I guess I should of done more home work.

I just bought an 1894 in .357 that was manufactured in 1979. Looks in almost new condition for $345.(is that reasonable?) I bought it because I don't like the safety on the newer guns. After reading on this forum, I found out that they changed the rifleing to the "Ballard" style.

Is the micro-groove just as accurate?
I heard it was changed because of all the cowboy shooting using cast and it would foul the barrel. Is this the only reason?
Also, what are the main difference in the design?

One last question, from my readings, it seems that the Winchester Partion Gold is the best factory round for deer at 100 yards or less?

Sorry for so many questions, but I'm new here. :)

I'd love that rifle. Micro Groove is supposed to be good for jacketed bullets, this doesn't mean that it doesn't work for cast though. Read at the top under Beartooth FAQ about using cast with Micro Groove. Micro Groove has more Lands and grooves, not sure how many, my 1894 has Ballard riflings with 6 grooves.

Micro groove barrels have 12 lands and grooves. Double that of Ballard. I have heard they shoot both cast and jacketed well. Seems that the micro groove barrels like jacketed better though.

The main differences in design that "I" am aware of are the ballard rifling and the cross bolt safety.

Someone else will have to answer your bullet selection question. I live in a state where we cannot use high power rifles for deer.

I have a buddy that has killed many deer since the 70s with that very rifle. He has it scoped and he is a very accurate shot on game. I have been hunting with him when he took a deer on the dead run in mid air jumping a creek because that was the opening he picked. The rifle will perform on deer with just about any hunting bullet if the shot placement is correct.

Thanks, people.
I was just worried about the differences after I had already made the purchase.

So they are still real accurate then?
I pick it up tommorrow.

Your micro groove bbl will shoot jacketed just fine and more than likely will shoot cast bullets accurately too.

It was delayed, but they called and its in today!
My first 1894. :D

I've got one that was made in 1982. Great little carbines and pretty darn accurate too. The Lyman peep sight is too easy to install and I even went so far as to get an old Weaver 1 1/2 to 4 1/2 to really see how well it shoots. I'm pretty happy with mine. You will be too I bet