Archived Posts » 59,726,163
44 Mag Lever gun
1/5/2012 11:10:46 AM
My first firearm was a Browning Grade 2 .22 and I have always loved it. Now I have decided I should have a centerfire lever gun. Since I already reload for 7-30 Waters in my Contender, I thought that would be a good choice but it seems they are not very easy to find and a bit expensive when you find one. For that reason I thought I would move on to a 44 Mag since I reload that as well and it would be a good round from a lever action. My problem is I have very little knowledge about different lever gun manufacturers and models. So far I think I have learned,
1) Stay away from a Marlin less than 10 years old unless I might want to work though problems.
2) Henry makes a very solid choice
3) Rossi makes a good choice.
4) The older Puma guns are a good bet.
5) There is no such thing as a bad Winchester model?
Any corrections or additional basic guidlines would be appreciated. I would hate to buy one only to get a bunch of issues I have to work through. I want it to work with factory loads from day one every time. I can tweak my handloads as required.
1) Stay away from a Marlin less than 10 years old unless I might want to work though problems.
2) Henry makes a very solid choice
3) Rossi makes a good choice.
4) The older Puma guns are a good bet.
5) There is no such thing as a bad Winchester model?
Any corrections or additional basic guidlines would be appreciated. I would hate to buy one only to get a bunch of issues I have to work through. I want it to work with factory loads from day one every time. I can tweak my handloads as required.
1/5/2012 1:52:59 PM
Originally Posted By JSG:
1) Stay away from a Marlin less than 10 years old unless I might want to work though problems.
2) Henry makes a very solid choice I don't have any personal experience with them, but I do know that they don't have a side loading gate. They're also not historically accurate, if that's important to you.
3) Rossi makes a good choice.
4) The older Puma guns are a good bet. I've had good results with my .44 Puma 1892. My dad doesn't particularly care for his .454. It kicks... A lot.
5) There is no such thing as a bad Winchester model? The pistol calibre 1894s don't have rave reviews.
1) Stay away from a Marlin less than 10 years old unless I might want to work though problems.
2) Henry makes a very solid choice I don't have any personal experience with them, but I do know that they don't have a side loading gate. They're also not historically accurate, if that's important to you.
3) Rossi makes a good choice.
4) The older Puma guns are a good bet. I've had good results with my .44 Puma 1892. My dad doesn't particularly care for his .454. It kicks... A lot.
5) There is no such thing as a bad Winchester model? The pistol calibre 1894s don't have rave reviews.
1/5/2012 2:05:41 PM
Get a m92 24 inch octagonal (1892 coppy) Rossi, and replace the follower, and remove the safety- fill it's absence with A decorative plug from Steve....
And the rest will be a love affair!
http://www.stevesgunz.com/
And the rest will be a love affair!
http://www.stevesgunz.com/
1/5/2012 2:18:42 PM
I really like my Marlin 1894 in .44 Mag. Took my first deer with it.
But, mine is over ten years old, got it around....1995-ish.
But, mine is over ten years old, got it around....1995-ish.
1/5/2012 2:33:19 PM
I use a stainless M92 in .44 mag, and a Rossi ranch hand in .357 mag.
I lucked into the stainless 44 for $525. I put $70 worth of refinement in it. Plug, follower, better sights, and springs.
I got the 357 lil guy for $410 gently used. It lacks a stock, but can be shot accurately with a cheek weld. I will be getting springs for it.
Shop hard! Get a good deal.
I lucked into the stainless 44 for $525. I put $70 worth of refinement in it. Plug, follower, better sights, and springs.
I got the 357 lil guy for $410 gently used. It lacks a stock, but can be shot accurately with a cheek weld. I will be getting springs for it.
Shop hard! Get a good deal.
1/5/2012 3:04:35 PM
Originally Posted By JSG:
My first firearm was a Browning Grade 2 .22 and I have always loved it. Now I have decided I should have a centerfire lever gun. Since I already reload for 7-30 Waters in my Contender, I thought that would be a good choice but it seems they are not very easy to find and a bit expensive when you find one. For that reason I thought I would move on to a 44 Mag since I reload that as well and it would be a good round from a lever action. My problem is I have very little knowledge about different lever gun manufacturers and models. So far I think I have learned,
1) Stay away from a Marlin less than 10 years old unless I might want to work though problems.
Actually Marlin is OK up to the Remington takeover in 2010.
2) Henry makes a very solid choice
Heavy and expensive. Some don't like the lack of a loading gate (they load like a tube fed .22) but they are very nice guns, almost too nice to hunt with.
3) Rossi makes a good choice.
4) The older Puma guns are a good bet.
Rossi made the older PUMA model 92's, the last couple of years the PUMA has been made in Italy and is about 2x the price.
Rossi has been making Winchester 92 clones for a long time and they have been imported by Interarms, Navy Arms, EMF, Legacy Sports (Puma), and now by Braztech.
The Rossi's are often rough out of the box and need a tune up.
5) There is no such thing as a bad Winchester model?
I disagree with that. I wouldn't have one of the newer guns with the rebounding hammer.
Any corrections or additional basic guidlines would be appreciated. I would hate to buy one only to get a bunch of issues I have to work through. I want it to work with factory loads from day one every time. I can tweak my handloads as required.
My first firearm was a Browning Grade 2 .22 and I have always loved it. Now I have decided I should have a centerfire lever gun. Since I already reload for 7-30 Waters in my Contender, I thought that would be a good choice but it seems they are not very easy to find and a bit expensive when you find one. For that reason I thought I would move on to a 44 Mag since I reload that as well and it would be a good round from a lever action. My problem is I have very little knowledge about different lever gun manufacturers and models. So far I think I have learned,
1) Stay away from a Marlin less than 10 years old unless I might want to work though problems.
Actually Marlin is OK up to the Remington takeover in 2010.
2) Henry makes a very solid choice
Heavy and expensive. Some don't like the lack of a loading gate (they load like a tube fed .22) but they are very nice guns, almost too nice to hunt with.
3) Rossi makes a good choice.
4) The older Puma guns are a good bet.
Rossi made the older PUMA model 92's, the last couple of years the PUMA has been made in Italy and is about 2x the price.
Rossi has been making Winchester 92 clones for a long time and they have been imported by Interarms, Navy Arms, EMF, Legacy Sports (Puma), and now by Braztech.
The Rossi's are often rough out of the box and need a tune up.
5) There is no such thing as a bad Winchester model?
I disagree with that. I wouldn't have one of the newer guns with the rebounding hammer.
Any corrections or additional basic guidlines would be appreciated. I would hate to buy one only to get a bunch of issues I have to work through. I want it to work with factory loads from day one every time. I can tweak my handloads as required.
There is another choice, I mention it since you already own a Browning BL22. Browning made it's own model 92 clone, the B92. They haven't been made in years so you'll have to find a used one. But these are the best Win 92 clone ever made, maybe even better than an original due to modern steels. It will be expensive, but probably no more than a new Marlin and definitely cheaper than a new Winchester.
If you plan to put a scope on this rifle, then get a Marlin. The Marlin is also far easier to disassemble for cleaning and has a decent aftermarket.
If money is tight, get a Rossi. They are available in several configurations Rossi USA including 16 inch trappers, 20 inch carbines, and 20 and 24 inch octagon barrels. Blue, stainless or case hardened receivers.
Steve's Guns is the go to place for Rossi 92 parts and tune up work. He will also tune up other leverguns but is known as the Rossi 92 expert.
I have one of each of these, Browning, Marlin and Rossi in .44 Magnum. My favorite for it's handiness, light weight, and weather proof stainless construction is the Rossi 92 trapper. The best looking gun of the bunch is the Browning, and the scoped Marlin is the most accurate (my eyes aren't what they used to be).
1/5/2012 3:40:05 PM
Thanks guys. You have already doubled my lever action knowledge. Any more education is appreciated.
1/5/2012 4:15:23 PM
Personally I like the Marlin 1894 44mag the best,and I'm looking for one myself and am willing to wait till I find a good one at a gun show or gun shop.
I had a 336 in 35 rem years ago and didn't really like it at the time so I sold it and was with out a lever gun for 20 years.Then when I heard Marlin might go out of business I bought a 1895gs 45/70 brand new before Remington took them over and now it's my favorite gun that I own.Now I have been hit with lever fever and want a Marlin 39a 22 rifle and the 44,It might take some time but they will be mine.
I know other people like some of the other brands but to me marlin is the one to beat and from what I have read the other brands don't beat Marlin.YMMV
I had a 336 in 35 rem years ago and didn't really like it at the time so I sold it and was with out a lever gun for 20 years.Then when I heard Marlin might go out of business I bought a 1895gs 45/70 brand new before Remington took them over and now it's my favorite gun that I own.Now I have been hit with lever fever and want a Marlin 39a 22 rifle and the 44,It might take some time but they will be mine.
I know other people like some of the other brands but to me marlin is the one to beat and from what I have read the other brands don't beat Marlin.YMMV
1/5/2012 6:05:15 PM
I have had newer 94s, before they went out of business, that had canted front sights. Could barely hit the barn with them! I like the Marlins, but mine are all before Remy bought them out.
I dont know what the remake Winnes are like, except expensive!!!!!
I wish I could recomend the Remlins, but I have never held one.... the Marlins I would very highly recomend!
I dont know what the remake Winnes are like, except expensive!!!!!
I wish I could recomend the Remlins, but I have never held one.... the Marlins I would very highly recomend!
1/9/2012 2:39:57 AM
I have a Winchester 94 in 44 mag that's roughly 40 years old and it's extremely reliable and accurate. They are a great choice IMO.
1/10/2012 7:52:06 PM
I have an 1894S in 44 mag I bought used around '93 or so. Its been a great rifle.
1/12/2012 2:19:18 PM
I have to second the Browning. I inherited my Fathers and it is an honest 2" gun at 100.
1/16/2012 1:07:52 AM
The Winchester 94 in .44 Mag can fe a little finicky when it comes to the best ammo. Anything beyond 125-150 yards is a crap shoot. Seems the best range for this rifle and ammo combination is 125 yards or less.
Mine seems to like heaver loads (300 grain bear loads) better and seems to be acheive the best accuracy at about 75-80 yards. The lighter loads <240 grains, the accuracy seem to go to hell in a hand basket at any distance. Flyers all over the place. I'v heard that this is a common problem wtih this caliber with the Winchester 94.
Also bullet diameter has a lot to do with the accuracy. .427 diameter bullets can tumble, whereas .429 and .431 may stabilized better, improving the accuracy.
Would definitely be interested other's feedback....
Mine seems to like heaver loads (300 grain bear loads) better and seems to be acheive the best accuracy at about 75-80 yards. The lighter loads <240 grains, the accuracy seem to go to hell in a hand basket at any distance. Flyers all over the place. I'v heard that this is a common problem wtih this caliber with the Winchester 94.
Also bullet diameter has a lot to do with the accuracy. .427 diameter bullets can tumble, whereas .429 and .431 may stabilized better, improving the accuracy.
Would definitely be interested other's feedback....
1/16/2012 10:40:39 AM
You fell in love with a Browning so why not stick with it?
I know they are a little hard to find and a little expensive.
Browning B92 .44mag also in .357mag
I know they are a little hard to find and a little expensive.
Browning B92 .44mag also in .357mag
1/16/2012 6:58:52 PM
Originally Posted By AK_Zeke:
The Winchester 94 in .44 Mag can fe a little finicky when it comes to the best ammo. Anything beyond 125-150 yards is a crap shoot. Seems the best range for this rifle and ammo combination is 125 yards or less.
Mine seems to like heaver loads (300 grain bear loads) better and seems to be acheive the best accuracy at about 75-80 yards. The lighter loads <240 grains, the accuracy seem to go to hell in a hand basket at any distance. Flyers all over the place. I'v heard that this is a common problem wtih this caliber with the Winchester 94.
Also bullet diameter has a lot to do with the accuracy. .427 diameter bullets can tumble, whereas .429 and .431 may stabilized better, improving the accuracy.
Would definitely be interested other's feedback....
The Winchester 94 in .44 Mag can fe a little finicky when it comes to the best ammo. Anything beyond 125-150 yards is a crap shoot. Seems the best range for this rifle and ammo combination is 125 yards or less.
Mine seems to like heaver loads (300 grain bear loads) better and seems to be acheive the best accuracy at about 75-80 yards. The lighter loads <240 grains, the accuracy seem to go to hell in a hand basket at any distance. Flyers all over the place. I'v heard that this is a common problem wtih this caliber with the Winchester 94.
Also bullet diameter has a lot to do with the accuracy. .427 diameter bullets can tumble, whereas .429 and .431 may stabilized better, improving the accuracy.
Would definitely be interested other's feedback....
I've had similar results with the Marlin 44 lever rifle. 265's and 300's work well.... the lighter loads just don't seem to be consistent.
1/16/2012 8:08:43 PM
I like my Browning B92 .44 (either paid $400 or $425 back in 1988), it is sad it has been languishing in the safe for so long.
1/16/2012 8:32:52 PM
Originally Posted By Brandi:
I have a Winchester 94 in 44 mag that's roughly 40 years old and it's extremely reliable and accurate. They are a great choice IMO.
I have a Winchester 94 in 44 mag that's roughly 40 years old and it's extremely reliable and accurate. They are a great choice IMO.
My wife has one also.I THINK hers was made in '86.We've not shot it very much.
1/26/2012 2:17:33 PM
Originally Posted By dbain99:
You fell in love with a Browning so why not stick with it?
I know they are a little hard to find and a little expensive.
Browning B92 .44mag also in .357mag
You fell in love with a Browning so why not stick with it?
I know they are a little hard to find and a little expensive.
Browning B92 .44mag also in .357mag
I have a B92 in .357, paid $700 new at a gun show, i love it
1/26/2012 3:32:17 PM
If you're ready to buy, Bud's Guns has a Rossi 16" Trapper in 44mag in stock for $430 delivered HERE.
And a Rossi 20" Stainless Steel Carbine in 44mag in stock for $440 delivered HERE.
And a Rossi 20" Stainless Steel Carbine in 44mag in stock for $440 delivered HERE.
1/30/2012 12:23:18 PM
Originally Posted By COSteve:
If you're ready to buy, Bud's Guns has a Rossi 16" Trapper in 44mag in stock for $430 delivered HERE.
And a Rossi 20" Stainless Steel Carbine in 44mag in stock for $440 delivered HERE.
If you're ready to buy, Bud's Guns has a Rossi 16" Trapper in 44mag in stock for $430 delivered HERE.
And a Rossi 20" Stainless Steel Carbine in 44mag in stock for $440 delivered HERE.
Bud's is in town to me so I am over there about once a month. They never seem to have many lever guns out to fondle.
In both pics it seems the front sight is not on the barrel band. Is that correct? I thought all the Rossi 92 had the front sight integrated into the top of the barrel band?
1/30/2012 1:33:42 PM
All of the Rossi 92's that I have seen have the front sight dovetailed into the barrel. I have a Rossi 92 in .44 magnum with the 24" octagon barrel that I use for Cowboy Action shooting:
