Need some opinions on a 357 lever action.
 

Guys, I'm thinking about getting a .357 cal lever action rifle to use as a short range brush gun.Most of myshots will be within 75yds, and whitetail will be the largest sizegame hunted with it.There arechoices of 16", 18.5" and 20" barrel lengths. Would a certain barrel length be an advantage or disadvantage over the other with the 357 round? Whattype bulletwould be a good choice to usefor hunting?

If youhave owned one. What types of game have you taken with it? How did it perform? And at what ranges did you sight it in? What kind ofbullet grouping should I expect from one at a given range?

Thanks for any input.

RE: Need some opinions on a 357 lever action.
 

I own one a Marlin 1895? I think. I won it in a gun raffle. I played with it a few times, shot maybe 50 rnds through it and didnt like it. I have never taken an animal with it and always felt like I didnt want to possibly waste or lose a deer when even a 30-30 would be a better option. I am no expert with this gun but I dont really care for it.

RE: Need some opinions on a 357 lever action.
 

With regards to barrel length, it seems that in the case of lever rifles, shorter barrels tend to perform better. Why, I don't know. I do know that they are easier to carry in the thick stuff, but, are also louder (or at least the shooter perceives it to be louder due to the angle of the muzzle to the left ear). I have a win 94 in 30/30 Ackley Imp. Shoots like a dream. its one of those little Angle Eject numbers. Gunsmith swears the shooter barrels are more accurate, maybe it has something to do with the occilations and a shorter barrel being stiffer than a longer one? All I know is mine shoots great.

RE: Need some opinions on a 357 lever action.
 

Which rifle are you looking at? The Marlin 1894 and the Rossi are both great rifles. Go over to the "Leverguns" site. There are some very friendly experts over there.

I like the 357 rifle. If you limit your shot to 75 yards, the caliber is effective on deer. Maybe a touch light, but still effective. As far as barrel length it is personal preference. I think 20 inches is a good length. I prefer the Marlin(I have a couple of them).

The rifle is very inexpensive to shoot. You can get in alot of practice, for very little money.I have seen 38 Special ammo for around 7 or 8 dollars for a box of 50. What other centerfire deer rifle can you shoot so cheap!!! I believe accuracy is paramount.Alot of practice is the answer. I like the Federal Hard Cast loads for hunting-if you do not reload. The Federal's are a stout load, that will kill effectively. Also look at the Buffalo Bore ammo-they load them up also. This ammo also gives good velocity out of short barrels, and is also quite accurate.

After you buy your Marin 1894 you should buy a Marlin 39A in 22 LR. You can practice with the 22, and it will feel just like your deer rifle. You would have a fantastic 2 gun battery that can take on almost all of the game in the US. But then why limit yourself to two?

Good luck, and good shooting. Tom.

RE: Need some opinions on a 357 lever action.
 

HEAD0001,
I was looking at both the Win 94s and the Marlins. I'll have a look at the
Rossi's also. I am looking for something economical and versatile all in
one.I'll check out the levergun site.

Thanks,

RE: Need some opinions on a 357 lever action.
 

I own an 1894 Marlin .44 Magnum but wasnt able to take any game with it this year. I love the lever guns for thier comfort in the hand and light weight and well balanced feel. I can pack it all day long and still get it balanced for a good shot. Ammo is cheap and I can shoot 50 rounds and not be as sore as I would be after only 10 in my bolt action .270. I havent owned the 357 but I did do a lot of research before I decided on the .44 Magnum. The 357 isnt much good at over 75 yards from what I learned and is kind of light for even that. The plus side is that ammo is cheaper and you can get in more practice. I say go for it if you plan to keep you shots limited to 50 yards, 75 at the most. Part of the reason that I myself chose the .44 Magnum is because I also plan to get a sidearm and here in the state that I live a 357 isnt legal to hunt with, so I will get a 44 Magnum pistol and only have to reload one size of bullet for the two. My cousin had also owned a 44 magnum lever gun and even got an Elk with it in Montana, so that sealed the deal for me lol.

RE: Need some opinions on a 357 lever action.
 

I have had a couple Marlins in 357 Mag. I like them and they are fine for whitetails out to maybe 100 yards. The 158 Grain Hornady XTP is a good deer bullet as would be the heavy cast bullet. I have 357 Mag Handi Rifle that is at the Smiths now being reamed to 357 Maximum. With this conversion, its on the heels of the 30-30 with 10 grains less powder and less recoil.

RE: Need some opinions on a 357 lever action.
 

I have one. In fact it was the first gun I ever took to the deer woods. I never did get to shoot any deerwith it but it is an easy to carry gun. Very fun to practice with...cheap also.

RE: Need some opinions on a 357 lever action.
 

So would I have been better off for deer hunting with the .357 over the .44 magnum?

RE: Need some opinions on a 357 lever action.
 

I have shot the Marlin .357. I like the .44 magnum better. It feels like you have a little somethin more in your arms. My father has the Marlin 45 long colt, and swears by it.

It will (.357 rifle) will double over a coyote!