Marlin/Ruger 1894 in 357

[North Country Gal]

Was at our LGS, yaestyerday, and noticed they had one of the new 1894s made by Ruger. Just had to take a look, of course. Have to say, the finish was very nice, especially the metal work. Trigger was crisp, no creep, but maybe just a bit heavier than I like. I estimated it at around 4 pounds. Walnut was nothing fancy, but nice grain and overall very appropriate for a lever gun. Overall, I was impressed with what I saw. Price was at $1000, which I guess is competitive for this gun right now. Just thought I would pass this on. Would love to hear from someone who has one as far as how it shoots.

[BigAl52]

I handled one and the 44 at a Texas gun show last winter and like you was impressed with the build. When I got home last April I was all set to buy one here locally. Went to the LGS and they saved me from buying one. Not because of the gun itself but because after buying several guns from them and offering cash I was offered a 3% discount. I smiled and walked out the door. That was a couple months ago. I saw them selling online for quite a bit less than the 1K they were asking. Ive since decided that Im going to just shoot my SS Henry in 357 because I enjoy the simplistic nature of that gun all the way around. It also shoots very well and is every bit as accurate as I believe the Ruger would be. I know this isnt a report about a Marlin just my .02 worth about an observation like yours.

[North Country Gal]

I agree about going single shot with a 357. Just avoids so many potential problems and even if I went custom on a barrel for my Contender or even Encore carbine/rifle, it would still be half what the Marlin cost. Wish someone around here stocked Henry single shots and I would look at one of those, too.

Just was curious on how these Ruger made guns compared to the original.

[Vaquero]

I handled a couple a few months back, at two different shops.
Both finely fitted stocks with some nice bluing.
One had just a wee bit nicer trigger than the other.
I've read a couple of reviews from owners over on MO and they seemed to be quite satisfied with them.
I'm kinda wanting one, but not really sure why, my Rossi 357 shoots just fine.
Guess just Jonesing since I haven't bought a new or new to me firearm in a good while now.

RP

[220]

Have handled or shot one, I am more than happy with my JM 357,
Looks a little worse for wear after 30 years of use with blueing and timber worn from bouncing around in truck racks and scabbards but still shoots as well as it ever did. Not much it hasnt been used for in that time, western action and cowboy silhouette on the range and in the field hunting everything from rabbits to deer. Was my daily carry rifle around the farm for years.
Actually have a few sub 1" groups it shot at 100y somewhere but realistically in is about a 2" rifle, more than enough for the anything a 357 should be used on to further than probably should be.
Only issue I had was the dreaded marlin jam developing with 38 loads after 20 years of use, hopefully doesnt develop again I radiused the wear points and fitted a new carrier.

[DsGrouse]

I had a chance to compare the Marlin 1894 and the new Smith and Wesson 1854 at an LGS and a gun show this weekend. I really like the feature set on the stainless Smith 1854. If I had to pick between the two, which would it be?

LOL lets not kid myself, I'd save up and buy both.

[BigAl52]

I had a chance to compare the Marlin 1894 and the new Smith and Wesson 1854 at an LGS and a gun show this weekend. I really like the feature set on the stainless Smith 1854. If I had to pick between the two, which would it be?

LOL lets not kid myself, I'd save up and buy both.

I havent put my hands on a Smith but I do like the looks of it. Im hearing other calibers are coming. 357 for me I would want to get one in my hands to check it out

[Vaquero]

I just don't really like the looks of the S&W at all.
But, I do see that they now offer a 45 model.
I saw one on the rack the day I saw the Marlins, I didn't even ask to hold it.
It was one of the SS models.

RP

[DsGrouse]

I just don't really like the looks of the S&W at all.
But, I do see that they now offer a 45 model.
I saw one on the rack the day I saw the Marlins, I didn't even ask to hold it.
It was one of the SS models.

RP

Smith has two versions, the wood, with blueing, that is more traditional. The stainless with polymer. I want something that I can take through the brush. I long opined for henry's allweather to come with a threaded barrel.

Smith brought it out first.

Marlin as far as I can tell, doesn't have a 45 colt.

I will scrounge and save, and hopefully pick up a smith in 45 colt soon.

[BigAl52]

I just don't really like the looks of the S&W at all.
But, I do see that they now offer a 45 model.
I saw one on the rack the day I saw the Marlins, I didn't even ask to hold it.
It was one of the SS models.

RP

Randy '
I understand you not liking the Smith. Its not the traditional look of the old west style levergun like I know you like. But in todays tacticool world that alot of people seem to be trending for at least their design isnt the radical design of some of these tacticool like leverguns that some of these MFGS seem to think we need.