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1894 Cowboy 32 H&R Mag

12K views 17 replies 14 participants last post by  MacEntyre  
#1 ·
I just acquired a 1894 Cowboy in 32 H&R magnum with a 20" octagon barrel. It was made in 2006 and is still new in the box, never fired. It even stiil has the Marlin hang tag on the lever.
I didn't know much about the caliber, but when I started researching it seems there were not many Cowboys made in 32 H&R mag. I looked on Gunbroker and only found 2. A used one
that had a starting price of $1,500 and a new one for $3,650. Are these things really bringing this kind of price, or are these sellers just being very optimistic?
 
#3 ·
I have one I paid 515.00 for off a used gun rack many years back. I have shot it a lot. Has some use marks (fell off the truck a couple of times) but no rust and the short throw action runs like a scalded dog. I recently put a fire sight on the front end cause I can't find the front bead with my old eyes any more. It likes any cast bullets in the 90+ grain range and 3+ grains of red dot. If I use my own cast bullets, it is cheaper than rim fire to shoot.

It is too late to put it back into the box, but, it will be in my truck this weekend. I do like it for a bunny gun.

rch
 
#7 ·
Instead of starting new I thought I'd bump and ask a few "sort of new" to me questions -

I bought my 1894 when they first came out, had no idea so few were made and prices gone up. I'm getting reaquainted with mine and working up some worthwhile handloads. I have a few other 32 caliber guns and know that some makers use .308 while others use .311/312. Marlin 1894 uses a .311/312, correct? My Redding dies use .311 sizer and I tend to use the Hornady .311 85 grain JHP. Unless Marlin uses a .308 bore I plan on sticking with .312 bullets.

Unlike 45/70 loads, which tend to list "Trapdoor" and "Marlin" and "Ruger No1" levels, info for the 32 H & R seems to be "weak revolvers" and "strong revolvers" and "Contender". Will the 1894 handle Contender level loads? I'm not trying to turn my H & R into a 327 Magnum, but the loads I've read on line for the Contender (10" bbl) tend to put an 85 grainer @ 1,600 fps while the best I get from the 1894 is about 1,400 fps. I'm assuming the longer barrel should produce higher velocity when compared to a 6" or 10" bbl, yes?
 
#8 ·
Your Marlin will handle Contender loads. DP
 
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#11 ·
I also have an 1894 that shoots the sweet little 32 H&R mag cartridge. It has zero recoil, is a totally fun gun to shoot, is as accurate as I can see & hold on target & as hard to find as hens teeth. I reload for it & it seems to favor the 115 gr cast RNFP bullets with HS-6 powder. Red dot powder works good for paper, tin cans & rabbits.

I like it a lot....

It is a bit heavier than my .44 & 45 marlin, but I can live with it! Enjoy yours, they are indeed rare....
 
#16 ·
Henry is coming out with a 327 mag this summer. check their website.