“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo da Vinci
Few gun platforms bring to mind the term “simplicity” quite like a timeless lever gun. The Marlin 1894 in .357 Magnum beckons the classic firearms lover with its clean lines, elegant functionality and versatile ballistics.
Upon removing the Marlin Model 1894 from its shipping box, the first thing that struck me was the balance. Even with a short barrel, the weight seemed well-distributed to my initial heft. I opened the action to confirm it was unloaded and felt a distinct, yet subtle, shift in weight distribution. Intriguing.
Let’s dive into the specifics of this simply sophisticated firearm.
The Marlin Model 1894 under review belongs to the “Classic Series” and is chambered in .357 Magnum. We’ll get into the practical applications shortly. For now, here are some key specs to note:
Features
One of the things that sets the 1894 apart is that it boasts a solid top receiver design. This was a feature presented in 1889 to assist in consistency and reliability in adverse conditions such as frigid temperatures or falling debris. The solid top (vs. the previously engineered open-to-cycle design) helped to keep the action from freezing up and help keep sticks, leaves and other foreign matter from entering the chamber. The solid top design is stronger than the open top receivers used in competing designs. Later, when shooters began mounting scopes on rifles, the solid top allowed a scope to be added without resorting to the non-optimal side mounts required for open top receivers.
The rear sight is adjustable and is a semi-Buckhorn configuration, and the front sight is a satin brass bead protected by a hood. As you can see from my range testing, below, I was able to make accurate shots with the sights. I didn’t mount an optic on the rifle, but could have if desired as the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts or a Picatinny rail.
The tubular magazine holds 9 x .357 or 10 x .38 Special rounds. In use, the side loading gate required a bit of practice to use without catching my thumbnail. The safety is located at the side of the receiver below the hammer and is a slide bar mechanism with red visible when on fire.
We’ve got the basics. Let’s go to the range!
Over the course of the review, I put over 250 rounds through the Marlin 1894. Three different types of ammunition were used:
I started with the hottest of the three – the 125 grain 357 load – and engaged a paper target at 40 yards. Recoil is NOT a thing with this gun, apparently. I cycled through nine rounds with next-to-no muzzle rise. So much fun!
I then went to the 38 Special varieties and engaged targets (steel and paper) from 20 yards to 50 yards over several range sessions. For the final test, I took the 357 load and took the rifle to 100 yards. With minimal holdover, the results were both functional and effective. Results were generally within the 1.5-2 MOA range at the longer ranges. Over the course of the tests, only one malfunction occurred, and it was an operator issue of not forward cycling the lever all the way in between shots.
Some takeaways from the range:
The Marlin 1894 was fun to shoot, uses highly-accessible ammunition (in both supply and variety) and boasts reliable function. This simply solid rifle is a great addition to any gun safe. It is a great target plinker or short(er) range deer or predator rifle. The bullet construction options on the market today provide a lot of possibilities for both targets and critters. For those who carry a .357 Magnum revolver when out in the woods, having a compact rifle shooting the same ammo is a great accompaniment to your handgun; use the revolver for quick, close shots, and the rifle for those times you need to reach out and touch something.
Andrea Bogard’s love for the range began at 12 with competitive handgun and expanded to encompass sporting clays a few years later. She became an NSCA instructor at 18 years old and spent the next 18 years getting married and raising two sons, ages 17 and 9 currently. Andrea started hunting six years ago and learned to shoot a rifle and a bow. She is now 41, a full-time writer, homeschool mom and business owner and has hunted three countries, three continents and 19 states. Her sons and lab (Mr. Moose) are the focus of her world. View all posts by Andrea Bogard
Is the picture reversed or is that a left-handed model of the rifle?