Marlin 1894 CB Mk1 vs Mk2 Differences

[Itskeith]

Hi everyone,

Hopefully SimG and Ovenpaa will chip in, but everyone else feel free to do so.

Thinking of getting a (JM) Marlin 1894 CB .357/.38 for Underlever comps …

Questions:
- having difficulty finding any info out between the Mk1 and Mk2. What are the differences please?
- the (JM) Marlin CB .357 / .38’s seem expensive at £1k ish (yikes) and a new Ruger – Marlin is not that much more money (not that I want to buy new). Where would you spend your money?
- are the lower quality (apparently) Remmy-Marlins that bad? Or can they come up pretty good with a polish etc?

Cheers.
Keith

[Mattnall]

The Remlin thing is a bit of a myth. Yes some of the early ones had some slight finish issues, but then the last few years of the Marlin production did too. I guess they weren't going to upgrade the worn out machinery as the company was failing, and Remington inherited this.
Most Marlins benefit from a spring change anyway, so then much of the problems disappear.

Don't know about a Mk1/Mk2 thing. Some have the straight stock and some have a pistol grip.

[Mattnall]

When I say 'myth', I think I mean 'a bit exagerated'.

[bradaz11]

I'd spend my money on an uberti 1873, marlins are horrible clunky things

[Itskeith]

Thanks Guys and much appreciated.

Good to now that the Remmy - Marlin can go back on the list.

Will shoot a few more different types when i get the chance before jumping in.

Cheers.

[Mattnall]

If you want to shoot gallery rifle comps, especially in Classic class, most of the offerings from many manufacturers will do. The Marlin allows for an easy scope placement, but until my eyes require the fitting of one I will liberally condemn anyone who puts a scope on these fine old designs.
Besides, there are great peep sight designs in keeping with the period design to give me a few more years of 'Classic' shooting.

The other reason to go for something like a Marlin over the other makes is the round count - although most matches are a maximum of six shots per stage (or before a mandatory reload) the E-League especially is based on a 10-round stage.

Other than that a good Winchester or Uberti, Henry or other would do nicely.

[Itskeith]

Hi Mattnall,

Won't be putting a scope on it

Managed at last to find an answer. Link here in case it's of use or of interest to anyone.

https://www.marlinowners.com/threads/hi ... oy.194632/


Cheers.

[Mattnall]

Won't be putting a scope on it

Good man.

Thanks for the link, very interesting.
It updates the lists in my copy of Lt. Col. Brophy's book on the Marlin.

[channel12]

Being able to mount a scope is the one advantage of a Marlin, the other advantage is the ability to easily clean the rifle from the breech end as the bolt can be slipped out.

In America there is now another lever gun option, the Smith & Wesson 1857 however it may not get imported into UK. The 1857 date is a nod to Smith & Wesson's Volcanic lever action pistol firing rocket ball ammunition.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcanic_Repeating_Arms

[Itskeith]

Thanks for the information