have, shooters should train until they become proficient with the ammo they have. If you have both types of ammo, you'll need to ask yourself what type of ammo do you want to shoot? Personally, I'd go with the .357 because I have three revolvers as of now. I do not currently own a 44, so that would not be a good choice for me.
 
I say get what you prefer to get. I like them all. I own two Henry rifles (22lr, 44mag) and they are beautiful rifles. I think the wood stocks are second to none. Ive honestly never pointed either one at my dome when loading and unloading dont know why one would do that. I happen to like the way they load and unload and would put their accuracy on par with comparable rifles in their calibers. I dont really care for the new Winchesters and can not really afford one of the older ones. My issue with Marlin is how the quality seems to ebb and flow under the Freedom Group management. I have personally never heard anyone at Henry claim they are the original Henry company and its silly to even think that in my opinion. I like them because they are great rifles that are American made. I do own a 30-30 Winchester and its a good rifle but I dont shoot that caliber very often so it rarely gets used.
 
Will they be made with wood stocks and 20" blued/dark barrels?

Or plastic stocks and short (low capacity) stainless abominations only?

I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE one in .357 with a set of peeps and nice leather carry strap. Would make a wicked little deer gun and could double as a handy defensive carbine if pressed.

Just hope the quality is there... I'm prepared to pay the price for one if so. I imagine they'll be rare as hen's teeth at launch, will probably be OOS for many months.
 
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At least four different models planned.
The one at my dealer now is traditional walnut & blued steel.
Denis
 
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