Marlin 1894.... 44mag or 357mag?

Balrog said:
I am gonna get one of the new Marlin 1894s... already decided I want the classic blue/wood version but can't decide if I want 44 mag or 357 mag. I already have other guns in both calibers, so I have both cartridges in supply already. Uses would be plinking mostly, but live on a farm, so it would probably also spend time in the truck and UTV, and would be occasionally used shoot unwanted critters that show up (no bears here, so don't need to get a bear discussion started, they always seem to end badly).

I am thinking 357 would probably be the better choice. More fun to plink, since less recoil, and should still be more than enough power for my needs. But what do others think?
Click to expand...
You didn't mention if you reload of not? If you reload then the 44mag, you can load them quite lite for plinking or heavy for hunting.
If you don't reload 357 would be the fiscally logical choice.

For me it would be the 44mag because I don't own a 357 or reload for 357.
 
For your intended use it sounds like .357 mag is the better choice, although you can’t go wrong with either. I recently picked up a new Ruger Marlin 1894 SBL, but in 44 mag because its a hunting rifle, and its quickly becoming one of my favorite rifles. It’s insanely accurate, like 1/2 MOA accurate with certain loads. Ruger is making better Marlins today than Marlin ever did, you will be pleased.
 
troy fairweather said:
Good thing there are a few peeps that can use the scope base holes.
Click to expand...

Yep. Skinner and even Williams.

skinnersights.com

Marlin 1894 "RELIABLE" Sight

This sight fits the Model 1894 Marlin lever action rifles and all variations including the Marlin Cowboy Rifles.This sight is designed to mount using the existing pre-drilled and tapped holes on the top of the receiver. It is adjustable for windage, and elevation adjustments are locked in place...
skinnersights.com skinnersights.com

skinnersights.com

Marlin 1894 "WINGED" Sight

The Skinner WINGED 1894 sight is machined from solid bar stock and is ROCK SOLID in performance. Also fits the Henry BIG BOY rifles (Pistol cartridge rifles) all models. Fully windage and elevation adjustable. Windage is adjustable via two slotted screw holes while elevation is accomplished by...
skinnersights.com skinnersights.com

Ecommerce

shop.williamsgunsight.com shop.williamsgunsight.com
 
Last edited:
3Crows said:
I do not remember the year exactly but it goes back to JM, Marlins have not been drilled on the left receiver side for decades. I guess it would be nice if they did.
Click to expand...
20211012_125925.jpg
Not sure what vintage Marlin didn't have
the provision for a receiver sight.
This 1981 vintage 357 had the 2 holes
drilled and tapped from the factory.
The cheezy fragile folding rear leaf
split and fell off during the middle of
a hunt and pretty much chapped me
on that. ( that's been an issue with 3
Marlins for me)
This Williams was the replacement
instead of the factory piece, and served
well as long as I had the gun.
FWIW, my late 50's 30/30 has the
holes as well
 
WoodTek said:
Had the same decision dilemma and thought it over for a while, just went for broke and got both . :oops::oops:
Click to expand...
Man I've hunted with years ago would
do a similar procedure.
Except he'd buy two of the same rifle
when everything went on deep discount
sale after Christmas.
He'd shoot both extensively and keep
the most accurate one and sell the
other, usually for a small profit.
Knew another that would buy the
cheapest rifle he could find ( usually
an old sporterized Enfield or Mauser)
and 2 boxes of shells. He'd fire one
box testing for accuracy and function.
If not satisfactory, he'd sell it and buy
another. If he was satisfied, he'd hunt
with the other box of ammo until tagged
out and sell it. He did the same thing
every year. I guess it was some sort
of challenge to him
 
My buddy just got the .357 version n loves it, I have a Rossi stainless in 45 colt and a ruger Blackhawk same caliber. I think .357, 44mag, and 45 colt are perfect short range deer rifles/carbines if you live in an area that’s like where I live, fields but houses around. Great for the close shot but without the blast of a
 
OP says he already has both, so no wrong answer really.
Unclear if he reloads...

Used to be that .357M - and by extension, .38S - was a whole lot cheaper to feed. Not really so much anymore, although it is still true. Also still true that mild .38S is a pleasure out of a rifle for short range duty and general plinking.


If I already had a .30-30, then I would probably recommend .357M for stated use.
If I didn't and planned to hunt at all... then .44M all the way.
Full disclosure that I don't own anything in .44M and don't plan to.
 
I did one of each in stainless and trapper form... for use with and without suppressors
 
It would be 357 for me but I already have two 44s, a Win 94 and a Marlin. Do have a converted 1892 Win 357.
 
Ranger99 said:
View attachment 1253400
Not sure what vintage Marlin didn't have
the provision for a receiver sight.
This 1981 vintage 357 had the 2 holes
drilled and tapped from the factory.
The cheezy fragile folding rear leaf
split and fell off during the middle of
a hunt and pretty much chapped me
on that. ( that's been an issue with 3
Marlins for me)
This Williams was the replacement
instead of the factory piece, and served
well as long as I had the gun.
FWIW, my late 50's 30/30 has the
holes as well
Click to expand...

I am pretty sure the (J.M.) Marlin Firearms Co. stopped drilling the side holes in around circa 2001. Before Remington and therefore pre-Ruger.
 
.357 would be my choice. More fun to shoot recreationally.

But if I wanted a .44 the Marlin would be my choice because it’s a little heavier for lighter recoil feel.

Likewise if I wanted the ultimate portability I’d go with a .357 but in a Win 92/Rossi platform, since they are lighter.
 
I took a quick look at the .357 ones online. One has a 18.6" barrel, the others are 16". I vaguely remember off the shelf ammo having higher velocities in the 16" ones compared to 18" models. I guess the 18" carbines would have faster velocities if using slow burning powders with handloads. Maybe someone can correct me if I'm wrong.
 
Mosin77 said:
.357 would be my choice. More fun to shoot recreationally.

But if I wanted a .44 the Marlin would be my choice because it’s a little heavier for lighter recoil feel.

Likewise if I wanted the ultimate portability I’d go with a .357 but in a Win 92/Rossi platform, since they are lighter.
Click to expand...
How much less quality is the Rossi compared to the new Marlins?
 
I had an 1894CP in 357 until I was offered enough money to buy a new 1895 Trapper in 45-70,and still had enough money for dies and bullets. I also have an 1894S in 44 magnum. I used the 357 for deer and the 180 grain Partitions I shot in it worked great out to 100 yards. I wouldn't go much longer than that with the 44 even though it's capable of going farther because I have peep sights on all my lever guns and I don't trust my eyes as much as I used to. I shot 38 Special in my 357 and I shoot 44 Special in my 1894S for plinking. Either round is great.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
  • Locked
  • Poll
marlin 1894 44mag or mossberg 30/30 or rossi/puma 357
Replies
17
Views
2K
snakeman
S
R
  • Locked
Marlin 1894 44mag Or Puma 92 44mag?
Replies
24
Views
7K
Browning
Browning
D
  • Locked
Marlin 1894 lever or Ruger Deerfield semi for .44mag?
Replies
18
Views
2K
Gunrunner
G
Y
  • Locked
Marlin 1894 44mag??
Replies
6
Views
925
jem375
J
S
  • Locked
Marlin 1894...357 vs. 44..
2
Replies
26
Views
4K
Maverick223
Maverick223
Back
Top