CARBINE RECOMENDATION

[IRONHEAD61]

I am looking to buy a .44 mag carbine and have narrowed it down to the Marlin 336 or 1894.

I like the pistol grip on the 336. Which model has the best action?

Thanks,

 

[papajohn428]

Marlin did a limited run of 336's in 44 Mag a few decades ago, but haven't offered one since. If you want a new Marlin 44, it will have to be on the 1894 platform, which doesn't include a pistol-gripped version, only a straight stock. They can be modified, but it involves more than just swapping parts. Sniff around on MarlinOwners.com in the gunsmithing section, you should be able to find a sticky on what's involved.

I think the 1894 in 44 Mag is an awesome combination, and you might be able to get over the desire for the pistol-gripped stock. The actions are similar enough that one has no "better" action than the other. Either one can be slicked up pretty readily. I have an 1894SS in stainless, and don't think there's a better gun made, if you want a fast-handling 44 rifle. YMMV.

Recently-made guns (from Remington's Ilion NY plant) have had some serious fit-and-finish issues, so finding one made prior to 2008 (with a JM stamp on the barrel) would seem to be a good idea.

 

[Alpo]

I don't know about Marlins, but the Winchester 94, when it was chambered in 44 magnum and 45 Colt, was nowhere near as smooth or reliable as a 92 chambered in the same cartridges. Reason was the 94 was designed for a cartridge an inch longer.

Seems like the 336 would have the same problems. Just makes more sense, to me, to get a gun that was designed for THAT cartridge length.

I mean, would you buy a magnum action Mauser 98 and chamber it for 22 Hornet?

 

[BearBio]

I have a 94 in 44 mag (out of over a dozen lever-guns from 22 to 45-90). I have no use for it but every time I think about getting rid of it, I fall in love with it all over.

Alpo has a point==it just feels so good!

 

[Maddog 521]

Marlin had problems with the 336 in 44mag. I'd look for something different.

 

[squidsix]

I don't want to be the guy who says "get this third thing" from your two choices. Sorry about that, but you can't beat the 92. If you can find one in your price range, get one. The 1892 design in .44 magnum is my favorite levergun.

 

[jkc]

I gather that you've resolved to get a lever gun, but, consider also the Ruger 77/44, built on the petite rimfire action, and short, sweet, light, handy, and with a "fixable" trigger. My .44 1894 was extremely disappointing --- caveat emptor!

 

[LouisianaJoe]

Henry Big Boy

I have the Henry Big Boy in .45 Colt.

Henry Repeating Arms | Fine Rifles Made in America and Priced Right

Also available in .44 Mag.

Smoothest action I have except for the .22 Golden Boy.

 

[Alpo]

I don't want to be the guy who says "get this third thing" from your two choices. Sorry about that, but you can't beat the 92. If you can find one in your price range, get one. The 1892 design in .44 magnum is my favorite levergun.

I almost did. I've got two Marlins, and don't particularly like 'em. But I got 2 Winchester, 1 Browning and 5 Rossi 92s. They are very sweet.

But, he asked about Marlin, so I resisted the impulse. Until now.

 

[Chubbs103]

I have an 1894S in .41Mag that has a very slick action and shoots very well. They also made the .41 with a pistol grip stock(1894FG). I know you asked about .44, but....

If I was looking for another caliber it would be in an 1894.

Chubbs

 

[Dragon88]

Of your two options, the 1894 is the way to go. However, the Winchester cannot be ignored when talking about lever action 44 Mag carbines. They can be found for surprisingly reasonable prices at a good shop. And heck, it's says "Winchester" on it. That alone makes it a desirable firearm.

 

[chief38]

I have both and for a carbine or small rifle caliber I prefer the straight stock, and for larger rifle calibers like the .45-70 I prefer a pistol grip.

Both are great guns if you buy an older version when they were made in CT.
While I have not purchased a new Marlin since the Company has been sold, I have heard some negative things about them. I have 6 Marlin LAR's and they are all great guns. I was heart broken when I heard they were sold.



Chief38

 

[SAFireman]

Since I am a 41 fan, I have the Marlin 1894FG. I had to send it back to Marlin because it was gouging shells during the feed process. It took about two weeks, but she came back as slick as my 1940's era Marlin 30-30.

It is really nice to have that lever gun in the same caliber as my sidearm. The 41 really cooks out of that 20 inch barrel, and I would imagine the 44 would too.

Good luck on your new toy

 

[walnutred]

I'd get the 1894. My first repeating rifle was a Marlin 1889 in 32-20, wish I still had it. Over the years I've owned lever actions made by Marlin, Winchester, Browning and Spencer and the only brand I've kept has been Marlin.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
In the past I had both a Marlin Model 336 .44 magnum and a Marlin Model 1894 .44 magnum.
Using factory 240gr. JSP ammo I found the Marlin Model 336 fired a tighter group at 100 yards.
Jimmy

 

[rodeo kid]

I would also get the 1894, I have one in .357 and love it. God Bless.

 

[harleyvato]

Stainless marlin .357 is my favorite, I put Skinner sights on it and have been good to go. I pair it with one of my 66 2 1/2"Revolvers. The carbine has little recoil with full loads,and hardly any at all with .38 specials my wife carries the other 66 we have when out in the boonies, so just one ammo to worry about.we both love shooting the marlin, not really sure why I haven't gotten a second one now that I think about it,these threads can become expensive !

 

[beach elvis]

Being an owner of both mentioned in the OP. I'd personally opt for the 1894 simply because of the ability to hold 10 rounds in the mag tube. Ballistically, either one is gonna SMACK something at their normal ranges. The nod for me goes then to firepower.

Just be sure to score a pre-Remington specimen, it pains me to say.

 

[beach elvis]

Of your two options, the 1894 is the way to go. However, the Winchester cannot be ignored when talking about lever action 44 Mag carbines. They can be found for surprisingly reasonable prices at a good shop. And heck, it's says "Winchester" on it. That alone makes it a desirable firearm.

Out of curiosity I once asked my gunsmith bud to compare the Marlin and Winchester leverguns. Which was a better design, in his opinion? His reply was the Marlin because the action can be much more readily disassembled. He also said that opening a Winchester's action exposes the guts to the point to where it would be more possible for a foreign object to get lodged in it, locking it up with the only possibilty of clearing it involving much difficulty.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

There's only one way I'd go and that would be a Rossi or Browning (if you can find one) Win. 92 copy. I wish Marlin would put slimmer foreends on their rifles like the old days. The win. 94 in .44 Mag does not make sense to me with that long cardtridge action that isn't necassary with the .44 magnum. My Browning .44 magnum is one of my favorite rifles and fun to cart around in the woods. The action is unbelievably slick.