1st Levergun

[stevemb]

In a few days I'll either be on strike, outta work, or have a signing bonus to spend. Fingers crossed. I live in NE Ohio and have a camp in Elk Co Penn.. Also have an interest in SASS. Soooo, here in Ohio been hearing rumors that we may at some point be able to deer hunt with pistol caliber long guns. The muzzle-loaders and slug guns with rifled barrels are already playing at similar ranges, so why not ? I can use a second deer rifle for Penn too. If it wasn't for the possibility of Ohio hunting or the SASS interest, I'd get a 45-70 Marlin and be done with it. But as said, to be able to fill multiple niches, I'm gonna look at a levergun that chambers 44spec/44mag.. My first choice right now is the Marlin 1894. I like the history, the solid top, and the price range. I'm looking for folks to tell me this is a good choice, or what else to consider that will cover the niches mentioned above. stevemb

[magnumwheelman]

I think that is a good choice... pre Remlin would be best, if you can find one... ( though I've heard they had their issues resolved, I've not personally witnessed that yet ) do you need the solid top for scope mounting ( of course you couldn't use that for SASS ) or do you just prefer a solid top gun

[stevemb]

No scope wanted. Would consider a dot type for actual hunting only. More likely a ghost ring at the rear of receiver, or tang sight. Like the looks and have heard that the 1894 keeps the ejected brass close and handy. Yes ? stevemb

[dmize]

Mine work just fine.
44-40 Cowboy,45 Colt Cowboy,44,357 and 32-20.

[zac0419]

I second the Marlin 1894 if you're going to pistol caliber. I toyed with the idea of a Henry for a bit but couldn't get over the weight. It's got like 2lbs on the Marlin. I have only the one 1894 CBC and I haven't had it long but I did have a blast at the range with it. All I kept thinking was how fun it would be at an informal range in the desert (or in your case, at camp) shooting at clay pigeons or cans.

[stevemb]

My backyard is a range ! Two hanging steels and two more typical wood frames for cardboard and such. But yeah, thanks for the fast replies. I like how the Marlin LOOKS. How limited will I be for bullet choices due to chambering or throat issues ? Have heard that longish SWC's may not work,etc.. stevemb

[magnumwheelman]

one thing is the micro groove barrels... they require a tight fitting bullet if using cast for hunting, for accuracy... I used a truc cone & had no issues, though mine was chambered for 50 A.E. shortly after I bought it... that gun has no issues with big cast bullets, so long as the COL is within range

[stevemb]

Well, I'm only considering a new bought rifle. So...new ones are Ballard type rifling ? What kinda quotes should I hear from my various LGS's ? stevemb

[curmudgeon]

Don't own a Black Rifle,so my Marlin 94, is my assault rifle. SV 180's my load.

[stevemb]

Some yrs back, on a forum that's all tactical/combative in nature, we hashed out how a pistol caliber levergun made a good PC assault/HD long gun. Threads ran quite long on how best to trick out a levergun to play with the AR/AK's. How ever, I have that niche well filled here. Mine'll stay for hunting, SASS and such. stevemb

[zeus]

Jun 21, 2013 9:51:09 GMT -5 curmudgeon said:

Don't own a Black Rifle,so my Marlin 94, is my assault rifle. SV 180's my load.

I remember seeing your assault rifle on pegs over the bench you were polishing that Automag on.

Still have the 180 SVs from that afternoon. I always thought a good 44 mag lever gun would be cool. I have a 444 from a buddy that's a tackdriver and a hammer!

[Frank V]

Steve, I like the Marlins & the 94 is a very good rifle. If you select a Pre Remington it'll be a nice rifle. If it's a Remington Marlin really look it over for fin & finish, general quality, before buying.
A Marlin will have JM stamped on the bbl just ahead of the receiver, a Remington Marlin will have REP or RP stamped on the bbl just ahead of the receiver. Remington Marlins quality is getting better, but still need to be looked over carefully before buying.
The .44 Mag & .44 Special should need no introduction Good luck & let us know what you decide.

[stevemb]

Thanks guys ! Frank ? Wish you weren't so far away, though I like your 'hood. I've spent time in the 'Bob, Yallerstone, and the Teton's, and Wind River, back in the day, so to speak. I envy you being that close. stevemb

[Frank V]

Steve, it's great! I can be in BLM land in about 20 min if I hurry just a bit, 35 min relaxing & taking my time.
I love it here.


Oh yes, what have you decided about a levergun???

[stevemb]

The Marlin 1894 in .44 is still at the top of my list, for the same reasons I used above. I'm being delayed because of work issues. The contract ran out. The proposed new one was reasonable but didn't pass the vote. We are now nearing the end of a "cooling down period". I worked OT the last two months like I haven't since I was much younger. I'm sooo tired. Told wife if it turns out well, I'm buying a new toy ! Thought the vote would carry, thought they'd do something before now in the grace period. Must be too tired to think ! Gonna need some more 44mag brass and a 100 or 2, 240gr XTP's that I like for break-in usage, hmmnnn, a sling,etc... What else am I just gonna have to have ? For hunting use, what powder is gonna make best use of the longer barrel ? IMR 4227 ? Gotta check my manuals and JT books,etc too. stevemb