Lever question: Henry vs Marlin vs maybe Rossi?

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Tikka223

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I’m looking at picking up a lever .357 and knowing myself I’ll probably add some accessories to tacticalize it.

Henry and Marlin seem to be the most popular and recommended options with Rossi mentioned as well. Plenty of stuff on YouTube but not much explaining what differentiates the three brands. Anyone care to help me out?

As well, I like to grab things off the EE and Marlin seems to have a terrible reputation while under Remington ownership. How do I know if I’m looking at a Marlin that was manufactured during that time?

If Smith and Wesson comes out with a .357 lever I’d be considering them in the mix too.
 
A Marlin made before the Remington "Remlin" era will have a JM stamp on it, on the barrel near the receiver
 
Tikka223:
As it turns out, Smith & Wesson has recently marketed a lever action rifle of their own. Branded as the Model 1854. Might be right up your alley, if wishing to add some tactical vibe to the rifle.
 
Alex McKr said:
Tikka223:
As it turns out, Smith & Wesson has recently marketed a lever action rifle of their own. Branded as the Model 1854. Might be right up your alley, if wishing to add some tactical vibe to the rifle.
Click to expand...
It’s only available in 44 at this time. It looks sharp though and reviews have been good.
 
I have just been looking myself at prices and availability. I have a Henry in .44 that is the smoothest lever I have ever owned. I was looking at a retailer here is B.C. for a .357 version and was surprised at prices. The new Marlin by Ruger at $1600-$2000 when in stock, depending on the model, the Rossi is a triple black at $1495 and the Henry is a Big Boy X at $1525. A buddy has a Rossi and likes it, but it's not as nicely finished or as smooth at my Henry. Good luck with the search for what you decide on.

P.
 
Any fun from any manufacturer from any period can be good or a lemon.

Even most Remington marlins are just fine. But as in all things, being able to inspect will quickly highlight the quality of any example

For .357/38, I would honestly look at a miroku model 73.
 
Another vote for the base model Miroku Winchester 1892. They are currently available in 357, for around $1700. And they are very, very nice. Definitely worth the premium over the off-brand 1892 clones. Made by Miroku for Winchester in Japan.

If you're on a budget, the Rossi R92 (1892 clone) generally works pretty well, and is available in stainless or blued, and in three barrel lengths. Made in Brazil.

Nothing against the Marlin 1894 option, but good luck finding one right now. (different from a Winchester 1894, btw) Made by Ruger for Marlin in USA.

The Henry Big Boy leverguns are different. Lots of guys love them, but compared to a classic 1892 they feel unpleasantly long, heavy, and fat in my hands. The brass receiver versions are even worse. But you can load/unload from the muzzle end of the tube, which might be an advantage for some people. Made in USA.

If you want a tacti-tickle version, I refuse to help. (jk - I just don't know anything about them)
 
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Tactical and lever gun should be mutually exclusive terms, but sadly you can get picatinny rails, hand guards, plastic AR15 inspired furniture, etc for all the major brands now if your taste is really that poor.
 
Yep, the one that isn’t listed, Winchester, they’re on their own level. There’s a reason Turnbull will happily build for you on a Miroku made Winchester.

I tried Henry, regretted it. It’s wasn’t a bad gun, but was a rattly budget effort that didn’t strike me as the ‘made in USA’ gun I’d like to see. I haven’t had a Marger yet, but I expect good things, I just prefer the Winchester actions as I don’t scope levers.
 
Tikka223 said:
I’m looking at picking up a lever .357 and knowing myself I’ll probably add some accessories to tacticalize it.

Henry and Marlin seem to be the most popular and recommended options with Rossi mentioned as well. Plenty of stuff on YouTube but not much explaining what differentiates the three brands. Anyone care to help me out?

As well, I like to grab things off the EE and Marlin seems to have a terrible reputation while under Remington ownership. How do I know if I’m looking at a Marlin that was manufactured during that time?

If Smith and Wesson comes out with a .357 lever I’d be considering them in the mix too.
Click to expand...
If you are looking for a 357 that is tactical then have a look at the Levtac 92. Its made by Rossi and it come with an Mlok handguard. They are a solid option for the price point. And if you act now, SFRC has them in stock and they are having their 15% off / free shipping sale.
https://theammosource.com/citadel-levtac-92-lever-action-357-mag-16-5-barrel-black/
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/citadel-levers-anyone-own-one.2466837/#post-20310289
 
Unless you want to scope it, go Miroku 100%. I have even compared the new RugerMarlin side by side with the Miroku, and the fit, finish, smoothness is better on the Miroku.
If you want to scope it, then get the RugerMarlin or an older Marlin.
If you want to cheapo out and get something that will do the trick but isn't as good, get a Rossi. If you want a piece of crap, by a chiappa. (cheap-crappa) Okay, let all the chiappa supporters slam me now, but I tried one and apart from being pretty, it wasn't even close to the others in quality.
I constantly see comments slagging tactical lever actions. I get it, as I WAS against it as well. There's nothing prettier than a traditional lever action rifle........I would probably be correct in saying most of the "critics" have never shot a tactical lever action. Well, after watching brobee 223's video on hunting elk with a 30-30, and seeing him shoot an elk at 311 yards, I tried one. I still like the looks of a traditional lever action better, but there is no denying that a tactical lever action is a useable tool.
 
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