Marlin 1894 .44 magnum question

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YankeeIronSights

New member
Hi Everyone:

I recently purchased a Marlin 1894 .44 magnum lever action. It was manufactured in North Haven CT. However, instead of having the JM mark on the barrel, it has the letters AG. The rifle is in very good shape. I will test it at the range this weekend.

Can anyone comment about this model? Someone told me that this is a rifle made with pre-Remington parts but assembled by Remington. Transition rifle?

Please share any information that can help me confirm if this is still a desirable lever action rifle without the glitches reported by owners of Remington built models.




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Update: I checked the right side of my rifle and it also has the REP marking.

Conclusion: most likely, this rifle was assembled with original parts, made at the North Haven factory, and test fired by Remington in March 2012.

I test fired it at the range today, mostly for function, rather than best accuracy. I am happy to report that it performed quite well. I used Hornady .44 Special rounds. The test produced 2-3” groups at 75 ft, standing stance. Not bad !

I only had one glitch, but I think it was my fault. I short stroked the lever and a used brass failed to extract. I used a pocket knife to remove the brass from the chamber.

I still want to test the rifle with full power .44 magnum rounds. However, I predict it will perform well again.

Overall, I am quite pleased with this purchase. At $599.00 and at 98% condition, I cannot complain. This gun is a great companion for my Smith Wesson 629 3” pre-lock revolver.



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Funny you mention it--I was out shooting my 44mag lever today. For pure shooting enjoyment doesn't get any better IMO. Have fun!:)
 
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I've got a 1894 in .41MAG... it's more fun to shoot than almost anything in the fleet. If you reload, I've had very good luck with IMR4227 under cast bullets (although I'm sure it would work well with jacketed, too.) If you want the full-house .44 effect... W296 is the one!
 
2400 also is no slouch from a carbine.

Had one decades ago. nice gun, only issue was it was a bit picky about feeding SWC slugs. Everything else fed like butter.

If you have one that likes to "hang up" with SWC bullets, don't force it. When it hangs up, just bump the lever FORWARD a little bit, this takes the pressure off the round, and usually allows it to fall back into the right place to feed into the chamber smoothly.
 
I've had my Marlin 94 .44mag since the 1970s. I've killed deer with it and yes, it is really a fun thing to plink with. Cast bullets groups are so-so but good for the kind of shooting they excel at. Mine wears an old steel tube Weaver 3X scope.
 
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