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I took the .44 mag out to the range this afternoon and put 4 different loads through it ... one factory Win, the rest handloads. Both me and my son will have some bruises tomorrow. The .357 probably doesn't have near the same smack as the .44 mag, and it's probably due mainly to the steel cresect shaped buttpad, but I'd swear this .44 mag in more punishing than any other rifle I've ever shot. Also, I don't know how well your .357 held up with the rear sight elevator ramp, but my .44 rear sight didn't want to play nice. I'll probably take a file to the ramp steps to give a bit more traction to keep it from slipping every other shot. Actually thinking about the "stevesgunz" rear peep sight kit that will drop into the silly safety switch hole in the bolt. Would probably be better for my bad eyes anyway.

As for the unpleasant orange tint on the wood ..... mine was pretty dry, so I tried the Old English "scratch remover" (dark) furniture polish. So far tonight I've given it about 10 rubs and wipes and the stain is soaking right in. After each coat, I rub it down with a paper coffee filter (my favorite "finishing" medium for wood) and it's getting darker and slicker with each application. Ordinarily I would just remove the wood, sand and bleach it, then stain and refinish with a hand rubbed oil, but thought this might be a simple way to start since the wood was smooth, fairly dry and open grained. It seems to be working well, but I'll know for sure in a few days if it no longer takes the polish and begins to take a nice, smooth dark luster. I think it's gonna work.

surv

I'm totally satisfied with my 1973 model Marlin 336 (.30-30), but have also been lusting for a revolver round carbine ... either .357 or .44 (preferably both). Having some experience with the modern "Remlins" (remington built Marlins), I really want NO more of that. As it stands now, the only thing that's either available or affordable locally are Rossi M92's in both chamberings. Having really strong feelings against buying firearms that are manufactured in "less than free, gun friendly countries", I'm really torn over the issue. The Rossi line, from experiences of my personal friends, as well as web info, appears to be solid products, and they certainly have a better finish and feel than the remilins I've handled lately. One of my local gun shop buddies has a .357 for $425 NIB (otd) and a stainless .44 mag NIB for $450 (otd). If mrs. surv wasn't scrounging every penny to add to our once in a lifetime trip to Alaska this summer, I'd be buying both. I'd pay the same money though for good Marlins made pre 1990, but most folks that have them know better than to sell them for that price.