henry vs marlin
- Thread starter stew
- Start date
mastermind
CGN Regular
- Location
- SW Ontario
In the price range you're considering, Marlin reigns supreme!
handofzeus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Trout Creekish Ontario.
I have several of both and as much as I love my Henry's I find the sighting hard to get used to especially after shouldering a Marlin. The receiver seems to be longer when acquiring the rear sight picture. The Marlins just seem more 'natural' to sight.
I owned a Henry steel 18" barrel 45-70. Sold it to fund the new Marlin Trapper 16" barrel 45-70. For me it was VERY IMPORTANT to hand pick a Marlin. Go over it with a "fine tooth comb". From fit and finish, canted front sight, barrel droop and overall smoothness of the action. I waited a while before finding a newer Marlin I was happy with.
I completely disassembled the Marlin and smoothed all the internals including the trigger and this Marlin is very slick and smooth. Trigger pull is the same just nice and smooth.
Having tried both I do prefer the side gate over the tube fed but it's not a deal breaker.... if Henry starts producing Trapper models I would sell this Marlin and go back to Henry.
At 50 yards and under I do actually like shooting with ghost ring sights over the semi buckhorn. Fast and ,for me, natural sight picture and acquisition. No problems hitting 8" metal plates at that distance.
Now I have two Cabin rifles I can pick from... eeny meeny miny moe....
I completely disassembled the Marlin and smoothed all the internals including the trigger and this Marlin is very slick and smooth. Trigger pull is the same just nice and smooth.
Having tried both I do prefer the side gate over the tube fed but it's not a deal breaker.... if Henry starts producing Trapper models I would sell this Marlin and go back to Henry.
At 50 yards and under I do actually like shooting with ghost ring sights over the semi buckhorn. Fast and ,for me, natural sight picture and acquisition. No problems hitting 8" metal plates at that distance.
Now I have two Cabin rifles I can pick from... eeny meeny miny moe....
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Older Marlins (JM Stamped) are far superior to any henry. Not sure about the newer ones only the bad reports from others. The Browning BLR is up there also. I believe the tubular mag is a big downfall of the Henry also the quality of the finish (wood and Metal)is just not there. JM Marlin will hold and go up in value also..
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If you hunt and have to empty your magazine every evening then the Henry is the best and safest.For carrying in the bush or dogging weight wise Winchester model 94 is king.For looks,pride in ownership,accuracy,best customer service,unloading Henry rules.The Marlin is a bit of the other two but not the sum of them all.Have them all,took many deer with each,which one would I pick no contest...all are in my safe...sorry no Sophie's choice for me.
