357/38 special underlever

[Psyxologos]

I have Cowboys in 45Colt and 45-70 plus a .357 in 1894C, blues 18.5".

I like the Cowboys most but the barrels are heavier and less pointable than the shorter, skinnier models.

None of mine are Remlins and all have been "tricked and slicked" by me or by Roger at SYSS.

Personally, the big-loop, laminated model provides no benefit unless you like the look. If you change your mind about a scope, you can add a steel weaver/picatinny base for about £10-15

Slicking the action is pretty easy to do yourself and well worth it. Alternatively get someone like Roger at South Yorks Shooting Supplies to do it. Likewise, the trigger can be made crisp and light but if you want to eliminate the "floppy blade" it might be worth budgeting £105 for a Trigger Happy kit.

I love my Marlins, they are each different but I'd choose the Cowboy if I could have only one (unless a short, pointy gun was needed for steels, Bianchi or similar gallery rifle comps.)

Don't buy a Remlin without handling it and, if possible, shooting it (guess that's true of most guns!) Have a look at the Marlin owners forum for lots of info.

This is great advice, many thanks. I actually want a heavier barrel, I think it adds to the experience. Especially since I am not going to have to carry it on a field much, I want something that feels more substantial. Could you please expand on the 'tricking and slicking' you mentioned?

I think a trip to McAvoys is necessary. They seem to have loads on stock...

 

[xavierdoc]

This is great advice, many thanks. I actually want a heavier barrel, I think it adds to the experience. Especially since I am not going to have to carry it on a field much, I want something that feels more substantial. Could you please expand on the 'tricking and slicking' you mentioned?

I think a trip to McAvoys is necessary. They seem to have loads on stock...

"Tricking and slicking" can mean different things to different people. Roger at SYSS used to use the term to describe work done to a gun to improve cycling of the action and ease of reloading. Fitting of a Trigger Happy kit might also be done.

Much of this work is geared at those using their guns in comps where speed (cycling of the action and reloading) is a factor.

Typically, cutting down the spring in the mag follower, lightening the spring for the reloading gate and deburring the edges of same to ease recharging the mag tube.

Deburring/edge-breaking and polishing the action internals, including areas of the bolt, is more involved but not beyond the skills of someone who is reasonably handy.

Just remember, you can't put metal back...

There are lots of guides on the web, if you fancy tinkering. I'm sure doing these things to a new gun will invalidate your warranty.

 

[xavierdoc]

My Cowboy .45Colt in bits (yes, the stock is upside down):

No hammers or Leathermans were used inappropriately!

Lots of bits to optimise, if you so wish.

 

[Southern]

This is great advice, many thanks. I actually want a heavier barrel, I think it adds to the experience. Especially since I am not going to have to carry it on a field much, I want something that feels more substantial.

Look for a Winchester 94 Commemorative in .30-30, too, especially one of the less ordained models issued in large quantities, like the Canadian Centennial or the Teddy Roosevelt. They have deep, dark 1960s bluing, nice walnut, crescent or shotgun buttplates in steel, forend caps, and heavy octagon barrels of 20 or 24 inches. Many of them, especially if fired instead of kept in a safe, will be not only cheaper than a new one, but much nicer - a real bargain.

But if you find a Marlin 1894 Cowboy in .357, go grab it.

 

[Psyxologos]

My Cowboy .45Colt in bits (yes, the stock is upside down):

No hammers or Leathermans were used inappropriately!

Lots of bits to optimise, if you so wish.

Thanks for that. God, you took it down to pieces. I hope routine maintenance and cleaning are not demanding such level of involvement.

 

[Psyxologos]

"Tricking and slicking" can mean different things to different people. Roger at SYSS used to use the term to describe work done to a gun to improve cycling of the action and ease of reloading. Fitting of a Trigger Happy kit might also be done.

Much of this work is geared at those using their guns in comps where speed (cycling of the action and reloading) is a factor.

Typically, cutting down the spring in the mag follower, lightening the spring for the reloading gate and deburring the edges of same to ease recharging the mag tube.

Deburring/edge-breaking and polishing the action internals, including areas of the bolt, is more involved but not beyond the skills of someone who is reasonably handy.

Just remember, you can't put metal back...

There are lots of guides on the web, if you fancy tinkering. I'm sure doing these things to a new gun will invalidate your warranty.

Yes, my intention is to use it on club grounds for practice mainly, not so much on competition at this point. If it cycles well 'out of the box' I don't think I will worry with tinkering it much at all.

 

[Psyxologos]

Look for a Winchester 94 Commemorative in .30-30, too, especially one of the less ordained models issued in large quantities, like the Canadian Centennial or the Teddy Roosevelt. They have deep, dark 1960s bluing, nice walnut, crescent or shotgun buttplates in steel, forend caps, and heavy octagon barrels of 20 or 24 inches. Many of them, especially if fired instead of kept in a safe, will be not only cheaper than a new one, but much nicer - a real bargain.

But if you find a Marlin 1894 Cowboy in .357, go grab it.

Thanks. Yes, the new Marlin cowboy on the links a few messages ago is the current favorite.

 

[8x57]

Look for a Winchester 94 Commemorative in .30-30, too, especially one of the less ordained models issued in large quantities, like the Canadian Centennial or the Teddy Roosevelt. They have deep, dark 1960s bluing, nice walnut, crescent or shotgun buttplates in steel, forend caps, and heavy octagon barrels of 20 or 24 inches. Many of them, especially if fired instead of kept in a safe, will be not only cheaper than a new one, but much nicer - a real bargain.

But if you find a Marlin 1894 Cowboy in .357, go grab it.

Not a lot of good for gallery rifle shooting I'm afraid.

 

[8x57]

Thanks for that. God, you took it down to pieces. I hope routine maintenance and cleaning are not demanding such level of involvement.

Routine maintenance and cleaning (not a total strip) is a piece of cake with the Marlin and far easier than with any of the Winchester based models. One screw taken out and you can withdraw the bolt and have straight direct access to the barrel.

 

[Psyxologos]

Routine maintenance and cleaning (not a total strip) is a piece of cake with the Marlin and far easier than with any of the Winchester based models. One screw taken out and you can withdraw the bolt and have straight direct access to the barrel.

That's what I wanted to hear. Thanks a lot.

 

[NorthDorset]

All underlevers need you to operate the action through its full range of movement. If you don't they will either not eject, not pick up the next round or jam up solid.

No different with a bolt action really.

 

[Hillbillygash]

I have a Henry 38/357 and it is very good, like you 38 for indoor and 357 if need be for outdoor range work. I have had a go at shooting gallery rifle type competitions and loading is a bind due to mag tube but overall I'm very happy with it.

They are a quality peice of kit

 

[Psyxologos]

I have a Henry 38/357 and it is very good, like you 38 for indoor and 357 if need be for outdoor range work. I have had a go at shooting gallery rifle type competitions and loading is a bind due to mag tube but overall I'm very happy with it.

They are a quality peice of kit

Many thanks for your input. I will certainly have a look at them too...

 

[Psyxologos]

Sorry to revive an old topic, I just thought I let you know I found a Winchester 1894 AE which had less than a 100 rounds through it (I was able to verify this myself) with some very nice peep sights for a bargain price and bought it today. It shoots very well and is fitting me well. I could not be any happier. I was initially set on the Marlin 1894 CB but as they have not even started making them (this is what their importer to the UK, the SMK said) I did not fancy waiting any longer...

 

[Southern]

Glad to hear you got your .357 and enjoy it. Don't think you settled for second best; the Winchesters and Marlins are just different. I have a Win M-1894 AE saddle ring carbine. As such, it has more sturdy sights for the scabbard, but is accurate enough to make a fool of any deer showing itself inside 100 yards.

 

[Albert 888]

Woop woop, yea ha.
Welcome to the club. I too have the winchester 94ae legacy,mate has a stainless rossi octagonal barrel.
We must Ave put 400 + rounds down the range yesterday. Smoke and bangs filled the room. Still smiling now.
ATB and enjoy Andy.

 

[Psyxologos]

Thanks guys. They are a joy to shoot these guns. I love them...