Marlin - yea or nay...

[MEGSDAD]

Hi Again.
In another thread I asked about .22 or .357 for first lever gun. The general consensus was .357. So with that in mind If I go .357 would you stay away from Marlin given Remington's recent bankruptcy? Or would the bankruptcy even matter in the which brand to choose ?
Thanks

[Harry Ono]

You might want to sit down first.

The bad news is Marlin is owned by Remington.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marlin_Firearms

[Imageview]

One of the most popular questions. I'm on the yay side.

[darkwater]

You can find good Marlins, but the consensus is to always look at them in person before buying. If you get one made when Remington first took over running Marlin, there's a good chance it will have issues. More recently their quality got better, but there's always a chance for a lemon, and who knows what the warranty situation will look like after the bankruptcy. If it were me, I'd go Henry at this point without knowing what Marlin's fate will be.

[200Apples]

Pick up either a brand-new Marlin (inspect it as thoroughly as possible at the time) or one made prior to 2007 (in my experience). One can date the serial number - go to Marlin Owners dot com.

Marlin first, Miroku/Winchester second, Rossi third, or any of the Italians, then Henry for my tastes.

Shooting a .357 lever carbine is the most fun you can have with your pants on.

[plumbum]

If you’re okay with iron sights, those Rossi’s are pretty cool - a bit on the tiny side so be prepared for that. Henry’s are nice, and Miroku Winchester’s are beautiful!!!

[Rakso]

Hi Again.
In another thread I asked about .22 or .357 for first lever gun. The general consensus was .357. So with that in mind If I go .357 would you stay away from Marlin given Remington's recent bankruptcy? Or would the bankruptcy even matter in the which brand to choose ?
Thanks

Why not Henry?

[Cowboy T]

Henry's are good, but they can be pretty expensive. Rossi 92's do the job at a lower price point, and they're good rifles as well, so if MEGSDAD is on a budget, this could help him.

[TheReluctantCraftstronaut]

Hi Again.
In another thread I asked about .22 or .357 for first lever gun. The general consensus was .357. So with that in mind If I go .357 would you stay away from Marlin given Remington's recent bankruptcy? Or would the bankruptcy even matter in the which brand to choose ?
Thanks

I've purchases multiple "Remlins" and was concerned about manufacturing issues from when Remington first acquired Marlin, which were serious issues. I was pleased to see that the rifles I looked at all had great fit and finish so I pulled the trigger on them. No regrets.

However, I would not buy a rifle without it being in stock and on hand with the vendor you buy from. Just my $0.02.

[Coolguy101]

People are making a run on Marlins because they think they won't be able to get them anymore, so they are going for stupid money on gunbroker.

[Jwalt]

Remington has been through bankruptcy before. Marlin could be spun off, I suppose, but it isn't going anywhere. I sincerely doubt you'll have any long-term warranty issues although I suppose all of this might delay service in the short term.

[tigerpan]

MY 45-70 remington Marlins is fine, not that much different than my 44mag JM marlin. You need alway inspect and work the action on new marlins.

[golfish]

I'd look for a Miroku Winchester model 92. Might be hard to find a new one. I won't suggest a model 73 because I don't think the action will hold up to a life of magnum rounds.

The new Marlin I bought 2 years ago is nice but you have to look it over real good. I have had 5 Rossi model 92s. There was something wrong with each one of them. Even looking it over real good doesn't always show the problems and their customer service is the worst in the buissnes..

IMO, Henry is a good choice and the rumor has it we will see some more side loaders in a couple months.

[cannon]

Disclaimer. I love Marlins. Especially the side eject. No more hot bras bouncing off my hat brim to go down my shirt etc.

Three Marlin Marlins and all are A-1. One Rem/Mar. That one had a lever like 10 miles of bad road and a lousy trigger.

$125 to the gunsmith at American Gunworks and it is smoother that the others.
He stoned the parts and replaced the plastic follower with a metal one.

Do not be afraid of a Rem/Mar.

Best to you.

[Darto]

" If you’re okay with iron sights, those Rossi’s are pretty cool - a bit on the tiny side so be prepared for that "


That was John Browning's goal: Smaller, lighter, stronger than the '73.