New Marlin 357 mag

wmg1299 · April 29, 2018, 12:18 AM

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.

3Crows · April 29, 2018, 01:34 AM

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 · April 29, 2018, 06:58 AM

Why take the chance? Get the Henry.

ammo.crafter · April 29, 2018, 07:04 AM

Get the .44mag Marlin that is available.

3Crows · April 29, 2018, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cecILL

Why take the chance? Get the Henry.

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

1stmar · April 29, 2018, 10:54 AM

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.

Jack O'Conner · April 29, 2018, 12:03 PM

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

CLYA · April 29, 2018, 04:52 PM

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.

wmg1299 · April 29, 2018, 10:58 PM

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."

BigBL87 · April 30, 2018, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3Crows

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

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.

cecILL · April 30, 2018, 07:10 AM

Who is getting shot with tube feeds?

**4V50 Gary** · April 30, 2018, 08:27 AM

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.

Obambulate · April 30, 2018, 08:59 AM

Who points a rifle at their head to load or unload it? Somebody needs to read the manual.

ilmonster · April 30, 2018, 09:16 AM

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...

MINSH101 · April 30, 2018, 12:52 PM

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.

Bamashooter · May 1, 2018, 03:01 PM

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.

DPris · May 1, 2018, 07:51 PM

I'll be picking up a new 94C by the end of the week.
I'll get back to you.
Denis

Model12Win · May 1, 2018, 08:44 PM

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.

DPris · May 1, 2018, 09:37 PM

At least four different models planned.
The one at my dealer now is traditional walnut & blued steel.
Denis

Model12Win · May 1, 2018, 09:54 PM

Thanks! Does it have 20" bbl and 9 round capacity?

DPris · May 1, 2018, 10:14 PM

Yup.
Denis

Model12Win · May 2, 2018, 09:08 AM

This pleases me.

Looking forward to your report!

Might be a long, long time before I can get ahold of one due to incredible demand but this is good news.

rc · May 2, 2018, 08:10 PM

https://vizardsgunsandammo.com/marli...ainless-steel/

I suggest you look at this one. Short, stainless with all the bells and whistles.

Model12Win · May 3, 2018, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rc

https://vizardsgunsandammo.com/marli...ainless-steel/

I suggest you look at this one. Short, stainless with all the bells and whistles.

Nuh uh, ain't gonna.

I like my steel blued and my stocks wood!

wmg1299 · May 4, 2018, 12:39 AM

I went ahead and placed the order for the .44 mag. I was getting tired of waiting on the .357, and couldn't pass up the $499 price. Knowing me, if I like the .44 I will wind up adding a .357 to my collection shortly.

April 29, 2018, 12:18 AM	#1
wmg1299 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2013 Location: DFW Metroplex Posts: 190	New Marlin 357 mag 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.

April 29, 2018, 07:04 AM	#4
ammo.crafter Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2006 Location: The Keystone State Posts: 1,970	oink, oink Get the .44mag Marlin that is available. __________________ "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading". --Thomas Jefferson

April 29, 2018, 12:03 PM	#7
Jack O'Conner Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2005 Location: Manatee County, Florida Posts: 1,976	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 __________________ Fire up the grill! Deer hunting IS NOT catch and release.

April 30, 2018, 08:27 AM	#12
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,831	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. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

May 1, 2018, 08:44 PM	#18
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	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. Last edited by Model12Win; May 1, 2018 at 08:52 PM.

April 29, 2018, 01:34 AM	#2
3Crows Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2017 Location: Wichita, Kansas Posts: 220	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

April 29, 2018, 06:58 AM	#3
cecILL Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2001 Location: central IL Posts: 769	Why take the chance? Get the Henry.

April 29, 2018, 10:54 AM	#6
1stmar Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,378	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.

April 29, 2018, 04:52 PM	#8
CLYA Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2017 Posts: 125	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.

April 29, 2018, 10:58 PM	#9
wmg1299 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2013 Location: DFW Metroplex Posts: 190	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."

April 30, 2018, 07:10 AM	#11
cecILL Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2001 Location: central IL Posts: 769	Who is getting shot with tube feeds?

April 30, 2018, 08:59 AM	#13
Obambulate Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2011 Posts: 582	Who points a rifle at their head to load or unload it? Somebody needs to read the manual.

April 30, 2018, 09:16 AM	#14
ilmonster Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2009 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 180	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...

April 30, 2018, 12:52 PM	#15
MINSH101 Member Join Date: September 8, 2015 Location: Washington State Posts: 63	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.

May 1, 2018, 03:01 PM	#16
Bamashooter Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2010 Posts: 1,860	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.

May 1, 2018, 07:51 PM	#17
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	I'll be picking up a new 94C by the end of the week. I'll get back to you. Denis

May 1, 2018, 09:37 PM	#19
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	At least four different models planned. The one at my dealer now is traditional walnut & blued steel. Denis

May 1, 2018, 09:54 PM	#20
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Thanks! Does it have 20" bbl and 9 round capacity?

May 1, 2018, 10:14 PM	#21
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	Yup. Denis

May 2, 2018, 09:08 AM	#22
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	This pleases me. Looking forward to your report! Might be a long, long time before I can get ahold of one due to incredible demand but this is good news.

May 2, 2018, 08:10 PM	#23
rc Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 1,763	1894CSBL https://vizardsgunsandammo.com/marli...ainless-steel/ I suggest you look at this one. Short, stainless with all the bells and whistles.

May 4, 2018, 12:39 AM	#25
wmg1299 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2013 Location: DFW Metroplex Posts: 190	I went ahead and placed the order for the .44 mag. I was getting tired of waiting on the .357, and couldn't pass up the $499 price. Knowing me, if I like the .44 I will wind up adding a .357 to my collection shortly.