Anyone have any experience with the new Marlin Levers produced by Ruger?

[Keep'er Movin]

I am considering purchasing one of the new Marlin Levers made by Ruger but sifting through reviews on Youtube and trying to decipher whether or not the gun is a JM version, a Rem version, or a new Ruger version is a pain. I am looking at the dark series in 30-30. I'm not super crazy about the looks of the gun, but it has pretty much everything I'm looking for. Short length, fiber optic sight with a peep, lightweight, not very much recoil for quick follow-up shots, easy to carry, a gun that will be shooting at 150 yards or less, etc. My friend had one of the 45-70 SBL guns from Ruger with the laminate stock and he has had an issue with the first shot from a cold barrel being nowhere near the rest of his follow up shots there after. He got the gun right after the first round of production when Ruger took over the Marlin builds. So...anyone have any experience with the new levers from Marlin? I appreciate the time and responses.

 

[Dougfirtree]

I’ve heard nothing but good…

 

[BAKPAKR]

I have one in 45-70 (Trapper model). The trigger pull is heavy but I think it shoots well.

 

[TrapperJ]

They seem to be good rifles I've shot one and it was just a tad heavier then my 7mm I like them just not sure if they have one in 44 mag

 

[Perlodid]

I have a Ruger Marlin 1894 (.44 mag). Absolutely love it, nothing but good things to say about it. I don't have any experience with the dark series, or any other new ruger models for that matter. Bought it with lower Michigan straightwall shenanigans and Missouri deer hunting in mind, but barely used it before I moved. I'll find a way to get it out in the woods here occasionally just because I like carrying it that much.

 

[MThuntr]

Ive only fondled the new Ruger made but am told Ruger-made then JM and a very distant last Remlin for fit. As stated I think the triggers are a bit stiff but serviceable.

All that said just stay away from the Remlins and you'll be happy

 

[belshawelk]

I have one in 45-70 (Trapper model). The trigger pull is heavy but I think it shoots well.

View attachment 380234

on my very short list of another gun I dont need but want badly

 

[Keep'er Movin]

Houston, we have a problem. I may have to scratch that Marlin idea. I went into a sporting goods store this evening to shoulder some rifles with iron sights and for the life of me, I couldn't get my eyes to focus properly and get a clear picture. Either the irons were blurry or the background was. I knew after turning 50 my eyes were changing a bit, but considering I haven't used iron sights in years, I just figured everything would line up perfectly. Long story short...I need some sort of an optic on whatever gun I decide to purchase.

 

[BAKPAKR]

Houston, we have a problem. I may have to scratch that Marlin idea. I went into a sporting goods store this evening to shoulder some rifles with iron sights and for the life of me, I couldn't get my eyes to focus properly and get a clear picture. Either the irons were blurry or the background was. I knew after turning 50 my eyes were changing a bit, but considering I haven't used iron sights in years, I just figured everything would line up perfectly. Long story short...I need some sort of an optic on whatever gun I decide to purchase.

Not a problem - just get a low power variable like I did or get a red dot.

Lever action rifles sure feel nice in the hand while walking through the woods.

 

[Wolfshead]

I’m 64 and my eyesight isn’t what it used to be.
Iron sights were very hard for me to use as well.
I put a receiver mounted peep sight on my model 94 and I can see that really well.
I know Skinner Sights makes peeps for the Marlins .
That may be a way to go and not too much of a cost.