I've got a hankering for something that doesn't exist (yet).

[mergus]

Guys, recently I've developed a hankering for a new model Marlin 1894 in 38-40, preferably in blue with a walnut stock. Since they don't make that model in that caliber, I was wondering about finding one used in .357 and having it bored out? Is this feasable? Would I need anything else on the inside changed to make it work. I know there have been a couple of threads lately about who to go to for reboring a barrell, so I know who to see if its do-able.

Have any of you guys ever rechambered a Marlin 1894 to 38-40? How did it work out?

Thanks,
Mergus

[Griff]

Since the .38WCF (.38-40) is actually a .401, it'd have to be re-bored and the bolt replaced with one for a .44Mag/.45Colt or preferably a .44WCF. Buying a .44-40 and having it re-barreled would be easier.

[jhrosier]

... Buying a .44-40 and having it re-barreled would be easier.

Buying a 44-40 and shooting 180 to 200 gr bullets would be a lot cheaper.

Could a mag tube that is large enough for the larger head size be fitted without too much trouble and expense?

Jack

[AJMD429]

Might be best to go with the .44 Mag or .44-40 vs. a .357, as I think the overall case-diameter and size is closer.

I almost bought a .44 Mag 1894-SS just to 'make' a 1894-CSS when they weren't available, and even planned on making it a tube-loader, but while considering a .357/44 B&D conversion, I found a run of CSS's had been made and snapped one up.

[adirondakjack]

It's gonna have a few small issues. The rim diameter is .525, which is a little bigger than .45 Colt, and already .45 Colt marlins have VERY little metal for the cartridge guides on the front of the bolt. Soooo, ya start with a .45 Colt and re-barrel or line it, and fine tune the bolt face a little. Ya need a large diamater mag tube and the receiver that can handle same, so no sense messing with a .38 rifle.....

[mergus]

Guys, thanks for the feedback. I figured there was more to it than just a rebore, I just didn't know what that something might be. A 44-40 as is, or perhaps as a starter sounds like the way to go.

Mergus

[rusty gunns]

You can find quite a few Marlin 1889's in 38-40.
I have one and love it.

[mergus]

Hi Rusty. Thanks for posting about the model 1889. As I had never heard of it, I googled it and like you said, there are a few examples around and for sale. In looking at the years they were made, can you tell me if they are intended for black powder only, or can modern level ammo be fired through them?

When I finally do aquire something in 38-40, I intend to reload for it. Currently I do most of my dash caliber reloading with Trail Boss powder and am wondering if published loads of Trail Boss powder would be safe in a gun from that era?

Thanks again for clueing me in on its existance....

Mergus

[marlinman93]

1894/94's in .38-40 are also not that uncommon in older guns. I've got a couple in .38-40, and see them fairly often on the auction sites.

[AJMD429]

Thanks for posting about the model 1889. As I had never heard of it, I googled it and like you said, there are a few examples around and for sale. In looking at the years they were made, can you tell me if they are intended for black powder only, or can modern level ammo be fired through them?

Yeah, I've always wondered that myself...

I know they were made during the 'transition' era, but does the year of manufacture tell a person if it was a 'black-powder-only' model? Besides, I thought NO 'high-pressure' loads were advised in the older (pre-????) guns, so is there really a difference between a 'cowboy' level smokeless powder load and the black powder ones of the era?