Which .44Mag Lever Gun?

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TurboFC3S

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Hey guys, I know nothing about lever guns ... never even shot one! Imagine that. Anyway, I want one for some reason :confused:

I think I'd want one in .44 Mag, but .357 Mag would be alright too since I already reload for both those. Which ones should I be looking into? Are there any other decent choices besides the Marlin and Winchester offerings? Is either one more 'tolerant' of reloads, things like COL limitations in one design?

Sorry, a bit of a n00b'ish thread ... but humor me :neener:
 
I had a Rossi Model 92 clone in 45 Colt and it was nice. I still have a Winchest M94 Trapper (16" barrel) in 44 Magnum and it's a tad heavier but also a bit sturdier.

Any of the popular brands will work well. Pick the one with the features that appeal to you the most.
 
Winchester doesn't offer any lever guns to speak of.

Others, however, make replicas of past Winchester models, and Rossi (Puma) has taken the 1892 a step forward, with some modern features like fiber sights.

WRT other features, the Marlin has a closed-top receiver, whereas the Winchester designs have open-top receivers. The Marlin gives you more options for scopes, peep sights, etc. The 1892 handles like a 28 Gauge upland gun. Both guns are proven, based on models that have been used extensively since the 1890s.

I love my Marlin 1894C. Just shot some .38 handloads through it last night. Fun, and accurate as all get-out, believe it or not.

Marlin's .44 in stainless would probably be my first choice in a .44, but the prices are getting up there.

Henry makes their Big Boy in these calibers, but the guns are pretty heavy. Depends what you want them for. Owners seem to like them (they're a tad expensive, too).
 
Uberti makes some attractive, if expensive, lever replicas in various revolver calibres, though not (I believe) the .44 magnum. Henry is another option. And finally there is Ruger's 96/44, if you happen to like the styling and can find one.

Personally, I would chose the Marlin 1894. You can't really go far wrong with a Marlin.

It's not clear what you will be using the rifle for. Assuming that you just want a fun gun for plinking, I'd suggest passing on the centrefire revolver cartridges and going for Marlin's 39A; a real classic.
 
Being able to fit a scope would be nice ... although I might not ever do so, nice to have the option.

One other question, are they like revolvers in that a .44Mag gun could also shoot .44 Special ... and a .357 gun could shoot .38 Special?

The Ruger 96/44 loads from a mag doesn't it, instead of the under-barrel tube?

It would be just a fun gun, which for me rules out .22 ... fun means a big bang!

Any feed issues with these type guns using JHP bullets?
 
My Marlin shoots .38 Special VERY well, along with .357.

Like revolvers, you should clean the chamber after shooting a bunch of .38.
 
I've got a marlin 1894 in both 357 and in 44. the 357 is more pleasant to shoot, carry, swing, handle, etc. they only advantage the 44 has is it can be had in stainless. unless you just must have a 44, and are burning with desire to buy more dies and add a caliber to reload for, I would recommend a 357. the difference in size in the 2 is like the difference in a 12 and 20 gauge in a O/U shotgun.

also, my 357 likes the full length 357 case better than the 38 case, and hates semi-wadcutters or any other bullet that can hang up on entering the chamber.
 
The Win 92, Rossi copy, etc. eject straight up over your head, and for a reloader, fling brass to parts unknown.

The Marlin side ejection puts them in a pile right next to you.

No way to remove the bolt for cleaning on a Winchester / Rossi 92, short of a gunsmith bench & tool set.

Take the lever-screw out of a Marlin and shake it, the bolt falls out.

rc
 
Oh yeah. Forgot to mention that. Cleaning the Marlin from the breech is no sweat, and cleaning the innards doesn't require GunScrubber or other nasty dissolve-everything spray.:)
 
I have a Marlin 1894 in stainless in 44 mag. its one of my favorite rifles. I just got my 30-30 marlin back from the gunsmith today, its now sporting a 16 1/4 inch barrel
 
If'n you're plinking, then go .357 (or .22 like the man said).

Rossi's (Legacy Sports, Navy Arms, EMT) model 92 clone is the pinnacle IMO, in terms of light and handy, and thus a real good match for the .357 mag, but all calibers really - I have and like a pair of these.

Marlin makes a strong pistol cal levergun too (model 1894).

I think Winchester quit making their model 94 when USRAC closed, but there's still quite a few used out there, although the the pistol-caliber ones are rarer than the .30-30s.

With the Henry, it's about $100 per pound of weight once you get over and above the weight of a Marlin or Winchester, and they add a couple pounds to it, it would appear.
 
the difference in size in the 2 is like the difference in a 12 and 20 gauge in a O/U shotgun.
Click to expand...
Good analogy.

I wouldn't recommend the .44 over the .357 unless there is a chance that you'll want to use the rifle for hunting; and if that is a real possibility, you're probably better off with a .450 Marlin anyway.
 
I have both; a Puma 1892 and Marlin 1894 in 44 Mag. Love both of them. For looks, the Puma is nicer looking to me then the Marlin. The Marlin has more modern features such as being drilled and tapped for scope mounts, and a cross-bolt safety. Both of mine are 20" Octagon barrels. Both shoot well and are well made. Like others have said, the Marlin is much easier to clean from the breach then the Puma.

1894CB.JPG

Puma-1.jpg
 
Marlin has more modern features, .... a cross-bolt safety.
Click to expand...
That isn't a modern feature.

It is a lawyer induced obnoxious solution to a non-existent problem.

(Best blocked Off with a small rubber O-Ring)

rc
 
The cross-bolt safety does allow for lowering the hammer with complete confidence.

However, it also allows you to pull the trigger and hear "click" instead of bang.

For hunting, block it with an O-ring. For range use, it does have its merits.

It can also be removed, or locked in the off-safe position from what I understand.

Not a showstopper, for me. Like IL S&W revolvers, I have both, and I'm not overly concerned or upset about either variant.:)
 
I have been lowering Winchester, and other hammers for over 50 years with complete confidence.

If you can't lower a hammer on a lever-gun without it shooting, you should probably take up golf.

rc
 
I had a Winchester in .357 mag....should have kept it as it was way more fun than anyone should have with one gun! I ran a bunch of everything thru it from .38spl wadcutters, to full house .357mag stuff and NEVER had problem one! Guy offered to trade me a car for it that was worth about $2000.00 so I had to part with it.
 
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