Found my dream Rifle

[Chrisj CMA]

It’s an original Marlin Lever Action before the Remington take over and pre bolt lock.  It’s an almost NIB1980 gun.  In other words it’s one of the most sought after Marlin rifles. It’s chambered in .357 magnum just like my favorite revolvers. I actually have a S&W M-19 from the same year.



Already upgraded to peep sights. Very accurate



This is its pistol mate. It’s so cool they shoot the same rounds

[old2soon]

       So what is the extended accuracy of the rifle? 100 yds more less? .357 Still git yer tenshun! Lookin good there. Dar we ask how much was involved to accquire the rifle? RIDE SAFE.

[Chrisj CMA]

       So what is the extended accuracy of the rifle? 100 yds more less? .357 Still git yer tenshun! Lookin good there. Dar we ask how much was involved to accquire the rifle? RIDE SAFE.

I was nailing a 4” metal disk at 60 yards almost every shot. That meets my expectations. Yes .357 magnum from a rifle is no joke. As far as cost. It’s just numbers. But it took exactly my last stimulus check. So there’s that. Totally worth it. The rifle had less than ten rounds through it when I got it.

[The emperor has no clothes]

They are a cool gun. I think back to how much they used to cost, and it’s just mind boggling. I could have bought that gun many times over for $100 in Alaska growing up. Congratulations 

[Chrisj CMA]

They are a cool gun. I think back to how much they used to cost, and it’s just mind boggling. I could have bought that gun many times over for $100 in Alaska growing up. Congratulations 

Ya. It’s been a few days since they were at $100. Don’t forget how old you’re getting bubba. I bought  my first brand new motorcycle Yamaha XJ 650 for $2300. You can’t dwell on those ancient numbers. That was a whole different world

[cookiedough]

cool old school classic western rifle.  I liked my 30-30 winchester lever action with 6 rounds but fitted with a scope to the left side since was top ejection so sorta odd being cockeyed to the left looking thru a scope to the side of the gun vs. directly on top.   Very HEAVY gun for how short it was good for deer up to say 125 yards or so,  much after that not so accurate.   Ended up taking more shots at deer 200+ yards out so got a 30-06 ruger bolt action to replace it.  

[Chrisj CMA]

cool old school classic western rifle.  I liked my 30-30 winchester lever action with 6 rounds but fitted with a scope to the left side since was top ejection so sorta odd being cockeyed to the left looking thru a scope to the side of the gun vs. directly on top.   Very HEAVY gun for how short it was good for deer up to say 125 yards or so,  much after that not so accurate.   Ended up taking more shots at deer 200+ yards out so got a 30-06 ruger bolt action to replace it.  

30-30 is a great round too. I had a special yearning for the .357 once I learned they made the 1894 in .357. It holds 10 rounds (9+1). Light recoil and SO much fun to shoot

[Jess from VA]

Nice snag there Jeff.  

The .357 gets a nice push from a longer barrel (from revolver lengths).

Found this on line:  In a rifle of sound condition with a barrel length of 16-20”, the potent little . 357 Magnum is capable of achieving velocities of 2100 to 2200fps with 125 grain bullets, 1800 to 1900fps with 158 grain bullets and 1700 to 1800fps with 180 grain bullets.

However, if I was shooting wild hogs, I think I'd take heavier bullets and slower velocities.  

I thought all Marlin 1894s were 20" bbls (my .44 is 20), but it looks like they came in 16.25, 18.5, 20, and 22 (maybe not all of them today).  Yours looks like a 20'.

Nice peeps too, my old eyes (corrected or not) don't like that forward buckhorn sight much.  And I didn't want a scope on mine.  These are not long range rifles.

There's nothing sweeter than getting the socialists to buy us a new firearm (stimulus).  

My biggest surprise in the .44 was the kick was more than you'd think (course that's full 240JHP).

This is my blue 19. (round butt)

[The emperor has no clothes]

They are a cool gun. I think back to how much they used to cost, and it’s just mind boggling. I could have bought that gun many times over for $100 in Alaska growing up. Congratulations 

Ya. It’s been a few days since they were at $100. Don’t forget how old you’re getting bubba. I bought  my first brand new motorcycle Yamaha XJ 650 for $2300. You can’t dwell on those ancient numbers. That was a whole different world

it certainly was. I feel rude for asking. How much do they go for today ? I bought my first brand new bike, a Yamaha XS750 triple for $1,999. And they still charged me $79 for an Arai full face.  

[Chrisj CMA]

They are a cool gun. I think back to how much they used to cost, and it’s just mind boggling. I could have bought that gun many times over for $100 in Alaska growing up. Congratulations 

Ya. It’s been a few days since they were at $100. Don’t forget how old you’re getting bubba. I bought  my first brand new motorcycle Yamaha XJ 650 for $2300. You can’t dwell on those ancient numbers. That was a whole different world

it certainly was. I feel rude for asking. How much do they go for today ? I bought my first brand new bike, a Yamaha XS750 triple for $1,999. And they still charged me $79 for an Arai full face.  

I looked for a long time. Rough ones still pull down 600-700. Most I saw that were nice were a little above a grand. Ones as nice as this are rare and the two other ones I saw were over $1,500. I paid $1,400

[The emperor has no clothes]

They are a cool gun. I think back to how much they used to cost, and it’s just mind boggling. I could have bought that gun many times over for $100 in Alaska growing up. Congratulations 

Ya. It’s been a few days since they were at $100. Don’t forget how old you’re getting bubba. I bought  my first brand new motorcycle Yamaha XJ 650 for $2300. You can’t dwell on those ancient numbers. That was a whole different world

it certainly was. I feel rude for asking. How much do they go for today ? I bought my first brand new bike, a Yamaha XS750 triple for $1,999. And they still charged me $79 for an Arai full face.  

I looked for a long time. Rough ones still pull down 600-700. Most I saw that were nice were a little above a grand. Ones as nice as this are rare and the two other ones I saw were over $1,500. I paid $1,400

that’s actually better than I thought. 

[Jess from VA]

I found an add for a new one for $730.  But every add I saw also said out-of-stock. (not surprising)

Older models (true Marlins) in excellent shape can be expected to go for more than new ones.  

Remington bought Marlin in 2007, and Remington was just sold in 2020.

My .44 1894 (true Marlin) cost between $3-400 new, 25 years ago.  

Most of us don't buy firearms as an investment (though many of us may use that line with wives), but they turn out to be one of the best investments I ever made (though I'm not selling).

Though I have a nice old 8mm 1888 Turkish Mauser Commission rifle, I'll let go for $500 (I shot it 4 times and it didn't blow up).    (extra for the bayonet)

Ammo being what it is (nonexistent or exorbitant), it's a smart move to buy something you already have ammo for today.  

[Tundra]

Nice Chris
I do the same revolver/lever action rifle match only with .44mag...My thoughts are a tube fed lever action rifle will never be on anyones hit list for confiscation.

I think you scored a fair deal for this day and age. Heck we are fortunate we can still score any firearms anymore.

[Bronxboy]

Very Nice Chris, They are hard to come by. I am a big 357 mag fan as well, I picked up a Rossi lever in the same caliber, because it is very hard to find what u have. Cowboy shooting is  blast (pun intended) but with the cost of ammo, and the lack of ammo, we are pretty limited these days.

But we have all been here before, and things will get back to normal, once the un American morons are removed.

[Chrisj CMA]

Very Nice Chris, They are hard to come by. I am a big 357 mag fan as well, I picked up a Rossi lever in the same caliber, because it is very hard to find what u have. Cowboy shooting is  blast (pun intended) but with the cost of ammo, and the lack of ammo, we are pretty limited these days.

But we have all been here before, and things will get back to normal, once the un American morons are removed.

It’s a crime what you have to pay for .357 rounds right now if you can find some at all. I’m glad I have a few saved up!!!

[Rams]

Nice find on that rifle.   Been looking for something similar myself.   Finding it has been a challenge.

I'd like to find a 45/70 Henry but, they simply aren't available.   Considered a 30/30 (a very nice rifle) but, have my heart set on a 45/70.  

Having said that, I'd also love to own a Mare's Leg.

The Mare's Leg is the name given to a customized by "Von Dutch" (Kenny Howard), shortened rifle used by Steve McQueen's character on the television series Wanted: Dead or Alive (1958–1961). Mare's Leg is now a generic term for a Winchester Model 1892 (or modern derivative) with a shortened barrel and stock.[7] These modern guns are made by Rossi, Chiappa, and Henry Repeating Arms (although the Henry versions are not Winchester copies). They are all considered handguns, as they are newly manufactured as handguns and sold subject to handgun regulations, rather than cut-down rifles, as such they avoid legal difficulties. In Canada, however, where handguns are classed as restricted, the "Mares Leg", as well as short shotguns, are unrestricted long guns.

Have never handled one much less fired or even seen one up close.   Have no idea where one could even be located.   Yeah, dreaming is wonderful.  

Rams

[MAD6Gun]

 Cool find Jeff. I have two Henry's. Years ago my dad gave me his Ruger "Three Screw" 44 Mag Super Blackhawk. I added a Henry 44 Mag Golden Bigboy a few years ago. That rifle is so nice. Fit and finish is second to none. When dad passed away I got his Henry 22 Silver Boy. That guns stock has some fantastic grain pattern. Absolutely beautiful rifle. 

[Chrisj CMA]

Nice find on that rifle.   Been looking for something similar myself.   Finding it has been a challenge.

I'd like to find a 45/70 Henry but, they simply aren't available.   Considered a 30/30 (a very nice rifle) but, have my heart set on a 45/70.  

Having said that, I'd also love to own a Mare's Leg.

The Mare's Leg is the name given to a customized by "Von Dutch" (Kenny Howard), shortened rifle used by Steve McQueen's character on the television series Wanted: Dead or Alive (1958–1961). Mare's Leg is now a generic term for a Winchester Model 1892 (or modern derivative) with a shortened barrel and stock.[7] These modern guns are made by Rossi, Chiappa, and Henry Repeating Arms (although the Henry versions are not Winchester copies). They are all considered handguns, as they are newly manufactured as handguns and sold subject to handgun regulations, rather than cut-down rifles, as such they avoid legal difficulties. In Canada, however, where handguns are classed as restricted, the "Mares Leg", as well as short shotguns, are unrestricted long guns.

Have never handled one much less fired or even seen one up close.   Have no idea where one could even be located.   Yeah, dreaming is wonderful.  

Rams

Ya Ron. I’m short but holding this rifle by the grip area of the stock where you need to and straight armed the end of the barrel is WAY off the ground so it’s definitely a walking around gun

[carolinarider09]

Interesting:   Once upon a time, I owned a Marlin .357 Magnum lever action rifle.  I don't remember when I sold it but it must have been sometime in the 70's or 80's.   

I think I may have purchased it in the late 60's, but don't remember for sure. 

[signart]

I received a Marlin Golden 39A for my 16th birthday, that would have been around 1969. It was used then although new condition.
A fine made accurate rifle that I could fill a dump truck with the squirrels and rabbits I bagged and grandson continues to so. I'll have to admit many of the rabbits were "shined" on a cold January night with .22 shorts and  flashlight taped to the barrel. I cleaned every kill and soaked in salt water the rest of the night. Made for an excellent breakfast the next morning
It's a heavy rifle to be carrying in the woods, but I didn't know the difference, it was mine.

Congrats on the 357, it would make a good companion to my 39A and my Colt Python .357 I bought new in 1975. So, I've had my dream rifle for fifty years!

[Black Dog]

Nice find!!  I love 'Levers'...  357 is my favorite round, for matching a revolver to a long gun 

I've owned a Henry Color Case Hardened Henry Big Boy Carbine in 357, along with an Uberti 1873 Special Sporting Rifle.  They went nicely with the hand me down S&W 19-4 (6") that my dad had as a Milwaukee Police officer. Add to that 2 or 3 versions of Uberti '73 Peacemaker clones. With the ability to use .38 SPL, makes for some fun days at the range

Much rather 'plink' with a lever gun, than do 'mag dumps' with an AR.  But, I'm kind of old fashioned...

Black Dog

[98valk]

https://gundigest.com/rifles/357-rifle

[Wizzard]

Nice , I got a 30/30 just like it I bought 40 years ago

[Bronxboy]

357 mag ballistics out of a 16 inch barrel is pretty impressive.

[Jess from VA]

Real old Marlins can be beautiful, but too steep for me.  

[Jess from VA]

Bringing this back up.

I did not realize that when Remington tanked, Ruger bought Marlin from them in September 2020.

Ruger is a top US gunmaker and innovator, and now new Marlins are expected to again be sold by the second half of 2021.  And it's a good bet they will be the 1895 (45-70) and the 1894 (.357-.44) lever actions.

The model 60 may not come back because it would compete with Ruger 10-22s. (though if they own both, what's the difference?)

Also, an excellent history of Marlin Firearms.
https://www.outdoorlife.com/guns/marlin-firearms-lever-action-comeback-ruger/

And BTW, Rossi is making a 20" lever gun in .454 Casull (one hot cartridge)(also shoots .45 Colt).  In stainless with Brazilian hardwood.
https://rossiusa.com/firearms/lever-action-rifles/49-r92-454-casull-20-9-rounds-stainless-steel-brazilian-hardwood

[Chrisj CMA]

The model 60 may not come back because it would compete with Ruger 10-22s.

The M-60 is a sweet tack driver .22  I have one from the old Marlin factory period as well.

[Bronxboy]

And BTW, Rossi is making a 20" lever gun in .454 Casull (one hot cartridge)(also shoots .45 Colt).  In stainless with Brazilian hardwood.

This would be on the top of my list when it came out. 454 is a very hard hitting Pistol rd and even more so out of a 20inch barrel.

[Jess from VA]

And BTW, Rossi is making a 20" lever gun in .454 Casull (one hot cartridge)(also shoots .45 Colt).  In stainless with Brazilian hardwood.

This would be on the top of my list when it came out. 454 is a very hard hitting Pistol rd and even more so out of a 20inch barrel.

It's already out, but it's out of stock everywhere.

Here's one in Montana (from  8-2019).  https://www.armslist.com/posts/11945258/wyoming-rifles-for-sale--rossi-r92-stainless-454-casull-

[Bronxboy]

Thanks Jess, I will do some searching here in FL

[MarkT]

 Picked this Henry up a while back in .45-70.  Of course after I got it, they recently added a loading gate to most of their levers.  That was my biggest gripe on their rifles.  But then I don't use it for combat, needing to top it off w/o taking it offline.  5 rounds of 45-70 is plenty I think.  It is one of my home security guns. About 200 yd or less rifle, longer if you are an 1860's buffalo hunter.  Delivers 325gr .45 cal about 1900fps, 3032ft/lbs same as .30-06.  Nothing in North America is safe, even grizz, moose, polar bear if anyone hunts them.  Provided you can get close enough.   I added a Limon tang peep sight - they didn't make them for the Henry 45-70 so we adopted it.  Set up a picatinny rail if I want to add optics.  It's reminiscent of Quigly's Shiloh Sharps which I REALLY would love to have.   His was .45-110-500 IIRC.  Can get an authentic one from Shiloh Rifle Manufacturing in Big Timber Montana but they are spendy and there's a wait.

Hmm this is interesting.  https://therealestate24.com/quigley-sharps-rifle-for-sale/

[Chrisj CMA]

Very nice Mark

[Jess from VA]

A 45-70 for home defense? 

I like how you think. 

Nice rifle.   

[MarkT]

Right.  One of several .45 cal and bigger incl tactical 12ga.  Even one hit from any of them will result in rapid bleed out and need for a cleanup crew. (What was that movie?) Delbert said "Try not to bleed on the carpet and pull the door shut when you leave."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg5BhTfzaB8

 Not gonna list them for the gun grabbers to read here. Pretty sure if the SHTF my hearing will be damaged even worse as I'm not grabbing the muffs.

[Jess from VA]

Mark, my electronic muffs hang on my nightstand lamp with new batteries.

If SHTF at night, I can just put them on and turn them all the way up, and then reach for the pistol or carbine.  It's really counter intuitive to cover your ears when listening hard, but you can actually hear better with them than without.  Maybe hear talking to learn there are more than one.  And if boom does happen, you are protected; and I don't just mean your long term hearing, but your ability to stay in the fight if you have to without wildly ringing ears and essential deafness.  

I've also long ago decided if defending the house with a pistol (likely) with unprotected ears, I will try to shoot one handed with a finger in one ear to at least save that one for hearing (for the rest of any fight). One handed shooting is not optimal with a pistol, but lights and lasers are a great big assist, and indoor distances are pretty short.  

I just have modest priced Howard Leights but they work very well.  And I just saw recently they've been improved (but haven't ordered any new ones).



BTW, these muffs are not the best for hours long range work in term of overall muffling, and you can buy much better replacement gel/rubber ear covers that are supposed to be easy to upgrade, but they may cost more than the muffs.  (Haven't got those either)  (For range work, you just stick plugs under the muffs, but that will not do for self defense work with the electronic listening.)