Lever action in 357 Mag What do you recommend?

June 04, 2012 07:54

Looking for a lever action 357 mag.... I have a Henry's Mare's Leg in 45 and also a Henry GB in 22. I kind of wanted to get a 357 by a different manufacturer for diversity reasons. I also want the 357 since I already buy that ammo for a number of my guns and it is interchangable with the 38 round as well. Money isn't the biggest factor here, reliability, looks, at least a 20" barrel, prefer longer, and nice wood stock, are all important.

I am also considering the .45, since I already buy those rounds as well, but they are about 45-50 cents in bulk. Cheaper ammo is why I really want to explore all the options in 357 first.

Any recommendations besides the Henry, which I know is reliable, smart looking and accurate?[?]

What say you?[:)]

Comments

11 comments

BigLoop22

June 04, 2012 08:23
old-dog,

You need a Rossi Model 92. Here is mine, 3rd from the left:

(Left-to-right: Henry H001L,.22LR;Browning B92, .44 Magnum; Rossi/ EMF 92, .357 Magnum; Winchester Model 94, .30-30)
0
badchris

June 04, 2012 08:40
I've been very happy with my Marlin 1894C in 357 mag. This rifle quickly became one of my favorite plinkers. Very little recoil, even with hot handloads. The iron sights are perfect for my eyes to pick up in most all lighting conditions. It's been extremely accurate for me (although I am no bulls eye shooter [:I] ). This particular rifle did not have any signs of the dreaded "Marlin jam" but I have found that it is picky about what it'll feed reliably. Some fit & finish on current Marlins have been questionable, mine is a few years old and not bad cosmetically. But where it matters most, I rate this rifle highly.
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tsavo303

June 04, 2012 08:47
marlins are my favorite
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tsr1965

June 04, 2012 09:02
I would go with a Marlin, or a newer Japanese made Winchester 92. They are going to be more than the Rossi, no doubt, but are much better quality, and those Winchester 92's are silky smoothe.

I know I wll most likely get lambasted for the above statement, but I have handled and shot the Rossi, Marlin, the Japanese made Winchester's, and own several 100 year old Winchester's. The Winchester's are top shelf, and will appreciate in value.

Best

EDIT 1

quote:I don't know why people rag on the new 94's but I am in the middle of my research on them, so I haven't ruled them out. Thanks for your opinion.

There is a difference between the New Japan made 92's, and the 94's made at the FN plant. Or that is what I have been led to believe that the new 94's are made in the Carolina's, along with the Model 70's.

The Marlin's made in Illion are most likely not as good as the earlier Marlin's. I would search for an older 1894, that was not made in Illion.

Best
0
old-dog

June 04, 2012 09:33
quote:Originally posted by BigLoop22
old-dog,

You need a Rossi Model 92. Here is mine, 3rd from the left:

(Left-to-right: Henry H001L,.22LR;Browning B92, .44 Magnum; Rossi/ EMF 92, .357 Magnum; Winchester Model 94, .30-30)

I have considered the Rossi but I have read some very bad reviews about them generally. You likely have a excellent example but I have all buit ruled them out b/c of what I have read in general. The barrel looks kind of short also. My Mare's Leg in 45 in a short barrel and I really want a minimum of 20" and prefer a 24" barrel. If I have to go to the 45 for a 24" barrel I just may do it. Thanks for your help here.
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old-dog

June 04, 2012 09:41
quote:Originally posted by badchris
I've been very happy with my Marlin 1894C in 357 mag. This rifle quickly became one of my favorite plinkers. Very little recoil, even with hot handloads. The iron sights are perfect for my eyes to pick up in most all lighting conditions. It's been extremely accurate for me (although I am no bulls eye shooter [:I] ). This particular rifle did not have any signs of the dreaded "Marlin jam" but I have found that it is picky about what it'll feed reliably. Some fit & finish on current Marlins have been questionable, mine is a few years old and not bad cosmetically. But where it matters most, I rate this rifle highly.

I have a Marlin 410 in Lever action shotgun. It's ok but I am not thrilled with it. In fact, I had to return it to Illion NY to replace the lever mechanism since the lever mechanism was scratching the hammer when I operated the lever action. This is why I passed on the Marlins. I also read some unfavorable reviews on the Marlins as well.

Once again, if I can't find a suitable 357 I may move up to the .45 Currently on GB there is

A Uberti 1883 45LC
Lever 45LC

It's a damn handsome 45. w/ a 25 1'2 inch barrel but it ios a last ditch decision...Thanks for your help here...I appreciate it.
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old-dog

June 04, 2012 09:45
quote:Originally posted by tsr1965
I would go with a Marlin, or a newer Japanese made Winchester 92. They are going to be more than the Rossi, no doubt, but are much better quality, and those Winchester 92's are silky smoothe.

I know I wll most likely get lambasted for the above statement, but I have handled and shot the Rossi, Marlin, the Japanese made Winchester's, and own several 100 year old Winchester's. The Winchester's are top shelf, and will appreciate in value.

Best

I have heard both good and bad things about the new Winchesters. I have a Browning Citori made in Japan and love it. So, I won't diparage the Japanese made Winchesters soley because they are made in Japan. I don't know why people rag on the new 94's but I am in the middle of my research on them, so I haven't ruled them out. Thanks for your opinion.
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fordsix

June 04, 2012 10:18
any pre safety marlin will hold value
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old-dog

June 04, 2012 10:31
quote:Originally posted by fordsix
any pre safety marlin will hold value

Which year does the pre safety end?
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dcs shooters

June 04, 2012 11:40
quote:Originally posted by old-dog
quote:Originally posted by fordsix
any pre safety marlin will hold value

Which year does the pre safety end?

Look for a pre 1984 1894 357 and you will not go wrong. I have them in 357+44mag. Both good shooters.
Shot the 357 in cowboy matches with 38spl,s all the time.
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Mark G

June 04, 2012 11:52
I too have an older model Rossi 92 357 and am very pleased with it. I can't speak for the newer ones.
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