The never ending struggle of what to buy next, help me pro's!

[drpestilence]

I've been drooling over a Marlin 1984 CBSL, as I just adore lever guns. This model looks great, and when my revolver comes along eventually I'll have two things that can fire .38 special which would be nice.

Can you hunt deer with .357? I've heard it's easier to reload, any truth to that? How's the range on .357? I can't imagine needing to seriously go past 100 yards, but I could be wrong about that too.

I know I should probably get a bolt gun, but I suspect I won't be quite as happy with it (though perhaps I should get out and try some).

I've also considered a 9mm carbine of some sort but can't think of a potential practical reason to own one.

 

[Ardent]

Marlin will be a good buy if you find a pre-Remington / JM Marlin. The current ones are junk in comparison. They’re fun and as it appears you’re aware marginal deer rifles, this said at 100 and under yards it will kill the little island blacktails as dead as a .30-06 will.

 

[drpestilence]

Good information thank you : ) is .30-06 more of a default choice for deer?

 

[GMC403]

Delete

 

[drpestilence]

The 1894CSBL has been on my wishlist for 7 years (ever since they accidentally included it in the 2011 catalog). But I’m with Angus, and wouldn’t be buying any new Marlin without first physically inspecting it.

The 357mag inside 100y is fine for deer, and in my experience works very well on Blacktail.

I’ve been very happy with my Ruger 77/357 rifles. Cheap to feed, accurate, weather proof and just plain fun.

I love my Ruger 10/22 I'll go do some reading about that : )

 

[brybenn]

Although light and limited by trajectory the 357 mag when loaded correctly would make a stellar close range deer gun in a full length lever gun. Just put the bullet thru vital organs
I use a 9x19 carbine for grouse and wolf when i cross the border of the ridiculous caliber restriction in ontario. With bonded hollowpoints id have no issue taking deer with it. Id keep it to bow ranges though. A 357 firing a heavier bullet is a better option for deer

 

[FarmerDanz]

I love my lever gun. Going to get more!

 

[caramel]

Stay away from anything Marlin or Remington, unless you love to gamble

 

[PEKS]

Do like my Marlin 1894CP, darn smooth.
I do not hunt deer with .357 Mag, better cartridges out there for that.

 

[drpestilence]

Although light and limited by trajectory the 357 mag when loaded correctly would make a stellar close range deer gun in a full length lever gun. Just put the bullet thru vital organs
I use a 9x19 carbine for grouse and wolf when i cross the border of the ridiculous caliber restriction in ontario. With bonded hollowpoints id have no issue taking deer with it. Id keep it to bow ranges though. A 357 firing a heavier bullet is a better option for deer

Bow ranges? I'm thinking like 50 to 100 yards tops?

 

[drpestilence]

I love my lever gun. Going to get more!

Levers really are the most fun to shoot (IMO)

 

[drpestilence]

Stay away from anything Marlin or Remington, unless you love to gamble

I do not, I could deal with another Henry in my collection, but aesthetically that mark 84c is just god dang lovely.

 

[drpestilence]

Do like my Marlin 1894CP, darn smooth.
I do not hunt deer with .357 Mag, better cartridges out there for that.
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Very nice!, I like the .357 for the cross over with .38 special (I have a revolver chambered for that on the way), I'm also limited in the number of rifles I can own heh (space concerns and the like).