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I purchased a new 1894C 357 a few years ago and paid too much at $600 because they were difficult to find. Ruger is making the Marlin brand now so maybe it's better rifle or quality wood stock, I don't know, but $1,300? That's more than a JM in good condition when I was looking used. Does the price reflect pent-up demand or is it something else?
https://i.imgur.com/0Kgy3cH.png
They are a lot of fun to shoot though, and cheap if you reload.
https://i.imgur.com/6Jb6CRt.jpg
I’ve been seeing used ones for around $1,000 or more. Bidenomics.
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That's insane. It's a KAC Lever gun! :D
Pretty nuts. I bought my "Real" JM Marlin 1894/357 back in 2008 for $450 new.
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I have owned 2. Regret selling them. They are great guns...but not for $1300
The Ruger premium brand.
Yeah, that is a bit too much.
They would sell a ton if they were priced around $800.
I watched the recent videos of their production in NC, all CNC to tight tolerances along with the CHF barrels and it seems impressive. All that machinery in an expanded facility cost $$$ but all the new lever action models are $1-2K and too much for the consumer to bear.
On a lever action forum I had read that Ruger is doing small releases in order to put out a top quality rife. Now $1300 for that makes the 45-70 stainless SBL or whatever the model is at the same price a deal. You get a stainless rifle with laminated wood pic rail and ghost ring sights.
Inflation is a thing. Supply and demand is a thing.
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Same here, but in 2006. It's a gem. IIRC the tag said $419.99.Quote:
Originally Posted by czgunner
In 2008 I got one in stainless chambered in 44mag for about $600. It was right as remlins were becoming thing, but I got a good one. No JM stamp, but fit, finish and function are all good.
$1300 for a tried and true lever gun is a lot. But I think Ruger will need a good track record before they can start asking that as the norm. The prices will have to drop some or they will have to wait a pretty long time for that track record to build.
Myself, I prefer pre-safety Marlins.
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As do I, but they are not making them anymore.Quote:
Originally Posted by mRad
There are a lot of once reasonably priced guns that are honestly too expensive. I really like my 357 1894C and they make a great "brush gun" but jeez, $1300?
Andy
I think these Rugers are worth $1000 all day.
They sell at a premium to Henry’s but the Ruger is more of an upgrade with both materials and manufacturing. Both companies have outstanding customer service and support. I do like my Henry’s but my next new lever will be a new Marlin.
Don’t try using AR economics on this rifle. Both are great but different. I see quality lever guns as more of an heirloom, fun gun. Sure it can serve for hunting or self defense but for me, it’s a range gun first. Kinda like a Glock versus a wood and blue S&W or Ruger wheel gun.
YMMV.
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Nothing against Ruger, but for $1000 I would be looking for a used JM carbine. Then again, I am hoping to get the cards to line up and buy a new Winchester 1895 for around the same price, and they aren't even USA made.Quote:
Originally Posted by BuzzinSATX
Andy
That’s a pretty good deal. When word got out that Marlin was going out of business I bought a new 1894C (& a couple 336’s (.30-30 & .35 Rem) in 2010 & a couple used Classics (.218 Bee & .25-20) and I gave $582 OTD for it (the .357).Quote:
Originally Posted by czgunner
I really like Marlin lever actions so I also have a pre-Safety 1894 (.44 Mag) & a 336 (.30-30), as well as the 1894 Cowboy’s (.357 & .45 Colt), an 1895 Cowboy (.45-70), and an 1897 Texan (.22 LR), all “JM” marked. None are for sale but they’re still fun to shoot.
I’m glad I bought them when I did because these new Rugers are out of my price range.
By most accounts, the Ruger is a better built gun than the JM’s. That isn’t to say the JM’s are not good guns…just the modern machining makes for a tighter gun.Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyLate
I get the idea of the JM’s, as I have an old M94 that while banged up and a bit worn, has a ton of charm. I do love the old Marlins. But they are no bargain these days.
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Nice! What a cool collection!Quote:
Originally Posted by ThirdWatcher
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Just saw 1894 “Cowboy” Ruger-Marlins for a grand.
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You’re probably right on all counts, Ruger builds good guns. When I bought my JM”s there was no indication the Marlin lever actions would ever be built again so I bought what I could afford at the time. I wish I would have bought one of those .444 Carbines too but I guess you can’t have everything.Quote:
Originally Posted by BuzzinSATX