|
|
|
08-15-2012, 05:50 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 623
Likes: 1,415
Liked 785 Times in 215 Posts
|
|
lever action pistol caliber rifles
I would appreciate your opinions and advice as to which caliber and also which brand-make model of lever action pistol caliber rifle I should purchase.
I currently have revolvers in .38/.357mag and .45colt. But I have been looking for an excuse to buy a 629 or similar .44mag anyway...so recommending caliber based on my revolvers won't matter much.
Will use this rifle for fun at the range more than anything, so primary consideration would be based on that.
But I am also intrigued about its use within my home defense and hunting options.
Your suggestions on caliber and brand-make model? Thanks in advance!
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
08-15-2012, 05:55 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 275
Likes: 1
Liked 36 Times in 23 Posts
|
|
Marlin 1894 cowboy can be had in 357, 44, and possibly 45 colt.
I have the limited version with a 24" octogon barrel in 44m, my favorite rifle.
Winchester once made a nice lever gun I've heard.
|
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
|
|
08-15-2012, 06:34 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: South of Atlanta, GA
Posts: 374
Likes: 268
Liked 463 Times in 168 Posts
|
|
I have Winchesters in 357, 44, and 22 mag. I have a Marlin in 32/20. I love them all but the 357 gets taken out and shot (with 38 specials) more than the other three combined. I will tell you that the 16 inch 44 mag will get uncomfortable real quick (a longer and heavier Marlin in the same caliber may be a better choice for extended range sessions).
They are great guns and will handle most (if not all) of my needs and I wouldn't feel under gunned in a defense situation (I don't hunt, but that's only because I'm too lazy to clean and dress my kill).
I have Ruger Vaqueros for each of my leverguns (except the 22 mag - still need a Single-Six convertible)
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-15-2012, 06:48 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 107
Liked 456 Times in 205 Posts
|
|
There are lots of old Winchesters out there for good prices. For a new gun, I would recommend a Marlin. I have not handled one of their new production guns since they moved the factory, but I would hope the quality has not faltered.
As far as caliber, 38/357 is best for a range gun due to economy and light recoil. However, a 44 or 45 would be better for serious self defense or hunting use. An 1894SS in 44 Mag. would be my top pick. Be warned, however, that once you are bitten by the lever action bug you will soon want some .22s, a 30-30, and a Guide Gun in 45/70. Ask me how I know.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
08-15-2012, 06:49 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Moscow, Idaho USA
Posts: 2,656
Likes: 9,623
Liked 1,696 Times in 679 Posts
|
|
I have had 3 Marlins, 1 in 44 and 2 in 357. The 357 is far more versatile. Love this caliber in a short lever action carbine, it extends the effectiveness of the cartridge, and with the right loads it is used in our neck of the woods for deer and if pressed Black bear. Makes the 357 a 100yd hitter. I carry identical loads in my Marlin and in my 586. I don't do that with my 44s.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-15-2012, 07:07 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: U.P. Mi
Posts: 2,061
Likes: 8,962
Liked 1,270 Times in 693 Posts
|
|
You might consider a 41 mag in a marlin. Ballistics from revolver are good, from the lever even better. Just a thought. Be Safe,
__________________
I BACK OUR BLUE
|
08-15-2012, 07:31 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mexia Texas
Posts: 383
Likes: 7
Liked 154 Times in 78 Posts
|
|
41 mag is a little hard to come by. 357 with 38 wadcutters is a blast.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-15-2012, 07:37 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 604
Likes: 355
Liked 311 Times in 170 Posts
|
|
I would highly recommend a Marlin 1894. It comes in all three calibers you mentioned. I'm assuming you do not handload so it would be much cheaper to shoot the 357 because you can buy 38 special for a more reasonable price than 44 or 45.
As far as a defensive caliber the 357 is quite well respected being shot out of a handgun and you would realize about 400 more feet per second out of the rifle.
In my opinion the 44 or 45 would make a better hunting caliber but at a considerable higher cost for the ammo. The 357 and 158 grain bullet with factory loads would probably have a velocity of around 2000 feet per second out of the rifle and the venerable 30 30 shoots a 170 grain bullet about the same velocity so you can base the hunting aspect on that. The difference would be that the 158 grain 357 was made as a pistol bullet and may not hold up to the higher velocity thereby sacrificing penetration and causing more damage to the meat. Again that's my opinion and I'm sure there will be someone to come along with another.
Have fun choosing and shoot em up!
|
08-15-2012, 07:44 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 3,530
Likes: 11,163
Liked 12,133 Times in 1,942 Posts
|
|
I have the Marlin 1894 in 44 mag. My son has the same gun in 41 mag.With the bullet weight the Marlin "likes" I get fantastic accuracy. I als have an early Ruger 44 carbinee which is a lot of fun.
__________________
Randy
Provenance nerd
Last edited by quinn; 08-15-2012 at 07:46 PM.
|
08-15-2012, 08:50 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Arkansas Ozarks
Posts: 6,266
Likes: 7,266
Liked 34,025 Times in 3,681 Posts
|
|
I highly recommend the Rossi 1892 clone. The 1892 has a super smooth action, unlike the Winchester '94. Mine is a EMF (made by Rossi) 1892 saddle ring carbine with 20 inch barrel and color case hardened finish in .38/357. Handles both 38 and 357 with ease. With .38 Specials it's like shooting a .22 LR on steroids, but stoke it with 158 grain .357 magnum rounds and it shoots like a real man's rifle. I've taken several south Arkansas whitetails with mine.
__________________
- Change it back -
|
The Following 7 Users Like Post:
|
|
08-15-2012, 08:59 PM
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: South
Posts: 1,810
Likes: 2,026
Liked 1,451 Times in 555 Posts
|
|
Marlin and Winchesters are both winners. Uberti's also have good reps. I like my .44 Rossi as well.
Last edited by StatesRightist; 08-15-2012 at 10:36 PM.
|
08-15-2012, 09:25 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: East St. Louis, Il.
Posts: 1,698
Likes: 3,592
Liked 618 Times in 343 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dragon88
There are lots of old Winchesters out there for good prices. For a new gun, I would recommend a Marlin. I have not handled one of their new production guns since they moved the factory, but I would hope the quality has not faltered.
As far as caliber, 38/357 is best for a range gun due to economy and light recoil. However, a 44 or 45 would be better for serious self defense or hunting use. An 1894SS in 44 Mag. would be my top pick. Be warned, however, that once you are bitten by the lever action bug you will soon want some .22s, a 30-30, and a Guide Gun in 45/70. Ask me how I know.
|
Know EXACTLY what you mean! Only I started on the other end!
45/70 Guide Gun first (love this beast!) then a old Win.94 30/30, and now looking for a pistol caliber carbine. Problem is I already have an M1 Carbine that handles those chores nicely. But I am studying those Rossis' intently. Dale
__________________
"Long live the S&W 3rd. Gen.!"
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-15-2012, 10:21 PM
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: God's country, GA
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 427
Liked 990 Times in 445 Posts
|
|
Lever actions are definitely cool. Just remember that pistol caliber bullets are designed to operate at pistol velocities. JHPs pushed 400 fps faster than they were designed may expand explosively and under penetrate. Jacketed soft points may be worth a look though. As I recall, Skeeter wrote that 1300 fps was the threshold to move to JSPs over JHPs for 357 Magnum.
__________________
Proud anachronism
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
08-15-2012, 10:24 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NC
Posts: 1,974
Likes: 395
Liked 828 Times in 274 Posts
|
|
I've got several revolvers chambered in .32 magnum and .32 long, and have looked for a Marlin 1894CB in .32 magnum for some time with no luck. I know they're discontinued, but you'd think one would pop up occasionally...
|
08-15-2012, 10:53 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Cocoa Beach, Florida
Posts: 10,585
Likes: 3,075
Liked 22,574 Times in 5,847 Posts
|
|
I have quite a few lever guns chambered in handgun cartridges.
Marlins, Winchesters, Henrys and Puma/Rossis. I kind of like the 1892s.
Mine are chambered for 22LR, 357, 41 and 45.
One of the 45s is also threaded for suppressor use. Take a 300 grain XTP and load it up to 1000FPS fire it through the can and you have a silent sledgehammer. Just do not put that ammo in a Colt SAA.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-15-2012, 10:54 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Panhandle of FL
Posts: 575
Likes: 23
Liked 273 Times in 87 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Faulkner
I highly recommend the Rossi 1892 clone. The 1892 has a super smooth action, unlike the Winchester '94. Mine is a EMF (made by Rossi) 1892 saddle ring carbine with 20 inch barrel and color case hardened finish in .38/357. Handles both 38 and 357 with ease. With .38 Specials it's like shooting a .22 LR on steroids, but stoke it with 158 grain .357 magnum rounds and it shoots like a real man's rifle. I've taken several south Arkansas whitetails with mine.
|
I'm very happy with my Rossi 92 in .357. It's a dream to shoot.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-15-2012, 10:58 PM
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: The Old Dominion
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 359
Liked 576 Times in 280 Posts
|
|
I have a Henry Big Boy in .45 Colt that gets teamed up with my 625-9 Mountain Gun(.45 Colt) and/or my Ruger SS New Vacquero in the same chambering. The Henry is smooth and accurate. I like the brass receiver's looks. The .45 Colt is a great cartridge that functions perfectly with a variety of powders including black powder and Triple 7. I think the .45 Colt is most useful when one reloads it since factory ammo is pretty expensive and choices are limited. For range shooting on a budget, .38/.357 may be a better choice. I really like having a revolver and carbine that uses same cartridge.
|
08-15-2012, 10:59 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sebago Lake, Maine, USA
Posts: 5,434
Likes: 6,726
Liked 6,725 Times in 1,862 Posts
|
|
I taught my sons how to shoot and relaod for centerfires with a Winchester .44 Magnum "Trapper". First with .44 Specials then with Magnums at increasing levels. It was a very effective training tool and that rifle still sees woodstime...
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
08-15-2012, 11:03 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Northwest Indiana.
Posts: 147
Likes: 2
Liked 22 Times in 13 Posts
|
|
Don't discount the 30-30 as it can be down loaded with 150 grain lead bullets and approximately 10 grains of Unique powder to make a very nice mid range load..This my personal load but some experimentation with various loadings should show similar results.....Tin..
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-15-2012, 11:40 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 80
Likes: 3
Liked 9 Times in 9 Posts
|
|
Used to have all the Marlin .41Magnum lever actions. Now, I've got the 1894 SS/lam LTD carbine. This one likes just about anything I run through it. I usually use a 220gr.LFNGC ahead of a healthy charge of 2400.
__________________
JOE MACK aka .41FAN
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-16-2012, 12:14 AM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Cocoa Beach, Florida
Posts: 10,585
Likes: 3,075
Liked 22,574 Times in 5,847 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by JOE MACK
Used to have all the Marlin .41Magnum lever actions. Now, I've got the 1894 SS/lam LTD carbine. This one likes just about anything I run through it. I usually use a 220gr.LFNGC ahead of a healthy charge of 2400.
|
That one is a personal favorite of mine. Super accurate with any load and it points great
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-16-2012, 12:22 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sebago Lake, Maine, USA
Posts: 5,434
Likes: 6,726
Liked 6,725 Times in 1,862 Posts
|
|
Brush Gun Favorites....
The afore mentioned .44 Trapper (shown on the bottom) in good company.... a Marlin Maruader in .35 Remington.
|
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
|
|
08-16-2012, 04:11 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Sonoran Desert, USA
Posts: 170
Likes: 3
Liked 30 Times in 25 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by KarmannGhia
<snip> I will tell you that the 16 inch 44 mag will get uncomfortable real quick (a longer and heavier Marlin in the same caliber may be a better choice for extended range sessions). <snip>
|
Really? I have a 44mag Marlin 1894P with a 16.25" ported barrel (think down-sized Guide Gun) that is so much fun to shoot, that I've never thought of it as being uncomfortable. Way easier to snap off a hundred rounds with the Marlin, than it is with my 5" 629. This is one light, fast and quick handling lever gun. If I had to pick a lever gun for HD, this would be the one. Great hunting companion too. The barrel length is more than sufficient for what I consider reasonable hunting distances, given the platform and caliber being used.
As it happens, one of my favorite ballistics experts, Dr. Gary Roberts, tested a bunch of 44Mag ammo a few years back with exactly this combination of firearms. He made a list of the rounds that were the best in the 629 and some that were better suited to the Marlin. He also found "the load with clearly superior performance in BOTH the handgun and carbine was the Hornady 300 gr XTP". Very convienent having one round that works exceedingly well in both firearms.
|
08-16-2012, 07:51 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Pinson, AL
Posts: 2,106
Likes: 57
Liked 656 Times in 307 Posts
|
|
I loved .45 Colt - especially my 625MG in that caliber. In fact, it eventually replaced all of my same caliber Rugers - BH, Bisley, Vaquero, RH, and even my .454 SRH. I tried a range friend's Rossi/Puma M1892 ten years back - ultimately ordered a new Puma SS 24" octagon barrel M1892 - and a Marbles Tang Sight the same day. I installed it in seconds - and have never shot it without those sights - a real pleasure to plink with. Slow/short stroke the lever will yield problems, otherwise it has been 100% reliable - a real joy!
I had a Henry 'Big Boy' in .44 Magnum for a while - delightful, but heavy (That brass receiver!). You could mix .44 Russians, Specials, & Magnums - they'd all feed easily. I regret selling that one... but not my Marlins - they were delivered rough in the lockwork smoothness department. The Puma and Henry were smooth as glass right out of the box. I do know of one problem with one Puma - a 20" blued .357/.38. It was smooth as glass, too - just wouldn't pop a primer - and for good reason - it was assembled without the firing pin! He returned it to the mail order closeout dealer for exchange - but they had no more. A local dealer had one on the wall - but the cheapskate didn't want to spend the C-note plus in difference. That's the only Rossi/Puma M1892 problem I know of.
Some years back, I thinned my long gun herd - down to .22's and one CF - the M1892 in the picture. It's 'enough' for me!
Stainz
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
08-16-2012, 09:02 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Georgia
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times in 5 Posts
|
|
I have been kicking this idea around for quite some time. Always checking the racks for a used 38/357 lever gun. Can't or won't pay the price for a new on, but would like to pick one up for a truck gun.
|
08-16-2012, 09:08 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Indianapolis, SE side
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Liked 27 Times in 10 Posts
|
|
.357 Magnum, you'll be glad you did. It's also cheaper to shoot.
Oh! And the Rossi '92, 20" is a good choice and very cost effective.
Last edited by flightsimmer; 08-16-2012 at 09:13 AM.
Reason: additional thought
|
08-16-2012, 09:09 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Location: South Florida
Posts: 7,785
Likes: 2,487
Liked 8,326 Times in 2,922 Posts
|
|
If you like the Ruger 10-22 they made a carbon copy in .44 magnum.
I love mine.
|
08-16-2012, 12:31 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Retired to South Carolina
Posts: 868
Likes: 2,550
Liked 231 Times in 119 Posts
|
|
FWIW, in 357 Magnum a tuned Rossi made M92 is about perfect. I'd add a plug for Steve's Gunz out of Port Arthur TX. Steve can fix the few minor problems, or sell you a DVD showing how to do it yourself. These Rossi made Levers run great in any of the pistol calibers, with the exception of some older Rossi's in 44 Magnum - that were bored at the upper end of spec's and run best with cast bullets of the appropriate diameter.
The 16" M92, in 357 Magnum, with a good 180gr load, will give you an honest 1800+ FPS. Compare this to the original, and current, 30-30 factory loadings out of a much longer barrel. The guys who run cast boolits do amazing things with this round in the short Lever.
IMO, the 357 Magnum in a Lever does not have any recoil until we use the heavy 180 gr loads. In 38 Special, the "recoil" is even less. This means anyone in my family can shoot this Lever all day long. I cannot say that about many of the 44/45 pistol loads.
The M94's in 44 Magnum/ 45 Colt aren't bad either.
Winchester never did fix the double feed problem with the 357 Magnum M94's. The Winchester M92's in 357 Magnum do not have that problem and are my favorite.
Marlin also makes a good 357 Magnum; I wish I had bought one instead of the M94/357 Magnum.
The pistol caliber Levers, especially the 357's, can be real cheap to shoot, are powerful enough for everything my family will do, and are just all around great.
__________________
July 4, 1776 not Jan 30, 1909
Last edited by Poohgyrr; 08-16-2012 at 12:42 PM.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
08-16-2012, 01:08 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: The Peach State! GA!!!
Posts: 5,916
Likes: 14,319
Liked 6,257 Times in 2,328 Posts
|
|
Had a Marlin 1894 in .44 Mag. Fine rifle. Put a Lyman aperture rear sight on it. With Rem. 240 gr. JHP's it would produce five shot groups the size of a silver dollar at 50 yds. At 100 yds., it would keep a full magazine under 4 inches. Foolishly when I no longer was doing a lot of swamp/heavy woods hunting, I let it go. Now... I'm back to heavy woods. My M-1 Garand works well, but I do have a longing for another one of those .44 Mag. Marlins!
__________________
<><
|
08-16-2012, 01:12 PM
|
Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: utah
Posts: 13,059
Likes: 2,547
Liked 7,201 Times in 3,064 Posts
|
|
I have a bunch of levers. I like a light sweetheart rifle and the winchester model 92 or one of its many clones is it. I have them in 30-30, 308, 30-40, 357 and 44 mag. The 357 probley is the most usefull, a pleasure to shoot and ammo the cheapest and easy to get. I have 92s in both 357 and 44 mag. The 44 mag in that light rifle will smack you the worst.
Short story for many reasons I recomend a 92 in .357.
|
08-16-2012, 01:12 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Sonoran Desert, USA
Posts: 170
Likes: 3
Liked 30 Times in 25 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by guskody
I currently have revolvers in .38/.357mag and .45colt. But I have been looking for an excuse to buy a 629 or similar .44mag anyway...so recommending caliber based on my revolvers won't matter much.
|
With all the recommendations for a .357Mag lever guns, seems like most everyone here missed the part about giving you an excuse to buy a 629.
Come one guys, help the man out...
Read this thread: Paired Revolver with your 1984?
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-16-2012, 01:33 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,536
Likes: 318
Liked 800 Times in 398 Posts
|
|
I won't be getting rid of my Winch. M92 in 44mag anytime soon. Since the action is soooo smoooth, I can overlook the fact that it's a Miroku made Winchester. It pops out 44 specials like a semi-auto gun.
I also have a mad in 1893 Winchester M92 in 38-40...just as much fun, allthough I am a little more delicate with the antique.
|
08-16-2012, 01:59 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Moscow, Idaho USA
Posts: 2,656
Likes: 9,623
Liked 1,696 Times in 679 Posts
|
|
Another feature that I enjoy about the Marlin is Skinner Sights. Or a scope mount. Great precision sights easy to install on the Marlin. I have a Browning 92 in 44 and I enjoy the gun but the sights are rudimentary when compared to many of the receiver sights available for Marlins.
Don't get me wrong I love the Browning 92, but the Marlin with XS or Skinner sights really dials in the accuracy potential of the weapon.
Enjoy whatever carbine you purchase.
|
08-16-2012, 06:05 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Texas
Posts: 348
Likes: 37
Liked 93 Times in 43 Posts
|
|
Another vote for the Marlin 1894 in .357 Magnum. I just put the Skinner 'Tactical' sights on mine, but haven't had the chance to shoot it yet.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-16-2012, 07:35 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: \'ell if I know
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 0
Liked 476 Times in 279 Posts
|
|
I have a Stainless 20'' Rossi '92 in .357 mag and love it. Very accurate and a hoot to shoot. With cheap jacketed 158JHPs and 7.5 grains of Unique it's like shooting a .22 Mag. Shoots very well with the same loads the 686s like too. For a companion to the 629s, I have a Ruger 77/44 and a Marlin lever. The Ruger is not as classic as the lever, but carries a scope much better. With the rotary mag, it's much easier to load and unload when hunting as compared to jacking the shells outta the lever at the end of the day. Accuracy is about the same with either, with the scoped 77/44 easier on these old eyes at longer distances and smaller targets.
|
08-16-2012, 08:22 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: East St. Louis, Il.
Posts: 1,698
Likes: 3,592
Liked 618 Times in 343 Posts
|
|
So let me ask you guys something, how does a .357 lever gun compare with an M1 Carbine? Dale
__________________
"Long live the S&W 3rd. Gen.!"
|
08-17-2012, 02:51 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Coastal Missouri
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 899
Liked 977 Times in 467 Posts
|
|
.30 M-1 Carbine: Factory ballistics call for a 110-FMJ bullet at 1990 fps from an 18" barrel. Few loads actually achieve that velocity.
.357 Marlin 1894C, 18.5" barrel: I typically run 125-grain bullets at around 2050 fps, but my favorite load is a 158-JSP at about 1800. Most Marlins prefer the heavier bullets. My pet load is 16.2/Lil Gun/158 JSP, though the max load is listed at 18.0 grains. I get far better brass life and awesome accuracy (2 MOA) with my pet load.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
08-17-2012, 06:49 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: North Georgia
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 1,315
Liked 1,832 Times in 701 Posts
|
|
I had a Model 92 in 45 Colt--I had it smoothed up and a Marble's tang sight added by a great smith (since retired) and it was a wonderful shooter.
I was going to shoot CASS but my revolvers got stolen (long story) and I ended up selling the rifle to get my first K22.
|
08-17-2012, 12:26 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 47
Likes: 3
Liked 13 Times in 3 Posts
|
|
I don't hunt and I have other guns for self defense.
But probably my favorite two guns for fun shootin' are my Henry Frontier Model lever action .22 and my blued Ruger Single Six. Both great super high quality American made cowboy/western style guns. There's lots of threads about them at rimfirecentral.com.
Both are more than reasonably priced new, and cost next to nothing to shoot all day. Don't need a lot if any hearing protection and won't scare the wildlife or neighbors.
Nothing else comes close. (Although I don't have a K22 S&W)
|
08-18-2012, 08:05 AM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Tulsa OK
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 666
Liked 1,575 Times in 668 Posts
|
|
I've shot one of these Marlin 44 Mag lever guns and did not find the recoil to be any more noticeable than say a .410 shotgun, which is to say barely noticeable for an adult male.
On the other hand I owned a 45-70 Marlin lever gun with the scallop shaped old style butt. That gun has noticeable recoil, enough so that I hardly ever shot it because it was too painful. I don't miss that one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by feralmerril
I have a bunch of levers. I like a light sweetheart rifle and the winchester model 92 or one of its many clones is it. I have them in 30-30, 308, 30-40, 357 and 44 mag. The 357 probley is the most usefull, a pleasure to shoot and ammo the cheapest and easy to get. I have 92s in both 357 and 44 mag. The 44 mag in that light rifle will smack you the worst.
Short story for many reasons I recomend a 92 in .357.
|
|
08-18-2012, 03:29 PM
|
US Veteran Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Texas
Posts: 20,361
Likes: 24,260
Liked 16,154 Times in 7,408 Posts
|
|
I've wondered about accuracy with the .44 Magnums, which have or had a very long twist, about one turn in 38"!
The late Bob Wallack wrote in a book on deer rifles that he was a consultant to Marlin and had S&W rifle a Marlin barrel in .44 at the more usual twist of 1-20 or so. But an uninterested foreman at Marlin never fitted it to a test rifle and lost the barrel.
Wallack was hoping that the faster twist would produce better accuracy.
|
08-18-2012, 03:50 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 665
Likes: 16
Liked 383 Times in 213 Posts
|
|
I have a Marlin 1894 SS, in .44 mag. It's a late production rifle made in 2009, but was not made by Remington. This rifle will consistantly group under 2 inches at 100 yds. with WWB 240gr. SPs. This is with open sights.
The rifles made at Illion, NY are not as finely finished as the ones made in Conn., and there have been numerous reports of various problems.
For more info, go to Marlinowners forum, and there is plenty of insight in Marlin firearms that might be useful to you, if you're interested in the Marlins.
As for Rossi, I have one that is the biggest piece of junk that I've ever owned. One of these days, I'm going to hacksaw it is several pieces and use it for trot line weights. I, also, had a Winchester .357 that was a joy, and regret trading it.
|
08-18-2012, 07:13 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Sonoran Desert, USA
Posts: 170
Likes: 3
Liked 30 Times in 25 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Texas Star
I've wondered about accuracy with the .44 Magnums, which have or had a very long twist, about one turn in 38"!
The late Bob Wallack wrote in a book on deer rifles that he was a consultant to Marlin and had S&W rifle a Marlin barrel in .44 at the more usual twist of 1-20 or so. But an uninterested foreman at Marlin never fitted it to a test rifle and lost the barrel.
Wallack was hoping that the faster twist would produce better accuracy.
|
The slower rate of twist only really begins to become a problem when you start using 300gr. plus bullets. It really is more of an issue of length than weight. Over 300gr. and the bullets end up too long for the 1-38 rifling to stabilize sufficiently. The 300gr. Hornady XTC are not as long as many hard cast bullets and work quite well in my 1894P.
Much of the twist rate concerns come from those wishing to push the performance envelope of the round. I prefer to use a rifle cartridge for distances much over 100 yards. I don't view the 44Mag as a great long range hunting round. For my purposes, the lever action can't really replace a serious bolt action for long distance shooting.
The owner of Buffalo Bore made a big deal about the twist rate in something of a rant he posted to his site:
"Marlin (for an unknown, not well thought out reason) is using a very slow rate of twist (1/38 inches) on their 1894 chambered in 44 mag. Because of this slow rate of twist, the heaviest bullet that the factory Marlin will stabilize is about 270grs. Other firearm makers that chamber for the 44 mag all use a much faster rate of twist so that their guns will stabilize and therefore accurately shoot bullets over 300grs. Many folks today want their 44 magnums to be able to utilize the heavy 300gr. and heavier bullets - Marlin has not figured this out. If you want decent accuracy out of our new +p+ load in a Marlin, it will need to be re-barreled with a twist rate of roughly 1/20 inch. I have Dave Clay re-barrel all my Marlin 1894's with a faster twist barrel. A 44 magnum that wont accurately shoot 300gr. or heavier bullets is useless to me."
|
08-19-2012, 08:56 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Northern Piedmont of Va.
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts
|
|
I have heard really bad things about what Remington did to Marlin after the takeover, with the result that any Marlin lever-action made after that is suspect. No personal experience with that, myself.
I've got a couple from before that event, 1894's in .44 and .357, both stainless. They won't feed as smoothly as a bolt-action, and the screws have to be retightened frequently (even with blue loc-tite on the threads). And, being an old geezer with failing eyesight, I've got 'scopes on 'em both.
But they're accurate as all-get-out, fun to shoot, and very effective at turning Bambi into food. (Well, the .357 is, anyway, I think the .44 would turn Bambi into mincemeat. A 240 grain sjhp will put a hole through the six sheets of steel, formerly a refrigerator, across my side-yard, 150 yards away that goes in with a hole about a half-inch in diameter and comes out of a four-inch hole on the other side.)
__________________
Not legal advice/solicitation
|
08-19-2012, 04:49 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2012
Location: The event horizon...
Posts: 49
Likes: 192
Liked 13 Times in 9 Posts
|
|
Interoperability/commonality of ammo for revolver and rifle...
Hi guskody!
I just purchased my sixth Governor, and my second Henry Big Boy, in .45 Colt. The Henry is a finely made lever action rifle that is the equal, or better, of Marlin, Winchester, or Remington... I've always tried to have lever action rifles with accompanying revolvers, as this is a force multiplier, WHEN TSHTF...
Like my Governors, I use Hornady 225gr FTX in .45 Colt as a primary load. Accuracy is superb out of the Big Boy, as well as being a great load in the Governors. Being able to have commonality of ammo keeps things simple...
OA, out...
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-19-2012, 06:04 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Montana
Posts: 5,164
Likes: 3,441
Liked 6,258 Times in 2,063 Posts
|
|
For me it is my Uberti replica of an 1873 Winchester in 44-40..use it in SASS matches all the time....particularily effective on any knock down targets. Even marginal hits takes them over with no problems. Add a brace of 44-40 Single Action Armies and away we go!!
Randy
|
08-19-2012, 09:37 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 623
Likes: 1,415
Liked 785 Times in 215 Posts
|
|
how many Governors does it take to...?
OldArcher,
I am fascinated, perhaps dumbfounded, and for sure jealous...
6 Governors?
One for every car? One for every room in the house? One for every house?
How many moonclips do you have? 300?
Glad to know the official recommended ratio of Governors to Henry Big Boys is 3:1.
Thanks for the post OA.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-19-2012, 10:17 PM
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,547
Likes: 89,899
Liked 24,943 Times in 8,538 Posts
|
|
Don't forget the .32-20 cartridge in revolvers and leverguns.
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-21-2012, 10:28 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Stillwater, OK
Posts: 85
Likes: 5
Liked 6 Times in 4 Posts
|
|
My pair in .41 mag. Both fun to shoot.
|
08-21-2012, 11:11 AM
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2010
Location: North Central Florida
Posts: 5,947
Likes: 24,644
Liked 6,195 Times in 2,575 Posts
|
|
I had an 1892 Win., in 44 mag. and with the "crescent butt plate" it was torture to shoot, especially from the rest. I had an 1895 cowboy in 45-70 Govt. and I was surprised at how close the recoil was in the 44 mag. and by the way-quality has slipped since Marlin was bought by you know who, and older guns are selling at a premium. For all around applications, including defense and hunting, I used a Win model 94ae in 357 mag as a basis. I put a Bushnell trophy red dot on it, forward of the receiver in a "scout rifle" configuration. I load 158gr HCLRNFP bullets over Unique, and it shoots very clean, as long as I load for 12-1300 fps. Remember, that 16 inch barrel typically increases velocity by 30-40%, so I am able to load them the same as I do for revolvers and it works very well. Bullets come from midatlanticbullets.com- the owner there has the same gun, and recommended this loading. It is a joy to shoot for anyone, and packs a punch, but not in your shoulder!
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|