First Range Sessions 1894C

[5Wire]

After two range sessions with the 1894C, I can say I am very pleased with the rifle. It took me about fifty rounds to get the sights elevated and drifted for decent placement at fifty yards and a few more to learn how to deal with a distinctly gritty and stagey trigger. The results were to cloverleaf five or six rounds, less than an inch. The rifle definitely liked the Sellier & Bellot 158 gr SP and the 158 gr FMJ FP. It did not like the Federal Classic 180 gr Hi-Shok JHP. I don't reload, so I foresee always having a supply of the SB 158s around.
 
I don't like the semibuckhorn sights, although they are adequate, because of the imprecision of having to drift them. I've ordered a Lyman No2 Tang Sight. I considered their receiver Peep Sight but decided not to get it because it looks like I'd have to at least tap, if not drill and tap, the receiver. I'd be interested in hearing other sight set up recommendations. Ammo too.

Nice rifle!

[Jerry Lester]

Just about the greatest rifles of all time in my opinion. I've put countless rounds down range in a very wide array of rifles, and none even come close to being as much fun or as satisfying as my 1894C. If I ever seriously had to choose only one rifle for the rest of my life, it'd be my 357 lever gun without a question.

[PeterB]

I have an 1895 CB and found similar situations with the sight and trigger.  I changed to a Marbles tang sight and it made a huge improvement.  My understanding from listening to others is that the Marbles sight is a better quality and also is adjustable for windage.  Also added a Wild West trigger.  Changed the pull from 6-1/2 lb gritty to 2-1/2 lb crisp.  It is a drop in installation.  A bit pricey at 90 bucks, but well worth it.  Your groups should shrink even more.

[5Wire]

I have an 1895 CB and found similar situations with the sight and trigger.  I changed to a Marbles tang sight and it made a huge improvement.  My understanding from listening to others is that the Marbles sight is a better quality and also is adjustable for windage.  Also added a Wild West trigger.  Changed the pull from 6-1/2 lb gritty to 2-1/2 lb crisp.  It is a drop in installation.  A bit pricey at 90 bucks, but well worth it.  Your groups should shrink even more.

Thanks so much for the advice PeterB. I'm glad I saw your post in time to cancel the Lyman order. I couldn't see that it had no windage adjustment which is THE reason I wanted to change sights. Whew! Saved from myself.  :-)
 
Also, thanks for the trigger reference. I'll check that out.

[Dirty Tiger]

I'm glad to hear you liked it.

Does it shoot BOTH .38 and .357??

[5Wire]

I'm glad to hear you liked it.
 
Does it shoot BOTH .38 and .357??

Yup, I didn't care for the .38 stuff I was shooting (Winchester 158 Gr JSP, Sellier & Bellot 158 Gr JSP) because the group spreads were about four inches at 50 yds. The Sellier & Bellot .357 Magnum 158 Gr JSP and FMJ were holding less than two inches.
 
BTW I wound up getting a Williams Receiver sight that uses the two rearmost scope rail mounting holes. The sight hangs back about an half inch over the end of the receiver and almost gets in the way of bath the hammer and the hammer block safety. I can put up with it for range work.

Unfortunately, the 1894C I have requires drilling and tapping at least one hole for any other kind of aperture sight. Marlin kind of painted its customers into a corner by putting the serial number of the tang and by no longer drilling and tapping the side of the receiver. I understand they've moved the serial number back to the side of the receiver. That;s a step in the right direction, I would say.