Elgin gun show...sneaking home a marlin

[mpbarry1]

I have been looking for a Marlin 32-20 for a while now. I was up at the range yesterday trying to solve my 45 feeding problem and met a local guy shooting an old winchester. We visited for a while and i told him i wanted a 32-20 in a Marlin. He just happened to have one. Wanted 1100 for it. I smiled and thought way too much.

He was at the gun show today and it was sitting there. on the table. A 1902 octogon barrel. Some light pitting on the reciever. It was nice. Dangit.

I put a bore light in it and it was not shinny but not pitted either. Actually pretty good. Dangit.

I walked around and saw a micro groove early 80s for 800. Then i saw a 1911 marlin 32-20 for 2300 bucks! Same gun!

Our sherriff captain walked over and i showed him the bore. He growned that 'you better buy that or im going to' sound. I put some money down after that. No sure i got hurt but it should shoot. I will post some pics when i get them.

[TXGunNut]

Sounds like you did well, looking forward to the pics. [smilie=w: You had an extra rifle case in the car, right?

[bbqncigars]

Better put in an order with Starline for some of their brass. I hope that your 32-20 is as accurate as my Marlin 25-20 and gives you as much fun as I get from mine. Good score!

[mpbarry1]

Here it is. It is the one in the middle on the table. I need to get him some more $ before I get my hands on it. The smart arssed kid is a the state cop's boy. (pretty good kid).

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_185834f6e8781213b0.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=4561)

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_185834f6e87b752eac.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=4562)

I'm wondering about a mold for this one. Do ya think I will need a ranch dog would work? Will i need a gas check mold? I saw ranch dog was pushing those at near 2000 FPS. so I'm wondering about loads also. their loads are for much newer 1894CL rifles. So, I'm thinking this lovely old lady should be treated much gentler. Advice would be appreciated.

[Larry Gibson]

Our sherriff captain walked over and i showed him the bore. He growned that 'you better buy that or im going to' sound.

Goes to show it's best not to trust Craig when he mutters like that...........

Larry Gibson

[mpbarry1]

True Larry. he is a gun dealers friend. LMAO. He was genuniely happy for me. (I think). :)

[Newtire]

Here it is. It is the one in the middle on the table. I need to get him some more $ before I get my hands on it. The smart arssed kid is a the state cop's boy. (pretty good kid).

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_185834f6e8781213b0.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=4561)

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_185834f6e87b752eac.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=4562)

I'm wondering about a mold for this one. Do ya think I will need a ranch dog would work? Will i need a gas check mold? I saw ranch dog was pushing those at near 2000 FPS. so I'm wondering about loads also. their loads are for much newer 1894CL rifles. So, I'm thinking this lovely old lady should be treated much gentler. Advice would be appreciated.

I would definitely keep the loads on the light side if it's anything like my 1889. I have lots of fun using the 311316 gas checked mould. I got the Ranch Dog later and It is a real beaut also. Don't have my loads on this computer but went with Paco kelly's advice on this class of rifle. I like that .32-20 round.

I am going to the range thursday and shoot up several hundred of those rounds. I 've got thousands of rounds I loaded in California but now I will get a chance to shoot some of them. I got my brass directly from Starline. No difference in price and usually faster delivery. I wouldn't even waste my time on any other brass for the .32-20 after trying the Starline stuff.

[missionary5155]

Good morning
You will not regret a 32-20. Been hauling a 1873 Win 32-20 through the ditches and wood lines for many years popping groundhogs and other varmits. Out to 50 yards they make sweet music. Never have had a much further shot as to the type of hunting I do.
I like the flat nose about 115 grainers. They make a definate "thawp" on target. Shoulder or head shot on a 35 pound + groundhog with those flat nosers and they will not scamper for a hole. 4.5 grains Unique take care of me just fine. Check your throat diameter and fill that up. My 73 needs a .315+ to shoot well.
I liked the cartrige so much I turned a 357 DW into a 32-20. Same frame so just needed a cylinder and custom barrel made.
Mike in Peru