Please don't lynch me!

[sammer]

I'm considering, due to the price of ammo and I hate the way other lever actions look, on buying a Marlin 1894 CL in 32-20 and having it converted to .38-.357. Is this possible? Who would be qualified to do the work?

[Ysabel Kid]

Welcome aboard!

I'm missing something here. Can't you just buy a Marlin 1894 in .38 Special/.357 Magnum and call it a day?

[mescalero1]

I think me and YK are missing the same boat.

[Blaine]

Just me, but I wouldn't alter a semi-rare CL for a common as dirt plain .357.....The change over would cost you more than a used 1894 in .357 and you'd be out a nice rifle in 32-20........ People shot deer with their .32s all the time

[Andrew]

I think I missed the boat as well. Blaine said it good.

[Hobie]

I'm considering, due to the price of ammo and I hate the way other lever actions look, on buying a Marlin 1894 CL in 32-20 and having it converted to .38-.357. Is this possible? Who would be qualified to do the work?

It would be far cheaper to just buy a common 1894C (or two with that much money). They are great rifles as is and even the pre-safety guns are relatively common. I think it would still be cheaper to take a 1894C and have it converted to look like a 1894CL with a new barrel, shortening the magazine, new forearm and forearm cap.

A new barrel would be needed for the 1894CL, too, and (I was looking at my CL and I think the muzzle would be a bit thin if rebored to .357") is pretty costly for the Marlins due to additional machining at the breech end. You wouldn't have to find a new carrier, etc for the .357 Mag. Heck, you might need a new bolt, too. Then, too, you would not be taking a relatively hard to find 1894CL off the market forever.

Well, that's my view.

I understand about the aesthetics thing. There are several smiths who could likely do you a bang up job either way.

[mod71alaska]

Here ya go...

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =112805388

[jnyork]

I would trade you my .357 for your .32-20 in equal condition.

[rjohns94]

Welcome. all good advice above. You will love the 38/357 for the reasons you stated.

[2ndovc]

I would trade you my .357 for your .32-20 in equal condition.

In a minute!!!

jb