Does anybody own the Marlin 1894 or 1894SS? If so, how is it. How accurate is the 44 cartridge?
11-12-2006, 09:00 PM
#1
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Spokane Washington
Posts: 1,042
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.
11-12-2006, 10:27 PM
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Rivesville, WV
Posts: 3,192
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.
11-13-2006, 09:12 AM
#3
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Spokane Washington
Posts: 1,042
RE: Does anybody own the Marlin 1894 or 1894SS? If so, how is it. How accurate is the 44 cartridge?
Thank you for the reply. How is the recoil on the gun? Say compared to an 30.06?
11-13-2006, 09:45 AM
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Rivesville, WV
Posts: 3,192
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.
11-13-2006, 12:58 PM
#5
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Spokane Washington
Posts: 1,042
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.
11-20-2006, 10:53 PM
#7
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Spokane Washington
Posts: 1,042
RE: Does anybody own the Marlin 1894 or 1894SS? If so, how is it. How accurate is the 44 cartridge?
I checked out the leverguns forums and they are a great bunch of guys. Very helpful and eager to answer your questions. Thanks for the tip.
