Lever Guns - Winchester vs. Marlin?

Chris_Brice

Chris_Brice

New member
I was thinking about spending some $$ on a Lever Gun. I do have a couple questions though.

I know that the original Winchester 1894 was designed for the 30-30. I've heard that the Win 94's can have some chambering problems when chambered for the .357 and the .44 because of the short case. Is this true? Any personal experience?

The other option is a Marlin '94. I know these have a great rep in pistol calibers (correct me if I'm wrong). But has Marlin ever made a "Trapper" model with the 16" barrel. I had a Winchester "Trapper" years ago and loved the short barreled gun. It had the bad receiver and was 30-30 but I still regret selling it.

What lever gun would you fellas get?

CB
 
Are you wanting a 357,44 or something else.I prefer Marlin Ihave owned several of both and the Winchesters first I sold them and went with Marlin.The Marlins seem to be a better built and designed gun to me.It is kike comparing a ar to a ak the Winchester will get the job done but is just a sloppy fit.
 
Winchester has the name for value if you want to sell it later as they seem to be more collectible...

That being said, my personal preference for reliability and the range of available calibers goes to Marlin..

My early '94 Marlin in .44 magnum is my favorite 'brush gun'...
 
I looking at a .357, something to mate up with my security six.

What model winchesters do you guys have....Mod 92(?) or 94?

The reason I ask is I'm fairly certain that the 92 was designed for pistol calibers while the 94 was designed around the 30-30. Just curious.

I'm not picky about the brand. Like I said, I had a Winchester 30-30 and it was a nice light accurate rifle. The only problems I've ever heard about either brand was possible chambering problems with the Win 94's when chambered in 357/44. I don't have any experience with this (thus the question), for all I know it may becomplete bunk.

CB
 
I have had a couple of Rossi 92 clones in 357 and 44mag they worked fine the 44 was a big loop lever with a 16" barrel it would feed 44spcl and mag perfect the 357 would not feed the 38spcl with out jamming same with a Win 94 Legacy in 357 it would not feed spcl's. I now have Marlin 94's they feed both no problem. Also easier to take down to clean than a Win plus WildWest has a great aftermarket trigger and ejector for the Marlin also can get a one peice firing pin from Cowboy and Indians store.
 
If you want a real shooter get a Marlin if you want a collector by a Winchester.I hunt I dont collect so that is not a issue for me.
 
I have a 92 clone made by hartford, Love that gun, runs .357 and .38 just fine. havent had a problem yet and its been shot ALOT, even during my weak attempt and speed shooting multiple targets its never jammed.

IMO the marlin is a fine gun, I own a few, just a bit heavy.
the clones are decent as well, I like mine alot.

May want to head over to leverguns.com and do some reading.

Have fun

Dave
 
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I have both a early Marlin 1894 44 Mag and a late moder Winchester Wrtangler in 44 Mag. I have had the Marlin since 1972 and the Winchesater since 1996 or so I have not had a problem with either as far as feeding goes. But I get better groups out of my 12ga coach gun than I do with the Winchester at 100 yards. The Marlin 44 Mag is my go to brush gun, and the stories about the Marlins not likeing cast are wrong I shoot what ever i am shooting in my Ruger Vaquero 44 Mags. Cast or Jacketed shoot just fine. Also the Winchester has the big loop lever and that is sort of cheesy feels like some kind of pot metal instead of steel.
If I was going to get a 357 Lever action I would either go with the Marlin 1894 or spend the extra and get one of the winny clones in 1873or 1892 models as they were both designed around handgun catridge lengths so they should feed the 38 spl or 357 just fine. But I have to ask what you want a carbine in that chambering for? It is marginal for deer at best even yotes tend to shrug them off at times.
 
What do I want a .357 for? Many reasons.

I don't want to reload for another round. Already reload the 357. Nice to have a mate for my Ruger.

Possible CAS shooting in the future. I've been to a couple matches and it might be fun to do a couple. 30-30 won't work for that. 30-30 would be my 2nd choice though, I already have ammo, brass, dies, etc.

Now for the next part, don't take this wrong. I've seen what a 180 xtp's outta my 4" Ruger will do to a deer. Not pretty. Adding another 400-500 fps won't hurt. Heck, factory 30-30 170's are only pushing about 2200 fps. I can get close to 2000 fps out of a .357 carbine using 180's. I don't think a deer will know the difference at say 125 yards. As far as coyotes go, are you sure you didn't forget that this wasn't another 17 cal. thread? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

CB
 
I just picked up a Winchester in the .44 mag and it is pretty stubborn to cycle, fun to shoot but not nearly as smooth as my Marlins. Plus I am not to crazy about the top ejection Winchester puts out versus the Marlins side ejection.
 
I would take the Winchester 94 over the Marlin any day. Marlin made a short 16 inch carbine called the MARAUDER . I believe it was made in the 60's hard to find collector item.
 
I've got Win 92's in 44 Mag and 45 LC. Both shoot very well.

Had a Win 92 in 357 and it was terrible. It has a new home. I'm now looking at the Marlin in 357.

I'm planning a Texas pig hunt this year, never hunted pigs before, and the M92 44 Mag and a Win 1886 in 45-90 are two lever guns I plan to take along. The M86 almost needs wheels!
 
For my .02's worth, I've shot both all my life. I like both Winchester & Marlin.. I prefer the accuracy & strength of the Marlin, but the Western romance is bred into the Winchester.

I have to like a gun to keep & use it, & there's something about a Winchester that makes me keep my old '94 around. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
I just purchased a win model 94ae in 357 and it hangs up feeding more times than not. I thought I would try a better factory shell but it sounds like it may be a common problem.
 
My first rifle for CAS was a Winchester.45 Trapper. It had continuous feeding problems when I tried to use at full speed. I sold it, and went to a Marlin 94 .45 That rifle was also traded off, but for the more economical .357. I have also a Marlin 94 in 30/30. and 45/70. My 1964 Winchester 30/30 has not been even fired since since about 1973.
Marlins are easier to work on. Anyone can slick them up. There are lots of aftermarket parts that are available. The Marlins can be found in the shorter versions now. Mine are all 24 inch barrels.
My preference is for Marlins.

Good luck in your choice.

Pack
 
I have a Marlin 357 and it makes a great brush-gun for deer. I load 158 gr. XTP-FP with a max load of LiL'Gun and it blows right through them. Haven't needed a follow-up shot yet but if I do it will be quick due to almost no recoil. My Marlin has nice wood and good wood to metal fit. I've owned both and Winchester had a sloppy fit.
 
Yup, if your going to shoot it a lot get the Marlin, if your just a collector and hang it on the wall get the Winchester.
 
What about the other "less expensive" lever guns like the Rossi and Puma? Heard some good things about them and they may be more in my budget.

CB
 


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