Looking For a .357/.38 Special Rifle

[montanadave]

I own a nice Ruger SP101 that I've had some custom work done on and I recently picked up a GP100 with the 5" barrel. Anyways, I'd like to get either a lever action or pump rifle to round out the set.

So I'm looking for some recommendations. The Marlin 1894 is certainly in the mix, but I've read some negative reviews of the fit and finish in recent years. And the cost of earlier Marlins, when you can find them, seems to be running up between $1000-1200.

Uberti makes a couple of lever-action models, as well as the pump "Lightening" model, which are good-looking but I know nothing about the quality.

And Henry makes a Big Boy lever action which would fit the bill, but, again, I'm not familiar with the brand.

Hell, I'm not familiar with any of them so I'd appreciate any insight other members might be able to provide with respect to lever action or pump rifles in this caliber.

[uffdaphil]

I bought a 20" Rossi 357/38 model 1892 from a guy who does action jobs for cowboy shooters. $600 with the work and that lever is amazingly smooth. No knuckle bruising here. Can't remember the name though. Here is a thread discussing what is needed. "Stevegunz" is THE expert on these and posts there.

http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=38960

[SeriousStudent]

Dave, I sent you some interesting data via PM. I hope it helps.

You got the ranch, you need a cowboy rifle! :D

[Vic303]

I snagged a marlin 1894 in .357 at Big 5 Sports a couple years ago. I caught it on sale for $325.

[T2C]

I have a Hartford 1892 in 38/.357 and it is fun to shoot. It is pretty accurate for a lever action rifle.

I owned a Marlin 18984CB for a few years. It was a nice rifle, but it had its quirks. The oversize bore limited what bullets I could use for loading accurate ammunition.

[PlatoCATM]

I've been lusting after a Cimarron (http://www.texasjacks.com/guns-n-stuff/repeating-rifles-2/model-1874/carbine-2/1873-carbine-with-saddle-ring-357-magnum-38-special-19-in-ca270as1.html) for a little while now since I have a couple revolvers for ammo compatibility. A couple old friends who shot SASS thought highly of them, but I have no personal experience.

[montanadave]

I snagged a marlin 1894 in .357 at Big 5 Sports a couple years ago. I caught it on sale for $325.

What's your overall opinion on the more recent Marlins?

[montanadave]

I bought a 20" Rossi 357/38 model 1892 from a guy who does action jobs for cowboy shooters. $600 with the work and that lever is amazingly smooth. No knuckle bruising here. Can't remember the name though. Here is a thread discussing what is needed. "Stevegunz" is THE expert on these and posts there.

http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=38960

Thanks for the info and link. I'll check out Steve's website.

[cinco]

What's your overall opinion on the more recent Marlins?

Great thread. I've been contemplating the same set up as I have an SP101 also and like the idea of the lever gun. Perhaps Mr. Smith will chime in on what the current Marlin situation is.

Here's some links I found when doing my research. Caution first one is gonna hook you.

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=101091

Quality of New Marlin 1894c
http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/1894/101361-quality-new-marlin-1894-357-a.html

http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/marlin-rant-forum/81247-article-i-found-r-i-p-marlin-pistol-caliber-carbines.html

Article from above thread "RIP Marlin Pistol Caliber Carbines"
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2011/12/chris-dumm/r-i-p-marlin-pistol-caliber-carbines/

Am I surprised by this? No, not remotely; this epic failure was as predictable as a cold January. When Marlin was consumed by The Freedom Group and closed its storied Connecticut factory, all sorts of disasters predictably ensued. After laying off their workforce of experienced New England gunsmiths and craftsmen, Marlin quality plummeted and sub-quality firearms were shipped out the door en masse.

Thoughts on the Winchester 1982
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=119500

[Desert Dog]

I didn't see this mentioned, but seeing the subject line made me think about a 357 rifle I let slip away...

http://picturearchive.gunauction.com/4723155900/8632914/6b4661b394587aa03a45d5c4bd05226a.jpg

It's a pump action 357 that was made by Israel Military Industries (IMI) in Israel and imported by Action Arms and was called the Timber Wolf (often spelled as one word). IIRC, this was late 80s to early 90s era. There was also a 44 version. Fun gun that still turns up on Gunbroker for same ballpark cost as some of the lever guns mentioned here. Spare parts would be something to factor in, but if you want something a little different and is a hoot to shoot (pump action makes it arcade like fun), this might be one to consider.

[easy]

I have two(2) of those^^^!

Excellent rifle, if you can find one. Prices have gone waaaay up in the last couple of years though.

[montanadave]

Walked through the gun department at one of the local farm & ranch supply stores this afternoon. They had a Henry Big Boy in .357 priced at $829. Seemed like the action was pretty smooth, nicely finished, etc. but the gold finish puts me off a bit. Kinda looks like "pimp my gun" to me. :)

Maybe it's an acquired taste. Guess I'm not a real flashy sorta guy.

ETA: Thanks for the links, Cinco. Interesting reading. Curious what the freight is on having a Mr. Smith cut down and tune up a Marlin 1894 (assuming I can track one down).

[fourXfour]

I kind of like the idea of Winchester 1892 Trapper Takedown.

http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/historic-detail.asp?family=022C&mid=534167

I don't think they are in production anymore and I hate to see what the prices are now.

[ThirdWatcher]

While I like my Marlins, here's another option to throw in the mix: http://ruger.com/products/rotaryMagazine77357/models.html

[skipper49]

Dave,
It's hard to beat the earlier Marlins that you mentioned. The prices you quoted though, are about twice what they go for down here(Ga.). Truth be known, the newer Rem/Marlin's look good, although wood to metal fit is a little "rough". It's been a year and a half, but the last gun show I was at had 2 of them for around $550. The earlier Marlins bring $500-$600 here. Some a little less, some a little more.

Skip

[ColtSeavers]

Older thread, so dunno if this is considered necro or not, but going off the assumption that the OP is still looking for a .357 rifle to pair with his revolvers as it's not been mentioned that they have found anything yet.

Have you considered the Ruger 77/357? I have one and am very pleased with it. Matches well with my 6" GP100.

[brickboy240]

Look for an older 1894 Marlin.

I bought one from a pawn shop that does not have the cross bolt safety. Paid maybe 400 for it about 5 years ago.

It is one sweet shooter. I also have it's big brother in 44 mag and I am a huge fan of the 1894 Marlins in general.

-brickboy240

[yoni]

I got an older Marlin and mounted a rail on it, then a red dot.

With 125 grain .357 it is just a great flat shooter, put the red dot on a rock at about 100 yards and it is a hit.

This rifle goes in the car for cross country travel.

[jandbj]

Consider the Ruger 77/357. Excellent gun for the $. There are many like it, but this one is mine. :D

http://youtu.be/MR9zUyVlPF8

[Abraham]

I should never have looked at link for the Ruger 77/357 - Oh man, I'm in love.

It may have to be added to the collection...