356 value as a hunting rifle

[T.R.]

The 356 is fading quickly into history.  A very well built middle-bore that failed to become popular in the marketplace.
 
I have an opportunity to purchase a lightly used .356 for $600. but am wary about losing money over a period of time.  I'm hoping to own a rifle that will not drop in value because ammo availability is a concern.
 
Do you think these hunting rifles will jump in value same as the older 348 Winchesters? 
 
TR

[shawlerbrook]

I don't think ammo will be an issue, since reloading is an option and the cases can be made from various other calibers. I have one I bought last year that was NIB, and I paid $800 for it and am sure I won't loose money. I think what killed the 356/307 was the timing of therelease. They were released when a lot of shooters had "magnum fever".

[petemi]

I have a custom Handi rifle that was a .357 reamed to .356 and the extractor modified.  It handles and shoots both .356 and .358.  I really like it and would like to add a lever in either .356 or .358.  They're both wonderful calibers. 

The local shop is selling boxes of 20 rounds of either for 55.00......not what you could call plinking ammo    I lucked out at a gun show and picked up 200 each brass at a good price.  The advantage of the Handi is that I can load 200 gr. Hornady pointed SPs into the lands and get a very accurate 2500+ fps. with either .356 or .358 without pressure problems.

I put together a Handi in .32-20 and liked it so much I bought a Marlin 1894CL in the same caliber.  I'd like to do the same with the .356/358.  I'd also like to get a SA revolver in the .32-20.

Pete

[Sweetwater]

The Big Bore 94 Winchester 356W that I bought NIB back in 2002 has pretty much doubled since then. IF you can get one for $600, you should, as they have been more than that for several years. Ammo availability will never hold the price down, as they are a handloader's dream. I use mostly cast bullets and 200gr cast bullets at 2450fps are easy to come by. I have pushed 180gr cast bullets over 2500fps with no issues.
Jeff
NRA Life

[T.R.]

I decided to pass on the 356 Winchester despite the reasonable price.  I'm not focused upon reloading at this time.
 
TR

[Sweetwater]

I'm not in position to purchase another rifle right now, but was this a Winchester or a Marlin?
Jeff
NRA Life

[RIF]

If it is a Marlin in good shape it is worth right at $1000, if it is a Big Bore 94, then it is valued between $600 and $800. 

I have one and have owned a couple in this offering in my life.  Like I said, it is a good cartridge and the only thing besting it by enough to mean anything is the 338 Marlin.  The Big Bore action has the extra thick receiver, but I think almost all of the 356's have the safety wart and the rebounding hammer.  From what I understand, there were some Angle Eject 356's made without them but I have not seen one.  One of those models would be worth a lot more I would think.  Box and papers matter so remember to ask if he has them. 

$600 is a good deal if the rifle is in good condition overall, if it is a Marlin it is a steal. 

[T.R.]

The rifle is a Winchester with the beefy receiver.  I passed on this rifle because of ammo concerns.  It was sold to somebody else. 
 
I'm not a collector at all.  My rifles are used for hunting.
 
TR

[popplecop]

I picked up a used some years back, bought a couple hundred Winchester empties aqnd a set of dies.  Great lever for anything up to elk and moose with the proper loads.  Only problem with it was that my daughter took a shine to it and took the whole kit and kaboddle.  Oh well I've still have a number of rifles and besides my main deer rifles are single shots.  After all that I do reccommend the Win. .356 Mag, nice rifle nad well worth $600.

[mannyrock]

 
  I think T.R. made the right decision here.  Like T.R., I am a hunter only and I think that reloading is an absolute pain in the butt, like painting a bathroom or shoveling snow.
  And, there are probably other lever action cartridges that can do what the .356 can do, that are cheaper and easier to find.
 
  Mannyrock
 

[SHOOTALL]

I had both 307 and 356 big bore 94's . Both were powerful guns but to heavy for toting around deer hunting . I doubt you lose money but you might not make alot either. Both were to dustructive on deer ( lots of wasted meat) also. If you hunt elk or big bear they might be just the ticket or if you like heavy powerful lever guns ( no cut ) then it might work. I find a bolt gun is better when that much recoil is involved .