Marlin 1894 357x44 B&D..............

[Steve E]

World of wonders, I got a call from the Smith today and they told me my rifle would go out UPS second Air on Monday. This job "Is a simple job and won't take but a couple of months" at least is what I was told, started in May 03. As soon as it is in my hands and I insure everything is as it should be I'll post the Smith's name. I furnished the rifle and new barrel and reamer and he charged me $150.00 to do the work. I'll post pic's if I can get it right.

Steve E........

[leverfan]

This job "Is a simple job and won't take but a couple of months" at least is what I was told, started in May 03.

Gunsmiths' perception of the passage of time can vary from ours, sort of like a reverse version of dog years, but it's usually worth the wait.  Keep us posted on your experience with the rifle, and be sure to tell folks who the smith was (good or bad, folks are going to want to know).

Wilbe Lead has a revolver chambered for a wildcat 357-41, and it's one heck of a great little cartridge, so a rifle in 357-44 should be pretty dang impressive on the deer.

[Wilbe Lead]

Hi Steve,
I have thought of doing the samething but I seen your post a long time ago.
You were telling us about getting it done but smith was dragging his feet.
Like Leverfan said I have a Blackhawk in 357&41 or 356GNR as Reeder calls it.
Have just shot paper it so far.
Get back to us as soon as you get time.Would like to hear more about your Marlin.
Later
Wilbe Lead

[Steve E]

Had to call the Smith and tell them to send my barrel they took off back(they said they would but didn't). I got it today. Last weekend I took the rifle to the range with an assortment of ammo, mostly 158 gr. of one form or another and a few 180 gr. The best performers were the 180 gr. bullets, most notably the 180 Gr.XTP HP's. Almost loads were with 296 powder. Most groups averaged around 1 1/2 inch but the best was 1/2 inch. 2400 showed some promise with the 180's. Not sure of the velocity, can't set a Chrony up at the range I'm shooting at. All shooting was done at 50 yds. and with iron sights. And for the best of all, the smith was Jim Brockman at Brockman Rifles in Gooding Id. Workmanship is first rate, caliber marking on the barrel looks real nice. He did the job for $150.00 and I furnished the rifle, barrel, reamer and gauges. Took about a year and a half but it was worth it.

Steve E........

[45LC-Man]

I have a question. Is the barrel diameter of the .357 Marlin the same as the .44? The barrel band is the part that I have a question about. I am still having hives just thinking about one of these conversions.

[Steve E]

Hope these don't come out too big. I'll have to figure that out someday.

                                     Steve E.........

[Steve E]

Hey 45 LC Man

               They are different, one is 357 diameter and the other takes a 429 bullet. Roflmao, Sorry about that I couldn't resist. As far as I can tell they are the same diameter, at least where the band was on the 44 barrel and where it is on the 357 barrel. I don't really know if Brockmans had to do any fitting to the forend. It was a factory forend with checkering and had that Perch Belly so I took that off, I like it a lot better now. I made this for my 6 year old to hunt with one day but I don't know if he is going to get it or not. Scope is coming off after accuracy testing to be replaced by a tang sight. I will Chrony it as soon as I can, in the mean time I really like shooting it. I rechambered a 9mm cylinder for my 357 Blackhawk yesterday, now I just have to do the mouth on each chamber in the cylinder.

                                          Steve E..........