Trying to decide....

[TheTman]

Between a lever action in .357/.38 or .44 magnum/.44 special.

I see the Rossi R92's are back in stock at Davidson's, and am trying to decide between the blue 16" .375 with the large loop lever, and a 16 or 20 inch .44 magnum, (no large loop available).

The gun would mostly be used for home defense, plinking, and the occasional varmint or large feral dogs like the Rottweiler pair that came up growling at me one day. Might use it for close range deer too. I can sit up in a tree stand and the deer come close enough that bow hunters have had a lot of sucess sitting in the tree stand down by the creek.
I'd probably put a rack or scabbard for it on my tractor for when I'm out bush hogging and stuff. And would probably carry it in the car or Explorer 4x4 a lot too.

I like that large loop .357, and the 16" barrel seems to be the best length for .357 according to Ballistics by the inch.

But a stainless steel 16 or 20 inch .44 would also work out. I also have plenty of .44 special, and not so much .38 or 357. I'd also consider a .357 in stainless, without the big loop, but would want to stay with the 16" barrel.

Some models are available with octagon barrels, but not the big loop model. I think the octagons are available in both stainless and blue.

Any suggestions? I just always wanted a lever action in .357 or .44. I'm not planning on any cowboy action shooting or anything, this is just for use around the farm. I'm kind of leaning to the .44, but I also like that big loop .357 too. I'd go 30-30, but don't want to have to stock another caliber. and at the distance I'd use it for deer, the .357 or .44 would be plenty. You think the octagon barrels are worh the extra $$? The big loop is cool, but not a deal breaker. The 16" models hold 8 mag rounds in the tube, and the 20" holds 10.

If you were to buy something like that, which would it be and why? I know I should probably spend the extra $$ and get the Marlin which offers few choices, but from what I've read it's not necessarily worth the extra $$. I know Rossi isn't that well thought of, particularly their revolvers, but I've read a lot of people are happy with their R92's. Also, got plenty of time to think about it, won't happen until after I get my son married off, and see if I have any money left after getting their present and paying for the rehearsal dinner.

[Bawanna]

Look at Puma's. They have octagon barrels and some have the large loops. Mine is 45 Colt. I have the Puma rifle and a Mares Leg which I think is Rossi?.

If you plan to do deer, I would definitely go 44, I would anyway, 44 in a rifle is pretty tame I doubt you'll go through hundreds of rounds at a sitting so cost isn't that big a factor.

The large loop really looks cool but for practical purposes the standard loop or a few models with the smaller in between size loop work way better for me.
My Mares leg has the large loop and I sometimes wish it was a regular loop.

Everyone should have one and there are a lot of choices out there.

[Barth]

Between a lever action in .357/.38 or .44 magnum/.44 special.

I see the Rossi R92's are back in stock at Davidson's, and am trying to decide between the blue 16" .375 with the large loop lever, and a 16 or 20 inch .44 magnum, (no large loop available).

The gun would mostly be used for home defense, plinking, and the occasional varmint or large feral dogs like the Rottweiler pair that came up growling at me one day. Might use it for close range deer too. I can sit up in a tree stand and the deer come close enough that bow hunters have had a lot of sucess sitting in the tree stand down by the creek.
I'd probably put a rack or scabbard for it on my tractor for when I'm out bush hogging and stuff. And would probably carry it in the car or Explorer 4x4 a lot too.

I like that large loop .357, and the 16" barrel seems to be the best length for .357 according to Ballistics by the inch.

But a stainless steel 16 or 20 inch .44 would also work out. I also have plenty of .44 special, and not so much .38 or 357. I'd also consider a .357 in stainless, without the big loop, but would want to stay with the 16" barrel.

Some models are available with octagon barrels, but not the big loop model. I think the octagons are available in both stainless and blue.

Any suggestions? I just always wanted a lever action in .357 or .44. I'm not planning on any cowboy action shooting or anything, this is just for use around the farm. I'm kind of leaning to the .44, but I also like that big loop .357 too. I'd go 30-30, but don't want to have to stock another caliber. and at the distance I'd use it for deer, the .357 or .44 would be plenty. You think the octagon barrels are worh the extra $$? The big loop is cool, but not a deal breaker. The 16" models hold 8 mag rounds in the tube, and the 20" holds 10.

If you were to buy something like that, which would it be and why? I know I should probably spend the extra $$ and get the Marlin which offers few choices, but from what I've read it's not necessarily worth the extra $$. I know Rossi isn't that well thought of, particularly their revolvers, but I've read a lot of people are happy with their R92's. Also, got plenty of time to think about it, won't happen until after I get my son married off, and see if I have any money left after getting their present and paying for the rehearsal dinner.

I like the idea of matching the caliber of my revolver to my shoulder weapon.

[Bawanna]

That was my plan. I have a Birds Head Handle Uberti that I like a lot. The Puma is its running mate and the Mares leg might rotate in once in a while.

I have a few thutty thutty's but don't get them out much.

Got a Marlin in 357 too but it don't get out much either.

[TheTman]

I carry either my .44 snubby, or a .357 around the farm, so I have both caliber's covered for my sidearm. I could carry the .44 mag, but rather not, I just like keeping it in it's case where it won't get scratched. I have a "beater" Dan Wesson that I would rather carry around the farm, or the snubby.

[Barth]

Although the sound of a big 44 just sings.
I've been quietly turning into a 357 man.
1/2 of my revolvers are 357 magnum.
1/2 of my autos are 357 Sig.

My 65-3 3" heavy barrel K Frame is like the perfect combat magnum revolver IMHO.
If I had a farm/ranch, a Henry 357 mares leg would be a must.
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTJntqv6-IwOYd_WGZECIc3w9oWVKQpl1MShu2my0nnbJff5MBX

[Bawanna]

I like that size loop. Good fit looking nice but not overly large. My Mares Leg is much larger.

[TheTman]

Thats about the same size loop on that is on the big loop .357 Rossi. I think I'd rather have the full size stock than the mare's leg. My original concept was to have the .357 revolver on my hip and the .357 rifle handy for longer shots.
I'm rethinking the idea, and might possibly go with on of my .44 specials, either the .44 snubby which is a lot lighter and handier, and pretty accurate, or my 3" Taurus .44 special, on my hip, with a 16 or 20" rifle handy, mounted on the tractor, or sitting just inside the door where I'm working. I'm sure either set up would work well.
I probably could get by with a .22 pistol and rifle, but I want to be prepared for anything including large feral dogs of Rottweiler size and up. I was lucky and was wearing one of my pistols, and shot at the ground in front of the Rottweilers that showed up ready to attack, and they took off. Didn't see a collar on either one, and got to thinking later, maybe I should have shot them so they didn't grab some young kid getting off the school bus or something. I did call animal control, but never saw them come out and look for them. They had my address, and phone, but I never heard a peep from them.
I've had all kinds of wild dogs show up here, mostly larger varieties, the smaller ones get killed and eaten by the other dogs or coyotes. A guy around the corner raises sheep, and during lambing season, he gets quite a few feral dogs showing up and trying to get a lamb. He takes the predators out quickly and humanely. I can't say as I blame him, don't know how many lambs he's lost to these dogs and coyotes.
One day I had a couple St. Bernards show up growling at me, but I think I know where they belonged so a shot gun blast over their head sent them running home.
Anyway, I want something that will take the larger animals out quickly and humanely, and not have to shoot them a dozen times with a .22.
I have to say I just loathe these city people that think they can just dump a critter, particularly the larger breeds that can turn dangerous when they're hungry and starving, out in the county and some farmer is going to take care of it.
That usually isn't what happens, the small ones get eaten by the bigger ones, and the bigger ones turn wild, hungry, and dangerous. We already have our pets and are not running animal shelters to take in the animals that get dumped out here. And it seems like Animal Control could care less what happens out away from the city and small towns in the area, unless someone gets bitten, then they at least try to trap it and test it for rabies.
I had a friend that actually watched some lady dump a dog and start to drive away, and my friend had his rifle handy and shot the dog and killed it. The lady actually turned around and drove up to the guy and got in his face about shooting her little "Fluffy". My friend told her that she was an idiot and told her he ought to turn her in for animal abuse and had her tag number. He also told her that was probably the most humane thing that could have happened to it, that they are usually killed by other dogs or coyotes and eaten, and to be sure and tell all her friends what happens to dump offs, she drove off in a huff. I do hope she told a lot of people about what happened. I don't know if that sounds cruel that he shot the dog, but it probably wouldn't have lasted the night before something killed it and ate it. I'm sure it suffered much less the way things went down.
I hate to kill something I am not going to eat, but I'm not running an animal shelter, and I'd sure hate for one of these large animals attack one of the neighbor kids, so I feel like there is no choice but to put it down. I'd try to capture one, and hand it over to the pound, but chances are the owner's not going to claim it, and they are so wild, I doubt anyone would want one for a pet, so it will most likely get euthanazed anyway. Most of them are wild beasts by the time I see them and won't let you get close anyway, and would probably bite the hell out of you if you did try to catch one. I don't believe it's worth it to go through all that.
Thankfully they paved the road, and drop offs have decreased quite a bit, but I still have some show up from time to time.
Then you have the two legged predators, coming up to scope out the place with all kinds of stories, many are about having extra asphault and they'll pave the drive at half price, or they have this or that they can give me a good deal on. If I'm armed they tend to mumble some question then get the hell out of here. I don't mind that a bit.

[forestranger]

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/2896/fa023.jpg

I got the 357 cause I got tons of 357/38 ammo, 4 357 revolvers and no 44s. It gives some surprising velocities even with the short barrel. I like the looks of the big levers but seem to shoot faster with regular ones. Ain't gonna do no John Wayne twirling no how.:eek:

[TheTman]

I just like the looks of the big loop lever, and thought it would be handy in the winter with some heavy gloves on. I don't do twirling tricks either. Nice setup there forestranger.

[mr surveyor]

I'm looking for a plain old Marlin in .44 mag, preferably from the mid 70's to mid 80's. I don't care what the finish of the metal or wood is, as long as it's a shooter. Don't care for wall hangers or safe queens. In my opinion, if it only one or the other, the .44 is much more versital (sp.... why the h-e double hockey sticks I can't spell that silly word) than .357 mag....if you reload. If I weren't reloading .44 mag now, I couldn't afford to shoot the things;)

surv

[TheTman]

I reload, and have brass and 240gr swc hard cast bullets.

[JFootin]

In my opinion, if it only one or the other, the .44 is much more versital (sp.... why the h-e double hockey sticks I can't spell that silly word) than .357 mag....if you reload.;)

surv

If you pronounce it like tile - floor tile, you can remember it: versatile. :) I have found the Google search engine to be a great spell checker, so I cut and paste a word I want to spell check into Google on another tab.

[yqtszhj]

If you pronounce it like tile - floor tile, you can remember it: versatile. :) I have found the Google search engine to be a great spell checker, so I cut and paste a word I want to spell check into Google on another tab.

I think I'm going to practice misspelling and create my own language. Then when doomsday happens I'll already be communicating in code. :cool:

Here we go:

den der wil onley b mi langwige and mester jockos langwige n wi wil rul da wereld. f u r abl 2 reed dis den u caan jouin 2.

[jocko]

I think I'm going to practice misspelling and create my own language. Then when doomsday happens I'll already be communicating in code. :cool:

Here we go:

den der wil onley b mi langwige and mester jockos langwige n wi wil rul da wereld. f u r abl 2 reed dis den u caan jouin 2.

ol jocko understands u perfectly well:banplease:

We will rule the world:third:

[jocko]

If you pronounce it like tile - floor tile, you can remember it: versatile. :) I have found the Google search engine to be a great spell checker, so I cut and paste a word I want to spell check into Google on another tab.

a wasteof time:banplease: I know exactly what I am saying, u guys are the ones who don 't understand. Just sayin:31:

[MW surveyor]

den der wil onley b mi langwige and mester jockos langwige n wi wil rul da wereld. f u r abl 2 reed dis den u caan jouin 2.

dang loks lke im in 2. gt tis way buy dciferin jokos riting

[MW surveyor]

On a more positive note and return the thread back to the OPs original.

From what I can determine from the Marlin owners forum......you do not want what is now referred to as either a Remlin or Marington. QC has supposed to have taken a big hit after Remington bought out Marlin.

Oops, forgot to mention that you can tell if it is one of the earlier Marlins by a JM on the barrel.

[TheTman]

Reminton bought out Marlin? When did this happen? I didn't know that. I've read the Marlin owners have been less than happy with the pistol caliber Marlin Lever actions, and that the Rossi's were just as good or better for less $$$. I always look for older lever actions in the pistol calibers, but never seem to find one at the gun shows.

[jlottmc]

When the Freedom Group bought them and others. I have been hearing these things for some time now. In fact search for it on www.thetruthaboutguns.com

[DeaconKC]

You might want to see how the big loop will fit in the scabbard you want to use.

[Bawanna]

Excellent point. I've been looking for a case/scabbard for my Mares leg and te loop eliminates many options. Nothing that cant be dealt with but worthy of consideration.

[mr surveyor]

as to the demise of Marlin quality in recent years... it is certainly not limited to "pistol caliber" rifles. The old faithful 336 series has become low, low quality unfortunately. We (family) bought my grandson a new 30/30 for this past Christmas, and even though I had heard/read that the old faithful was much less than what one would expect, I couldn't believe it. Went to the shop to pick it up, fresh off the UPS truck, and the front sight was rolling loose in the box. I managed to finid the screw, grabbed some lock-tite and got it in place....then looked down the sights and discovered the rear sight was installed about 3° off plane. That was one of the "issues" I had read about numerous times on the marlin forum, but just could not believe it could really be true. I will NOT buy another remlington.....or for that matter a remington of newer vintage. I should have done the smart thing and picked out a nice older 336 with some patina... with real walnut furniture, and real bluing.... and Marlin quality.

surv

[jocko]

ashame about the quality downward for Marlin, such a great cmpany . Hate to see it chopped up like that. Normally when that hapepns, its demise is not long away either..

[mr surveyor]

these big international conglomerates that have been buying up the gun makers are apparantly letting their silly-assed bean counters destroy the quality of the products to cut corners, but hoping to make it up in volume sales during the mass market gun buying frenzy

The vast majority of my small "collection" are pre-1997, and every one of those will still be 100% useful to my great grandkids no matter how much I use them before I head to the big shootin' range in the sky. The stuff I own from the 21st century might outlast me before I wear it out, but it ain't gonna be family heirlooms.

[TheTman]

I wondered what was up with the Marlins, people been pretty vocal about them lately not being up to snuff. When I was researching the Marlin Lever Actions in .357 and .44 read a lot of stuff that really made me wonder if I really wanted one. The Rossi sounds more and more like it might be the better deal, both in $$ and even quality.

I checked out the Puma, it was over $1,000, as was the Winchester large loop M92. A real nice looking gun was the Henry Big Boy for $900.
The Marlin was 700+, and the Rossi's are 560-650 for the models I'm looking at. I may just wait awhile and go for the 20" Octagon barrel Henry. I like to buy things firearms that are investement/collector quality, and the Henry would sure seem to fit that category, now if i can just get over the "gotta have it now" syndrome I'll be ok. Actually need to wait until August anyway after my Son is married, so I'm not blindsided by some wedding expense.

[mr surveyor]

I've been patiently waiting for two years to score a good 70's-80's shooter in either .357 or .44....or both. A couple of years ago at a gun show when I was short of "walk around money", my buddy nailed a pristine late 70's Marlin .357...... he almost lost the deal trying to dicker the guy down 10 bucks:rolleyes:. I tried to get him to loan me the money, or buy the danged gun and let me give him $200 when we got home....naaahhhhh, it was get even time. About 15 years ago I got him likkered up when he was doing a bunch of bragging around the cook-out bon fire and offered him 75 bucks for the old 1973 pos 336 that someone had carved their name in the stock. Best 75 bucks and a cooler of cheap beer I ever spent. With the old original Bushnell Sportview scope, that thing will consistantly shoot sub-moa at 100 yards with Rem Core-Lokt 150's. I finally took the time to strip it down and get the metal re-blued, and spent several weeks with abrasives and Danish oil on the wood. Not that I cared what it looked like, just didn't like the rust beginning to form and the wood drying out. That thing will still be a shooter a hundred years from now...or could be given the right conditions. That's the kind of .357 or .44 mag I'm looking for:)

surv

[TheTman]

Sounds like a hell of deal you got there mr surveyor, I love it when I find something like that on the cheap. I've been looking for a abot 5 years now too, and almost all the lever actions are either 30-30, or one of the older calibers, my brother got one in 45-70, that belonged to the friend of ours that passed away. He got that, and I bought the .40 cal Beretta Cougar, and overpaid for it, but it was LNIB, and the widow was in need of the $$$, so I gave her an extra $50 or $75 for it, but I figure it was worth, to have something to remember my friend with, and the Cougar's been 100% reliable, no failures of any kind at all. It's the pistol I take when I have to go through the worst parts of town, along with my CW45 for CC. The Cougar doesn't CC very well in the Summer, but rides just fine in the seat next to me. Beretta had some stainless 12 round mags for it, so I bought a couple, and they function well, and give an extra round or two, it came with 10 round mags, but I picked up 11 round mags at a gun show, then saw the 12 round mags on the Beretta site and got 2 of them too. Funny, that gun has the same barrel length, 3.6 as the CW's do, but is a bit more accurate with the DA/SA trigger. Anway, it has an Angel looking out for it, and I just feel nice and safe with that in reach. It's been my pillow gun since I moved the snubby out to my car's trunk because I forget to grab a weapon occaisonally when I'm in a hurry.

[forestranger]

I'd heard for years how slick the old M92 action was but never had my hands on anything close til I got the Rossi. After cleaning/lubing and maybe several hundred times levering the action, it is smoother than any lever gun I've ever owned including a 1936 vintage M94, an old M336 & old M94 44mag Marlin. Sights could be better but action supposed to be real stong ( I think Rossi still makes in a 454:eek:) Not a bad little gun for $ IMHO.