I really want a lever action, oh, wait, i *have* one already (sort of)

[MacTech]

I've been wanting a lever action rifle for a while, I guess my love of the lever started way back when Dad was teaching me to shoot on an old Ithaca 49 lever-action single shot (he still has it, I shoot it occasionally, but this isn't the lever I'm referring to)

Dad no longer shoots, he just has no interest, so I've basically "inherited" his collection early, I still ask him every time I go to the range whether he wants to come along, but he always declines, he's just not into it any more

that said, there's no reason for his guns to suffer neglect, especially his nice old Winchester '94 (his deer rifle), it's got great looking walnut furniture, it's got the saddle ring, the bluing is in decent shape, it was originally a plantation gun, so it has an inventory number stamped on the barrel....

the only "drawback" is that it's a .44-40, and I was wanting a .30-30, I had toyed with the idea of buying it off him and trading it for a .30-30, but then I had a brainstorm....

I have a Lee Hand Press, a selection of propellant, some large pistol primers, and 50 brass cases, the only thing I need are dies and bullets!, BRILLIANT!, that would be *FAR* cheaper than trading it for a .30-30, I can bring Dad's old rifle back to life with a minimal outlay of cash, and I don't have to start stocking small pistol primers, plus, I have yet another gun that's caliber starts with a .4x

Time for a trip to KTP

 

[dougw47]

44-40

Caliber that won the West, in my opinion. You have a great 100 yd deer rifle, maybe a little further on a good day. I'll trade you a good .30-30 for it. LOL

 

[Abel]

I'd buy a 30-30 just to keep that one company.

 

[dougw47]

I want...

...to see pictures!! Is there a fine for not posting pix? LOL

 

[MacTech]

I'll try to get pics tomorrow, sadly, I'm gonna' have to wait a bit before I can reload for the .44-40, as the gun shop had one mismatched set of Lee dies for it, a new set that had, get this, the decap/resizer, and *TWO* bullet seating dies, no expander anywhere in the kit....

D'oh!, and I was looking forward to loading up a set of cartridges for it for tomorrow's range trip (midweek days off are actually pretty nice)

It's nice how many opportunities reloading opens up

 

[paducahrider]

Howdy!
We've had a similar journey.
I inherited my Dad's Model 94 Marlin 44-40 caliber carbine (built in 1897).
He had inherited it from his Dad, and it had seen better days; being unshootable when I received it.
The fore end and buttstock were cracked, and several internal parts needed replacement, mainly the hammer, loading port cover and some screws.
After rounding up the internal parts from Numrich, I carved a new set of stocks from a piece of flame-grained, stump cut black walnut, which my great-grandfather had cut in about 1890. I had inherited that blank from my grandfather, who had hauled the wood with him from eastern, to western Ky, in the early twentieth century. It's a spectacular piece of wood, though far outclassing the rather scrubby metal parts. I kept the old, beat up stocks, if I ever want to convert it back to original.
There's nothing wrong with the 44-40 round. If loaded to mild status, it's capable of use in pistol or rifle, which is not very practical in the 30-30. One reference stated that the 44-40 killed more deer AND people than any other cartridge, and it just may be true.
With it's liteweight (six pounds), quick handling short barrel and big slug, it makes a pretty good home defence weapon to have around.
There's nothing much out there that handles quite like a 94 (either Winchester or Marlin) or 92.
Hang on to it and start loadin' those cases. You'll regret it if you don't.
Thanks for your time.

 

[Watergoat]

So find a box of factory loads, and get thee to the range! You will need more cases anyway, those are pretty thin at the mouth and don't last very long.

 

[birdshot8's]

mag tech, not sure where you are but i have put two 30-30's in my truck, motor running, just waiting for directions to your place. your 44-40 is probably worth alot more than 2 or even 3 garden variety 30-30's.

 

[CZ223]

Birdshot is probably right

Also I wonder if it a 94 or a 92? I didn't think they made the 94 in 44-40 but I could be wrong. If it is a 92 and is in decent shape, not drilled and tapped for a scope or hacked on, it should be worth at least $700-$800. It could easily be worth more depending on condition.

 

[murdoc rose]

30-30s are cheap I think a new marlin is 350 shipped or something like that, no need to trade off old guns for a common rifle

 

[ArmedBear]

I'd be more than happy to trade you a .30-30 for your gun.

 

[LeontheProfessional]

Marlin 336 in 30-30. Enough said.

 

[kanook]

I would trade my collection to get one of my fathers firearms.

After your father passes I'm positive you would too.

 

[JWF III]

Also I wonder if it a 94 or a 92? I didn't think they made the 94 in 44-40 but I could be wrong. If it is a 92 and is in decent shape, not drilled and tapped for a scope or hacked on, it should be worth at least $700-$800. It could easily be worth more depending on condition.

My thoughts exactly. Not saying they didn't, but I'd never heard of it.

Dad no longer shoots, he just has no interest, so I've basically "inherited" his collection early, I still ask him every time I go to the range whether he wants to come along, but he always declines, he's just not into it any more

My father got the same way in his last 5 years or so. Not saying that's the case (hopefully your dad is in good health). But mine wasn't, and we both knew it. Very sad when somebody's health stops them from doing something they love.

Keep trying to get him back out there.

Wyman