[RustyShackleford]

Well I've got myself in quite the head scratcher. I was tipped onto a great deal on a pre-safety 94c in like new condition with XS rear peeps and fiber-optic front post. Could not pass up the deal. The problem lies in the fact that I already have a 94c... although it is one of the newer models with the cross bolt safety. I need to flip one of them in order to gets some extra cash for a deep concealment pistol I need.

Pros of the current 94: Cross bolt safety (because I plan on learning my son with it and it makes me feel better knowing there's a safety for him to use), rubber but pad (I know... but its a personal preference) and ballard rifling.

Pros of soon to be mine 94: Pre-safety (MY personal preference but not the best for my son), handsome non-checkered stock, an ACTUAL Marlin made Marlin. I would call the sights a Pro but I plan on putting those on whatever rifle I decide to keep.

I guess it all boils down to the safety issue. I can't think of a better rifle to get my son into shooting... but that safety sure is comforting. Anyhow, I guess I kind of already made up my mind but am looking for some support from the MO in my decision to keep the one I have, to make me feel better. Sure would like to keep that pre-safety though!

Oh... and I have had absolutely no issues with the Remlin.

 

[rockridge]

My feeling is "the best safety is the one between your ears".

 

[RustyShackleford]

I couldn't agree more... but it just makes me feel more comfortable having the "extra safety". He's my first so I guess I'm just being a little overly cautious...

 

[DWB]

How many of us on Marlin Owners grew up shooting levers of various manufacture without the CBS? If your son is attentive, and you train him well, he will end up being just as safe as anybody else, without the benefit of the CBS.

That being said, all of my Marlins have it, and it is alright - I can take it or leave it. It is great for dry-firing practice, but the dreaded click on the release of the trigger at the critical moment (for instance, hunting) would be enough for me to render it inoperable. Thankfully, that hasn't happened - - yet. : It sure does add an extra margin of safety at times, whether or not it is crucial is a matter of personal preference.

Like rockridge said, the best safety is between your ears... But, like any other safety device, it too is prone to failure from time to time. The second best safety is the booger hook that touches the trigger.

I think your son will do fine with either one - but, that is up to how well you instill safety in him from the get-go. Just going out with the "old-man" for trigger time is the real prize, the rifle (regardless of the CBS) is just another tool in the box to make it happen.

 

[Barenjager]

I think your son would be pretty excited to have a "Red Ryder" of his very own and that CS '94 would fit the bill nicely. Keep both for a father/son combo (what could possibly be cooler than that 8)), get out there and shoot a few more hogs to cut down the grocery budget, and use the dollars saved to finance the CCW.

Roe

 

[RustyShackleford]

Man... that "father son combo" puts a whole nother wheel on the wagon... what a great point, and I hadn't even thought of that! He'd absolutely love to have the same gun as his old man. I think ill have to rethink that pistol "I need". Matching "Red Ryders" Guess I just THOUGHT I had my mind made up. Glad I posted... y'all are always of great help. Thanks, as always! I'm stoked now!

 

[planeflyer21]

Rusty, you got a smart kid...if you teach him to use a CBS he will, if you teach him to use a half-cock safety he will.

Quit torturing yourself...get both! ;D

Jon

 

[drjjpdc]

Hey Rusty,
How old is your son? If he is at least 10-12 I think he would be fine with either one. I would go for the half cock safety on the "real" Marlin. I've got guns with both the half-cock and the CBS (which I think is redundant) and even when I was younger I never had the half-cock one go off "accidentally". And I definitely agree about the hunting comments, given that you know all the safe shooting techniques, I would rather spook a deer than miss one because the CBS is still on!

Oh and I forgot if you are going the father/son route, I would ditch the new Marlin, and wait for a deal on another used 94. If you want to talk about cool, how cool would it be to share the same gun with Dad and get surprised with one of his own when he shows what he could do when he is together with Dad!

 

[Reorx]

I'd have to say I would try to keep both... But if you decide to get rid of the pre-safety 94C, drop me an e-mail... ;D

 

[RustyShackleford]

Well, my mind has been made up thanks to y'all. Gonna keep both and sell one of my other guns for the pistol... just gotta figure out which one. I should be getting the 94 tomorrow afternoon. I'll post pics on here when I do.

And you're right, he'll learn either way... just as I did. He's a smarter kid than I was anyhow ;D ;D

 

[RustyShackleford]

He's not quite old enough to shoot... he's not even 2 yet I'm thinking ahead. Although I should have plenty of time to get him a gun, the funds arent as frequently available as they used to

 

[RustyShackleford]

I'd have to say I would try to keep both... But if you decide to get rid of the pre-safety 94C, drop me an e-mail... ;D

Hahaha ill keep that in mind!

 

[Corbi]

LOL, little boys want to be just like dad. They will also want every thing you own. They will want to do every thing you have done. It will start with "I want to marry moma". Then they move to your boots, jacket, martial arts gloves...let's see what else. Oh yea they want your rifles your hunting knives, your car.

Glad you are planning ahead. 8) Enjoy him, it goes pretty quick.

Corbi

 

[skmarsh77]

not to hijack the the post but what is the deep concealment pistol that you want maybe someone has what you want and some trading could happen.

 

[RustyShackleford]

That little Colt Mustang knockoff that Sig makes. Sweet little pistol... very usable full sized sights not found in most pocket autos... and I can carry it cocked and locked 8) looks like a little 1911

 

[RustyShackleford]

I work on a college campus and they very close to getting a CCW bill passed for on campus carry. In my line of work I won't be able to properly conceal anything larger than something I can put in my back pocket.

 

[skmarsh77]

good choice cant go wrong with sig I have 3 p220's and a sig 556. the gun you want is probably too new for a trade with someone but post some of you guns you want to sell in the for sale section you might have just what someone is looking for.

 

[drjjpdc]

He's not quite old enough to shoot... he's not even 2 yet I'm thinking ahead. Although I should have plenty of time to get him a gun, the funds arent as frequently available as they used to

Rusty,
Not even 2, boy you are thinking ahead! ;D ;D
Now what I said goes double IMHO (being a father as well). Forget about the new gun, get the pistol for Dad (eventually the kid will have to learn how to shoot a handgun) and you still have plenty of time to find a great
used old 94 for the kid!

Isn't this a great site for advice? We'll never steer you wrong or away from a gun purchase!

 

[RustyShackleford]

Rusty,
Not even 2, boy you are thinking ahead! ;D ;D
Now what I said goes double IMHO (being a father as well). Forget about the new gun, get the pistol for Dad (eventually the kid will have to learn how to shoot a handgun) and you still have plenty of time to find a great
used old 94 for the kid!

Isn't this a great site for advice? We'll never steer you wrong or away from a gun purchase!

It dang sure is haha!

good choice cant go wrong with sig I have 3 p220's and a sig 556. the gun you want is probably too new for a trade with someone but post some of you guns you want to sell in the for sale section you might have just what someone is looking for.

Thanks, I'll probably do that when I figure out whats leaving leaving the safe and hittin the market. Yeah, they are pretty new... and dang pricey to boot! Not my first Sig though... they sure make a fine pistol but you're gonna pay top dollar!

 

[Dave Bulla]

Depending on what age you plan to let him start hunting the cross bolt safety has a few advantages.

One, if you are like me, you will sit right together with him either next to you or between your knees. When you hear a deer coming or what at least sounds like a deer you can reach down and cock the hammer for him or let him do it. Boys under about 8 or 9 years old often struggle a bit getting the hammer back and kinda go through some contortions with elbows moving and body english before they get 'er pulled back. You know, the kind of movement that would spook a deer if it's in close enough for it to see you move. Having the extra safety allows you to either help him get the hammer back or let him do it early enough that you don't spook the deer and when or if the chance for a shot comes up it's a simple matter for him to push the safety button all by himself. You just whisper to him when to do it.

Also, in the same situation, if it turns out to not be a deer or there is no chance for a shot it's much less nerve wracking to have him able to drop the hammer with the safety on. I've seen both my son and daughter more than once have the hammer get away from them and drop onto the safety stop hard enough that it might have set the rifle off if it didn't have the "extra" safety. And this is after quite a bit of practice at the house with an empty rifle cocking and decocking. I've also got the hammer spur extensions on all my Marlins and that helps the kids a LOT.

If you wait until he's 9 or 10 and get him to practice at home he should be fine with either one but kids younger than that just don't seem to have the thumb strength to control the hammer on the down stroke. Maybe it's just a dexterity thing trying to control both the trigger and the hammer, I don't know but all the younger kids I've helped had issues for a while.

At least that's been my experience so far with three different kids.

That said, I went ahead and bought my boy a pre safety 336 in 35 Remington last fall. I just made sure to sit right with him and if there was a need to decock, I did it myself. I think by this fall (he'll be 10) it won't be an issue but for sure we'll practice at the house before we go just to be sure. Here in Missouri, the law requires kids his age without hunter safety to be in the immediate presence of a certified adult. By that they mean within conversation distance without raising your voice but I choose to take it literally and keep him within arms reach.