[Kentucky Rifle]

Guys, how do you think the recoil would compare in a Marlin lever rifle with about the same length barrel and the same weight?

KR

[cratz2]

44 Special? I'd imagine inside about 50 yards, I'd go with the 44 Special and past that, I'd rather have the velocity of the 357. But if I wanted a lever action rifle in 44, it would definately be a Magnum, not a Special only.

For plinking it wouldn't really matter much though then the 357 would still be cheaper to shoot so I would still go with it.

[Preacherman]

In my .44 Magnum Marlins, firing a .44 Special (normal velocity) is pretty tame in the recoil department. The velocities go up a bit (for example, the Winchester Silvertip is at around 800 fps in a .44 snubby, but up to about 1,000 fps or thereabouts in a 20" carbine - I chrono'ed them some time ago, and can't remember the exact figures). It's certainly only half (or less) the recoil of firing even a lower-power .44 Magnum load. More powerful .44 Specials (e.g. Cor-Bon 165gr.) are harder on recoil, but still not up to .44 Magnum levels.

The .357 levergun (also Marlin, 18½" barrel, no ports) is a pretty easy-recoiling gun, even with full-house loads. I haven't made a direct comparison, but I would guess that it's the same or a bit heavier than .44 Special. However, the trajectory is much flatter, and the velocities are MUCH higher (e.g. 145gr. Winchester Silvertip does over 1,700 fps out of the Marlin, vs. about 1,300 fps out of a 4" S&W revolver). I would think that the .357 would be more "punchy" on target out to about 100 yards, and also have a flatter trajectory out there.

For defensive use, I'd prefer the .357 Magnum due to the factors mentioned above. However, if I had physical limitations, I might go for the .44 Special... but then, with the Marlins, I know I can feed .38 Specials just fine too, so if recoil is a consideration, perhaps the lightest route of all would be +P .38 Specials (say, Cor-Bon 125gr. JHP) fired from the .357 Magnum carbine. Velocities should be in the 1,200 - 1,300 fps range with this load, and the recoil should be even less than the .44 Special carbine. The target won't enjoy it either...

Perhaps the easiest (and cheapest!) solution for the latter case would be a 9mm. carbine. The Hi-Points are well under $200, are pretty accurate, and the one's I've shot are VERY reliable. They may not look much, but they work just fine, and the 9mm. round is boosted to a very acceptable performance level from a carbine-length barrel. They're also semi-auto, which might help if physical restrictions are a factor (no levers or pumps or bolts to manipulate). In terms of on-target performance, they should work at least as well as a .38 Special +P out of a carbine, if not somewhat better. Reloading, too, is much faster and easier, using a second magazine. Worth a thought...

[Kentucky Rifle]

The only reason I thought about the .44Special/.44mag Marlin is that it comes in stainless steel. Secondarily, My shoulder is kinda fragile, so I kinda have to be recoil careful now. (However, a 12 gauge shotgun doesn't bother my shoulder.) I reckon I'll stick with the 18.5 inch barrel, .357 mag, 1894C Marlin. Besides, I'm having a leather scabbard made for it to fit right behind the front seats of my truck. :)

KR