I took a critical look at a new Marlin 1894CB 357 at our favorite toy store this morning.  Obviously, I wasn't able to shoot it, cycle dummy rounds or take it apart.  But the bottom line,  if I needed a Marlin 1894CB in 357,  I would have no problem buying this one.    The wood color, grain orientation,  fit and finish was MUCH improved over other Remlins I've looked at.  The metal blue was nice and not so much two-tone. The action was ok for a new Marlin.  MUCH  better than other exam