Which .357?

[Merlinspop]

Last year I got my GP and I completely love it. In fact, I'm really wanting to get another.357, but I'm struggling with which one. I've narrowed it down to three, each with it's pros and cons. I may eventually end up with all three, so maybe the question is which to get Next.

LCR - I CCW with an LCP, but frankly, I don't like it much, so I'd use that as a trade in (or private sale first). Would probably only use .38s in it, but I wouldn't mind a couple more ounces and the flexibility to go full bore if I wanna.

I see the LCR as a direct substitute for the LCP, but the next two aren't so I'd keep it if I went for either of the next two.

SP - Ive CCWd with a full sized 1911 and the GP, so this would be easier and would handle the .357s better.

Marlin 1894C - I really really want one. I could shoot it at pistol ranges, and could hunt with it at close enough range, and it could be my 8 yr old's first centerfire gun some day.

Hmmmm... So many guns, so little money.

B

 

[sfhogman]

I really likes me SS 4.75" Blackhawk. I'll bet your 8 yr old would like it too.

Jeff

 

[Quattroclick]

Smith Model 13 (or 65 if you must have stainless). It is the best balanced 357 I have ever shot. Better than my Blackhawk or Model 27 Smith, although I really wouldn't want to trade off any of them. 3" barrel guns are out there but few people give them up.

I must admit that I shoot lots and lots of 38 special lead bullet loads and not that many 357 loads. The 13's don't do well with a steady diet of full house 357 loads. That use is better suited to a Ruger.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

All good choices but have you thought about a single-action Blackhawk or New Vaquero??

...Jimbo

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

I really like a Blackhawk myself, but that has nothing to do with your post so....

An 1894c is a poor choice for CC. I've never owned a 1894c, but 1894s are great guns. They tend to have very good factory triggers. I think an SP101 is a nice small/midsize gun and would be a nice sidekick to your LCR. Bottom line, it really is up to you and what you're looking to acheive. Both are nice guns.

 

[maxpress]

it sounds like you want full power from a concealed size. i would go for the 3" sp from your choices but i carry my service six SS 2 3/4 more because it conceals just as easy and im more accurate and it carries six.

 

[gifford]

I have an old model 1894 Marlin .38/.357 Carbine, it's a perfect match for the .38s and .357 revolvers you mentioned as well as the Ruger Blackhawk in the same chambering. It's accurate and realiable, one round for rifle and handgun makes sense to me. Reloading is the best way to enjoy more shooting. G

 

[contender]

While some folks posting are giving you examples of their choices, they aren't addressing what YOUR wishes are.
The LCR in 357 mag is new enough,, and won't be as easily available as other models,, so maybe it can "wait" a bit.
The SP-101 in 357 is a tried & true proven excellent CCW firearm,, and would be a good selection.
The Marlin is also a good choice as it is both popular,, and fun to shoot. Many SASS shooters use them,, and they are desirable. With the changes going on within Marlin,, and their "move" and you have found a marlin 1894,, I'd lean that way. Especially when you already have a GP,, and you don't mind carrying a full sized firearm for CCW.
If you don't have a line on either one,, I would put the $$$ aside,, and start cruising the gun shows, gun shops, pawn shops etc,, looking for either the SP or the Marlin. Let the "deal" decide for you.

 

[Merlinspop]

Contender - I think you're right. While brand spanking new is always nice to have, I think collecting a few C-notes and start looking around is the way to go.

I'll be TDY for work half of next month in Oklahoma. Marlin shopping might make for a good pastime.

B

 

[VAdoublegunner]

If you are considering using it for hunting, or just for long range target shooting and plinking, the Marlin 1894-C is a great choice! I have one and it is very accurate, even with the older microgroove barrel. If you can find one of the new Cowboy Marlins in 357 (good luck, the CAS/SASS folks snap them up!) they have Ballard rifling and shoot cast bullets well. You will likely shoot it often; something about working that action...

The pistol caliber carbines don't heat up as quickly as 30-30s tend to do, so you can fire more shots in a string. Plus, with a decent 180 gr handload, the 357 out of a Marlin can deliver some *really* impressive ballistics for hunting. Especially one of the Cowboy models with a longer barrel. And, with any 125gr HP 357 load it is a devastating HD option.

If a smaller carry option is what you want, or a really decent trail gun, then the SP101 is also hard to beat, especially with a 3" barrel.

Of course, if you get a Marlin then you will really need a Blackhawk in .357 to go with it, now won't you?

 

[EarlFH]

While some folks posting are giving you examples of their choices, they aren't addressing what YOUR wishes are.
The LCR in 357 mag is new enough,, and won't be as easily available as other models,, so maybe it can "wait" a bit.
The SP-101 in 357 is a tried & true proven excellent CCW firearm,, and would be a good selection.
The Marlin is also a good choice as it is both popular,, and fun to shoot. Many SASS shooters use them,, and they are desirable. With the changes going on within Marlin,, and their "move" and you have found a marlin 1894,, I'd lean that way. Especially when you already have a GP,, and you don't mind carrying a full sized firearm for CCW.
If you don't have a line on either one,, I would put the $$$ aside,, and start cruising the gun shows, gun shops, pawn shops etc,, looking for either the SP or the Marlin. Let the "deal" decide for you.

Move????
Can you elaborate more on that subject? I hadn't heard about that, other than they had been bought by another American company.

EarlFH

 

[CanonLyles]

Contender - I think you're right. While brand spanking new is always nice to have, I think collecting a few C-notes and start looking around is the way to go.

I'll be TDY for work half of next month in Oklahoma. Marlin shopping might make for a good pastime.

B

What part of OK?

 

[Merlinspop]

Earl - The parent company announced a bit ago that they were closing the Marlin plant in CT. Production is moving to NY.

CL - McAlester, OK

 

[Merlinspop]

Earl - The parent company announced a bit ago that they were closing the Marlin plant in CT. Production is moving to NY.

CL - McAlester, OK

 

[CanonLyles]

Ok. I'm west of there. Next to TX

 

[EarlFH]

Earl - The parent company announced a bit ago that they were closing the Marlin plant in CT. Production is moving to NY.

CL - McAlester, OK

That doesn't sound good either. I'm originally from N.Y., and it's the most backward State there is, as far as guns are concerned. I was indoctrinated as a kid, that guns could actually hypnotise you, and make you kill people!!! Fortunately, it didn't work on me. I guess that's the sign of a weak mind.

EarlFH

 

[REP1954]

Merlinspop, you never say what model GP100 you have that might help sway me towards a decision. But for me the fact you say you will end up with all three of your choices and you have one handgun now I would get the 1894 next.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

That Marlin 1894 is a sweet rifle. And they really make the 357 come into it's own. What a great partner to ride the range with.

 

[DGW1949]

While some folks posting are giving you examples of their choices, they aren't addressing what YOUR wishes are.
The LCR in 357 mag is new enough,, and won't be as easily available as other models,, so maybe it can "wait" a bit.
The SP-101 in 357 is a tried & true proven excellent CCW firearm,, and would be a good selection.
The Marlin is also a good choice as it is both popular,, and fun to shoot. Many SASS shooters use them,, and they are desirable. With the changes going on within Marlin,, and their "move" and you have found a marlin 1894,, I'd lean that way. Especially when you already have a GP,, and you don't mind carrying a full sized firearm for CCW.
If you don't have a line on either one,, I would put the $$$ aside,, and start cruising the gun shows, gun shops, pawn shops etc,, looking for either the SP or the Marlin. Let the "deal" decide for you.

+1.

DGW

 

[Merlinspop]

Merlinspop, you never say what model GP100 you have that might help sway me towards a decision. But for me the fact you say you will end up with all three of your choices and you have one handgun now I would get the 1894 next.

Mine is the 4" blued model. Love it!

 

[Merlinspop]

Merlinspop, you never say what model GP100 you have that might help sway me towards a decision. But for me the fact you say you will end up with all three of your choices and you have one handgun now I would get the 1894 next.

Mine is the 4" blued model. Love it!