Marlin 1894c with JM stamp

[Rottentofu]

I found a Marlin 1894c .357 mag with the JM stamp at 99% condition. Seller asking for $1200. Is it worth the price?

[finn40]

Depends on you. Me I would pass but I would buy a 44 anyhow. Can get them new for 650ish.

[jeffrice6]

Not to me!

[Rottentofu]

Reason I wanted a Marlin 357mag is because it goes well with my Ruger GP100. I don't want to start a new caliber.

[code_blue]

Current market price on a JM is 900-1200 depending on born date, condition, and if there is a crossbolt safety. 1200 is on the high side for my personal taste, but it is worth that much.

Some people value the lack of cross bolt safety as higher price. I personally don't mind. 600ish price is non-CA and local to those states. It will definitely be higher when shipped to CA assuming the person wants to deal with CA. I had to jump through hoops for my 2006 JM 1894c.

There are no "new" remlin .357 models as remlin no longer produces the 1894c in .357. DO NOT purchase a remlin 1894c unless you accept the high possibility that you may receive a firearm that will need work. The .45-70 model is reflective of the crap QC.

The new 336, however seems to be ok. Action is smooth and all seems well for sub $600. If remlin ever brings back production of the 1894c in .357, it may be good to go, but who knows.

GL

[finn40]

I bet they start a run on the 357/38 94s soon. They just released a bunch in 44...can't hurt to give them a call..

[code_blue]

From touring the Marlin Owner Forums, Remlin did not officially drop the .357 variant, but does not plan on producing the .357 variant. This was reported from members who allegedly called/emailed Remlin staff. We shall see.

I certainly wouldn't mind another .357 94 as a beater rifle. My JM could use an ugly step-sister.

I chose the Marlin because of the side ejection and side loading gate. Rossi may make one with that combo, but I don't know for sure. Theirs maybe modeled after the Win 94 with top ejection.

[golfish]

OP, check out this site

http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/1894/

[Rottentofu]

Thank you all for all the advices! I have decided to get a Rossi instead. I found a stainless 24" octagon barrel for around $900 OTD. I did some research and found that Rossi quality is comparable, if not better, than post-Remin Marlins.

[3006mv]

Geez buy 2 1/2 for that price

[Rottentofu]

Geez buy 2 1/2 for that price

I tried searching for cheaper ones, but had no luck. SOLD OUT everywhere. Oh, forgot to mention, I want at least a 20" barrel. I guess that kinda limited my options.

[MongooseV8]

Thats too much for a carbine. $1200 should get you a new unfired cowboy limited jm marlin, not a regular carbine.

$900 is way too much for a Rossi. I got a stainless 24" octogon barrel off gunbroker for $650 out the door a couple years ago. And while the Rossi is better than new marlins, I wouldnt advise buying either.

[Des_Draws]

I agree 1200 is too high even if it's got perfect action and an excellent barrel, Maybe for a special limited edition. If I knew for a fact it was one those really nice Marlins that are out there I might still pass. But I like to tinker and am not deterred by a problem child rifle so paying a 50% premium would not be attractive.

But I don't agree Rossi is equivalent to post remington Marlin. Rossi is inferior to Marlin (even Remlin's) Getting parts is next to impossible for Rossi. I have a Rossi and two Marlins (one JM stamped and one Post Remington). My Remlin is pretty near flawless (1985 GG).
I finally have my Rossi working well but it took alot of effort.
If you do get a Rossi check out : http://www.rossi-rifleman.com/
for good info on issues and how to solve problems
I would wait for a nice Marlin and pay up to $850-900 for one in excellent condition

[RNE228]

What does the "JM" stamp signify? Have ~15 year old 1894c 357. What does that mean for me?

will have to look tonight to see if it has that stamp.

[TMB 1]

JM=John Marlin. It means it was made before Remington bought Marlin. I think.