I'm dreaming of .44Magnum lever action.

The only PCLs ive had were Rossi. Personally I wouldnt recommend them to anyone who dosent like to tinker. Were I buying another lever gun, id probably go with the henry, but thats just because I like the tube loading, and all the henry firearms Ive handled felt good.

For me it's Marlin or nothing. Maybe they've stepped up, but I'd be embarrassed to own any of the Rossi's I've seen and Henry just leaves me cold.

I'll go against the grain.

I bought my Rossi because I like to tinker. Plus at the time, it was the only one avaliable in stainless steel.

Unfortunately, it was buttery smooth, reliable and accurate right out of the gate.

Mines a 16" 44mag, and it's given about 7 years of solid service. Runs specials, SWC's and hollow points all just fine.

I like to tinker but even tinkering doesn’t change the slow twist found in the Marlin and Rossi barrels.

I have a Marlin and if i were to get another it would probably be a Henry even though I find them to be pretty, Meh overall. At least they make them with the twist rate folks have been demanding from Marlin for decades.

I know for many this may not matter but I don’t do 240gr if I don’t absolutely have to. I much prefer the 270-300gr bullets that generally require faster rifling. I know some folks have had success with heavy bullets in Marlins but I am not one of them.

The new Miroku-made Winchesters are very well-made. I have a few of them with the .44mag being my favorite (can hunt deer in Ohio with .44). That being said, I also have a 1990s Winchester carbine in .44 mag. They are out there. Currently two in the Columbus area on Armslist asking $800. I also bought my FIL a new Marlin three years ago in .44 and the quality was very good. Not the horror stories on the internet.

When I wanted one to go with my my Blackhawk I got the Henry. Darn fine shooting and accurate with my loads. Run the same loads in the Henry as I do in the Blackhawk which makes things nice. Henry has added a Color Case hardened model since I got mine as well as a side gate loader. If I were really into 44 mag rifles I would be checking out the new offerings.

I have one of each just in the more powerful 45 Colt . I was teasing, lets not get into that debate can of worms. 44 Magnum is an excellent choice. The Rossi needed some help to be a nice rifle. Sharp edge abound and that safety just sucks. Has issues with extraction at below zero. The Marlin is nice. Absolutely hate the bar code etched into the receiver. It has fit and finish that rival the best. The Henry has excellent fit and finish. The brass looks cool. Don't like the white outlined letters or the lack of side feeding. Its also heavier and likes the ammo loaded shorter. Winchester is smooth and works well. Don't have big complaints about any. Probably the Marlin is my favorite. But tomorrow that might all change.

I am a Marlin fan so that would be my first choice if I were able to find one in good condition.

The Miroku made Winchesters are very nice, but oh the price! They should be nice for that kind of money.

I've seen good Rossis and bad ones. Would not buy one of those sight unseen, but if I were to put hands to one of the better ones I'd consider it.

I am slowly evolving in my preferences when it comes to Henry, but if I could find a good Marlin or Rossi I'd go with those first.

I own the Henry. Great shooter, zero issues.

Marlin, 'nuff said!
Lafitte

If it does not have side-gate loading its not a "real" lever gun.

I have a Rossi M92 16-inch in 44 Mag and its an awesome light little carbine that carries easy and shoots pretty good. I was a little rough cycling at first but after several hundred rounds through it things have smoothed out very nicely.

I have a Browning Model 92 in .44 Magnum. Beautiful rifle. If you can find one you should definitely check it out. That rifle in .44 Magnum is a bit more prevalent than the same rifle in .357 Magnum, so if there's one out there it's likely a .44.

RainDodger said:

I have a Browning Model 92 in .44 Magnum. Beautiful rifle. If you can find one you should definitely check it out. That rifle in .44 Magnum is a bit more prevalent than the same rifle in .357 Magnum, so if there's one out there it's likely a .44.

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I haven’t seen a Browning 92 in years, but it would be a great option!

Older Marlin, not Remlin, is the best choice. Like mine. Also, 60s Win 94 is good but mine is not crazy about cast, my projectiles of choice.

Agree the Miroku Winchester 1892 would be great. I also agree they're major $$$$$. They're worth it if you have the dough. But Marlin .44 and the earlier pictured Henry both ought to be reeeeaaal nice!

Another vote here for a pre Remington Marlin. I bought one two years ago for $450. Accurate enough for my needs and very reliable.

I like my older Marlin 1894, not that I've tried any other, or can claim it's better than others, for any reason except it's got a side ejection port, and has
optics mounting hardware.

Hi...
I recently bought a new Marlin .44Mag lever action rifle.
Fit and finish is good...not as nice as my Uberti Cimarron in .45Colt but good enough.
Unfortunately, it keyholes just about every type of ammunition as close as 15yds., Including factory Hornady rounds, cast and coated LSWC and Hornady HP/XTPs loaded with 10gr of Unique.
Barrel was checked by a local gunsmith as .431. Rifling looks a bit wavy about half way down the barrel.
Will be taking it back to the LGS I bought it from this weekend for shipping back to Marlin.
Not pleased at all.