kgb
10-19-2012, 03:03 PM
Do you prefer a straight grip or pistol grip on your 20" 1894 Marlin? I think I like the SG.
I missed out on the 1894S and Cowboy Marlins in .41Mag but was ready when they came out with the 1894FG. I'd gone to a local shop and tried PG and SG versions of 1894s in .44/.45; honestly, by picking them up and closing my eyes/shouldering each they all lined up and the grip felt right. The 1894FG was the one I could buy and it being my only 1894 I find not much wrong with it (after installing a Wild West Trigger Happy kit and smoothing out the bolt). With a Williams sight or scope I've shot several deer with it and about any loading is fine. 265gr Cast Performance rounds loaded up were the only kickers, and at that, the gun just bucked upward a little (I also managed to unlock the lever sometimes shooting those).
Recently I found an 1894S on the used gun shelf locally and bought it. Gotta say the smooth stock finish and lack of bulk makes it nicer to handle. Lack of swivels means no slinging, but I think overall I like the minimalist approach. Trigger will need replaced/reworked, and the Trigger Happy from my 1894FG would not fit through the S's trigger plate so I'll have to buy new.
I've shot a few loads through the 1894S, they were acceptable especially the XTP round I like in my 1894FG. From all I can tell there is nothing different between the two versions regarding barrel/construction/etc., except the stocks and trigger plates. Beyond the feel of the smoother/thinner stock, to me a straight grip looks a little more appropriate than a pistol grip with a short barreled gun like this. For a 336 or similar gun with a 24" barrel a pg looks proper.
One other thing on the 1894S, the bolt is not absolutely flush with the surface of the receiver. It protrudes just a little, as if it wasn't fitted properly or is the wrong bolt. A couple times, cycling empty cases, it has failed to pick out a case, and I wonder if the extractor is also a bit out of line, not grabbing the case very well. It might just need a beefier/new spring to grip just a little bit better.
Kirk
I missed out on the 1894S and Cowboy Marlins in .41Mag but was ready when they came out with the 1894FG. I'd gone to a local shop and tried PG and SG versions of 1894s in .44/.45; honestly, by picking them up and closing my eyes/shouldering each they all lined up and the grip felt right. The 1894FG was the one I could buy and it being my only 1894 I find not much wrong with it (after installing a Wild West Trigger Happy kit and smoothing out the bolt). With a Williams sight or scope I've shot several deer with it and about any loading is fine. 265gr Cast Performance rounds loaded up were the only kickers, and at that, the gun just bucked upward a little (I also managed to unlock the lever sometimes shooting those).
Recently I found an 1894S on the used gun shelf locally and bought it. Gotta say the smooth stock finish and lack of bulk makes it nicer to handle. Lack of swivels means no slinging, but I think overall I like the minimalist approach. Trigger will need replaced/reworked, and the Trigger Happy from my 1894FG would not fit through the S's trigger plate so I'll have to buy new.
I've shot a few loads through the 1894S, they were acceptable especially the XTP round I like in my 1894FG. From all I can tell there is nothing different between the two versions regarding barrel/construction/etc., except the stocks and trigger plates. Beyond the feel of the smoother/thinner stock, to me a straight grip looks a little more appropriate than a pistol grip with a short barreled gun like this. For a 336 or similar gun with a 24" barrel a pg looks proper.
One other thing on the 1894S, the bolt is not absolutely flush with the surface of the receiver. It protrudes just a little, as if it wasn't fitted properly or is the wrong bolt. A couple times, cycling empty cases, it has failed to pick out a case, and I wonder if the extractor is also a bit out of line, not grabbing the case very well. It might just need a beefier/new spring to grip just a little bit better.
Kirk