First time at the range with my Marlin 1894 in .44 Mag

[Macchina]

I loaded up a bunch of 240 grain Hornady XTP's with H110 and headed to the rifle range today with my new Marlin 1894 in .44 Magnum. I installed XS ghost ring sights with the small ghost ring. My first group (all 5 shots at 50 yards) was 5" across and about 5" from the bullseye. After adjustment, I shot a 3" group 2" high. I was happy with that and blasted away the rest of my loaded ammo. Recoil is very mild (for what I thought a .44 mag would be), and the gun is great fun to shoot. I know it's me, and not the gun that shoots a big pattern, it's hard to shoot a 1" bullseye when your front sight covers half of the sheet of paper you're shooting at! Overall, I'm really happy with the gun and the load, and can't wait to use it this whitetail opening day (Nov. 15th). Tomorrow I'm going to try for 100 yards with a buddy, and practice off-hand shooting.


One bummer of the outing is that my local gun range has gone totally strict. They built a bunker with 15' of baffles in front of it, you are only aloud to shoot from a bench, no shooting after 5:15 pm, and you have to show your ID and sign a waiver every time you visit. It used to be very laid back (yet very safe), now grumpy men are watching you the whole time, and I get the feeling they don't want young guys there at all. Don't even think about bringing a rifle that is a very dark shade of grey, or something that shoots fast. I guess I'll have to start going to the range a half hour away, at least they have a 1,000 meter range to try my .44 at!

 

[YodaVader]

I used to own a Marlin 44 mag in the late 80's and it was actually a pretty good shooter. H110 or 296 and the 240 Hornady always gave me the best results too. Although back then the Hornady 240s were the "old fashion" lead tip hollow points. I hope to get an 1894 again one of these days. Good luck with your whitetail hunt! They just allowed the use of pistol cartridge lever actions here in Indiana this year.

Sorry to hear about the strict range. I really feel lucky after hearing your story. My range gives you a key to get in anytime you please. And in the summer I often shoot in the early evening. I would go to the range a half hour away.