Marlin Model 1894 Cowboy

I owned this lever-action Marlin rifle with an octagonal barrel in .357 magnum.

I loved this rifle. It's probably my favorite of the rifles I've owned.

First off, I love the .357 magnum cartridge because it's great for just about everything ... target shooting, hunting (though nothing too big), self defense, cowboy action shooting, etc. I also loved that this rifle was in this caliber because it also meant I could shoot the less-kicking .38s from it, making it even smoother for target practice. But still, even though .357 magnums pack a kick in a handgun, in this rifle there wasn't much of a kick.

The feel of this weapon in my hands was also quite superb. There was a good, solid heft but it was light enough to carry all day. The only complaint I might have in this department is that for me the wooden stock was a bit too smooth, making it a bit slippery to hold in hot weather, but this could easily be remedied with shooting gloves or in other ways.

I was a decent shot with this firearm, too. I can't boast too much as I don't consider myself any kind of a sharpshooter or expert on guns, but within 50 yards I could definitely hit what I want with this weapon. Within a hundred yards, I was still pretty accurate. Beyond those distances, I did the best I could, but any failings there weren't the fault of the weapon.

Also, this was a finely made weapon. The craftsmanship was solid.