1894P vs Win 94 trapper in 30/30?

[Dave3006]

Which do you think would hit harder, the Winchester 94 trapper in 30/30 or the Marlin 1894P in .44 mag? I can't decide which to get. They both seem like the ideal carbine.

The Marlin holds more rounds and is cheaper to shoot. A lot of people bad mouth the .44 mag as "only" a pistol round. However, it seems to me like a pistol round on steriods ideally suited for a 16" style carbine. Would the Winchester trapper in 30/30 might give me more effective range in a 16" barrel?

I have shot the Marlin. Nice gun. It cycles pretty fast. I do not know if it is faster than a 30/30 though.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Nightcrawler]

trigger

Have you handled the Winchester? They're fine guns, but they have this spring-loaded slack in the trigger, but from what I can tell here on TFL I'm the only one that's bothered by it. Also, I like the way Marlins lock up better, but that's just my opinion.

 

[rugerfreak]

Go with the Marlin----regardless of caliber.

 

[Grapeshot]

30/30 CARBINES

Good luck finding much info on these, since for some odd reason both types of guns are universally disparaged in the Age of the Mega Magnum rifle calibers.

Both however, are just fine (I have actually owned both calibers in a rifle/carbine, BTW). However, I would never own the 1894P specifically due to its noisy integral muzzle break (thank you again, Marlin).

I used to own a Trapper in .45 LC that I dearly loved, but parted with for monetary reasons. I'm going to get another soon.

I currently own a Winchester Ranger Compact (which is a Trapper with a shorter "youth" stock on it) and am totally satisfied with it. I chose it over a similar .44 magnum because I thought the 30/30 would give me a little more range and a little less kick, although I found that the 30/30 has a bit of a kick itself. However, it is surprisingly accurate at 100 yds. from a bench (1.5" when I'm at my best). Both Winchesters were reliable, good quality arms.

As for triggers, I owned a Marlin 1894 .44 mag once and was somewhat disappointed with its heavy trigger, hard lever throw and relative lack of accuracy (5 inches at 100). I also found it clunky and heavy compared to my Trapper, but then it has a longer barrel.

As for which is smoother, I found both brands of lever unimpressive and uncomfortably crunchy. Additionally, every lever action rifle passing through my hands to date has pretty much had a sucky trigger pull with a range of "bad" to "worse", so I guess if the crappy trigger on a Winchester bothered me I would look for a bolt-action rifle instead.

I will say that my Winchester seems to have smoothed up a lot with use.

The Winchesters are far from perfect, but they aren't by any means "junk" either, and seem to be lighter than the Marlins. Having owned a couple, I never developed any great compulsion to run out and buy a Marlin for its alleged superiority, and in fact, am going to buy another Winchester.

One thing about 30/30 vs. .44 Mag. - light practice reloads for the .44 can be more cheaply made; I was surprised to find out how relatively expensive reloading components are for the 30/30, what with it being so "common" and all ...

Good luck, you won't go wrong with either.

 

[Tom Matiska]

Have hunted with both and changed my mind more than once.

Pro's for the 44:
Great companion for my 44 revolver. Very polite around the farm. The 44 out of a 16-20' barrel doesn't annoy the farmer or scare the "milk" out of his cows like many "real'" centerfires do. It has a solid 125++ yard range for standing shots.

Pro's for the 30-30:
Good for standing shots out to 150-200 yards. 150 gr 30-30's are my round of preference if shots against fast movers are a possibility. Fast second shots are what levers are about, and how many of them are standing shots? With the 44 you have to think more like a shotgun than a rifle to have a chance against bambi. Unless kentucky windage is your strong suit go for the 30-30.

Tom