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Hard cast bullets are a great way to enhance effectiveness.

The marlin is a fine rifle, well suited for a defensive rifle around the home ot to handle varmits. The 44 mag is a better hunting round. Just get both!

RECIT wrote: I'm looking for opinions on different .357 lever action rifles. Not for hunting or cowboy competitions or anything. Just to plink and target shoot.

Since it will not be used for hunting or cowboy competitions, the cost of ammunition probably ought to be a factor influencing your choice of caliber.

from Gallery of Guns (the website to which Marlin links):

Item # 1894C
MSRP: $687.72
Number Available: 0
Video: (Not Available)
This item is currently Allocated.

My son has the stainless Marlin also. Great gun but ive also heard Marlin going out of buisness. If true guess he has a collectors item now. It was this 12 year olds christmas gift.

Marlin is closing their plant in Connecticut plant, not going out of business.
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/News/press.asp#2009_9" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The relocation of Marlin's factory(ies) was also mentioned in the current issue of American Rifleman.

I have an EMF Hartford 1892 in .357. Like for any tube magazine gun, you should avoid "pointy bullets." There are flat nosed cartridges available if you don't hand-load, such as Winchester white box in .38, and of course .357 is mostly flat nosed. I've been avoiding Federal (sensitive primers) and round nose ammo, out of an abundance of caution. The gun is very comfortable to shoot, very little "kick," and loads of fun. It's my go-to gun for plinking.

I really like the Marlin 1894C a lot. Low recoil and .357 out of a rifle packs a heck of a punch. It really shines with the longer barrel.

I've been wanting one of those lately. The power of .357, capacity of a semi-auto, and the simplicity and reliability of a shotgun or revolver seem to make it a great idea for home defense. The fact that they are incredibly cool and fun is a bonus.

I have a Marlin 1894 in ss and a Henry brass one......go with the Marlin....we carry it everywhere on the ranch.

I was just checking gunbroker last week for one of these new Rossi lever guns.

http://www.rossiusa.com/product-details ... umbseries=" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I also have thousands of rounds available and would love to shoot something other than my revolvers in those calibers.

Marlins are great rifles...

I saw a few Marlins at the High Caliber Gun Show in Houston a week or so ago. They were all pretty pricey in my opinion. I saw two stainless that were in the $650-700 range. And the one blue one for just under $600. I did see a Rossi also in blue for $500 or so. But the Marlin feels like the way to go even with the higher price. The sights were better and overall fit/finish was better. I'll be getting one but it will be a while.