41 mag lever

tommy killtrigger · 12-19-2005, 08:42 PM

I have been getting the itch for the Marlin 1894FG 41 Mag. lever action. I carry a 41 mag. S&W 8 3/8" model 57 revolver 2X scoped, but have yet to harvest a deer with it. My primary gun is a 30/06 Ruger M77 scoped, and I just don't care for the weight. All my shots are inside of 100 yards. The Marlin would be 'peep' sighted, not scoped, since lately all my hunting is at last light,and I seem to pick up on targets better on iron sights in low light conditions. Am I wasting my money to buy this gun; or should I just use and practice more with the handgun since the shots are under 100 yds. and of the same caliber? Never having shot a whitetail with the 41 mag. will I have an advantage in getting the lever action? Is it a worthy caliber as factory loaded, or must I learn to handload to bring its full potential? Thanks for your help, guys! Tony!

lefteye · 12-19-2005, 09:08 PM

As for loads, I shoot a 250 grain Cast Core from Federal in a single action Ruger Blackhawk. I hit a 225 pound hog in the neck and it went though, breaking the bone. I would assume the rifle will give more FPS and energy.A deers rib cage is not as tough as that hogs neck.
There are factory loads from 170 grains to 250. Find out what the gun likes. Good luck

Black elk · 12-20-2005, 05:23 AM

Tommy if you love the 41mag then you will love the lever gun. I wish I had a s&w 57 in a 8 3/8 barrel. I have two one in a stainless 657 and one in the nickel 57 both 6" barrels. I liked the old pinned barrel model a little more. I have taken Bear,elk,deer,Varmits, and mountain lion with my pistols. I have one marlin lever set up to buy. I can't wait. Talk about a hog set up delux pistols and rifle to match. I have already shot the lever I'm going to buy and its a dandy of a shooter. good luck.

James B · 12-20-2005, 06:46 AM

I have a Dan Wesson Pistol Pack in that caliber. It has a 4 inch, 6 inch and 8 inch barrels. I love this gun and would like to have the lever gun to go with it. I just can't decide weather or not to step up to the 44 mag which I don't have now. I have had several 44 Mag revolvers in the past. I have the NEF handi rifle in 44 Mag and 357 Mag. They are really fun to shoot.

tommy killtrigger · 12-22-2005, 03:48 PM

I have also considered the 44 Mag., but something about that 41 mag. is calling......Thanks, guys!

Duckbutter48 · 12-26-2005, 04:19 PM

Ruger makes a lever gun in the 44mag. Its very resonably priced and looks pretty good. Unless your hearts set on that 41mag.

m.t.hands · 12-26-2005, 06:49 PM

hey tommy killtrigger, guess what i got for Christmas, yep a 1894 in 41 mag

i'll post pics in a day or two

tommy killtrigger · 01-03-2006, 06:24 PM

Congrats, M.T......maybe someday.......Tony~