Marlin 1894c versus a Rossi EMF / PUMA 92’ in .357?

[Gunnie 12]

Which has better engineering, fit and finish, warranty and more reliability between them?

Experience form those that own?

Pro’s and Con’s of Marlin 94â€

[Old Ironsights]

Incomparable.

While they are the same caliber and (assumed) same length, they fit 2 radically different gunning styles (IMO).

#1 The W92 action is inarguably stronger than the M94.

#2 The M94 is more suited to Optics than a W92.

#3 The W92 action is easier to clean & force-feed than an M94.

#4 The M94 is smoother out of the box (so I understand) than a Rossi W92.

#5 The W92 is available in Stainless and is tidied up nicely by Steve Young.

#6 The M94 is US made and is tidied up nicely by Mic Mcpherson.

----------------

My 2p:

I chose the Steve Young W92 because I could get it in Bead Blasted Stainless. I am not a personal fan of the Square Bolt Marlins or the Dreaded Marlin Jam, but I would not turn down one if offered to me.

Look at your cash, look at your shooting style/enviornment and decide whether Side Eject is more important than Ultimate Strength & availability of Stainless.

That's really where the decision lies.

[Ysabel Kid]

You need one of each!

[Old Ironsights]

You need one of each!

Yeah... That would work too...

[pharmseller]

I prefer my slicked-up pre-safety ($300) Interarms Rossi to my new (crossbolt safety) Marlin 1894C.
I have a scope on my Marlin but the Rossi is oh so nice!

Quinn

[phlatnose]

I made the choice between the two, puma and marlin, a few weeks ago.
I liked the feel and fit of the 92 over the marlin. I liked the sights better on the 92. The marlin felt heavier, and had a much smoother action.
I have read alot about the reliability issues of both, and the possibility of bad bore dimensions with the 92. I decided that if I had warranty issues, I would rather it be with the Marlin as they give good service and backup if needed. The big plus for the Marlin was the fact it is made in the USA. I ended up purchasing the Marlin. If the 92 had winchester stamped on it, then without a doubt that would be the gun I would have.
I have tried purchasing Brownings in the 357 caliber, but they are hard to find and buy at a decent price. I would rather spend 900 bucks on a NIB browning, than have the puma or marlin.

[Gunnie 12]

I have been doing research on the Marlin during my Christmas break and you can fix the “marlin jamâ€

[Terry Murbach]

YOU KNOW, I HAVE BEEN SHOOTING MARLIN RIFLES AND CARBINES IN EVERY CALIBER THEY EVER HAD AVAILABLE FOR 47 YEARS NOW AND NO ONE EVER HEARD OF THE " MARLIN JAM " UNTIL THE INTERNET CAME ALONG, SOME YAHOO MANAGED TO JAM A MARLIN RIFLE AND AWAY WE WE WENT WITH ALL THE HOOEY ABOUT IT.
AND NOW WE JUST AIN'T PART OF THE CROWD UNLESS WE HAVE ONE PIECE TRIGGERS, ONE PIECE FIRING PINS ETC ECT ECT ETC AD INFINITUM. YOU WOULD THINK THAT MARLIN AND IT'S DESIGNERS DIDN'T HAVE A CLUE WHEN THEY DESIGNED THEIR ACTIONS BACK IN THE 1880'S AND 1890'S.
IT WOULD BE MY SUGGESTION THE CLUELESSNESS CAME MANY DECADES LATER. LIKE MAYBE IN THE PAST DECADE........OOOOOOOOOH MY !!!!

[J Miller]

Terry beat me to it.

The only similarity between the Marlins and the various 92s is they are both lever action rifles.

I've had Marlins, and I've had Winchesters, and I've had a Rossi 92 copy.

They each have their own unique features. Figure out what you want and go for that.
Don't ask us what we think you should buy. We can't answer you. Go fondle them at the gun shop, or go to a cas match and ask the competitors to let you check out their guns.

Do your own hands on research.

For me I like them all, but I've had the best results from the Win 94s and Marlins.

Joe

[kasTX]

Gunnie 12,

Stop by a well-stocked gun shop and try them both on for size if possible. I suspect you won't find them nearly as different as others do, but you will probably have a preference.

Warranty service should be a consideration, and I can say Marlin is pretty good in that department. Maybe some others will chime in with their Rossu/EMF/Puma experiences.

The strength of the design really shouldn't be a consideration. Both designs are more than adequate for the heaviest loads that do not exceed established pressures. If you need more than the .357 can offer, you should move up to bigger cartridge.

Good luck, and let us know what you get.

[Dastook]

I have one of each and love them both.
Old Ironsides is right on with his points

[Savage99]

I plan on sending my SS92 to Steve to bead blast my too..can you post some overall pics of yours?? I'dlike to get a better Idea what it'll look like..

Incomparable.

While they are the same caliber and (assumed) same length, they fit 2 radically different gunning styles (IMO).

#1 The W92 action is inarguably stronger than the M94.

#2 The M94 is more suited to Optics than a W92.

#3 The W92 action is easier to clean & force-feed than an M94.

#4 The M94 is smoother out of the box (so I understand) than a Rossi W92.

#5 The W92 is available in Stainless and is tidied up nicely by Steve Young.

#6 The M94 is US made and is tidied up nicely by Mic Mcpherson.

----------------

My 2p:

I chose the Steve Young W92 because I could get it in Bead Blasted Stainless. I am not a personal fan of the Square Bolt Marlins or the Dreaded Marlin Jam, but I would not turn down one if offered to me.

Look at your cash, look at your shooting style/enviornment and decide whether Side Eject is more important than Ultimate Strength & availability of Stainless.

That's really where the decision lies.

[kasTX]

Speaking of ultimate strength, does anyone know the difference in tensile strength between the injection molded metal used in the Rossis vs. the forged steel used in the Marlins?

[Terry Murbach]

Speaking of ultimate strength, does anyone know the difference in tensile strength between the injection molded metal used in the Rossis vs. the forged steel used in the Marlins?

SUFFICE TO SAY THE 454CASULL WILL BATTER A MARLIN INTO SCRAP IN 100 ROUNDS OR SO.
ROSSI PUT THE 454CASULL IN THEIR 1892 REPLICAS SOME YEARS AGO AND SO FAR SO GOOD AS FAR AS I KNOW. MINE HAS BEEN A WONDERFUL SHOOTING CARBINE AND I HAVE NOT HAD PROBLEM ONE WITH ANY OF THE MECHANICAL PARTS OF THE ACTION. IT DOES HAVE A TINY CRACK IN THE FRONT OF THE FOREARM ON IT'S BOTTOM SIDE. IT CAME SOON AFTER I GOT THE GUN AND THERE IT HAS STAYED GIVING NO PROBLEM THAT I CAN DISCERN.

[kasTX]

SUFFICE TO SAY THE 454CASULL WILL BATTER A MARLIN INTO SCRAP IN 100 ROUNDS OR SO.

Marlin chambered an 1894 in 454 Cassull?

[GANJIRO]

YOU KNOW, I HAVE BEEN SHOOTING MARLIN RIFLES AND CARBINES IN EVERY CALIBER THEY EVER HAD AVAILABLE FOR 47 YEARS NOW AND NO ONE EVER HEARD OF THE " MARLIN JAM " UNTIL THE INTERNET CAME ALONG, SOME YAHOO MANAGED TO JAM A MARLIN RIFLE AND AWAY WE WE WENT WITH ALL THE HOOEY ABOUT IT.

I've owned my Marlin 1894 44mag for going on 32 years and fired countless rounds and dragged it thru countless miles of rain forest while popping countless piggies, but in all these years I have nevr encountered the infamous "Marlin Jam" or had any other problems with this great gun, the only thing I've gone over the years is add sling swivels, and a 5D peep sight.

Did Marlin stop making the 94 in stainless steel? Since when has the 92 action been easier to clean than a 94 Marlin? One screw and the bolt and breech is clear in a Marlin.

[trooper joe]

I agree with GANJIRO & Terry Murbach---

I have had a number of Marlins and currently own a real nice .357/.38 carbine; a .44 Mag in 1894â€

[Old Ironsights]

SUFFICE TO SAY THE 454CASULL WILL BATTER A MARLIN INTO SCRAP IN 100 ROUNDS OR SO.

Marlin chambered an 1894 in 454 Cassull?

No, but I wouldn't have put it past someone to have reamed out a .45Colt to try it out... then end up with that square bolt all bent to heck.

I about had a gunsmith kill me when I asked about doing that back before the Rossi/Pumas were available...

[Texican]

In my experience: I've fired nearly 30,000 rounds through my Marlin 1894CB 24" barrel in SASS competition, each of which was a 125gr TC clocking about 1350 fps. It's had an action job and a one-piece firing pin installed. It still feeds like a dream, cycles as smooth as a buttered BB on glass and hits where I point it. About 5000 rounds ago I had to replace the carrier due to wear. The only jams I've experienced (and those are exceedingly rare) have been due to 'operator error' - i.e. getting ahead of my self and short stroking the action. Before the "short stroke kits" became available for the 1873's, Marlins were the choice for CAS due to the shorter lever throw (compared to a Win 94 and Win 92).

As far as the square bolt thing: its just a round bolt with the corners left on. The Marlins in rifle cartridges have the corners knocked off.

Also, I don't believe that anyone has mentioned that Marlins leave your brass next to you (side eject) rather than raining down all over. I've had a B92 (top eject) jam because a case landed back in the action.

Just my two cents
(Buy American)

[2ndovc]

I have and enjoy shooting both. That being said my Marlins will shoot circles around the Rossis.

I had a pre safety 94c that locked up on me anytime I would shoot 38 spls. and would have to use a screw driver to push the stuck round back into the mag tube. All it probably needed was a new cartridge cut off but I was young and impatient and traded off a nice rifle.

For several years my Marlin 94P / 44 mag had been my go to gun. I've spent a ton of $$ on custom/ action work on the Rossis. All I've done w/ my Marlins is put receiver / peep sights on them. That's gotta say something.

But I'll still buy more of each. They're like potato chips. Can't have just one

[Nate Kiowa Jones]

In my experience: I've fired nearly 30,000 rounds through my Marlin 1894CB 24" barrel in SASS competition, each of which was a 125gr TC clocking about 1350 fps. It's had an action job and a one-piece firing pin installed. It still feeds like a dream, cycles as smooth as a buttered BB on glass and hits where I point it. About 5000 rounds ago I had to replace the carrier due to wear. The only jams I've experienced (and those are exceedingly rare) have been due to 'operator error' - i.e. getting ahead of my self and short stroking the action. Before the "short stroke kits" became available for the 1873's, Marlins were the choice for CAS due to the shorter lever throw (compared to a Win 94 and Win 92).
As far as the square bolt thing: its just a round bolt with the corners left on. The Marlins in rifle cartridges have the corners knocked off.

Also, I don't believe that anyone has mentioned that Marlins leave your brass next to you (side eject) rather than raining down all over. I've had a B92 (top eject) jam because a case landed back in the action.

Just my two cents
(Buy American)

Marlins were the choice for CAS due to the shorter lever throw (compared to a Win 94 and Win 92).

I have to disagree with that. The 1894 marlin and the win 92 are virtually the same. The only differences will be caliber and parts stackup. BTW four time EOT world champ China Camp did it with a Rossi.

As for the Dreaded Marlin jam, 99% of the folks that shoot them won't have this problem, even shooting CAS. But some of the folks that shoot CAS and regularly run thousands through them will, but still not all.

As for your gun, if you changed the carrier you got ahead of the possible problem.

As for the issue of side eject verses top eject, some marlins throw the brass forward enough that retrieving it during a match out beyond the firing line is impossible. The marlin and the 92 can be tuned to dribble the brass in a pile at your feet.


Thanks,

[Old Ironsights]

...As far as the square bolt thing: its just a round bolt with the corners left on. The Marlins in rifle cartridges have the corners knocked off....

I'm not a 'smith, and I'm only a jack-leg engineer (via osmosis) - but how can you say that when half the frame is cut away for that square bolt?

The Round Bolt Marlins are solid around (except for ejection port). THe M92s have those huge lugs that cam up to block in the bolt.

But (to me) it looks like the angular torque on the open side of the frame would stress the square bolt in ways that a 336 or M92 will never get stressed.

[Texican]

As far as the square bolt thing: its just a round bolt with the corners left on. The Marlins in rifle cartridges have the corners knocked off.

Please don't take this a technical statement; it is only meant to imply that for the intended uses (i.e. pistol calibers with square bolts, rifle calibers with round bolts) the Marlin guns are far more sturdy that required. Or, check out some of the hot rodded Marlins from Wild West Guns (AK). I admit that a Win 94 action is stronger it was meant to be. It's a longer action for longer cartridges that was adapted to pistol cartridges after the discontinuation of the 92 action.

I have to disagree with that. The 1894 marlin and the win 92 are virtually the same. The only differences will be caliber and parts stackup. BTW four time EOT world champ China Camp did it with a Rossi.

Well... the 92's and 94's do go past 90 degrees. Marlins generally don't. It's not much difference, true. Yep, he did and I started this game with a Rossi at about the first Commanchera Days.

Another point of value, again this is only my opinion, is that the Marlins have fewer parts overall. To my mind, this means fewer things to go wrong. As a gunsmith and my friend, I value your opinion too.

Happy Trails,

[Nate Kiowa Jones]

As far as the square bolt thing: its just a round bolt with the corners left on. The Marlins in rifle cartridges have the corners knocked off.

Please don't take this a technical statement; it is only meant to imply that for the intended uses (i.e. pistol calibers with square bolts, rifle calibers with round bolts) the Marlin guns are far more sturdy that required. Or, check out some of the hot rodded Marlins from Wild West Guns (AK). I admit that a Win 94 action is stronger it was meant to be. It's a longer action for longer cartridges that was adapted to pistol cartridges after the discontinuation of the 92 action.

I have to disagree with that. The 1894 marlin and the win 92 are virtually the same. The only differences will be caliber and parts stackup. BTW four time EOT world champ China Camp did it with a Rossi.

Well... the 92's and 94's do go past 90 degrees. Marlins generally don't. It's not much difference, true. Yep, he did and I started this game with a Rossi at about the first Commanchera Days.

Another point of value, again this is only my opinion, is that the Marlins have fewer parts overall. To my mind, this means fewer things to go wrong. As a gunsmith and my friend, I value your opinion too.

Happy Trails,

Maybe I should clarify that statement. both makers make parts to a nominl size. both allow a plus or minus value for each of those parts. Depending on how those variouse size parts stack up and just what caliber the gun is either one can have a shorter stroke than the other. What I'm saying is, discount the variables mentioned and they are virually the same.

Also, the marlins certainly have few parts than the 66 or 73's but not the 92's. Particularly if you are talking about the moving parts which are generally the most problematic. The marlin does have fewer parts than the Miruko made winchester 92's for sure but they are anything like the originals either.

[Gunnie 12]

Is it true that the 92" Rossi - EMF or PUMA have MIM parts and the Marlin’s do not?

Marlins use all forged steel components?

[Old Ironsights]

As far as the square bolt thing: its just a round bolt with the corners left on. The Marlins in rifle cartridges have the corners knocked off.

Please don't take this a technical statement; it is only meant to imply that for the intended uses (i.e. pistol calibers with square bolts, rifle calibers with round bolts) the Marlin guns are far more sturdy that required. Or, check out some of the hot rodded Marlins from Wild West Guns (AK). I admit that a Win 94 action is stronger it was meant to be. It's a longer action for longer cartridges that was adapted to pistol cartridges after the discontinuation of the 92 action.

Ummm... If you put a .454 into a Win 94 action you are going to eat bolt in short order.

The W92 is MUCH stronger than the W94 in terms of pressure capacity.

Yes, the M94 is plenty sturdy for Pistol Calibers... assuming you are not talking the .454 or .480. Those will eat a square bolt like candy.

The WWG Marlins are based on a modified Guide Gun - NOT a square bolt M94 - and as such engage the bolt internally - not just from one side as the square bolt does. That's why the WWG '04 was able to handle the pressures.

(FWIW, it was Jim West from WWG who, in 1990/91 continuously told me I was crazy for wanting to convert ANY extant Marlin or Winny to shoot .454...)

[Texican]

Perhaps I'm not speaking plainly.... I'm pretty sure we're saying the same thing.

For Marlin 94's:
Square bolts = pistol calibers (.454 and up not included)
Round bolts = rifle calibers (and hot rods from WWG)

Each sufficient for their intended purpose.

For the Winchester 94's - I'll take your word for it. The only one I have is a 30-30 Pawn shop special, I got in Denton, TX about 15 years ago for about $150.00. I like it - and for it's intended purpose it's perfect.

[quote="Old Ironsights]The WWG Marlins are based on a modified Guide Gun - NOT a square bolt M94 - and as such engage the bolt internally - not just from one side as the square bolt does. That's why the WWG '04 was able to handle the pressures.[/quote]

Here's a link to a Marlin 94 schematic:
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/schema ... CBC+%2f+CB

And one to a Marlin 95 schematic:
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/schema ... +GS+%2f+CB

Both are locked from beneath by a two-pronged locking block. I'm not sure what you mean by engaged on only one side. Please help me to understand, I'm lost on that one. I had thought the differences to be primarily due to the frame construction.

Compared to a Winchester 94 schematic:
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/schema ... c000%2c000+

A single transverse locking bolt

And just for fun a Winchester 92:
http://www.e-gunparts.com/productschem. ... =0950z1892

With separate twin locking bolts

[Nate Kiowa Jones]

The more important thing to consider is the angle in which the locking bolt engages the breech bolt. Maximum pressure could be achieved if they locked at 90 degrees perpendicular. The problem with that is once the round is fired the two tend to bind up making the gun impossible to open. Actions like the marlin 1894, 336/95 and the win 94 with their single locking bolts have somewhat sever angles to overcome this binding up. But at the same time it limits the pressure. They tend to blow open with over pressures plus the Marlin 1894 tends to push the breech bolt up and over the locking bolt. This is because the 1894 breech bolt isn’t supported on the right side. The top support offers very little to the left side of the receiver for support.
Like the 86 action the 92 has more vertical angle and the twin locking bolts add more surface area, so it will take much higher pressures.

The only high pressure leverguns from WWG,their Model 04, looks like it may be somewhat based on the 86/92 twin locking bolt type action.
http://www.wildwestguns.com/EStore/Mast ... wwg04.html



Or, at least a wider more vertical lock up like the 92/86.



Their other guns are built on standard pressure Marlin 336/95’s. I can't imagine them taking them beyond SAAMI spec.

[Texican]

Thanks, Pard.

That helps.

During this conversation, I thought of another reason that early SASS'rs used a lot of Marlins: Availability.

I bought the Vaqueros when they first came out in .44 mag because brass for .45 Colt was scarce!

The Marlin CB wasn't even thought of, and the Italian '73's and such hadn't been brought up to the quality they are today.

I started with an early Rossi in .44 mag - I think their quality has improved since also.

[GANJIRO]

The only high pressure leverguns from WWG,their Model 04, looks like it may be somewhat based on the 86/92 twin locking bolt type action.
http://www.wildwestguns.com/EStore/Mast ... wwg04.html



Or, at least a wider more vertical lock up like the 92/86.

WOW the model 04 looks like the bastard child of a Marlin 336 poppa and 1892 Winchester momma. Lose the bulky rear sight, black stock, and pistol grip, and i'd halfway consider it (when I make my first million).

[coyotejoe]

I've had a couple of Rossi .357s and one Marlin .357 and they just don't compare, the Marlin is built to be a real rifle and the accuracy is 1 1/2 moa easily. The Rossis are built cheap to sell cheap but they don't sell cheap these days and accuracy is minute of paper plate. Now those Rossis were quite a few years ago and maybe they have improved but based on their revolvers I tend to doubt it. I have owned Marlins in .30/30, .357, .44 mag, 444, and 45/70. All but the .44mags would go under 2 moa out of the box. The Rossi 357s were more like 5-6 moa. And I too have no idea what the "Marlin jam" even means, I've sure never experienced anything extraordinary with my Marlins and the .357 was especially smooth, feeding even full wadcutters. Also, scopes are pretty much out of the question with any of the '92 Winchester copies.

[Caco]

You DO need both-really
Dave

[Old Ironsights]

I've had a couple of Rossi .357s and one Marlin .357 and they just don't compare, the Marlin is built to be a real rifle and the accuracy is 1 1/2 moa easily. The Rossis are built cheap to sell cheap but they don't sell cheap these days and accuracy is minute of paper plate. Now those Rossis were quite a few years ago and maybe they have improved but based on their revolvers I tend to doubt it. I have owned Marlins in .30/30, .357, .44 mag, 444, and 45/70. All but the .44mags would go under 2 moa out of the box. The Rossi 357s were more like 5-6 moa. And I too have no idea what the "Marlin jam" even means, I've sure never experienced anything extraordinary with my Marlins and the .357 was especially smooth, feeding even full wadcutters. Also, scopes are pretty much out of the question with any of the '92 Winchester copies.

Oh, I dunno. My Rossi 92 is significantly better than Minute of Paper Plate, and AFAIK Steve didn't do any "accuracy" work on it.

I guess I'll have to actually bench it rather than always shooting offhand.

[rob]

As far as the square bolt thing: its just a round bolt with the corners left on. The Marlins in rifle cartridges have the corners knocked off.


(Buy American)

This is absolutely not true. A round bolt Marlin 336 action can easily handle 50,000 CUP loads and though some folks push them so to their hurt a 94 will sling a bolt right out the side with enough of those loads. I've held the guns in my hand and I happen to know Dave Clay of DRC Leverguns personally and he builds about every version of custom Marlin a man can ask for. The last thing I'm trying to be is argumentative but a 94 Marlin can not handle the pressures the 336 can with an enclosed bolt. The round bolts cycle much smoother too though that is a bit off topic.

rob

[Texican]

As far as the square bolt thing: its just a round bolt with the corners left on. The Marlins in rifle cartridges have the corners knocked off.


(Buy American)

This is absolutely not true. A round bolt Marlin 336 action can easily handle 50,000 CUP loads and though some folks push them so to their hurt a 94 will sling a bolt right out the side with enough of those loads. I've held the guns in my hand and I happen to know Dave Clay of DRC Leverguns personally and he builds about every version of custom Marlin a man can ask for. The last thing I'm trying to be is argumentative but a 94 Marlin can not handle the pressures the 336 can with an enclosed bolt. The round bolts cycle much smoother too though that is a bit off topic.

rob

OK, I really thought this was done AND I guess will try to refrain from speaking colloquially ever again. But, It's not the shape of the bolt that matters. Both square and round lock up the same way, amount of bearing surface area not withstanding. Yes, It's the frame - one that goes all the way around the bolt is harder to blow apart. Maybe I'll just respond with smileys from now on.

[Hagler]

Is it true that the 92" Rossi - EMF or PUMA have MIM parts and the Marlin’s do not?

Marlins use all forged steel components?

I imagine that this is acually INVESTMENT CASTING, not MIM: Rossi factory in Brazil:

http://www.rossi.com.br/port/processos.htm









I imagine that Marlin still forges their receivers.

Shawn

[1886]

A note concerning the 1 piece firing pin vs Marlin's proven, very safe two piece design. Why oh why would anyone feel the need to change a perfectly useful, safe feature such as this? My comments are only directed to field use as I have no experience with CASS competions. Please advise if I am ill informed but I think I am right on the money. Thanks. 1886.

[Hagler]

1886, et al,

What is so dangerous about a one-piece firing pin? I see no problem, at all, with putting in a one-piece firing pin. How many other leverguns have one-piece pins? The Winchester 92 design has one. Until recent years, they had NO safety, save the half-cock. My Henry .22 has a one-piece firing pin. The Winchester 94 has a one-piece firing pin, too. Both the Marlins & the Winchetser 94 have some type of fully-closed-lever safety. Is there really a problem with removing the two-piece firing pin?

Shawn

[rob]

OK, I really thought this was done AND I guess will try to refrain from speaking colloquially ever again. But, It's not the shape of the bolt that matters. Both square and round lock up the same way, amount of bearing surface area not withstanding. Yes, It's the frame - one that goes all the way around the bolt is harder to blow apart. Maybe I'll just respond with smileys from now on.

Actually, I humbly apologize. I jumped the gun when I posted that and after reading all the posts and seeing it pretty much covered I was going to apologize for jumping the gun and just got busy and forgot to get back to it. I can't hardly sit down at this computer without getting drug away from it constantly and I have seen some immensely stupid things said about the strength of Marlin rifles (not what you wrote...I'm talking about dangerous) and just wanted to make the point they aren't as strong as the 336 action before I got away and couldn't get back. There are conversions done on 336 action that push an honest 50,000 CUP and they hold up well. I'm aware of one well known gunsmith that ran a 308 Winchester reamer in a 336 30-30 and took it out and ran 308 ammo through it without a hitch. That kind of pressure in a 94 Marlin will take the bolt out the side. You are right, they lock up the same but the 336 bolt is supported all the way around when it's locked up and 94 is supported only from the locking bolt in the back and a very slight amount of the front of the bolt all the way around. Also, since the 336 is solid on both sides with only a window, the top of the receiver is supported better.

Anyhow, I did jump the gun and the point was pretty well made when I posted my response and I didn't realize it and it was my fault for not reading through the posts first. I'm sorry my friend and I wasn't trying to snarl and growl and foam at the mouth. Forgive???

rob

[rob]

1886, et al,

What is so dangerous about a one-piece firing pin? I see no problem, at all, with putting in a one-piece firing pin. How many other leverguns have one-piece pins? The Winchester 92 design has one. Until recent years, they had NO safety, save the half-cock. My Henry .22 has a one-piece firing pin. The Winchester 94 has a one-piece firing pin, too. Both the Marlins & the Winchetser 94 have some type of fully-closed-lever safety. Is there really a problem with removing the two-piece firing pin?

Shawn

A one piece firing pin isn't exactly dangerous, it's just that the two piece firing pin is a nice safety feature. On a Marlin levergun you can not fire it unless the lever is pulled up all the way. The locking block pushes the rear firing pin up and in line with the front firing pin so they will fire and it simply ensures that the locking block is fully engaged and locked up before the gun goes bang.

[1886]

Yes and I see no reason to change a perfectly safe, sound, and workable design/feature. As I said maybe I am ill informed but a one piece pin seems to be a non starter. Regards, 1886.

[Texican]

Forgive???

rob

To the others: As for the one piece pin, it's like an instant action job; great for CAS. As far as safety goes, it would appear that a two piece pin is only two pieces until the action closes (then they line up). Use the push button safety to block the hammer or don't keep one in the pipe; those are the safest options.

[Nate Kiowa Jones]

I sell many one piece firing pins to CAS shooters when doing action work for these folks. It really does allow the action to be smoothed even farther than without it. BUT, I always caution them, to clean the gun remove the lever and the bolt will easily come out. DO NOT remove the trigger plate if it can be avoided. It's too easy to leave out the locking bolt on re-assem. Everything will work just fine without the locking bolt until you shoot it. Shooting a live round can slam the lever open at least but in can be much worse with serious injuries.