Marlin 1894C: Discreet Urban Carbine

I have the same rifle, including the exact same sight set up. Of all of my rifles it is by far my favorite. Accurate, easy to operate, easy to reload for.

I cast my own bullets and it makes for a great day at the range with low velocity loads for kids all the way to “hammer’ loads for deer and hogs.

Great write-up, thank you.

“Discreet Urban Carbine”. The original “DUC of Death”…
I bought a Rossi 92 in .357 with a 16” barrel as a companion rifle for my 686*. Absolutely love it. Runs all .357 & .38s flawlessly.

I would love one, but good luck finding one.

Not to nitpick, but the quote about “load on Sunday and shoot all week” actually referred to the Henry 1860, which had a 16 shot capacity.

Also, in a SHTF situation, does it really matter how “discreet” your gun looks?

The marlin 1894 in 357 mag., needs a longer barrel same as the model 1894 in caliber 44mag. The gun would hold better on the target, and look better to.

I rather like the marlin in 357 mag, but I like the looks of the 44 mag with it’s longer barrel a lot better.

@Robert – While I did originally think like you did I then found several ballistic sites that showed 16 to 18 inch barrels producing the better velocities for .357 rounds. After 17/18 inches the velocities began to slow a bit indicating that 20 inch barrels (while looking better) might not produce ballistic excellence for the .357.
I did not do the research and testing myself by relied on some of the more read websites and ammo manufacturers. If I was buying today I’d go no longer than an 18inch barrel.

Coming a bit late to this discussion but will throw in my two cent just for chuckles.

I’ve been shooting this carbine for decades and have only two complaints about it.

One: the ‘famous Marlin jam’. This occurs when the cartridge carrier hangs up when loading. Not every carbine has this problem, yet it’s easy to resolve. Cowboy shooters remove the carrier assembly and solder or glue on a piece of jigsaw blade (hardened steel) to the underside, file to final shape and reinstall the carrier assembly.

My next complaint has to do with the barrel. Regardless the length, the barrel seems to be made of softer steel than a military barrel, as well as being thinner. As with all thin barrels, it tends to heat after a dozen rounds or so, at which time the POI devolves to a shotgun pattern. Of course, I’ve seen this occur with many rifles so is inherent with all barrels. Just let it cool down and happiness reappears.

All in all, this is, as the author noted, a very fine rifle for cowboy shooting, small game,deer hunting– within range limits– and an excellent plinker and training rifle for newcomers.