Henry vs Marlin

powdergun

powdergun

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I am looking around for a 357 mag lever gun. Which do you thing is the better quality firearm ?

Marlin or Henry ?


Thank you in advance for all or your advice
 
Hey folks. I own and hunt with a Henry 45-70. I do like the marlin, and would not discourage anyone from purchasing one. I do have a preferance for the Henry though. This topic has been discussed in other threads on other forums and seeing that I own one I don't understand the gripes. . The pro's that I see, is as follows: the loading tube. It is easy to load and even safer to unload compared to the marlin, as you do not need to chamber a live round to remove it from the weapon. On a marlin, quite often, pushing a round through the loading gate causes damage to the projectile, depending on the tightness of the loading gate spring. This is not a problem at all with the Henry. On other forums, some have posted that the tube allows for dirt to get into the rifle between the brass tube and the magazine carrier. The tube on the Henry fits snug and properly and even has an o-ring below the knurled knob that will prevent moisture from leaching in while shouldered in the field. If dropped in a mud puddle I would say all bets are off, but really, it's not like the marlin's loading gate is water/mud tight. Come to think of it, do bolt rifles react favourably to being uncared for and dunked in the mud? I think older marlins and the Henry are comparable in Fit, finish and quality. I can say that I am very happy with the quality of the Henry. I have never owned a marlin, but do hear favourable feedback on their quality as well (at least in the earlier ones) I suppose one con could be the rear sight. Many don't care for ghost rings, and therefore they should not by a Henry, as I do believe they only come with that sight configuration ( I could be wrong though). Myself, I prefer peeps and ghost rings over buckthorns any day. The Henry is easy to pack and very pointable. Long story short, you can't go wrong with either, but my preferance was and still is the Henry 101.
 
My experiences with Henry rifles pretty much echo those already described by 'cgriffin'. I'll add a few more of my observations, as well.

The successful rollout of Henry's new 'Cowboy", side-loading lever action, should be a good indicator that the company intends to market other models. Likely... in the so-called 'pistol' calibres... 38/357, 45 Colt, etc., in the not too distant future. With the demand for lever action rifles rising, as the sport of Cowboy Action shooting continues to grow; Henry Repeating Arms will want to position itself to take advantage of this trend.

I recently shot one of these rifles, chambered in .30-30. In my view, build quality is first rate. Certainly on par with the latest offerings, from Miroku-Winchester. Since I also own a Miroku-Winchester rifle, the side-to-side comparison: with regards to fit and finish...both internally and externally...was an eye opener. Henry builds very high quality rifles. At very reasonable cost, to the consumer.

Personally, I liked the ability to load/unload the rifle, through either the side loading gate, or loading tube. When unloading a partial magazine tube full of ammunition, for example: this made the process very simple and safe. As the action needn't be cycled to eject extra rounds. Simply pull out the tube and let the extra rounds slide out into your hand. Topping up the magazine tube through the loading gate, was easy as any Winchester or Marlin rifle.
As much as I like the Miroku-Winchester rifles....and I really like how smooth and slick they are to operate, right out of the box.... the Henry rifles are equally smooth. Plus: equally accurate.

I too, am looking forward to seeing a side loading gate Henry come on the market. Especially, in .38/357. I think one of these would be a fun rifle to own and enjoy.
 
I have a Henry 45/70 and a .44 as well as a Marlin straight stock 30 30, my preference is Henry, I really like the loading tube over the Marlin gate. I have also owned a couple of Rossi rifles and a Marlin GBL in 45/70. I also like my straight stock Marlin [actually my Wife's], it is a 1974 and I think superior to Winchester 94s of the same vintage. My one small complaint with the Henry 45/70 is, in a lever I prefer a straight stock rather than a pistol grip both for fit and appearance. Now that Henry has added a loading gate I don't see any contest. A friend just picked up a Marlin JM Guide gun and I like the look of it over my Henry but I don't see myself parting with the levers I have including the Marlin and someday I will probably add a BLR.
 
id wait henry is coming out with a side load gate as well as the pull tube .,so the guys that say it top fed only dint have a gripe.But i did get a new remlin gs in 45/70 and got to say the action is fantastic.i do also have the henry 45/70 and love it as well but the marlin is the gun i pick up when ive gone out so far.maybe i got lucky and got a good one but ill tell you its slicker than my old jm marlins and ive had a few.
 
Overall quality of the Remington-made Marlin rifles has improved quite a bit, over the last couple of years. Though quality control still seems to be spotty, in some cases. A very careful, hands-on inspection of any new Marlin rifle is advised, before purchase. I've played a bit with a couple of the new 1894CB rifles. Both were pretty good, regarding fit, finish and operation. Not to the level of either the Winchester or Henry offerings. But at that price point, a reasonable choice.
I do agree with 'dogger1' though. Better to wait a bit and see what Henry has to offer, before 'pulling the trigger'.

Have you considered one of the new, Miroku-Winchester 1892's? These are priced a bit higher than the Marlin 1894CB. But, are far and away superior, in fit, finish and reliabilty. Might be worth considering.
 
The JM stamped Marlins are still the immediate choice, but let me add one more caviat - a JM stamped Marlin that his a "pre-safety model". Otherwise - HENRY is the one to buy.
 
I have owned and shot dozens of both Henry and Marlin rifles for decades... here are my observations, experience and conclusions... "you can go wrong with either."

The older JM Marlins are a well made, functional rifle... there are some things I am not crazy about, but they are personal, nitpicky and not worth mentioning here. Henry, as a company, is more concerned about making truly fine firearms (at each respective price point), and listens to customers to a FAR greater degree than any other large OEM firearms company. Henry's CS is exceptional, and the Owner/CEO Anthony Imperato, takes a personally and direct interest in R&D, production and CS. As for the side loading gate gripe, MEH... tube loading is superior anyway, for a number of reasons... but with the Henry design, you get both, so why not!?!?!

Buy either and shoot and smile....
 
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