[Dr.Rob]

Lets say you wanted a .44 magnum rifle for cowboy shooting (because you already owned a .44 Mag cal SA revolver or two).

I've looked at Marlins (and have owned Marlins before) but what would you buy and why?

Marlin
Rossi/Puma
Winchester

other?

Just would like to hear your 2¢

[AK103K]

I used to have a Winchester Trapper in 44mag . It was a great little rifle, accurate and smooth action. Shot mostly lead 44 special power loads in it. I have one now in 45 colt. The Marlins I've shot always seemed "stiff" to me, but they shot ok.

[jjmorgan64]

I love the Winchesters
But my first choice would probraly be a Rossi in a 92 action, although i've never had a problem with my win 45 feeding the shorter action would be nice for CAS

[Braz]

SASS rules call for a barrel longer than 16",

The Trapper's too short. Marlins are tuff, and Pumas are slick. Check out the SASS site for more info and links.

http://www.sassnet.com

[Dave Markowitz]

SASS rules call for a barrel longer than 16",

Winchester Trappers made since 1934 do have 16" barrels. Otherwise, they'd be NFA firearms.

[cratz2]

I usually suggest that if you want a light, quick-handling rifle to go for a Winchester and if you want a rifle that you can beat something to a bloody pulp with, get a Marlin.

I have several Marlins. ;)

[Coot]

I have both a Marlin and Win Trapper in .44Mag.

For targets, the Marlin: it's somewhat more accurate.

For hunting, the Winchester: carries much better, and up here the shots aren't so long that the decrease in accuracy becomes an issue.

For coyboy shootin' you probably don't want a trapper- only holds 9 rounds, and many of the stages require 10 shots; too much of a disadvantage.

From what I've seen, the M92 copies have a much quicker, smoother action of either the standard Marlins (haven't tried their comp shooting rifle) or the Win 94's.

[Dr.Rob]

Well if USRA made the lightning in 44 magnum I'd have my choice made, but I have NO experience with the Rossi/Puma, but the price is attractive.

[Nightcrawler]

I've owned two Winchester trappers, one in .357 and one in .44. Both had God awful triggers. I don't mean a typical levergun trigger, either, I'm talking about spring-loaded take-up deliberately built into the trigger for some reason.

It was enough to make me get rid of both of them, though sometimes I regret parting with the .44.

[tiberius]

I have a .44 Winchester '94 trapper - actually the 1994 anniversary edition with the big loop. I really like the gun, its a good shooter, relatively light, quick and accurate.

three negatives on my rifle:

1. I agree with Nightcrawler that the trigger could use some work, its a bit heavy and requires an udesireable amout of take-up.

2. I cannot stand cross bolt safeties, but I believe that all currentlyly manufactured lever guns have them.

3. The oversize loop looks cool, but is a bit slower than the standard size loop.

FYI, I will probably be picking up one of the in .357 in the near future.