Does anybody own the Marlin 1894 or 1894SS? If so, how is it. How accurate is the 44 cartridge?
I am really wanting to get a Marlin lever gun in the 44 Magnum/Special caliber and am wanting some opinions on it before I drop the $400-$500+ dollars on one. I am wanting to know how good of a bullet the 44 is in a rifle and is it an ok deer round? I mean, if I hit a deer in the front shoulder am I going to ruin the meat of the whole front of the deer? How accurate is the gun at 100 yards without a scope? I am just not real familiar with the 44 caliber cartridge as a rifle round and want to make sure that it will be something practical for me or if I should just stick with the 30/30 Marlin that I already own.
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Just a gun enthusiast looking to gain more knowledge.
RE: Does anybody own the Marlin 1894 or 1894SS? If so, how is it. How accurate is the 44 cartridge?
I have an 1894 in 44 Magnum. I cast a 240 grain bullet with Lyman #2 lead. I load it with 18.0 grains of 2400, for about 1800 fps. My longest shot at a deer was 135 yards, he went about 80 yards before he expired. I use the Williams adjustable target peep sight, it mounts directly into the scope mount. I have shot a half dozen deer or so with the rifle. The rifle handles and shoots extremely well. I would consider it an excellent deer rifle.Tom.
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West by God Virginia.
We need to stop using these terms today, "Sniper Rifle", "Tactical", "Assault Weapon".
RE: Does anybody own the Marlin 1894 or 1894SS? If so, how is it. How accurate is the 44 cartridge?
The 18.0 grain load is not a heavy load. It is stout in a pistol, but not heavy. I like to fill the case on a 44, and the rifle let's you take advantage with a longer barrel. I have loaded up to 22.0 grains, but found it unnecessary, and not as accurate. As far as recoil is concerned, I basically find it unnoticable. It is nothing like a 30-06(they kick). I can shoot a hundred rounds with no problem. I Don't do that with my 30-06, maybe 20 or 30 at a time. Just make sure you get a good peep sight, no need for a scope.
__________________
West by God Virginia.
We need to stop using these terms today, "Sniper Rifle", "Tactical", "Assault Weapon".
RE: Does anybody own the Marlin 1894 or 1894SS? If so, how is it. How accurate is the 44 cartridge?
OK, after the feedback I went and traded in my Remington model 710 .270 and my Springfield M6 Scout for the 1894 .44 magnum rifle. I am very pleased. After shooting off 10 rounds with the open sites at 50 yards and being able to keep it in the black (first shot was right in the bullseye) I see no need for a scope at this point. And it kicks about like my .223 does, which is nothing. Thanks for the replies guys.
__________________
Just a gun enthusiast looking to gain more knowledge.
Does anybody own the Marlin 1894 or 1894SS? If so, how is it. How accurate is the 44 cartridge?
