Lever or bolt action 357

[nixpap]

Im thinking of buying a rifle in 38/357. Im looking hard at the Ruger 38/357 bolt action and am also considering a lever action in a similar price range. This would be for plinking and or maybe hunting(doubtful).I will be shooting my home cast from WW boolits. Any thoughts on one vs the other? Thanks in advance. nixpap

[danthman114]

my nephew has a rossi 357/38 and it doesnt feed the 38 rounds for some reason...
im going to get the same thing but in 45colt...

[crawfobj]

I have both, and I'd be hard pressed to decide between them. I shoot my Marlin 1894c a little more, mostly with my bulk .38 spl cast loads. It's an absolute blast to shoot and really hard on turtles. (It's pretty much my .22lr substitute these days.)

[sghart3578]

I love my 1894CS. It is accurate as heck with the right cast bullets. It is slick, dependable, light and has enough power to get the job done.

Having said that I am fascinated by the Ruger bolt action 357. I guess you will have to buy both.

To get an idea of the accuracy potential of the Marlin here are three targets fired with a 180 gr WFN bullet from a NOE mold.


128862128863128864

[Surculus]

I can work a bolt action faster [since it doesn't require removing it from the shoulder like a lever does] and the exchangeable rotary mag in the Ruger makes reloading [preloading, when you think about it] quicker. So for me it's a no brainer, unless I was specifically looking for a firearm that would be usable for CAS or some-such. As an "only" gun, the bolt action is probably the smart choice, but there's a lot to be said for the historical connection & feeling like a kid playing "cowboys and rustlers" again of the lever action! ;)

[knifemaker]

I have a Rossi 92 in 357/38 special and it is very accurate and will feed both 357 and 38 sp. I even tried some 38 full wadcutters that was seated flush with the case mouth and it fed them with no problems.

[dragon813gt]

Why doubtful about hunting w/ one?
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa39/dragon813gt/Firearms/7DD280AF-E3B9-4D85-90DB-BDC72A685BFA-2609-000001932A05D742.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/dragon813gt/media/Firearms/7DD280AF-E3B9-4D85-90DB-BDC72A685BFA-2609-000001932A05D742.jpg.html)

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa39/dragon813gt/Firearms/D4B74BE2-B90A-4EE6-A303-771740BE3987-8997-000006F3CC3D378F_zps8cfd886c.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/dragon813gt/media/Firearms/D4B74BE2-B90A-4EE6-A303-771740BE3987-8997-000006F3CC3D378F_zps8cfd886c.jpg.html)

Know your range limitations and you're good to go :)

[sghart3578]

I can work a bolt action faster [since it doesn't require removing it from the shoulder like a lever does] and the exchangeable rotary mag in the Ruger makes reloading [preloading, when you think about it] quicker. So for me it's a no brainer, unless I was specifically looking for a firearm that would be usable for CAS or some-such. As an "only" gun, the bolt action is probably the smart choice, but there's a lot to be said for the historical connection & feeling like a kid playing "cowboys and rustlers" again of the lever action! ;)

I cycle through the 10 rounds in my Marlin without taking the gun down or removing my eyes from the target. The Marlin action is very slick and will put out a very high rate of fire. On the other hand, reloading can be cumbersome.

[John Allen]

I have a short barrel Marlin and it is great. I also have a Timberwolf pump which is even more fun.

[nixpap]

I handled the Henry and the Marlin today. Loved the Henry's fit and finish. The weight was not as light as the Marlin of course, but the Marlin was easier to Handle. Fit and finish looked good too. No gaps anywhere. The sights on the Henry were not for me .The Marlin sights did seem easier for me. The Henry had a little smoother action. The Remlins action was fine too. No clunky crunch or anything like I have noticed from other makers.

[Jeff Michel]

I have both, like my Marlin, it's a great shooter but worry about it getting it beat up while hunting. For handling and accuracy the 77/357 beats it every time I like the stainless aspect but my that stock....... I did find out that Boyds does make a replacement so if you abhor synthetic stocks, you have an option.

[Idaho Mule]

I've had my Marlin 1894cs for several years now and it is a great shooter. It is one that I will never get rid of. However, I would LOVE to own one of the new Ruger 77/357's. A fellow member here (rockshooter) allowed me to shoot the one he owned at NCBS awhile back and I just loved the little bolt rifle. I truly think that little Ruger would be equally as fun as my Marlin is. I am on the hunt for one. My answer would be to just get both and be happy. JW

[pull the trigger]

You can keep a lever action magazine topped off like a shotgun alot easier then the mag in a bolt action. And no matter what repeating rifle you are shooting, you should be able to keep it shouldered. Love my levers but the bolt may be more forgiving with different length and style boolits

[targetfreak]

One should be aware that a tubular-magazine fed lever rifle can be picky about which bullets it likes. My Henry .357 doesn't like semi-wadcutters, and prefers flat-roundnose bullets. The Ruger is fed from a box magazine which results in a less-finicky diet of bullet types. I wish that Ruger would introduce a lever-type with a box mag. instead of tubular. If anyone can do it, it's Ruger.

[GhostHawk]

Actually my choice was a H&R Single shot!

Should arrive thursday. :)

[Fishman]

One should be aware that a tubular-magazine fed lever rifle can be picky about which bullets it likes. My Henry .357 doesn't like semi-wadcutters, and prefers flat-roundnose bullets. The Ruger is fed from a box magazine which results in a less-finicky diet of bullet types. I wish that Ruger would introduce a lever-type with a box mag. instead of tubular. If anyone can do it, it's Ruger.

Well they did, and it was really nice, and they discontinued it. My dad had one but unfortunately traded it away.

[Lonegun1894]

I would vote for the Rossi 92 in .357 Mag. I love mine all around. Having said that, I have read of quality control issues, so inspect carefully before buying, but I heard the same about Remlins too. I have seen a couple bad Remlins, and 1 bad Rossi 92, but that wouldn't, and hasn't stopped me from buying both when I had the chance to inspect before buying.

[Nicholas]

Well they did, and it was really nice, and they discontinued it. My dad had one but unfortunately traded it away.

We both agree it was not a smart move.

It was in 44 Mag. Years ago I had a hammerless lever in 30 carbine, a Marlin as I recall and it was accurate and a hoot to shoot. Gave it away to a family member, and regret that too.

[wrench man]

The only actions faster than a lever are semi auto's, if you're taking a lever rifle off of your shoulder to cycle it, you need to learn how to shoot a lever gun.:confused:
I have a Marlin 1894C, pre CBS, never even tried to see if it would cycle 38's??, my 1894 44 Mag won't cycle 44 Specials to save it's life!?, it's been fed a steady diet of 158grn jacketed ammo, the sights suck?, I have a Lyman LA66 to put on it, that should make a fine shooter out of it!

[clum553946]

I wonder if Ruger will ever make the 77 in 357 maximum? i'd be all over that! Have a Marlin 94 in 357 mag & love shooting it!

[wlc]

I wonder if Ruger will ever make the 77 in 357 maximum? i'd be all over that! Have a Marlin 94 in 357 mag & love shooting it!

That would be FUN!!!

[Dusty Ed]

Howdy Surculu
I SHOOT CAS We never let the lever action rifle leave the shoulder.
We meaning all Cowboy Action Shooters Average 7 seconds for 10 shots ,the record was 2.04 seconds for 10 shots hitting the target
I think it maybe a shade lower now.
How fast did you say you could shoot that bolt gun.
Dusty Ed;)

[Love Life]

I've had both. That being said here are my thoughts:

Lever 357: Fast enough to reload and a higher rate of fire than the bolt action. More peculiar about bullet type. Accuracy was generally good, but really shined with some bullet /load combos.

Ruger 357/77: Magazine a pain to get out, only holds 5 rds. Accurate enough depending on bullet type with it have a definite preference for WFN and RN designs. My favorite load for this rifle was the Lee 125 RF over 5 GR unique in 38 special brass. A real shoot all day load that stayed in 2 1/2 inches at 100 yds and penetrated a 1 1/2 inch book at 100 yds with no issues. It really wreaked havoc on bunnies.

All that said, I'd take the lever over the bolt action any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

[Fishman]

We both agree it was not a smart move.

Don't be so hard on yourself. I'm sure you traded for something good. It also makes up for any number of good deals you've come across in the past. Somebody else is happy with it I'm sure.

Edit: But while we are wishing, how about that original .41 mag Marlin. I'd bet it would shoot now what with all the castboolit learning we have.

[Kestrel4k]

My vote is for the 77/357, I have a Marlin 336T in .44Mag which I do like, but for overall usefulness I'll take my 77 any day.

It feeds anything from A-Zoom 38Spl aluminum snap caps to 38Spl SWC's to 180gr Buffalo Bore LFN .357's perfectly, rifle upside down, sideways, whatever.
(I haven't tried true WC's since I like to try to solve problems I already have rather than to create new ones, lol.)

With the original plastic stock I could get handloads into 1/2" at 50 yds (5-shot groups).
(Cheap .38Spl factory loads run from 1" to almost 3" depending on mfr - it definitely likes lead over FMJ), but now that it's bedded into a Boyd's laminate I'm hoping for better.

[georgerkahn]

I have the privilege of owning two Marlins, and love 'em both -- BUT, need to offer a wee bit of very friendly advice: One is a S/n 21,049,xxx " .357 Magnum" Model 1894; my other is Model 1894CB, S/n 03028xxx labeled ".38special/.357 Magnum". My younger son & I went to range with (just) .38 S&W Special fodder -- and I got but one shot from the .357 Magnum labeled Marlin. (I stupidly assumed .38S&W Specials would work...)
BOTH are great rifles, and noting your quest I thought perhaps, should you elect to acquire one of these -- to note that the early models, labeled .357 Magnum, will NOT operate without a jam requiring professional gunsmithing if you feed a .38Sp in it.
Good luck in your quest -- I've seen many brands at range, and they all seem great!
BEST!
georgerkahn

[TXGunNut]

Before I read that old 77-357 thread awhile back I'd have gone for the levergun without hesitation. As much as I love leverguns I'd probably still pass on the 77 but it's a pretty cool gun.

[trapper9260]

I say that if you can shoot a bolt faster then a lever then go with that but if you can go with the lever then stick with it.I have bolt and levers and each have it own use.I have rossi and marlin and rem .Like was stated that a tube is more picky on type of bullets you shoot then a bolt.it is all about what you want to do with it.Tube because you do not want the rounds fire the one ahead of it in the tube when you fire one in the chamber.Bolt you do not worry about that.So it is bullet style you will use in a tube.

[bikerbeans]

Any functional 357 rifle or revolver of any kind is never a mistake in my book.

BB

[Blammer]

don't forget, not everyone has the long arms required to keep a levergun shouldered and still be able to run the lever.

[TXGunNut]

Any functional 357 rifle or revolver of any kind is never a mistake in my book.

BB

Excellent point!

[dikman]

Bolt actions are so...ordinary. There's something about a lever.........

[wrench man]

don't forget, not everyone has the long arms required to keep a levergun shouldered and still be able to run the lever.

If they can shoot it they can run the lever without taking it from the shoulder.
The lever is operated with the fingers, not the arm, I barely even move my thumb from the wrist of the stock when cycling the lever.

[tdoyka]

Bolt actions are so...ordinary. There's something about a lever.........

he's soooo right. levers are extra-ordinary!!!
but i would go with a tc encore with 357 rem maxium

[Doc holmes]

I have a rossi 92 in 357. I bought it in stainless 24 in octogon barrel. It's a great shooter, and has smoothed action, so shoots fast (bought it for cas, should have bought a shorter lighter one). It's a great looking gun and turns heads at the range. I picked up a ruger 77 in 357 and I'm going to wind up with both, probably three when I buy a shorter lever gun (will probably buy that one in 45lc so I don't look stupid).

[ClemY]

I cycle through the 10 rounds in my Marlin without taking the gun down or removing my eyes from the target. The Marlin action is very slick and will put out a very high rate of fire. On the other hand, reloading can be cumbersome.

I have 3 Marlin lever guns in .357; a 24" Cowboy, an 18" 94C and a 16" 94C SS LTD. The Cowboy is the slickest because I use it the most (for CAS). If you want to see someone work a lever gun, without taking it down from the shoulder, and getting 300 ms. splits, watch a good CAS shooter.

[Geezer in NH]

I have both, like my Marlin, it's a great shooter but worry about it getting it beat up while hunting. For handling and accuracy the 77/357 beats it every time I like the stainless aspect but my that stock....... I did find out that Boyds does make a replacement so if you abhor synthetic stocks, you have an option.

Beat up?? it's called character. Want to keep it awesome looking buy it keep it in the box it came in in a controlled environment safe, or use it like it was meant to.

This is the same as the so called restoring a rifle to new. *** the wear is HISTORY like lets restore the Constitution so it looks new. Wear on the rifle is it's history and is Important.