Does anyone have one of the new 1894 CLs

[LEO]

I am thinking, I need a new small game and varmint rifle and would like a small centerfire.  I now Marlin has brought the 1894 CL back out in 32-20 and I was wondering if anyone has one and how it performs.  I am looking at this as a woods roaming rifle shooting mainly light cast loads for squirrels, rabbits etc most of the varmints I shoot with a rifle are crows and coyotes.  Keep in mind this would be a target of opportunity thing with the varmints not a dedicated varmint rig, I have several of those, they are great to shoot but not much fun to wander through the woods with.

[Dr. A]

I do not have CL's in the caliber you speak of but do in others.


My CL's are in 25-20 and 218, along with a 32H&R mag in the octagonal version.  All are accurate and great fun to shoot.  The cl's have a longer barrel, and are very well balanced.  The 32CB does all you are talking about as well.  The 32-20 is a more potent cartridge, although I have had a load for my 32 going 1600fps with a 120gr. cast bullet.  Most of my loads are pretty sedate, though, and perfect for what you are talking about.  The 85, 90 and 100gr. bullets are accurate, but i prefer cast loads, and the gun does seem to shine with these.  All these guns are more accurate than my 357 model 94. 

[LEO]

Thanks Dr. A., the rifle I really wanted was a 25-20 but they are scarce around here and when you find one they ask twice what it is worth.  I looked at the 32 H&R magnum which I thought would be great, wide loading range and a straight sided case so you would not have to be as careful with the cases as the 25 or 32-20.  While it was a fine, well made rifle, I didn't like the way it felt and I didn't like the 22 style loading, nothing wrong with it just personal preference.  If they would offer the 32 H&R in the CL style rifle that would be nice, but what I really wish is that they would bring the 25-20 back out but I doubt that will happen.

[Skwerlhunter]

          I have one in 25-20 Winchester and I will have the CL in 32-20 Winchester in a couple of weeks. Can't wait to shoot it.