https://www.wideopenspaces.com/6-rifles-chambered-in-357-magnum-perfect-for-the-range-or-deer-woods/BY TRAVIS SMOLA | JUNE 23, 2022
The mighty .357 Magnum is traditionally thought to be a handgun cartridge, something you pack into a giant wheel gun. Far too many hunters are overlooking the effectiveness of this round as a powerful and versatile hunting cartridge. Sure, it's a little on the slower side when compared to modern centerfire cartridges. You're looking at muzzle velocities of 1,200-1,700 fps on the high end. However, what it lacks in the speed department it makes up for in sheer knockdown power and effectiveness out to longer ranges. In fact, for states that have traditionally been "shotgun only" for deer, the .357 Magnum is a huge blessing. Mostly because it falls under definitions for a legal "straight wall" cartridge, thus allowing hunters to reach out to longer distances that slug guns traditionally cannot. The round also lends itself well to lever-action rifle designs for hunters who need to make quick follow-up shots in dense brush. And even though it's not ideal for the choice, we have heard of some hunters who use .357 Magnum as a bear protection gun.
With all that in mind, today we will give you some of our top picks for long guns chambered in this heavy and effective hunting round for this hunting season. These designs have all proven themselves in the field time and time again, and are sure to put lots of venison in your freezer this year.
Henry Big Boy Steel
.357 Magnum Rifles
Henry Repeating Arms
As we have already mentioned, .357, like the .44 Magnum, lends itself well to lever guns. Anything from Henry Big Boy carbine line is going to be a solid choice of brush gun. The Henry offers a generous 10+1 round capacity. The blued steel and American walnut stock give off a classic cowboy vibe. This rifle is a compact 37.5-inch package. The barrel length is 20 inches, and it has a 1:16 rate of twist. The receiver is drilled and tapped for optics, but purists can use the brass bead front and adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight for more of a challenge. Most user reviews praise the buttery-smooth action and the fact that these rifles are not picky about ammo choices. We also like this one for the simple fit and finish, which is superb with anything made by Henry.
Marlin 1894 C
.357 Magnum Rifles
Marlin
The Marlin name is also synonymous with magnum lever-action rifles and this gun would make for a great brush tool. We're not sure if Ruger is going to keep up production of the 1894c since they acquired the brand a few years ago, but there are still plenty of these on the secondary market. This rifle features an 18.5-inch barrel with a 1:16 rate of twist. This is a relatively short rifle with an overall length is 38.5 inches and it only weighs 6.5 pounds. That puts it right in the sweet spot for long hikes into the backcountry without being overbearing. This rifle has a black walnut stock and forend and holds nine rounds in the tubular magazine. It has a brass bead front sight and an adjustable buckhorn rear. However, it is also drilled and tapped to mount a scope. Combine the great look and features and you have a solid gun for deer, hogs, or smaller predators like coyotes.
Ruger 77/357
.357 Magnum Rifles
Ruger
Most companies producing rifles in .357 have gone the lever carbine rifle action route. Ruger is one of the few to try producing a bolt action. The Ruger is a solid choice if you are in a state with straight wall cartridge rules mostly because many lever-actions go over maximum legal capacity. But the Ruger 77/357 has a five-round capacity in the rotary magazines which makes it legal under most state regulations for deer hunting straight out of the box. Ruger offers two versions of this rifle and the only difference is a threaded vs a non-threaded barrel. The rifle features an 18.5-inch barrel with a 1:16 right hand rate of twist. The stainless steel parts and synthetic stock help it stand up to the weather and cut the weight significantly. This rifle weighs just 5.5 pounds and is 38.5 inches long overall. That makes it a solid option for newer hunters or even younger hunters with smaller frames to harvest their first deer.
Winchester 1873 Sporter
.357 Magnum Rifles
Winchester
For those looking for a special lever-action rifle with a lot of historical significance, look no further than the Winchester Model 1873, aka: "The Gun that Won the West." It was also a favorite of many a trapper and frontiersman. While .357 was not developed until the 1930s, you wouldn't know it with this rifle. The round works incredibly well with this classic design. This rifle features a beautiful color case and polished blued steel finish. The stock and forend are satin black walnut. It has a 13+1 capacity thanks to the full-length tube magazine. We really like the classic 24-inch octagon barrel like you are used to seeing in old west movies. For sights it has a beaded Marble arms front sight and a semi-buckhorn rear. This is one of the more expensive options on the list, but it's also one of the most authentic cowboy-style guns you will find on the market.
Taylor's and Company 1892 Alaskan Takedown
.357 Magnum Rifles
Taylor's & Company
How do you take a classic design like the Winchester 1892 and make it better? How about making it into a deluxe takedown model? The Taylors and Company is manufactured by Chiappa, who are best known for their unusual handguns. Here, they have produced a rifle that would make for a great brush gun thanks to the compact 34-inch overall length and 16-inch barrel. The receiver and barrel are finished with matte chrome to help stand up to the elements and the stock and forend are synthetic black. That also helps make the rifle light at 5.9 pounds. The large loop makes it easy to cycle rounds. The capacity of this firearm is 7+1 rounds, which should be more than enough for most backcountry hunting. It comes fitted with skinner express-style sights, but it is also drilled and tapped for Weaver 61 bases and "Scout Mount" optics. It is great when companies give you options. This would be a great rifle to store behind a truck seat or in a boat or float plane as a backup.
Henry Big Boy Model X
.357 Magnum Rifles
Henry
While most .357 Mag rifles on the market are classic cowboy-style guns, Henry garnered a lot of buzz with the release of the X Series of guns. These are not your granddaddy's lever-actions. The Model X in .357 magnum is super compact with an overall length of just 36.3 inches. The round barrel is just 17.4 inches, threaded for a suppressor and features a 1:16 rate of twist. This rifle has a ton of modern flair that you may be used to seeing on semi-automatic sporting rifles. Features like a synthetic stock and forend, fiber optic front and rear sights, a short picatinny rail and M-Lok accessory slots. It holds 7+1 rounds in the tubular magazine, but also features a classic side gate for easy reloading. The loop lever is oversized, making it easy to cycle rounds quickly. The rifle is completely ambidextrous straight out of the box and features a rubber recoil pad to help keep you on target longer. As if all that was not enough, it also fires 38 Special. You are getting a lot for the $789 price tag. Not only will this gun put venison in the freezer season after season. Don't be surprised if your buddies are reluctant to hand it back to you after they shoot it once at the range.
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