Stainless production or custom lever action?

358Scout

358Scout

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I have a Marlin 1894 cowboy in 45 Colt, and I just love it. I'd really like to add to my collection a lever in stainless steel of the same calibre. Its now narrowed down to two possibilities. Buy a Rossi SS in 45 Colt or a Marlin 1894 SS in 44 Magnum and have it re-barrelled and extractor worked on. Any experience or suggestions? Has anyone had a lever re-barrelled, and by who?
 
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Well... I have never had any issues with the Puma/Rossi rifles. The 92 is a classic and strong action. I have heard that the newer Marlins are not like what they used to be. Plus you mention the rebarreling of a 44 marlin to 45, new or old, it will never match, and I think you are going for asthetics here too. So I believe on all accounts you would be better with the Rossi in 45 Colt or 454 Casull.
 
Rossi lever guns work fine. But some of them can be a little rough or gritty in their cycling. For slow paced casual shooting you may not care or notice. But for a little money you can have a good cowboy action gunsmith slick up the action to where the Rossi feels like all the parts are running on ball bearings. And it'll still be cheaper after buying a new Rossi and paying to have it slicked up than it is to buy a stock Marlin. And that's even before you go looking to have the barrel changed out.
 
I used to have a Rossi Puma in 357. I loved that gun and will replace it within the year.

BCRider is right, they can be a little rough out of the box, but there is a lot that can be done to slick them up. They are tough and reliable.

Tuco has a good idea with the 454 Casull Rossi.
 
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