My 357 Mag barrel just arrived. It is a 21", tapered and gloss blued, that I ordered through EABCO about 9 weeks ago. The Custom Shop did a great job (fit, finish, crown, bore all perfect). I put it on my G2 frame and what a sweet-handling little carbine. I struggled with barrel length and contour before I ordered but I believe I made a good choice. It carries well, balances well, and points like a dream. My other choice was a 16.5" bull and I'd probably be happy with that as well. This all started because I was missing the little Marlin 1894C that I sold to my cousin. I wanted something a little handier and perhaps more versatile with handloads.
I'll be putting a newer 6X38 Weaver on it this week. It is a little larger than I like but I'm partial to fixed power scopes and I wanted a little extra magnification to start with at the range. I'm thinking that a low-power variable might be the ticket eventually because a short scope with a 20mm objective will look better and probably balance better. Maybe a Burris 1.75-5x with a heavy duplex?
I plan on using 125gr to 180gr SJHPs in it, loaded pretty warm. Probably Remington bulk, Hornady XTPs, and Speer Gold Dots. This barrel has a 1:14 twist and I may try some 180gr or 200gr spitzers as well. My goal was a light, handy, walking-around rifle that can handle varmints out to about 150yds and small deer to 100yds. Something to keep by the back door or in the truck with a couple of Bianchi Speed Strips in my pocket. I hope she's a good shooter. Based on how she feels, I think I hit the sweet spot.
