TexasCHLforum.com

a Marlin 1894c in .357 magnum.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firearms/ ... /1894c.asp

I figured 10 shots of .357 in a rifle in the truck would be a nice complement to the .45 and or .357 snubby that normally rides around with me. Its easy handling, but a pain to load (so far, need to get the hang of it). Can't wait to go shoot this thing!

Stock photo:

I love mine! The .357 definitely adds some steam out of that 18" barrel. Buffalo Bore has loads that will exceed 30-30 energies.

Nice. May I ask where you purchased it?

74novaman wrote: Its easy handling, but a pain to load (so far, need to get the hang of it). Can't wait to go shoot this thing!

I have a Marlin in .45LC, but I can't say I'd consider using it as a trunk gun. To each their own, I reckon.

Let me give you a hint about loading lever actions (if you didn't already know): Except for the last cartridge, only push the cartridge in far enough to get it seated and moving into the tube (basically the butt end sticks out a wee bit). Then push the cartridge the rest of the way in with the next cartridge, leaving that end just sticking out, etc. Basically, you keep the loading gate from popping all the way up, so that's one less thing to struggle with.

If that doesn't make sense, let me know and I'll make a video that shows it.

I purchased The Trunk Monkey... (shotgun came with this version)...

[youtube][/youtube]

lkd wrote:I have a Marlin in .45LC, but I can't say I'd consider using it as a trunk gun. To each their own, I reckon.

Heres my thinking:

I carry a .357 revolver most days, so the commonality of ammo was appealing.

I have an AK and love the rifle, but in any kind of public situation that I might need to use the trunk gun, I'd be worried about over penetration with the 7.62x39 in a public setting (same reason I don't use it as a HD gun). In addition, a lever gun might look at least slightly less threatening to sheep/police than my all black AK with a 30 round mag.

Infotech, I got it at Webers in Temple.

74novaman:

IMHO, as a recent .357 owner (see my thread "New truck/BUG .357 revolver inspires
shock and awe), I think you could also be concerned with over penetration from your
.357 rifle.

IIRC, some LEO agencies use .357's so that they can penetrate the BG's car bodies
during traffic stops that go hinky. And that's with handguns. With a .357 rifle you'll
get even more fps velocity.

SIA

surprise_i'm_armed wrote:IIRC, some LEO agencies use .357's so that they can penetrate the BG's car bodies
during traffic stops that go hinky.

I've read that one of the main reasons the Texas DPS went to the .357Sig is that none of their previous automatics provided the automobile penetration they had when they carried .357 Magnum revolvers. The .357 Sig gives them that penetration.

But still, a carbine in .357 Mag is going to be an excellent weapon while probably not penetrating as much as say, a .223Rem/5.56mm.
(I have no data to back up that penetration comparison, but just guessing here.)

surprise_i'm_armed wrote:74novaman:

IMHO, as a recent .357 owner (see my thread "New truck/BUG .357 revolver inspires
shock and awe), I think you could also be concerned with over penetration from your
.357 rifle.

IIRC, some LEO agencies use .357's so that they can penetrate the BG's car bodies
during traffic stops that go hinky. And that's with handguns. With a .357 rifle you'll
get even more fps velocity.

SIA

There is some food for thought. I'll have to look and see if I can find some penetration testing done.

Either way, surely a .357 isn't going to penetrate as much as a 7.62x39, right?

Obviously anytime you use a weapon you have to consider everything behind the target just in case, but I thought maybe a pistol caliber round would be less inclined to punch through both car doors and keep going....

Either way I think I'm going to take it to the range today and see how it shoots.

I think you made an excellent choice with the Marlin. A carbine in the trunk is a wise decision and the ability to share ammo with your revolver is an advantage. Most of us gun lovers tend to gravitate toward the tactical rifles, but in reality, this carbine is going to handle most any problem you can run upon. If you are going to patrol the streets of Bagdad you might be under gunned, but for the streets of Texas, your in good shape.

I have the same gun. Excellent choice. I carry mine all the time when I am out hiking. It is so light you hardly notice it hanging on your shoulder. Accuracy is not bad at all, I have killed a large number of bunnies with mine.

Pictures/range report!

Took it out today. Ran flawlessly, love how it handles and shoots, nice trigger pull.

2 things I want to do: It needs a sling. It also could benefit from either some sort of red dot or low power (2x) scope. The sights are not the greatest.

Other than that, love this gun!

Sorry for the low lighting.

Here she is:

With the other .357 in the family. 125 grain hollowpoints for the snubby, 140 grain Hornady Leverolution for the 1894.

With my AK for a size comparison.


I'm very happy with this gun.

Nice rifle!

Here's a pic of my 1981 version with gold plated trigger, smooth stocks and no cross bolt safety.

Don't listen to AEA.

This is what you want to match your AK:




Just kidding. Nice rifles, guys.

The Annoyed Man wrote:
Just kidding. Nice rifles, guys.

That red dot is kind of tempting! But I think I'll keep the wood.