Looking to buy a Marlin 1894CB Lever Action to shoot lead casted bullets

[mtscott]

Does anyone know anything about this riffle:

Model 1894 Cowboy
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firear...94_45Colt.aspx

I seen one at the range this weekend and really liked it. It will be used to shoot 38 special and 357 mag. reloads using lead casted bullets.

Is this gun recommended and also what purpose does the octagon barrel serve? I plan on letting my kids shoot this gun so it could see as much as 200-300 rounds shot though it in one given day.

This is the gun I was thinking about getting which is priced at $576.64:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=3138671

Any recommendations or help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[DrakinClaw]

Marlins make some great Lever actions. I myself own a Marlin Model 1936. It is very similar to the one that you pointed out, but coming out a little later down the line it hasa few different features.

Take a look to make sure it ejects from the side not the top, for top ejecting shells...well you can figure why you wouldnt want ejected shells in your face. They are great classics, and will never go out of style. The cal my marlin is chambered in is a 30.30. Plus if you get a original to date marlin, they are fine collector pieces.
Drak

[Frenchy]

That exact model is what I was also thinking of for a rifle, Main reaso is I shoot 38/357 in revolver. I think th eocto is to make it look older, but not 100% sure on that. Henry repeating arms also makes one in 357 called the big boy. If you ever see a cowboy shoot you will see that model a lot. Nice gun in my opinion and should be great for hunting as well.

[crazyyankee]

I have a model 1894 in .357, I love the little thing. It shoots well and is a good rifle to compliment my pistols. The only thing I really don't like is the side loading gate on this type of rifle, it can be a finger pincher. Other than that I have had no problems with it, no matter what reloads I put in it, also being a person who is vertically challenged...lol, I like it because it is even shorter then my Marlin 336CS in 30-30. The one thing I can recommend is if you reload for this rifle and you have a pistol in the same caliber, NEVER reload any rounds for just the rifle, they will get mixed up with your pistol rounds and that can be very hazardous to your health. I reload rounds that are a hot, but safe pistol round and they work great in the rifle. This way no matter what rounds you grab, the pistol won't blow in your face. All and all I would recommend this rifle.

[luckyned7]

I had one in 45longcolt back in my Cowboy Action days. I should have never sold it..too sweet and stylish. Very smooth action and also very accurate. You'll love it.