Marlin or Henry?

[Hip's Ax]

Greetings, not being a lever rifle fellow (yet) I figured it was best to get guidance from the experts. One day I mean to venture into the game of Cowboy Action. I have already (a few years ago) bought a pair of Ruger Vaquero's and a year or so ago I ran into a Winchester 97 12 ga. This leave me still needing a pistol caliber lever rifle. Since there is no rush and I can watch out for/save for a lever rifle I wish to buy American. With Winchester being gone it appears that this leaves Marlin and Henry. I figure 38 Special/357 Magnum is the way to go but which brand? Marlin or Henry?

[6pt-sika]

Marlin without a doubt

[gon2shoot]

Marlin hands down

[Morgan Astorbilt]

Win '73 or 66 clone. Then you can get a short link kit if you really want to speed up the action. I use one, in .38-40, along with an original Marlin 94 (made in 1894) in the same caliber, and a Rossi '92 in .45LC. Of the three, the tricked out '73 is the fastest, followed by the Marlin, and then the 92. The '92 has the strongest action, followed by the Marlin. The toggle link '73, isn't made for hot loads, the way the '92 is. In the '92, in addition to light Cowboy loads, I load a 250g. bullet, ahead of 10.5gr. Unique, for long range(100yd.) Buffalo shoots.
Morgan

[Doc Highwall]

I vote for Marlin. I had this one made up in 38spl with a pistol grip. Just ordered a Marbles tang sight today for it, planing to use Lee's 158grRFN boolit.

[Muddy Creek Sam]

Marlin, 73, 66. 92, or 94. Not the Henry copy of nothing for SASS or CAS.

Sam

[Hip's Ax]

OK, since its almost unanimous I'll plan a Marlin. Is this the one I want? Thanks!

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firear...894_45Colt.asp

[Doc Highwall]

Yes that is the one.

[Hip's Ax]

Thank You!!

[Throckmorton]

The Marlin's can be tuned to be very very nice shooters. One of my cas pards let me use his one day,and all it takes is 3 fingers to operate the lever,leaving the thumb along side the tang. berry berry nice !!

[EDK]

Go to lasc.us and read Glenn Fryxell's article on 357-44-45 Long Colt in 1894 Marlins.

Since you're not in a big rush, look over the auctions and forum classifieds and you might find a used one with 24 inch octagon barrel. (The Marlin web site reference was a little confusing...I am assuming you want a .357.) I'm looking for a clean 24 inch octagon 357...saw a NIB 20 inch for about $600 awhile back...but I'll continue looking for another six months or so.

[6pt-sika]

If after getting your Marlin 1894 in 357 you decide you would like a Henry as well .

I would suggest you opt for one of the "original" Henry's from back in the 1860's with the brass frame and chambered in 44 rimfire

But then a decent original is most likely gonna set you back about $6,500 or MORE

[Slow Elk 45/70]

Hey, it's hard to beat a marlin lever in what ever cal. you like for cowboy shooting or hunting... or just shooting cans... a brass frame henery might look ok at a shoot, but looks don't win shoots or put meat in the freezer..

Long time Marlin shooter...S.L. 45/70

[Morgan Astorbilt]

Since you're talking about Cowboy Action, the best(fastest) rifle for this sport is what you want. A majority of the fastest shooters use a toggle link action with a short stroke kit. This means a Winchester or clone. It's not the "best" all-around rifle, but then, a Vaquero, old or new, isn't a Super Blackhawk, either, but much better than one for Cowboy Action. Why not check out what the top shooters are using?
Morgan