Looking at a new .444 levergun

N

Nightcrawler

New member
Interested in either a Marlin or a Winchester 94. The thing is, I like the real compact ones the barrels 18" or less. Going with my penchant for big-boomers (I traded in an AR for a FAL, for instance) I'm thinking of getting Either a Winchester 94 Timber Carbine or a Marlin 1894 model 444P. Both have beautiful looks, and are compact in design. Thing is, the Marlin holds 5 rounds whereas the Winchester holds only four. Are there any other levergun carbines in .444 that I don't know about? I tried poking around Savage's site (http://www.savagearms.com) but can't find any info on their leverguns. Also, can anyone give me ballistics info for .444 Marlin? I heard (on the Marlin website) that it generates something like 3000 foot pounds of muzzle energy...jeepers...
 
Nightcrawler,
I just got a 444P and love it. Standard Rem 240 gr. leaves the muzzle at about 2320 fps for about 2950 ft.-lbs of energy. Cor-Bon and Buffalo Bore make some REALLY potent loads as well. My favorite is the Buffalo Bore 300 gr JFP at 2150 fps!
If you plan on mounting a scope, go with the Marlin because of the side-eject. If not, both guns seem to be solid performers. Recoil, surprisingly, is very manageable and kicks less than my .308 Remington Model 7. The only drawback is if you plan on shooting much more than 150 yards with it. The 444 loses velocity real quick and is really a woods gun. Handling is real fast though and is ideal for most hunting situations. I wouldn't hesitate to use it for ANY North American large game.
 
I got the 444P also. It's tons of fun to shoot. Mine kicks a lot more than any .308 I've ever shot though. I loaded up some 300 grainers and after 20 rnds of that I couldn't lift my arm for the rest of the day. I've been thinking of trading up to the 45/70 but don't feel that brave just yet.
 
Just curious why you folks prefer the .444 over 45-70. I'm getting a little big-bore itch myself. But I lean toward the the 45.70 because there seems to be more versatility. Garrett loads for max power, but cheaper practice amo readily available.

Is there any advantage to the .444 that I'm missing?
 
Winchester 94 big bore in 444. 20in barrel with no ports to bust your eardrums if you shoot it without hearing protection.
 
.444 vs. .45-70

I want the Marlin .444 over the Marlin .45-70 for one reason. The Marline .444 holds 5 rounds, whereas the .45-70 holds four. Winchester even makes a .444 that holds SIX rounds, but I want the marlin.
 
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