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I stopped by my gunsmith for one project and spotted a stainless Marlin 1894 44 mag in the corner. He wants $400 for it. Now I don't need it but if it's a good deal I guess I'll take it. Let me know....Is it a good deal?

If you don't want it I'll take it for that, And I've already got one. Yes up here it's a good deal. Of course, being a tight wad I would probably offer him $350 and be more than willing to settle for $375. But if he wouldn't haggle I'd give him the $400. However lay the $350 on the counter have all of it in one pocket pull it out and count it in front of him and say "how bout $350?" And see what he says. If he needs more money take it out of your other pocket. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

In what condition? New In Box? 98%? 95%?
Was it "in the corner" because it has a jamming problem?? (Not uncommon with that model.)

I assumed new in the rack in the corner. Coulda been wrong.

It's a safe queen. A couple of safe dings but that's it. Original owner brought it in the move the swivel farther back and mount a scope. As that work was being done he bought another rifle from the gunsmith and traded in the 1894 and a 336 SS in a 30-30.
I don't know if it has jamming problems or not. Anything I should look for?

I'm going to trade a 22 pistol and 175 cash for the rifle. If he accepts than good. If not it won't break my heart. For another hundred dollars he'll throw in the 3-9x33 leupold.

I wouldn't worry about jambing problems. they are few and far apart and if it does happen is not that hard for someone that knows what they are doing to deal with. I've got got 5 or 6 1894's and none of them have had a problem with jambing. They can be sensitive to OAL of cartridge but that's not big deal just being awake. And they are FUN.

Google on "Marlin Jam". The issues are real, but can be addressed. Wear on the lifter and cam will eventually cause this problem.

The .44 mags are sensitive to feeding, by the way. Strangely enough, the .45 colts are not. I have one of each and the barrel ramp/throat design on each of them is different, for some strange reason.....

Around $400 is probably not too bad for one in good condition (especially if you get bases/rings with it), but occasionally you do find better deals.

Seems like the 1894 prices go up when there are more CAS shooters in the area.... it was tough to find any of those guns around here, for a while.

Best of luck.

It's probably not something you are likely to spot visually, though you always want to look for evidence of "shade tree gunsmithing", e.g. buggered up screw heads. Ask the dealer if he is aware of any feeding problems with that particular carbine, adding that you are aware of the well-documented feeding problems associated with these guns (most common with the revolver cartridges). The proof is in the pudding, though. Load the magazine up and see how they feed, before making the purchase, if possible.

If it jams, it is fixable. If it doesn't jam, there are steps you can take to prevent it from jamming in the near future:

Fixing the Dreaded "Marlin Jam"

It's pretty easy to tell by looking if a rifle has a lot of wear as has been mentioned. The Marlin Rifle is the most popular rifle in CAS. The reason is because they work well. Is there the occasional problem? Yes. Usually as has been stated a worn lever cam or a worn lifter. In the 44 Mag the OLDER guns had more problems as they were designed for 44Mag "only" and were designed that way. Today they are designed to shoot both. As with any lever gun you are going to have more luck using a Round Flat nose lead bullet. Similar to a jacketed soft point or the cowboy type round similar to the Federal Premium 300 grain HC. SOME have a problem with SWC's. But certainly not all. All will have an OAL Cartridge that they will prefer due to the design of the gun. That is true with ALL levers not just Marlins. You indicated the guy brought the rifle in for the scope to be mounted and the swivel. IF he didn't bring it in because of other problems either the gun is so new they havent' been discovered or are nonexistant. Have fun with it. It will become your favorite rifle.