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10/26/2025 2:02:25 PM EDT
[Last Edit: mark5pt56][Edited]
Has anyone seen these actually in stock anywhere? I'm hoping to pick one up soon, just don't see them anywhere other than what appears to be scam sites.
Kind of tossing the idea around between the Dark or the SBL?

Kind of thinking the SBL may be better in regards to corrosion-I am in SW Florida

Thoughts?
10/26/2025 6:24:43 PM EDT
[#1]
SBL, all day.
Bro.. it's simple, just don't be a dick.
10/26/2025 8:34:32 PM EDT
[#2]
Is the dark carbon steel or stainless? I see that it is cerakoted but still could be stainless.

That being said I don't think the extra features on the dark are worth the extra money and the sbl looks nicer with the laminate stock.
10/26/2025 8:42:54 PM EDT
[#3]
Nitrided and Cerakote on the Dark. I think the only true advantage is mounting a light, although I can still do that on the SBL if I needed to.
10/26/2025 8:55:46 PM EDT
[Last Edit: scuba_steve][Edited] [#4]
Also thinking about a .357 lever gun, but have been looking at S&W given, like Henry, they now have options that are both side and tube loading.  Best of both worlds.  Quick to reload, but can also unload without cycling each round through the chamber.
10/27/2025 7:49:16 AM EDT
[Last Edit: mark5pt56][Edited] [#5]
As I understand, Henry is very inconsistent? I wonder about SW, longevity, commonality and aftermarket.

Well, update--Marlin SBL ordered!
10/28/2025 9:40:39 PM EDT
[#6]
Feels like I’ve been waiting forever on the Marlin Dark .357 to get back in stock.  I won’t pay way over MSRP for one so I keep waiting…
10/29/2025 11:04:45 PM EDT
[#7]
I'd go with the S&W Stealth over the Ruger any day. Stainless with protective coating with the stronger 336 style receiver. Think they are cheaper also. Have owned numerous S&W over the last few decades with never a problem. Great accuracy and reliability. Can't say the same with Ruger.
1/6/2026 2:39:34 PM EDT
[Last Edit: mark5pt56][Edited] [#8]
A brief update, I took my Scalarworks mounted Micro off an AR to see if I would like the height. While it works, irons visible, maybe a tad high. The 1.42" height if ordered would drop it slightly. I decided to move the micro back to the factory low mount and run that. It's as low as it can be, I can see the very top of the rear to pick up a front sight reference. This would be an emergency measure if it ever happened.
I went to the indoor range to get a quick 25 yard zero and plan to finish tomorrow and see where I hit at 50 once tweaked at 25. I know it's ammunition dependent on drop, etc and zero point. Yes, pics coming!
As a side note-note the area code and location-that's a very early Blackhawk product, actually made in Va. Beach when they first started at the London Bridge address!
1/6/2026 5:58:24 PM EDT
[#9]
I just discovered that the Magpul 1895 stock and forearm will fit the Marlin 1894 SBL and Trapper with the end cap. A little extra money but it would get some of the features of the dark series with the Stainless Steel benefit of the SBL.
1/6/2026 9:17:38 PM EDT
[#10]
I always prefer the stainless models by any company, so I say SBL.
Be the change you want in this world.

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