Aunt Jen Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Hi guys! I have these three, and I keep going back and forth on which one is best for CAS. Can you all give me some ideas? Thanks Aunt Jen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wyatt Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Buckle up here we go! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aunt Jen Posted February 20, 2011 Author Share Posted February 20, 2011 Buckle up here we go! I know. It's an old debate. But my son-in-law is interested in joining SASS, and I told him he would greatly benefit from everyone's wisdom. (1) A Cowboy Marlin, stock (2) A "Race Ready" Steve's Guns 1892 (3) An 1873 slicked by Jim Bowie Takes yur pick? Aunt Jen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wyatt Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Me..........3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold Canyon Kid #43974 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 My son just found a good price for Marlins at Cabelas. These are the carbine models with shorter round barrels but with good wood with nice checkering. His purchase was for a 45 LC carbine with a 20 inch barrel. Price was $550. The nice thing about a Marlin is even a novice can do all that is necessary to make the gun very competitive using very good instructions on the web. The addition of only a fairly inexpensive spring package is needed. The Cabelas on line site only shows these carbines in 357 and 44 Mag, but he also found several 45 LCs at his local Cabelas. He plans to use it for WB only. See below: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Marlin174-Model-1894-Lever-Action-Rifle/706395.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3D1894%2Bmarlin%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=1894+marlin&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Castalia,SASS#18915 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Have all three also. Keep taking the 1873 to matches. I like the forward weight. The cheek to sight position. It is the smoothest action of all three. Six of one half a dozen the others. Good luck in your search, Castalia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cope Daniels Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 I have a 73 and a 92 and they are both nice shootin guns but I favor my 73. The action is a lot better and I hope it will be GREAT when it comes back from Cody. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marauder SASS #13056 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Of the three options, the Race Ready 73 is by far the best operationally. None of the options are bad though. Any well tuned rifle would normally be better than a stock rifle. The 73 is generally the top of the line unless the Marlin is specially tuned, either by Spur or someone who who can do the Widdowmaddic modifications well. Spur has drastically cut back I understand... But for the money, the Marlin is not a bad choice, but realize that the 357 version has only a 18.5 inch barrel that only holds 9 357 Mag length cartridges. The problem is that some of the rifles NEED that long of cartridge to work and do not work well with the 38 Special. That is where Widdowmaker's work is often needed. Widder has kindly provided this info for any who need it. A good gunsmith can use it effectively. Widdermatic Marlin Widder Majic Marlin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Sgt. Jake McCandless #3368 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Me personally #.3, backup #.2,do Widdermatic modifications to #. 1 and it would change to #.3,#.1,#.2,JMO. Adios Sgt. Jake Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold Canyon Kid #43974 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Of the three options, the Race Ready 73 is by far the best operationally. None of the options are bad though. Any well tuned rifle would normally be better than a stock rifle. The 73 is generally the top of the line unless the Marlin is specially tuned, either by Spur or someone who who can do the Widdowmaddic modifications well. Spur has drastically cut back I understand... But for the money, the Marlin is not a bad choice, but realize that the 357 version has only a 18.5 inch barrel that only holds 9 357 Mag length cartridges. The problem is that some of the rifles NEED that long of cartridge to work and do not work well with the 38 Special. That is where Widdowmaker's work is often needed. Widder has kindly provided this info for any who need it. A good gunsmith can use it effectively. Widdermatic Marlin Widder Majic Marlin Have had many Marlins over the years and have never seen one that needed 357s to operate. The one needing the longest OAL needed a 1.5 inch OAL. This length of 38 can still fit in the 18.5 inch barrel Marlins with ease. My wife shoots two of them so I am pretty familiar with them. If you do not get crazy on OAL, the short 18.5 inch barrel Marlins will even hold 10 357s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marauder SASS #13056 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Thanks for the update, GCK. My data is rather old on the cartridge length- before we had as many options as we do today. But generally wouldn't the shooter have to reload or know where to get the proper length bullets? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grizzly Dave Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Well, lets see... I'd say start him off with the stock Marlin, it's a great rifle and with the right ammo very dependable. I shoot a Jimmy Spurs slicked up Marlin and love it. After he's been at the game long enough to get comfortable with everything that's going on, let him try the others and see which he prefers. Plus, after shooting a stock rifle, he will better appreciate a well tuned rifle. I'd love to have a slicked up 73 and will someday when the stars and bank balances line up. But there is sure nothing wrong with a Marlin, lots of folks shoot them. Grizz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grizzly Dave Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 As far as length of 38 specials, my Jimmy Spurs Marlin runs great with my reloads. I measured a bunch the other day and they were between 1.444 and 1.445 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bart Solo Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 The answer depends on where you are as a shooter. I suspect 90% of SASS shooters wouldn't see much difference in their times with any of the three tuned choices. The 73s have a leg up if you are a top shooter or aspire to be. On the other hand they are much more expensive. The more significant choice is tuned or straight out of the box. In that case any rifle properly tuned by a competent smith is much better. For that reason Aunt Jen's stock Marlin Cowboy is third choice. Another choice has to do with caliber, but you can download a big bore caliber pretty effectively. The big issue in caliber is the cost of lead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold Canyon Kid #43974 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Thanks for the update, GCK. My data is rather old on the cartridge length- before we had as many options as we do today. But generally wouldn't the shooter have to reload or know where to get the proper length bullets? Most of the 105/125/130 g bullets work out to an acceptable OAL. These are either truncated cones or truncated Ojive shaped bullets, which are usually longer. The worst offender bullet is the old std 158 g round nose flat point which seems to load out a lot shorter and has a sharper shoulder making them usually harder to get into the chamber of a Marlin from my experience. Many of the ammo houses are now selling 125/130 g loaded rounds. My wife uses 105 g truncated cone bullets and they work perfect in her Carbine-about 1.45" OAL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Widder, SASS #59054 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Well, without a doubt, I'm prejudice. I shoot a Marlin but I like it when my competition shoots those slicked up, short stroked 66's and 73's. Of those 3 you listed, I would go with the 73, especially in the tuned condition that you mentioned. I must also add that even without the Widder mods, I have handled Marlins tuned by Jimmy Spur and Longhunter and I must say those rifles are worthy of competition. ..........Widder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jefro, SASS#69420 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 #1 Win 1873/66..........#2 Marlin...........#3 1892............Good Luck Jefro Relax-Enjoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Tooth Zach Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Which one is best? I would say the one that keeps beating you in matches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buck D. Law, SASS #62183 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Without an indepth study, I'd guess if you looked at the top ten shooters in most matches, you'd find: 80-100% are shooting a 73 or 66. 10-20% are shooting a Marlin. <5% are shooting a 92. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anvil Al #59168 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 73 66 Marlin 92 After that, think I would just quit. That is the order I like the rifles. But that does not mean you have to like the same thing. That is why they make so many different ones. Go let him try them. Then let him pick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pack Saddle Slim, SASS #73122 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 I've got all three. All three have been slicked up. And all three have their strong points. The Nate Kiowa Jones '92 is a great, smooth gun and can handle much hotter loads than the '73. I shoot .45 mostly, and the '92 with hot .45 loads will handle just about anything I want to handle when I'm up in the mountains. In fact, Nate is currently doing a "truck gun" for me...short 16-inch barrel mod. 92 in .45 Colt. A perfect gun to pack horseback or out in the brush in the back of a Jeep. I've been shooting Classic Cowboy lately, so the 1873 always gets the nod for that, inasmuch as the '92 isn't allowed in that category. Like I said, all three are good guns. It just depends on what you want and what "flips your switches," so to speak. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickamauga Charlie, SASS #47963 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 As far as length of 38 specials, my Jimmy Spurs Marlin runs great with my reloads. I measured a bunch the other day and they were between 1.444 and 1.445 whats BETWEEN 1.444 and 1.445??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Widder, SASS #59054 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 whats BETWEEN 1.444 and 1.445??? I know.....I know! .0001, .0002, .0003, .0004, .0005, .0006, .0007, .0008, .0009 did I win the prize? ..........Widder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirty Dan Dawkins Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 Buckle up here we go! Yeehaw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jabez Cowboy,SASS # 50129 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 A 66 ,,,,, 73 ,,,, 92,, then Marlin ... All in .45 ... Jabez Cowboy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh Damwright Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 Of course this is all opinions and we know how they vary from shooter to shooter, but I am with Maruader and Widder on this one. Marlin with the Widdermajick is what I'm now running and I'm loving it. Backup is another marlin, Spur Special to shoot the 45 Cowboy Specials. Had a '66, kept it about 3 weeks, just was not me. 73's, I've shot a few, different 'smith work. Very nice but I believe the Widder-mod marlins are going to gain popularity in the near future, esp. in the numbers of top shooters. (just heard new rumors of this over the phone this morning). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Complicated Lady Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 I've been shooting a Marlin for 6 years. I just got my new 73. I love it! I will keep the Marlin for the matches I want to shoot BWestern but for the most part.... I will be shooting the 73. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold Canyon Kid #43974 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 As much as I like Marlins, I would say a 73 is first, a Marlin is second, a 66 is third (no trigger block safety, almost mandatory if 45 cal), and whatever else is left. I have seen more new shooters show up with new 92s and fight them for about 6 months of shooting. Some just never come back after a couple of matches. Unless the 92s have a lot of good gunsmithing IMHO they are the hardest to shoot. The Marlin is easiest to get running by the new shooter himself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McKenzie River Drifter, #74138 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 I cheated. Got a couple Spur Marlins which I like better than the 73,66 or 92. McKenzie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate Clayton, SASS #63196 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 73. <-that's a period there at the end. -Nate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jabez Cowboy,SASS # 50129 Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 What ?????????? A nice civil discussion ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, here on the wire ,,,, in the winter ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, na can't be .... Question ,,, Why is a trigger saftey needed to shoot .45s ????????? My 66 don't have one ( like the rest) and I have never felt the need for one and my loads are hotter than most ....... Jabez Cowboy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Tooth Zach Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 I have seen more new shooters show up with new 92s and fight them for about 6 months of shooting. Some just never come back after a couple of matches. Unless the 92s have a lot of good gunsmithing IMHO they are the hardest to shoot. I'm one of those new shooters that showed up with a 92 to my first shoot, and out of the box the gun just could not stand up to the demands of a match. I've put alot of work into it so that it will work during a match, but you have to lever it with authority. A complete and deliberate cycle of the action that throws my aim and timing off. It is a fine lever gun otherwise - I would take it to shoot hogs. I feel like the 92, with the double locking lugs, could probably handle 'hot' loads better than a 73/66, and it might be better for long distance shooting. I've had the opportunity to finish a match with a nice 66 (after my 92 had some problems), and I've fired a couple of slicked up 73's, and there was no comparison. The 66/73 just works better for me. I did not have to focus on the gun, and I could focus on sight picture and pulling the trigger. It was just plain faster with a good 66/73. From personal experience, I would recommend a 66/73 to a new shooter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smithy Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 I would vote for the number two choice of the 92. It has served me well, but a lot of the credit goes to the advice of Nate Kiowa Jones. I have recently purchased a 73 (in Beretta Renegade persuasion) and am waiting for the paperwork to clear so I can slick it up a bit and see how she runs, but until proved otherwise my Nate 92 is pretty hard to beat. Smithy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holden A. Grudge Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 I would say, that since you have all three readily available. Let him shoot each one and decide which he likes better. Personaly I would go with the 73 first. Then the 92. I currently shoot a 92 that I cannot yet outrun but am planning on a 66 or 73 as soon as financially possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ol poke SASS 57567 Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 Ain't no better rifle than my NKJ '92. It'll be that way until of if I kin ever afford a '73. ol' poke Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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