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School me on Lever guns

9K views 129 replies 56 participants last post by  PhotoFeller 
#1 ·
So I was at my outdoor range the other weekend, and somebody had a lever action .45-70.
They very graciously let me shoot it, and I love it.
However, I know nothing about lever guns, and am wondering what space in my safe, or what possible application this could serve, other than the "Ooooh, Kewl" factor.
I don't hunt, and I'm hesitant to get into a caliber that is going to be outrageously expensive, because I don't reload (one day, but not today...).
I was thinking about one in .357, because I already shoot that in pistols, but I have also seen them in 30-30 at the local funstore.
I really know nothing about the platform, but am interested.

Learn me up, gang.
 
#72 ·
Pop into your local walmart. The ones in north Georgia have been clearance pricing various Guns for about 1/2 off.

I picked up savage 62 for $74, a 93 for $99-25 rebate and a Bmag .17WSM for $154-25 rebate.

To make this pertinent to this thread, I also got an 18.5" Marlin 45-70 for $299-$50 rebate. Didn't really need any of these but dang for the prices!
 
#73 · (Edited)
I just saw a Marlin 1894CSS .357 listed on Gunbroker with a current bid price of $970. This pre-Remington (JM stamped) stainless model in "good" condition reflects the level of prices being paid for older Marlins because there won't be any genuine Marlins produced again, ever. The .357 feature is a plus for this rifle, too.

The often-referred-to JM stamp is a proof mark hand-stamped into the barrel near the receiver when the rifle was test fired at the factory. JM = John Marlin

Tints and shades Material property Paint Still life photography Cylinder
 
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#74 ·
I just saw a Marlin 1894CSS .357 listed on Gunbroker with a current bid price of $970. This pre-Remington (JM stamped) stainless model in "good" condition reflects the level of prices being paid for older Marlins because there won't be any genuine Marlins produced again, ever. The .357 feature is a plus for this rifle, too.

The often-referred-to JM stamp is a proof mark hand-stamped into the barrel near the receiver when the rifle was test fired at the factory. JM = John Marlin

View attachment 293680
Reserve is not met so who knows what the price is.

I HATE reserve prices, just wastes everyone's time.
 
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#75 ·
Ten shots in under 3 seconds? Truly that is the one percent. I had to look into some videos. This guy can do it. By my informal stopwatch, he does the lever portion in 2.7ish seconds. Wow. Looking at some longer videos, some are even faster. Incredible!
Very cool. I'd be content to accurately hit targets as quickly as the guy in my video in my post #23. It is quite fun to watch really talented individuals run the old school guns like that. :cheers:
I have started doing some Cowboy Action Shooting. Those rifles have been loosened up a lot so they can be cycled very easy.

I have 2 lever guns. Newest is a Rossi 92 w/20 inch barrel in 45colt, use it in SASS(cowboy action shooting). Needed to hold 10 rounds, for 45colt that meant 20 inch barrel. I think it is a well made gun and have had no problems with it. My other is a Marlin in 45-70, 24 inch barrel. Boy that sucker can jump if you pack a lot of kick into the shell.
 
#77 ·
I like the Marlin 1894 and 336 about the best of any of them. Still unsure what caliber to get but will probably go .357 Mag (I won't be hunting with it unless it's the apocalypse).

Can anyone summarize the differences between the 1894 and 336?
 
#80 ·
If you like the Marlin and your caliber choice is .357, 1894 is the way you must go. 1894 has been the platform for modern pistol caliber cartridges since it was introduced for .357, .41 and .44 many years ago.

"...,With the surging popularity of the .44 Magnum handguns in the 1960s, Marlin re-introduced the short-action Model 1894 in 1969, chambered for this modern high-pressure round. This combination created a light, hard-hitting carbine, ideal for still-hunting in brushy country, where the fast-handling characteristics of the 1894 were a real bonus. The .357 Magnum chambering was added in the 1970s, and later (around 1990) a short run of .41 Magnum 1894s was also made. With the growing popularity of both the 1894 and cowboy action shooting, other cartridges were added to the line, later in the 1990s (.32-20, .25-20, .45 Colt, .44-40, even the .218 Bee!). Over a million 1894s have been produced."

Finger Product Orange Thumb Peach
 
#83 ·
After spending some time researching last night I think a Marlin 1894 .357 Mag is really what I want. Light and quick handling. I definitely want to be able to shoot .38 Specials.
 
#84 ·
Great choice! Patience in your search will eventually be rewarded by finding a really nice .357 for a reasonable price. Pawn shops and small town gun stores are good places to search for the best values. I know Marlin guys who won't pass up a pawn shop as they travel around their state and beyond. The treasures are out there to be discovered, believe me.

I have a couple .357 Marlins that I might consider parting with when I return to Florida later this year...one in stainless and the other one blued. Both are like new with boxes. I'll keep you in mind.
 
#85 ·
357 lever guns are the most desired and the most expensive. 30-30 guns are probably the cheapest.

I had and sold a 45-70 and a 44mag lever-gun. I still have a 450 Marlin Guide Gun and a 444 Marlin.

The 450 Marlin is like the 45-70, but it has stronger brass. The only bad thing is that Hornady is the only company that makes 450 Marlin brass. 45-70 is easier to find, but it is usually loaded weak do to SAAMI standards because SAAMI 45-70 has to work in guns made in the 1800's without blowing them up. You can find HOT loaded 45-70 from different companies like Buffalo Bore.

The 444 Marlin is like a double length 44 magnum. It has a cult following like 10mm or 41 magnum. The only reason why I still have my 444 is because it works so good for hunting in heavy brush and because I have never missed a deer with it.


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#86 ·
....45-70 is easier to find, but it is usually loaded weak do to SAAMI standards because SAAMI 45-70 has to work in guns made in the 1800's without blowing them up. You can find HOT loaded 45-70 from different companies like Buffalo Bore.
.
Have you found that standard .45-70 factory loads from Remington or Federal aren't hot enough for the big critters where you hunt? Are you thinking griz or heavyweight moose?
 
#88 ·
After spending some time researching last night I think a Marlin 1894 .357 Mag is really what I want. Light and quick handling. I definitely want to be able to shoot .38 Specials.
The fellow who tuned the rifle that Duce Stevens is shooting in the You tube clip posted,does a modification named after the fellow who perfected a carrier modification,adjusting angles to the carrier.
WiddermAJic"s are capable of feeding with out bobble 38 colts,38 specials and 357 magnum,the same was done to the 44's and 45's.
Most of which was posted at one time on the Marlin forum,if interested you may search and find his instructions and trouble shooting tips,try searching for posts by Widdermaker Hill. Spur was the gunsmith doing the WiddermAJic modifications and as far as I know he has retired a couple of years back SJ 40
 
#93 ·
I know on the Marlin 1894 they stopped using the gold trigger around '82. Beyond how cool it looks, is there any advantage or disadvantage to that? Are the internals any different for example?
 
#94 ·
Your 1894CB should be a JM Marlin if it was made in 2009. If it is stamped JM, it was built in North Haven prior to production being moved to Ilion, NY. I think the acquisition of Marlin was announced in 2008 and closed in 2010.

I don't know if 1894s have been built since Marlin was turned over to Remington. I seem to recall they are concentrating on perfecting .30-30 and .45-70 production before taking on pistol cartridge models.
Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore is advertising NIB 1894 in .44 mag.
????????

I've been keeping an eye open for a Marlin in .357 magnum.
I've not been successful, locally. It seems that since they were bought out, the .357 leverguns are being locked away and not sold.
(Again, around here, anyway.)


The 1894CB I bought is definitely a "JM" rifle. I looked at it verrrrrrrrrry closely before buying it.
I seriously considered buying both of them, and giving it to my youngest son.

I'm not too thrilled that that 1895CBA that I just got, has a "REM" proofmark.
I haven't even cleaned it yet. Brought it home, opened the safe, stuck the box inside, closed it up.

I've heard/read that some of the internal surfaces are really sharp.
I'll check that out, too.

Maybe later today.........
 
#98 ·
This thread is just too good for me to set out. When I started Cowboy Action Shooting in April, I ordered a Uberti 73 from The Cowboy Shop in W. Virginia. It is the home of Cody Conagher and the 'Codymatic'. Man, what a rifle! This particular one is a 19" octagonal barreled short rifle. I can't even begin to tell you how much fun it is to shoot. I definitely have more rifle than talent.







 
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#100 · (Edited)
PhotoFeller, thanks for the compliment.
Uberti firearms are simply very nice reproductions of the originals. Some repo's are better suited for competition than others. Uberti happens to be one of them. In the world of CAS, even the nicest out of the box rifle will need a little work done to run fast and most importantly cycle with extreme reliability. Nothing takes the fun out of a stage faster than a jam.
 
#103 · (Edited)
I saw two JM Marlins on Gunbroker yesterday...a .357 and .44...listed for $1,500 each. That's the asking price, but it gives some idea of the market for these lever guns. Since new, genuine Marlins aren't being built any more, they are sought after somewhat as a collector firearm.

Good values can still be found in local shops and classified ads, but it takes time and patience.
I'm watching many Marlin 1894 .357s on Gunbroker right now. $1500 seems high and I don't think they are selling at that.

I've been binge watching Hell on Wheels and really digging the Winchester 1866 "Yellow Boy" rifles.



 
#110 · (Edited)
I'm watching many Marlin 1894 .357s on Gunbroker right now. $1500 seems high and I don't think they are selling at that.
I agree, most Marlins don't sell nearly that high as a general rule. However, some of the most desirable models in exceptional condition and those in scarce calibers bring more than $1,000 and the price trend is still upward.

As I noted, $1,500 is the 'asking' price for Marlins that will be offered on Gunbroker until sometime in November, as I recall. We'll have to watch these rifles to see how high they go.[/QUOTE]
 
#105 ·
Personally, it would depend on if I was a hunter and reloader.

Since I am neither, I am leaning .357 over 30-30 and 45-70.

I have a number of revolvers in .38 Special/.357

That said, I found a Marlin in 30-30 at a local pawn shop for about $300. I don't know enough about them to inspect for issues.

I have about 60 rounds of 30-30 lying around, left by a former employee.

It'd fill a lot of holes. Home defense, truck gun, hunting rifle, plinker.
 
#106 · (Edited)
Buy some .30-30 Snap Caps to run through that pawn shop find. If they cycle smoothly, the action is probably ok. Beyond that, a careful inspection of bore and crown condition, condition and fit of wood, condition of blueing, verify screws aren't boogered up.

Light load .30-30 ammo is available for fun shooting and training, and it's probably plenty lethal for home defense and hunting.

You know you can do better than the asking price of $300.

If it's a genuine Marlin it will have the JM stamp.

The year of manufacture can usually be determined by subtracting the first two serial numbers from 100 (204432: 100-20=1980 YOM).
 
#111 ·
I am going to chrono some .357 180 grain lead gas checked rounds loaded with Alliant MP-300 powder, in the morning. I got some higher velocity with the MP-300 over H110 recently using near max loads and Zero 158 grain jacketed flat nose. I'll be using my Rossi 92 lever action. It sucks that there is so little data out there on the new powder, but I will be safe. I bought Lyman's 50th thinking it would be in there. Wrong.
They say the Rossi 92 is one of the more robust lever actions. Mine is much improved after the spring kit and other mods. I can shoot 38s or 357 w/o problems. My opinion of the Rossi is that it is over sprung, more than poorly machined, but I am new to lever guns. I am also a cheap SOB unwilling to spend $1200 on an Italian lever gun.
 
#113 ·
I've never chrono'ed any of my reloads so I don't know the velocities. But I do know that the most accurate load out of my .357 rifles is not the most powerful. I load full power W296 loads with 158g JSPs for pure fun out of the revolvers. It's also fun out of the rifles as it packs one hell of a wallop to the target. However for accuracy from the rifles I use the same bullet over BlueDot. It still hits hard but is WAY more accurate
 
#118 · (Edited)

Actually, it's the Short Rifle in .357 magnum.
The ammo I reload for it is 38 Spl. 125g Missouri Bullet Cowboy #2 TC bullet with overall cartridge length of 1.470". Not sure how many round I have put though it, less than a thousand, without a single failure to feed. Pretty impressive rifle, but it ought to be for fourteen bills.
 
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