Home Forums Lever Action Central Marlin Talk .357 Mag Stainless Steel Model 94 -- experiences pro and con?

Just kinda trying to get an idea here, of what to look for or avoid. Personally, I like the idea of a .357 stainless as a mid-power all-around plinker, utility/defense and travel gun.

The .357 also gives me inter-changeability chambering with my SS revolvers. Not an everyday +P+ fan, or I'd jump up to .41 or .44 mag.{But the idea of this gun is sorta inspired by Brian Pearce's Dave Clay .44] Also, like the easy Marlin dis-assembly for cleaning.

Pick a question, any question. Or several. Or whatever ya think is important to your own ownership/non-ownership

Barrel length you like or didn't?

I want non-scoped, so Iron Sight recommends?

Accuracy expectations at fifty or hundred yards?

Configuration? Were there oct bbls or all 20" round bbls?

Any mild tuneup/custom work recommended?

And, current costs. Been quoted nearly 800.00 at local Gander Mountain.

Thanks for y'r kick-in, to this kinda long buncha stuff. But better tobe informed now, than regretful I didn't ask, later.

Assuming you are talking Marlin 1894CSS...

I want non-scoped, so Iron Sight recommends? XS or receiver sight & fold the stock semi buckhorn flat if it isnt in the way.

Accuracy expectations at fifty or hundred yards? 50yds= a ragged hole, 100 yards about 3"-4" or so with open sights.

Configuration? Were there oct bbls or all 20" round bbls? The M1894css only comes with a 18" barrel and that is PERFECT

Any mild tuneup/custom work recommended? Detail strip & clean, light lube. Cycle about 500x, relube and shoot the crap out of it. I like the DRC lever with the plunger spring slightly snipped and the plunger and plunger hole polished a bit for smooth and easy, snickety snick lockup on lever closing.

And, current costs. Been quoted nearly 800.00 at local Gander Mountain. You would be getting seriously ripped off for $800 for a 1894CSS. $650 sitting on the shelf here and no takers. On gunbroker I have seen them under 6 bills + shipping and ffl (about $650 OTD, no more)

Now THAT's an answer!!!! ;~`)

Thanks a whole buncha, and am on the prowl.

BTW, my biz is antique repairs and historic finishes, so should there ever be something in that vicinity you'd like to know, I'll be happy to give you a call on my dime in the eve, and chew it over. One good reply deserves another.