Tigre 44 mag question

[f4t9r]

A friend got this rifle from his granfather.
It is a Tigre in 44 mag. lever action, straight stock with steel plate.
the back sight reads Marbles, Gladstone Mich. USA
Anyone know anything about this rifle ??

 

[Ed Harris]

El Tigre's were rather poor Spanish copies of the Winchester 92 which were made in .44-40 Winchester. Not safe to fire .44 Magnum in these as the cases will split. OK to shoot .44-40 if that is really what you've got.

 

[f4t9r]

says 44 Mag on barrel ??

 

[Jim Watson]

Converted. Lots of Winchester '92s were, apparently the copy could be made to work.
Barrel shank diameter is small for .44 Magnum diameter and pressure and even Winchesters have bulged some chambers.
I don't know what the odds are, be careful.
If it were mine, I would handload it to about .45 Colt velocity and be happy.