Marlin Dark Series 1894 .357 Magnum review. Tactical Thumper.

Marlin Dark Series .357 Magnum review.

Y’all remember the Remington Dark Series we reviewed seven years ago, specifically the 336. You can see that review for comparison to the Ruger-built Marlin by following this link.  We also reviewed the Dark Series in .45-70, and you can see that review by following this link.

Well, onto the Dark Series in .357 Magnum.

The Dark in .357 is no disappointment and on par with the other Ruger-built Marlins we have reviewed.

A detachable cheek riser that easily snaps over a QD sling swivel on the nylon fiber reinforced polymer stock is included. With plenty of Picatinny Rail over the receiver to mount an optic, this cheekpiece would aid you in getting a bit higher stock weld for correct eye relief. Honestly, I did not care for this riser or use it at all after a few rounds. A healthy butt pad is affixed which a nice touch to help with that perceived recoil. Note the M-Lok inside the stock. Several companies are producing ammo caddies that are compatible with this setup.

The rear peep sight features a larger, adjustable aperture that facilitates fast target acquisition and is suitable out to 300 yards. The green fiber optic front sight incorporates a tritium ring. These sights were tall enough to be used with a silencer.

The trigger broke cleanly at about five pounds, with some take-up and a significant amount of overtravel. The top of the receiver is adorned with a Picatinny Rail, and the anodized aluminum handguard is M-Lok compatible. The traditional loading gate and cross bolt safety are familiar features. The lever loop is a bit larger than standard, allowing those with large or gloved hands to operate it comfortably. There is plenty of texturing on the pistol grip area of the stock. The rifle ships with a very effective muzzle brake as well as a plain thread protector. With some of the hotter .357 DoubleTap loads, the muzzle device and recoil pad provided a touch of relief from recoil.

100-yard 3-shot groups from a rest.

Much of the review used the Liberty Suppressors Centurion Silencer, and you can read the review of that by following this link.  Marlin has truly brought the lever gun into the 21st century with some very nice updates, such as sights and MLOK compatibility. Still, enough tradition was left that the purists don’t get all bent out of shape. Truthfully, I prefer the Trapper Series to the Dark Series, but many who shot the Dark rifle preferred it. As far as form, function, accuracy, and reliability, the rifles are identical, with some 500 rounds of .357 Magnum and .38 Special downrange with zero issues. What I appreciate is that Marlin continues to evolve its product line, offering us, the consumer, a nice variety of models and calibers to choose from. If you are a lever gun fanatic, you should be able to find what you like with Marlin.

It was not long ago that we published our review of the 1894 Trapper in .357 Magnum, and you can find that review by following this link. 

The Marlin 1894 Dark Series in .357 Magnum would efficiently serve many roles, but I see it as a woods companion at the top of the list, primarily if your sidearm is chambered in .357 Magnum. Home defense and self-defense would be fine, but I doubt that would be my first choice. Adding a silencer helps with .357 Magnum, but in .38 Special, it is nearly Hollywood quiet with almost no perceived recoil. This rifle would make a grand entry into the lever-action world, thanks to its excellent sights, ease of use, and robust build. For me, the fun factor of the rifle itself makes it worth having. A lead round nose .38 Special is still somewhat affordable, allowing you to keep your lever-action prowess honed without busting your wallet with a .45-70.

Whatever your needs are, if you’re in the market for a new lever gun or a rifle packed with cool features, it would be in your best interest to take a look at the Marlin Dark Series. It is also available in 30-30, .45-70, and. .44 Magnum if those are more your speed.

Specfications 

Acknowledgments 

Ruger Firearms

Marlin Firearms

Doubletap Ammunition

Hornady Ammunition 

Defender Ammunition

Liberty Suppressors