For myself, the new one would hold the appeal. Simply based on newer materials and potentially higher pressure allowances. Not saying there are any differences, but its just in my mind. Plus, support lasting longer.

But that's my pragmatic side spewing forth

 

The actual vintage of the used Marlin will dictate what's a good deal. JM stamped, Remlins, and the new Ruger produced will be different for most. Did you get any photos? Ruger did a good job on making some improvements over the Remington produced models that are pretty evident on the outside.

 

An old pre-Remington Marlin in good shape for $700 would be coming home with me. Second choice would be a new Ruger made Marlin which for $900 is also a good deal. Third choice would be a Henry.

 

That's exactly how I'd rank them as well.

 

The combination the henry offers with the loading gate and the tube mag does not get the respect it deserves. I have a henry big boy 38-55 and love the tube feed for plinking and for unloading, while the side gate gets the use for the deer stand.

 

I can only speak to the new Rarlin in .357. Get one, you will not be disappointed:

At 25 yards it makes a ragged hole with every round in the tube and feels like a .22. I still don't like the shine on the SS, but I have not been able to bring myself to have it bead blasted to a satin finish yet.

 

Marlin.

 

I'd go the Marlin route ...

 

I have a Remarlin (gasp I know) have to say between the Marlin and Henry it's Marlin all the way. I know people denigrate the Remarlin's but mines been a great gun with no issues. Accurate and fast handling, I'm not a big fan of the crossbolt safety but that can be eliminated. The Marlin just feels more vintage to me, the 1894 Marlin in 357 balance and carries like my Old Winchester 1894 carbine does. It just feels like a vintage lever action. I've played with the Henry's and they are well built firearms but for the same price my money is on a Marlin all the way. They Henry just doesn't have that draw. It's kind of like the Ford vs Chevrolet. They both make a good product but you'll never find a Ford in my driveway. It just feels right, and this is coming from someone who thinks the Winchester 94 is better than a Marlin 336. Pairing my Marlin with a 357 Blackhawk makes for a slick set up in my opinion.

 

Absolutely correct,

I only have two lever guns, a Chiappa 1892 Trapper Carbine in .44, and the Marlin 1894 SBL in .357. While not nearly the tight, smooth fit of the Marln, the Chiappa is not a complete rattle rod. But the Chiappa just does not feel as good in the hand as the Marlin.

 

If it is a pre safety button Marlin, snag it. It is a better rifle.

 

I had a pre rem marlin that was excellent but can’t speak for the newer ones I had several recent Henry’s. 1 that was great. I had another that had to go back because of jamming issues , they sent me a new one but the new one had a canted front sight. I decided to move on at that point.

 

An older JM Marlin, or Henry would be my choice.

 

I have the Henry all weather in 357. love it, heavy enough but not too heavy-sits steady in your hands. Shoots well and smooth as silk. Given a choice, I would have liked a 20" barrel henry in stainless but oh, well. Good prices you quoted-6-8 mons ago when I purchased, there were no marlins to look at but one henry. I have had old marlins before-early 70s and had a winny 94, about 1969, in 44 mag that was really smooth but kicked like a mule since it was so light.

 

I’ll be in the minority. The New Marlin (Ruger) or Henry will still have customer support should the need arise. While I like Henry’s I think the design of the Marlin is better. I would choose the new Marlin

 

Depends on the intended use.
If the intent is SASS fast action cowboy shooting, the Marlin far outshines the Henry.
The Marlin is easily and reliably slicked up for race speed shooting... the Henry is not.

I own a single Henry Frontier 22LR octagon.
Very nicely made, and the slick gunsmiths tell me it is far more suitable for slicking than are the Henry centerfires.

My cowboy rifles are the Remlin 357 and Uberti 1873.
If'n I was to a buy a new rifle, it would be the Ruger Marlin.
Especially if buying a 45-70.

 

Especially if buying a 45-70.

The new Marlin Guide Gun is a nice looking rifle! I want that in .44 Mag

 

.357?

Henry, for me.

A pound heavier, but still light enough to tote and soaks up recoil.

It balances better for me, too.

YMMV

 

In .357? Recoil isn’t really an issue. Just pick your favorite!

OP, I say inspect each individual gun on its own merits. If a Remington made version is made right then it was made right. I always look at the wood to metal fit, if it’s off it would bug me forever or until it split due to bad fit.

 

. What say you fellow members. Are there benefits or advantages to one versus the other?

My real preference for a pistol caliber levergun will always be a version of the 1892, always.
But that is preference. In the real world I also have Marlins and Henrys.
Now as this is not your first levergun rodeo I'm betting you know what they feel like when they are right.
SO EVALUATE THE GUN not the brand or the reputation. I have had old Marlins and Winchesters that were turds. And I currently have a Remlin in 45 colt that is as nice of gun as you could ask for.
Internet wisdom says that cannot be so.
Internet wisdom cannot help you. Only you can evaluate the guns in person.

 

The Remlin 1894CST I used to have was a good shooter but liked to bite the fingers and had a fickle loading gate (even with a RPP flyweight gate). When Remington shut down someone offered me a price I couldn't refuse and off it went. I had a Henry Model X 357 that I just couldn't get decent groups with. I sold it when I had the chance to break even.

I'd go for a new Marlin over a Henry just for the Ruger support. I doubt they offer any warranty service or support for the Remington or JM days.

 

If the Marlin has a JM stamp on the barrel, snatch that thing up. If it has a REP stamp on the barrel, walk away! I have both and the Remlin will be for sale as soon as I can find an older JM stamped one or one of the new Henry’s with both the side loading gate and Tube fed. All I know about the Ruger Marlin is what I’ve read on the forums, and it’s all been positive.

 

New marlin with hammer forged barrel.

 

My 1894 late mode Remlin in 44 mag was a magnificent shooter but the 9 pound trigger was horrible. I have shot two SBL Ruger made carbines and they are very nice. I have two X Models and a fancy brass 30-30 by Henry and they have served me well too. I would rank the Henry third in your scenario but it can still make a very fine firearm for you.

 

Marlins are easily slicked, which is why they are popular for SASS.

I had an F150 trigger on my Ruger 77/22 boat paddle.
Needed an F150 and tow chain to pull that trigger.
Replaced it with a Volquartzen kit, and smooth as silk around 3.5 lbs.

 

+1 both my 77/22s were heavy and a tad crunchy. My Smith worked the worst one over first, a few strokes of a fine stone, a clip off the spring or a replacement. Much easier to shoot well. The heavy trigger was holding me back. The 77/22 AW magnum was done next. It was actually too light for me to feel safe in the woods in cold hands conditions and we went back and changed out the spring for one of intermediate strength. Both guns were made in to shooters with just a touch of a stone, literally a few strokes to take the rudeness off and the spring adjustment. Just stone touch up and spring adjustment. Nothing fancy or expensive.

 

thank you for the responses. was supposed to go the LGS today and to-do list took all afternoon. I'm hoping to go back on Tuesday.

 

Marlin or Henry

ford or chevy?

gee, this is fun!

 

I waffled back and forth when I was shopping, ended up with a Henry all weather big boy in .357
Put a Midwest hand guard and a Holosun 507 on it and have no regrets, it's far more accurate than I am

 

I got one a year ago. Love it, lays nicely in your hands. Had to put a scout 2-7 on it, my 76 yo eyes couldn’t get a red dot to work😂

 

In all this talk of slicking them up for cowboy action, the poor old 1892s are ignored but can be slicked up to run like greased lightning. I have one. The 1892 is not a choice comparable to the Marlin or Henry if scoped hunting is the requirement. If cowboy action is the goal, the 1892 can be a serious contender. My Octagon barreled Rossi 92 pre-safety stainless started life as 20" Hartford (Rossi) short rifle and was customized by a machinist down to 16" and tuned for cowboy action. The thing is a beast and hits 8" steel every time at 100 yards all day long with the open sights. Paid under $500 for it years ago and my younger LE buddy who has shot it begs me to put it in my will for him to get it.

 

In all this talk of slicking them up for cowboy action, the poor old 1892s are ignored but can be slicked up to run like greased lightning. I have one. The 1892 is not a choice comparable to the Marlin or Henry if scoped hunting is the requirement. If cowboy action is the goal, the 1892 can be a serious contender. My Octagon barreled Rossi 92 pre-safety stainless started life as 20" Hartford (Rossi) short rifle and was customized by a machinist down to 16" and tuned for cowboy action. The thing is a beast and hits 8" steel every time at 100 yards all day long with the open sights. Paid under $500 for it years ago and my younger LE buddy who has shot it begs me to put it in my will for him to get it.

View attachment 245146

I bought one a year ago. After replacing every spring and adding a Marbles rear tang peep it's an awesome rifle.

A nice flat gong shooter with 125gr bullets @ 2100fps