Ok I thought I had my choices all narrowed down and then I read a review of the Henry Big Boy 44 mag, while it has not yet been approved for SASS, it seems like it will be.
The parameters:
Wanted 44 magnum rifle, SASS legal holding 10 shots,also suitable for taking game at short range:
The contenders:
Marlin Model 1894 (pre push button safety) These come up used a lot, have sling swivels but do have the microgroove barrel. Side eject allows scope mounting. Same buckhorn sights I grew up shooting. Front sight hooded but removeable.
Marlin 1894 Cowboy, push button safety, no swivel studs, ballard cut rifling, smart looking octagon barrel, long and lean look.
Side eject allows scope mounting, but I doubt I'd mount a scope on a rifle like this. No front sight hood.
Winchester model 94 CW/Legacy/Trails End model. Attractive price, legacy model has curved pistol grip, both models nicely checkered. Holds 11 rounds, the legacy holds more. Drilled/tapped for mounts but top eject means forward mounting. Trails end has top mounted tang safety.. better than push button Marlin safety I hate.
Henry Big Boy 44 magnum. Not a replica, more like a beefed up Marlin 22 rifle in the way it loads from the front. Solid brass receiver is unusual, attractive but likely prone to "character building" scratches. Heavy octagon barrel, holds 10 shots, 2 pounds heavier than Winchester, so recoil is likely less. Buckhorn sights (yes!) Shiny brass = shiny in woods but could be intentionally tarnished and repolished for cowboy fun. Not drilled or tapped for scope, side ejection.
AWA Lightning (available next year in .44 mag) variety of fit/finishes available.. Thinking of the case hardened one though it means going with a round barrel instead of octagon. Top ejection, slide action 20 or 24 inch bbl, very cool looking copy of Colt lightning. made in italy, hand fitted here. Most expensive rifle on list. No provision for scope or swivels.
Which rifle would you pick?
I'm still hemming and hawing.. though I keep coming back to the Marlin or the AWA.
The parameters:
Wanted 44 magnum rifle, SASS legal holding 10 shots,also suitable for taking game at short range:
The contenders:
Marlin Model 1894 (pre push button safety) These come up used a lot, have sling swivels but do have the microgroove barrel. Side eject allows scope mounting. Same buckhorn sights I grew up shooting. Front sight hooded but removeable.
Marlin 1894 Cowboy, push button safety, no swivel studs, ballard cut rifling, smart looking octagon barrel, long and lean look.
Side eject allows scope mounting, but I doubt I'd mount a scope on a rifle like this. No front sight hood.
Winchester model 94 CW/Legacy/Trails End model. Attractive price, legacy model has curved pistol grip, both models nicely checkered. Holds 11 rounds, the legacy holds more. Drilled/tapped for mounts but top eject means forward mounting. Trails end has top mounted tang safety.. better than push button Marlin safety I hate.
Henry Big Boy 44 magnum. Not a replica, more like a beefed up Marlin 22 rifle in the way it loads from the front. Solid brass receiver is unusual, attractive but likely prone to "character building" scratches. Heavy octagon barrel, holds 10 shots, 2 pounds heavier than Winchester, so recoil is likely less. Buckhorn sights (yes!) Shiny brass = shiny in woods but could be intentionally tarnished and repolished for cowboy fun. Not drilled or tapped for scope, side ejection.
AWA Lightning (available next year in .44 mag) variety of fit/finishes available.. Thinking of the case hardened one though it means going with a round barrel instead of octagon. Top ejection, slide action 20 or 24 inch bbl, very cool looking copy of Colt lightning. made in italy, hand fitted here. Most expensive rifle on list. No provision for scope or swivels.
Which rifle would you pick?
I'm still hemming and hawing.. though I keep coming back to the Marlin or the AWA.