Gents,

I'm considering this as my next piece. I would appreciate your valued opinions as to the the 38-55 caliber and the firearm in total.

The usage would be strictly paper punching.
I will be reloading for it.

I'm considering this as an option to the Marlin 1894 CWBY Limited because I'm having second thoughts to the .45Colt as a fun target round.

.38-55 is a great cartridge, easy to reload. Very cast bullet friendly.
I like octagon Model 94's. I only have one. My wife has a half octagon half round .30-30 but she wont let me play with it very often! I like the way the barrel move the balance forward.
We have two case colored Model 94's. This new case coloring is a chemical process I believe. not real case coloring. Both of ours look nice. Be aware the coloring is a little soft. I pulled the saddle ring from my wifes case colred Trapper and it left a bare mark where the ring had been torqued down hard on the reciever. Other than that the coloring has worn well on both rifles, and we have played with them quite a bit.

I'm seriously considering one considering the fact they are currently available, and Marlin no longer is, plus there is at least the possibility that Winchester cut their chambers more appropriately than they did on some of the Marlins. I know the Marlins will shoot jacketed fine, but I want this gun for lead.

I have really enjoyed my little Trails end 25-35 cheapo and kind of wished they had the octagonal barreled one out when I got mine. It is very accurate and certainly has its place despite its homely appearance.