44 Win mag 444 Marlin or 45-70 Gov't?
 

I think I've already made up my mind, but wanted to get other's opinions.Louisiana has started alowing single shot rifles patented before 1900 that are chambered for .38 caliber or larger to be used for primitive weapons season. There are several rifles that qualify. I've narrowed it down to H&R 1871 which is offered in 44mag, 444 Marlin, and 45-70 Gov't. I know the latter 2 have quite a bit more umph but am actually considering the 44mag so my 6 year old can shoot it in a few years. Not counting my son I think I'll go with the 45-70. I know it lacks a bit of power compared to the 444, but with the cor-bon loads I can get just about all I need out of it. Anyway, I'm rambling now... what's your opinions?

RE: 44 Win mag 444 Marlin or 45-70 Gov't?
 

I bought a Marlin 1895 XLR in 45-70 that I will use for the new season. I put a dowel in the tubular mag so it's a single shot. After primitive season, the dowel comes right out.

RE: 44 Win mag 444 Marlin or 45-70 Gov't?
 

I'd go with the 45/70, if you handload you can load up some pretty mild loads for the young'in to shoot. The ol 45/70 was one of the first guns I grew up shooting as a kid. I shot the crap outta my cousins Ruger #1 with mild handloads and it was pretty tame. The factory loads are all pretty mild until you step up into the Corbons, etc.

RE: 44 Win mag 444 Marlin or 45-70 Gov't?
 

If a magazine plug really does qualify for a "single shot" gun, then there are many guns I'd consider before on manufactured as a single shot.

If not, I'd got to the 45/70. I have one and like it a lot. Don't know where you heard a 444 has more power, the 45/70 can be loaded hot or mild.

RE: 44 Win mag 444 Marlin or 45-70 Gov't?
 

another vote for the 45-70

RE: 44 Win mag 444 Marlin or 45-70 Gov't?
 

I live and hunt in LA and I just boughtthe H and R 45-70, killed a hog with it at Fort Polk WMA this weekend and it worked excellant... Couldnt be happier with this lil gun...

RE: 44 Win mag 444 Marlin or 45-70 Gov't?
 

444 Marlin.. vote. I have one in the HR handi rifle.. If your gonna let your boy shoot it then go with the 44mag.. Just an FYI.. MS had the same law, they changed it this year to allow any single shot rifle with 35 or greater caliber. Alot of folks are now going with an Encore. Just swap out the barrells

RE: 44 Win mag 444 Marlin or 45-70 Gov't?
 

45-70

RE: 44 Win mag 444 Marlin or 45-70 Gov't?
 

I thought they were only allowing breech loaded rifles patented prior to 1900

RE: 44 Win mag 444 Marlin or 45-70 Gov't?
 

By putting the dowel in the magazine, it becomes a single-shot, breech loaded rifle. The design is 1895. This wasn't the intent of lawmakers when they wrote the bill, but it fits all elements of the law, so it's legal.

RE: 44 Win mag 444 Marlin or 45-70 Gov't?
 

idunno, you are correct, single shot, breech loading with exposed hammer. Heres a link of examples: http://www.wlf.state.la.us/pdfs/hunting/regulations/primitivefirearms/primitive_weapons.pdf

RE: 44 Win mag 444 Marlin or 45-70 Gov't?
 

im gonna be the odd man opinion. if your shooting like only 100 yards or so like most of us the 44 mag. using xtp-s or the new hornady leverevolutions are sweet. you can save some dough if you already have a h&r shotgun or new england firearms single shot. they can fit a 44 mag barrel on it. its not listed on the web site but if you call them on the phone they will tell you its like 90$ for the 44 mag barrel.

RE: 44 Win mag 444 Marlin or 45-70 Gov't?
 

.45/70-better bullet weight selection than the .444....

RE: 44 Win mag 444 Marlin or 45-70 Gov't?
 

The 45/70 is far more powerful than the 44 mag and more verisatal than the 444, more powerful also.
It can be loaded down to a very mild recoil level and still kill deer cleanly at short to moderate range then load it up to a level that will take any game animal on the planet if you so choose, although you will pay with heavy recoil.

RE: 44 Win mag 444 Marlin or 45-70 Gov't?
 

I'd take the 444 Marlin... The reason being is, it kills deer better (read faster) than a 45/70 loaded with factory loads, and i don't have to put up with the heavy recoil and muzzle blast of the 45/70 reloads,after you jack them up!

DM

RE: 44 Win mag 444 Marlin or 45-70 Gov't?
 

I really just wanted to hear some of your opinions. I don't think either will kill deer any deader than the other. I also feel that as long as the ranges are kept reasonable, the 44 mag will do a fine job. Does anyone have any idea how much recoil one would feel firing an H&R single shot in 44 mag? Like I said earlier, I am thinking about this one for my son. Most of what we hunt will have no more than a 75 yard shot.

RE: 44 Win mag 444 Marlin or 45-70 Gov't?
 

I think you will find the 44 mag. will work out very well for your son at those ranges. Recoil isn't bad either, just take him out often and let him practise with it before going hunting.

DM

RE: 44 Win mag 444 Marlin or 45-70 Gov't?
 

My advice - 45.70 Gov. But ... I have a Marlin Guide in 444 Marlin that is a great shooter. In my opinion, the recoil of both the 45.70 Gov. and 444 Marlin factory ammo will be tough for a young kid. As mentioned before if you can hand load, you can push the load down to a minimum safe charge and eliminate a good deal of the recoil. However the 44 Mag. will probably still be the way to go for your yound son. Just keep in mind that the 44 Mag. is no match at longer ranges for these other two cartridges.

RE: 44 Win mag 444 Marlin or 45-70 Gov't?
 

Completely understood. I don't plan on him shooting more than 50-75 yards with the 44 mag. As far as my son is concerned, just how bad is the recoil on a 44 mag H&R?