I have a very lightly used 1894c in .357 that I am looking to trade for a 1894 .44 Mag. If I can't work a trade, want to sell the .357 in order to purchase a .44. So, here's my questions:

-When used, do both versions bring about the same amount? If not, what is the typical price difference?
-What is the going rate for a 98% 1894 .44 mag these days?

Many thanks,

John

It isn't so much the price difference between the two rifles when they're new, it is in the percieved desirability of the .44 Magnum, over the .357 Magnum.

Rifle prices in my area, Southern California, aren't a yardstick too compare prices, in other places with. The .44 Magnum will out sell the .357 Magnum, two to one here...

I know that this is just me, but, if it were me, I would keep the .357 and purchase the .44 Magnum.

In a lever gun, the .44 Magnum can kick pretty good, especially with the heavier bullets now available for purchase, or casting. You may not like that after awhile. If the recoil can get to you, the .357 will start looking more desirable.

Bill

Not concerned with the recoil, but am concerned with the .357's effectiveness on wild hogs...

So what kind of price difference should I be expecting between the two in the used market?

John

Around here the 357s bring more than a 44 of the same vintage. The 44s are more common new and used down here. A 98% Marlin 44 with a crossbolt safety will go for about $350. If you can find a similar 357 it will bring 10-20% more.

Around here, at dealers, the .357s are rare, with .44s common, so the .357 would certainly be higher on the desirability scale.

A 180gr out of a 357 carbine will do anything a 30-30 will do to 100yds. Is the 30-30 too small?

I've shot several hogs, including one, a big 450 pound boar hog, in southern California, with my Marlin 1894 in .357 magnum... As long as the bullet is well placed, they go right down.

Bill

I'm in the market for a .357 without the cross bolt safety if someone has a spare.

Take a look at the the Buffalo Bore load for the .357 as hog medicine, 180hardcast LBT that will get about 1700fps out of your rifle.

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/images/357_180..jpg

Around here, Big 5 Sporting Goods has either Marlin .357 or 44 for $399 new.

I got into a 44 on sunday for just under 200 after considdering the price of the spyderco in the trade. Pre cross bolt wart. Not to hijack the thread too much, but is 400 a good deal or a steal to sell for? BTW it is in easily 95% or better.

357's bring far more money in this part of the world, than do the 44's, in the same condition.

A 98% one would go for about $475-500, typical ROUND BARREL and
NO crossbolt safety in upper midwest. My 1973 "1894 Octagon
Barrel" model in 98% condition will cost $775 (with Williams
receiver sight, $750 without). I have NEVER (since 1973) seen
another one at a gun show nor on a dealers rack or auction sites.
The .357's here command the same price; but, are less common by
about 2-1. Since I can't find/afford a nice M1892 Winchester,
I'll have to stick with a smooth operating M94 Marlin.
YIKES!!! I just saw your post was over 3 years old!

Contender; So, is the octagon 44 mag for sale? My grandfather had one that burned up in a house fire. I've been wanting one since 73 when I was 16. I've only seen one other at a gun show but it was drilled for a tang sight right through the serial number. I'd like to see pictures. Do you have the original box? Where are you located? Thanks; Mike

I picked up a 44 mag a few years back for either 325 or 350 pre-safety and have only seen a few for sale since and those were listed for 450 in about the same condition as mine. Have not come by the 357 locally other than new safety models and those are even hard to find. I seen a few on the auction sites but have not followed till the sale. My guess is your 357 would bring more than the 44 mag, but not sure how much more.

It is for sale (tho reluctantly). I can take some pictures.
I have had trouble in the past trying to post them. If I can't
post them, I can snail mail them. Will see if I can get pictures
within the next few days (my schedule permitting), so don't think
I forgot about you. Will also describe rifle part by part. Thanks
for your inquire Mike.
Also---no box,and Wisconsin/GO PACK!!!!

Mike: I will try to post the pictures. (Within the next hour.)
If you don't see them here, send me a PM with your E-mail
address and I will send them that way.
Also, the particulars:
-Blueing is perfect EXCEPT for 2 hairline 1/8, 1/16 scratches
on left side of receiver that do not show up in the pictures.
The pictures DO show lint/glare/oil.
-2 dents on the right side of the stock--about 2 and 3 pinheads
in size. these are NOT thru the finish.
-Lever and to a lesser extent, the bolt have a SLIGHTLY
'reddish' or 'brownish' cast or tone. I've seen this on a
few auto slides as well as on a few Ruger No. 1's and
Savage 99's. I am told it could be from 'hardening' and/or
metal composition(?).

PM sent.

Cabela's sale price for 1894C : 44M, 357, 45C; $549.00.

This shop has always treated me pretty straight so I'll go with their opinion; in my area 500-600.
I went to a show at the fairgrounds today and looked around at the like models offered. No one had the 16 inch AE model, but other 94's in 357 were being offered for 375-435. Marlins were a bit more, though the ones today were in better shape than the Winchesters.

Assuming good condition to like new, 350-400 would be a good buy in my book. I love the model and have it in 44 mag which I deer hunt with. Dad has it in .357 mag and deer hunts with it the 41 mag will be just fine on whitetails. I prefer closer shots than some and like to keep it under 100yrds some will say 150. I just check a couple of website for the price of ammo and you are looking at a buck a shot or higher with the 41 mag it does not seem readily as readily available as 357 or 44 mag. It seems to be on par with most high power rifle cartridges prices. I was wanting the .41 mag when I got the 44 mag they are a little harder to find and this may make them worth a little more. One last tip you can tell when it was made by subtracting the first two numbers in the serial number form 2000. You will also hear about the marlin jam but I do not feel it is that big of a problem and have not had problems with mine or dads.