H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619

No, I'd not want to do any changes that can't be easily reversed. That said, it LOOKS like a magazine tube from a Marlin 92 in .32 might work, or maybe from a take down version of the 94. Clearly a question for a good gunsmith. I've often wondered why Marlin did not make them with a full length magazine. Or at least have that be an option.

I actually see 94s, and 89's in .32-20 on Gunbroker and Gunsinternational a lot. Specifically, pre-safety models are the ones I look for. Prices vary a lot. I am just waiting on the right combination of timing and available funds. That being said, I have have wondered about extending the magazine on the Marlin 27 pump...

You mean like on of these? https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1136147325 It's got a full length magazine...

My plan is that this will be a part of my collection. I will shoot it and enjoy it, and many years in the future, pass it on to my heirs. If I was gonna sell it, I'd sell it as is. In the end, I'll do one of two things, leave it alone or give it the Turnbull Treatment. Everyone should own at least one Turnbull finished gun. This is a good candidate. I don't think I'd ever be able to recoup the cost, but that's not the intent. Interestingly enough, the other gun in my collection I am considering Turnbullizing is this one... My infamous Big Iron. It's a heavily modified Armi San Marco. Has no collector value whatsoever. But it's kinda bland looking. If it had nicer bluing, nicer case colors and such, it'd be even more nifty. Maybe even get it engraved. I dunno. It's all speculation at this point.

One time year, I took 4 32-20s to a match to compare which one I was best with. In order of acquisition... Winchester 73 made in 1903 Winchester 92 made in 1909 Colt Lightning made in 1897 Marlin 1888 made in 1889 I was fastest with the Lightning. I have also obtained an Uberti 66 in the caliber. Somehow, this has led me to the idea of wanting to have as many different .32-20s as possible. With other calibers, it's been more random. This is the only one I want to have more examples of. For example, I'd really like to get one of those Martini Cadet rifles that has been converted to the caliber. And perhaps other single shots. A Marlin 94 is on the wish list. Not sure what other repeaters fit the caliber bill.

I am getting to the point where I, almost, feel like I have enough guns. (GASP!) But that being said, I have begun to ponder about how I can better enjoy the guns already in my collection. Now, although I have become a Lightning guy, my first love was lever actions, specifically Winchesters. Being a lefty, I was not really much interested in Marlins, even though I knew they were well made guns. Now, I guess my favorite Winchester, is this one... Obviously, it's a Winchester '73. I thought I was very lucky to find this one, it's in pretty decent shape, with honest wear for a gun of its age. It is also the specific gun that started my .appreciation for the .32-20 caliber. I really like this gun, and I very much like it "as is." Here's another interesting rifle... This is a Marlin 1888. Also a .32-20. Also showing honest wear for a gun of its age. I always wanted one of the top eject Marlins, and when I found this one, especially in this caliber, I grabbed it. Once again, I think this gun is great, "as is." And now for something completely different... Being a southpaw, I was never really all that interested in side eject Marlins, but the price was too good to pass up. Generically, I suppose I'd like to have one in .32-20, and even though this Model 1889 is a .44-40, I thought it was just too cool to ignore. But, while the two above guns exhibit honest aging, this one... Well... As you can see, a previous owner apparently scrubbed all the original finish off of it, with sandpaper or steel wool or something. In other words, it does not have honest wear. While it is mechanically fine, it sure is ugly. Those strange markings, I have no clue what they are. They are more intriguing than detracting, so they don't bother me. I may yet get a Marlin in .32-20. And since this one is a Model 1889, maybe a Model 1894 will be the way to go. Anyway, back to enjoying my guns. While I would not even consider doing anything to the 73 or the 88, I think that this 89 is a prime candidate for a trip to Turnbull. It only cost me $600 to begin with and the scrubbed off finish has already taken away any "collector" value. But that's not really something that I care about. As long as the gun is functional, that's the main thing to me. Honest wear and aging like on the first two guns gives it character and history. But this gun has had all of that scrubbed away, so I may as well make it pretty. Maybe. No decisions have been made. But if I do have it "restored," I may as well do it "right." Not asking for advice or opinions here, although they are always welcome, I just wanted to bring up a fun topic. There are other guns I may someday consider having done up nice, but who knows? I think this one makes for an intriguing possibility.

Hi all. Yesterday, I obtained an older Stevens single barrel shotgun in .410. The assumption was made that it is a pre-1968 gun as it has no serial number, but that may not be true. Take a look at the following pictures... As you can see, inside the receiver, inside the forestock and on whatever this part is, the number 328IN (Or IN328) is clearly visible. It would seem to me that this is the serial number. As you can see from the first pic, the gun is not in the best of shape cosmetically, but mechanically it is sound and as tight as can be. It'll make a good shooter. In addition to the serial number question, I am wondering what model it is, and perhaps even (roughly) when it was made. Here are some photos of all makings I could find. \\ The last one here is the inside of the buttplate. The right side of the receiver. The second pic includes a weird mark in the upper left. Second pic is after "cleaning." That is to say, rubbing the gun down with a parch soaked with Hoppes #9. It helps... And the gun itself after cleaning and reassembly. I am at a loss as to what this actually is. Could "THE FULLY GUARANTEED SINGLE GUN" be the actual model designation? Is that number on the innards the serial number? I will try to get a Cody letter, but their records for Stevens guns are, at best, limited, so I don't think they'll have anything. The lack of the word Savage and the reference to Chicopee, Mass instead of Westfield suggests a manufacture date of no later than 1960 when Savage moved Stevens out of the Chicopee location. It may also be indicative of a pre Savage purchase, which would mean pre-1920. It seems I have a mystery on my hands. No idea if it can be solved, but maybe someone here knows something, or at least knows where I can look. Thanks.

Addendum: The .45 that fit was one of my reloads. A factory .45 would not fit. I feel this confirms my feeling that .45 brass can not be used. I guess those 45/410 hybrid things are not something to go by. But after rereading the case dimensions of .444 and .410 I am still wondering if it’s possible. Ah, the joy of confusion! This is why you ask those more experienced than yourself before you try anything for real.

Well, I was able to do something today. I obtained a .410 shotgun. A Stevens single shot made before 1968. (It has no serial number.) Seems to be a very well made gun. Mechanics and bore are excellent. Has a lot of surface rust, but it does work, and for a hundred bucks, why not? Anyway... I don't yet have any .410 shotshells, so I decided to check some things. A .444 Marlin round dropped right into the chamber, but I could tell that it was a little "loose" in there. On the other hand, a .45 Colt also chambered, and it seemed to be a good fit. The cartridge seemed to fit pretty exactly. But, it was a little harder to close the gun. Nothing was binding or in the way, it was just tighter somehow. The lifter did lift the cartridge out with no problems. I also had some .454 Casull snap caps, and they fit the same way the .45 Colt did. They went it, did not have to be forced, but just seemed to be too tight somehow. So, here are my thoughts. In spite of everything I have read, I don't think using .444 Marlin brass to make all brass .410 shotshells is not a real idea. They are just too loose in the chamber. The only thing I can compare it too is putting a .38 Short Colt into a .38 S&W chamber. If "fits" but it is obviously not as big is it should be. Also, I don't think using .45 Colt, or by extension another case that is just a longer version of it, is a viable option either. Again, it fits, but my gut tells me it's not a "proper" fit. Well, I guess getting some Magtech brass and some proper dies in the near future. Now... All of that being said, I am wondering if anyone IS using any of this brass to reload .410 and if so, what has your experience been? Maybe I am overthinking it, and there are alternatives.

Normally, I shoot a 97, but I do enjoy using a SxS from time to time. My preferred one is a 12 gauge with 30" barrels with F/F chokes. I do have another 12 with 19" barrels with no choke, which was the first SxS I ever owned. In general, I like longer barrels because I don't miss with them. Also, they tend to not kick as badly as short barreled ones do. I also have a 20 gauge with 28" tubes with F/M chokes. It makes for a nice variation from time to time. All are fantastic guns that you absolutely can't go wrong with. All three of them can be summed up with one word. Once this word is spoken, there is nothing more to say, as they are without a doubt the finest doubles ever made anywhere in the whole wide world. And, yes, while you can spend a small fortune for one, without too much effort you can find one that is still a good shooter, even if it doesn't look so "great" anymore. I believe they are the first, last and almost the only name in SxS shotguns. That name... Parker. Nuff said.

Yeah, I've seen that. To me, that extra long cylinder just looks wrong. My "theory" is to use a Freedom Arms revolver, the one with he more or less traditional fixed sights, bore out the cylinder, install a properly bored barrel or bore out and line the existing one to .458". (A 10" barrel is preferred. Not sure if I want octagon or round.) As far as finish is concerned, if I modify an already existing gun, it doesn't matter. If they'll do it for me at the factory, I'll tell them to leave it in the white cuz it'll be going to Turnbull for a traditional finish. Maybe even engraving. Hey, if I am gonna do this, I may as well go all the way!

But, that's my point. You don't have to modify your rifle to use a shorter cartridge. The .45 Schofield will work with no modifications, and has the benefits of being shorter.

You know, if you wanna use a shorter cartridge in your .45 Colt rifles, and don't want to modify the gun, try .45 Schofield. I shot a clean match running it though my AWA Lightning. I've tested it in my Armi San Marco 92, and it works there too. It also works in my Uberti 66, so it'll probably work in a 73 or a Henry. It won't work in the Uberti Burgess though. Nothing against the C45S, it's a great round for use in pistols. But is it really worth the effort of modifying your rifle to get it to work, especially when you have to unmodify it use the original cartridge? And this comes from the guy who "invented" a new cartridge by trimming .45-70 back to .45 Colt length and calling it the .45-45. I created it for use as low power plinking round in single shot rifles. I was oddly surprised to find that it works in my Winchester 86, as long as you don't try to run it too fast. Won't run in a Colt Lighting or an Uberti 76, but that's not why I made it up. But I can't shake the desire to somehow have a custom revolver made for the cartridge...

From what I have been able to garner, the New Line and the New House were two very similar, but different models. Of course the data is limited online, so I might be making distinctions that did not exist at the time.

I was too, bur sometimes things don't work out as expected. But... This was a "part" of a larger "project" I am working on relating to "small" revolvers from the Old West. I don't exactly mean Pocket Pistols as defined by SASS, but perhaps some of the things I am talking about venture into that territory. I've had a couple of brief threads on aspects of the project in the recent past, and I am getting closer to bringing it all together. Once I do, I'll probably start a new thread on the subject. It'll have a lot of pictures, and other fun stuff. At least, I hope it will. Watch the Wire in the coming weeks for more.

Thanks for all the suggestions and interesting information, folks. Turns out to be a moot point. Just got a call from the person I was buying it from; he can't find. Thinks he might have sold it to someone else a few months ago. He'll be sending me my money back. Kinda disappointing as it looked to be in pristine condition with a presentation case, but such is life. As they say, "manure occurs." I have plenty of other small revolvers, so it's no real loss.

You specifically said light loads. I noticed HP-38 is listed as a possibility in your chart. While it is a good mild load, be careful with that stuff. It's far too easy to drop a double charge. If you do that, this happens... You do not want this to happen! Fortunately, no one was hurt, and the top pistol was able to be repaired. I use a 200 grain RNFP in .45 Colt, and now that it's back on the market, I have gone back to Trailboss with a 5.5 grain charge. Very nice shooting round in both my rifles and pistols, and impossible to overload. Alternatively, you can run .45 Schofield with 4.0 grains behind that 200 grain bullet. It works in at least copies of the Winchester 92 and the AWA Lightning in .45 Colt with no problems. Don't know if it'll run in a 73. Won't run in an Uberti Burgess. This a a very mild load.

It's worth pointing out that the original .45-60 and the modern 45-60 are two different cartridges. I learned this the hard way! I had obtained an Uberti 76 in .45-60, that came with RCBS reloading dies, and some Jamison .45-60 brass. The Jamison brass would NOT chamber in the Uberti. It would only go in about 90% of the way, and no further. Took some .45-70 brass and trimmed it to the same length as the .45-60, and it fits like a glove. Also, the original .45-60 was ever so slightly bottlenecked, and the RCBS dies DO add that feature to the cut brass .45-70. But you really don't wanna do that. The chambers on the modern .45-60 are not bottlenecked. In other words, modern .45-60 is literally just a shortened .45-70, where the original cartridge is not. For reloading, I wind up using my Lee .45-70 dies to resize and expand the case mouth, and the RCBS .45-60 die for seating/crimping. Kinda makes me wanna find an original Winchester so's I can play with the old round too...

Very nice, PaleWolf. I assume ammo for it is non-existent. I know every so often someone does a run of .32 or 38 rimfire, but until I started looking for info in the Smoot, I'd never even heard of .30 rimfire.

I recently acquired one of these rather nifty little revolvers and am trying to track down information about it. Online info seems scarce. What is most curious is that every "article" about them, such as Wikipedia is very limited. As near as I can tell, mine is a 3rd Model, made between 1878 and 1888, and most curiously, is a .38 CF. Every online article I read said they were only available in .30, .32 and .38 RF. On the other hand, I find a couple of videos of the CF version. Anyway, I don't know what additional, if any, information may or may not exist on these rather cool little pistols, but if anybody knows anything, can you point me in the right direction? I am looking forward to loading up some black powder cartridges for it. Anybody else around here have one?

There are a couple if used Uberties in .44 Magnum on Gunbroker for less than $500 at the moment.

Badges of the Old West makes some nice quality and not very expensive badges. I have gotten a few from them, and more than a few of them are at least semi-customizable. https://www.piecesofhistory.com/store/famous-badges-of-the-old-west/?srsltid=AfmBOooVdCJAipYyPgoJk8w4upyKg3y98_W_9T_tYBh1GrvepHrn0DXq They are not very fancy, but they are pretty good.

It'll be nice to have a full battery in the same caliber. Will the Marlin run .44 Specials without any problems? I know for a fact that certain Winchester 92 or copies thereof, find the shorter round to be problematic. (Others will tell you they have no trouble, so your milage may vary.) Anyway, if you Marlin runs Specials all right, then by all means use them. But it is also very easy to load .44 Magnums no hotter than a Special. Which is a good idea in our game! If the price is right on that pistol, I would not hesitate to obtain it, but keep in mind that adjustable sights are not allowed in all categories. You will need two pistols, and while many people like to shoot a "matched pair" that is not a requirement. As far as .44 Special itself goes, finding guns chambered for it can be difficult. It's actually easier to find Magnums, but if you are patient, and keep looking, you will find revolvers in both calibers. Rifles, well, I've seen a lot in .44 Magnum over the years, and you already have one, so that's good. But in all the years I've been doing this, I've only ever seen 1 rifle, a 73 copy, in .44 Special. (I shoulda bought it.) For .44 Magnum revolvers, Uberti made (may still make) a slightly scaled up version of the Colt in the caliber, with either fixed or adjustable sights. These are fairly easy to locate. There are also some "classic" used guns in the caliber, such as the original Great Western, the Interarms Dragoon to name two. Good luck, and above all, have fun.

Hi, all. Rossi has come out with a new gun that is a copy of the Marlin 95. I've heard that it's not as "exact" a copy as their 92 is of the Winchester, but it's still pretty close. It comes in several configurations, include what is essentially a "Mare's Leg" version in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, 454 Casull and .45-70. I never thought I'd see what amounts to a Marlin Mare's Leg, and yet, here one is. Here's a link to the .44 Magnum Mare's Leg. (I am using "Mare's Leg" generically to refer to a pistol version of a lever action rifle.) https://rossiusa.com/product/rifles/lever-action/r95-44-mag-triple-black-pistol/ As you can see, it has some flaws. No traditional sights, plastic stocks, and a threaded barrel. Since it's legally a pistol, I suppose I could just cut the threads off, remove the rail, install some traditional sights, and get a wooden stock set for their 95 rifle and chop the butt off the stock, but I do wish they had made it available in that configuration to begin with! Yes, I know Mare's Legs are not SASS legal, but the are fun! Anyway, generically, does anyone have any experience with the Rossi 95s? Either the actual rifles or the pistol versions? I am, at a minimum, curious about them. Any information about them would be appreciated. I think that having one of the pistols would round out a collection of Marlin rifles.

Robocop 2? That's what Virgil carried in the last original Planet of the Apes movie!