I was at the candy store last week (LGS) and really don't need a gun right now. However, I was interested in a lever action in .357. I have a single shot Henry in .357 and it shoots well. On the rack was a used Marlin at $700+. The new one was $900+. The used one does look like the new models and showed little use. The new Henry in .357 was also in the $700+ range. I was leaning toward the used Marlin. I have three Henry levers and satisfied with fit finish and accuracy. What say you fellow members. Are there benefits or advantages to one versus the other?
Marlin or Henry
Rugerfan57
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3,143 Posts
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.
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2,469 Posts
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.
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.
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520 Posts
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.
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.
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2,612 Posts
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.
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39 Posts
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.
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39 Posts
+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.
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180 Posts
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
Put a Midwest hand guard and a Holosun 507 on it and have no regrets, it's far more accurate than I am
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2,797 Posts
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.
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68 Posts
Leverguns are like whiskey you have to find your flavor, I own the big 3 names in various calibers and all in .357mag and I prefer Henry because for me I like the feel and smooth handling and that they are completely made in the U.S.A.
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240 Posts
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😂
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1,559 Posts
I have three lever guns, a Henry .22 mag, a Henry Big Boy All Weather .45 Colt, and a Winchester Big Bore 94 in .375 Winchester. The .375 has put a lot of meat in my freezer over the years, but it has outlived its usefulness because I don’t hunt those 100 yards and less distances anymore. Nevertheless, it will never leave my safe until I kick out, then will go to my son. The .22 mag kills everything I point it at, just a great gun. I had a Model 9422M and the Henry far surpasses it in accuracy. The .45 Colt I got in a trade and aside from rescoping it, I haven’t done much with it yet. After deer season is over, I’ll develop some loads for it that are accurate, hopefully, because it will make a great close range hog gun. To answer the OP’s question, either choice is a good one. Nothing wrong with a Marlin, they have a great history, excepting the troubles they had when they were in transition, and I don’t know for a fact that they are not good guns. I have no doubt that Ruger is making even better guns than Marlin did, they have to, because the shooting world is watching.
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
This past May, I ordered myself a couple of rifles for my birthday.
The Ruger Marlin 1894 44Mag arrived in pristine condition.
The Ruger Marlin 1894 357Mag, well, this greeted me when I opened the box.
![Image]()
Cost me about $90, with insurance, to return rifle to the Canadian Warranty Depot. Ruger replaced, but it took 2.5 months.
I've got a couple of levers, 10 Marlins 25-20, 30-30, 308Me, 32Spl, 35Rem, 2x 357/38, 2x 44Mag & 444, 1 Rossi R92 357/38 & 1 Henry 22lr & only have it because a good used Marlin 39 costs to much.
My 1894's
Ruger Marlin 1894 357/38
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Remington Marlin 1894 357/38
Ruger Marlin 1894 44Mag
![Image]()
Remington Marlin 1894 44Mag
My only complaint now is springs, IMO the Ruger lever plunger springs are a way over powered. It's hard to hold rifle on your shoulder while cycling the action. I've got the spring kits just haven't had time to swap them out. My Remington Marlins 1894's have the same spring kit installed in them.
I can swap the RPP medium loop lever back and forth between the Remington Marlin 357 & 44 rifles. When I looked this spring, RPP had a notice on their site, that their medium loop levers for the Ruger Marlins levers aren't swapable.
The Ruger Marlin 1894 44Mag arrived in pristine condition.
The Ruger Marlin 1894 357Mag, well, this greeted me when I opened the box.
Cost me about $90, with insurance, to return rifle to the Canadian Warranty Depot. Ruger replaced, but it took 2.5 months.
I've got a couple of levers, 10 Marlins 25-20, 30-30, 308Me, 32Spl, 35Rem, 2x 357/38, 2x 44Mag & 444, 1 Rossi R92 357/38 & 1 Henry 22lr & only have it because a good used Marlin 39 costs to much.
My 1894's
Ruger Marlin 1894 357/38
Remington Marlin 1894 357/38
Ruger Marlin 1894 44Mag
Remington Marlin 1894 44Mag
My only complaint now is springs, IMO the Ruger lever plunger springs are a way over powered. It's hard to hold rifle on your shoulder while cycling the action. I've got the spring kits just haven't had time to swap them out. My Remington Marlins 1894's have the same spring kit installed in them.
I can swap the RPP medium loop lever back and forth between the Remington Marlin 357 & 44 rifles. When I looked this spring, RPP had a notice on their site, that their medium loop levers for the Ruger Marlins levers aren't swapable.
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3,143 Posts
I have never understood where that "heavier" thing comes from.
If you compare same caliber, same barrel profile and same length they are within ounces of each other.
I think sometimes guys are comparing a brass framed octagon barreled one to a steel round barrel or somesuch.
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