MJW380 wrote:Hey all, so I’ve decided that I want a lever action for my next rifle, specifically in .357 magnum, and was after opinions/suggestions on makes and models from people that have them. Would just be for plinking, bit of fun gun.
MJW380 wrote:Hey all, so I’ve decided that I want a lever action for my next rifle, specifically in .357 magnum, and was after opinions/suggestions on makes and models from people that have them. Would just be for plinking, bit of fun gun.
bladeracer wrote:MJW380 wrote:Hey all, so I’ve decided that I want a lever action for my next rifle, specifically in .357 magnum, and was after opinions/suggestions on makes and models from people that have them. Would just be for plinking, bit of fun gun.
I have a Marlin 1894 in .44 Magnum and an Uberti 1866 Yellowboy in .38 Special. Both are fun to shoot. I would lean toward the .44 Mag though, you can load it down to subsonic loads with light bullets for plinking fun, but also load it up to near .45-70 levels for hunting and Metallic Silhouette. I would recommend that if you want to be able to shoot cast bullets though, you don't get a Marlin with a MicroGroove barrel - get the cut-rifling model instead.
If you think you might want to mount a scope at some point, keep in mind than most top-eject actions can make scope mounting difficult.
I like the Rossi Puma 16" myself, and I want to get a pair in .357 and .44 Magnums eventually. These are top-eject but scope mounts are available to mount an offset scope, or a Scout scope on the barrel.
I was looking at a Winchester 94 last week in .30-30 that I might grab as well.
cracker wrote:bladeracer wrote:I was looking at a Winchester 94 last week in .30-30 that I might grab as well.
cant ever go wrong with a winchester 94 in 30-30.
out of all the stuff iv used seem to always come back to the 94 in 30-30
the 44 mag loaded up vs the 30-30 would be good fun too
groundhog wrote:I have a Marlin 1894c in 357, pre-remington great rifle. Smooth slick action and trigger - after a little bit of work.
I also have a Browning B-92 in 357 which is another great rifle slick and smooth but in a much more positive mechanical way than the marlin.
I have owned a Rossi 357 stainless carbine and it was a tack driver but internally too rough and it had a way of damaging cases on ejecting them.
I also owned a S/S Marlin 1894c for a time that was one of the early remington takeover rifles and I can unequivocally state do not get a marlin from this period.
Some people like 94 marlins some 92 winchesters both will shoot, as I said rossi wasn't bad but I have seen troublesome rifles from all manufacturers. I will say however that a lot of the more troublesome rifles have been tuned by amateurs which doesn't help.
in2anity wrote:If you’re looking to spend up to $1500 I’d steer clear of Chiappa. I had one and it definitely wasn’t worth what I paid for it
bigrich wrote: i've heard some negative stuff on these as well . they look nice but
pomemax wrote:Good choice you wont be sorry .
in2anity wrote:pomemax wrote:Good choice you wont be sorry .
+1
bigrich wrote:+2 .the more I use mine the better it shoots . After a bit of hand loading it doesn’t shoot to bad . The scope I have has a very thick recticle that covers most of a 6” target at 50 but she’s a great shooter
in2anity wrote:bigrich wrote:+2 .the more I use mine the better it shoots . After a bit of hand loading it doesn’t shoot to bad . The scope I have has a very thick recticle that covers most of a 6” target at 50 but she’s a great shooter
Good shootin BR - gotta be happy with that! IMO Marlins are generally the pack leader when it comes to accuracy. Just curious BR, how do your groups pattern when the barrel starts to heat up?