Just got a 1894 in 44 Mag on a trade.I'm not a lever action guy at all,but this seems like a pretty nice little rifle its probably 98 % new.thought I'd ask guys that know what you think about them, I'm a avid hunter deer hogs coyote.would be used as a ranch gun mostly. Would like to hear the pros & cons. thank you for input.mostly if its a keeper or not.
Marlin 1894 44Mag
- Thread starter BIG P
- Start date
oldmanFCSA
New member
Good deer or hog rifle - coyote, not so much.
For deer, use 240 grain XTP's.
For Hogs, use 300 grain XTP's or HardCast projectiles.
For coyote, use a different rifle.
For deer, use 240 grain XTP's.
For Hogs, use 300 grain XTP's or HardCast projectiles.
For coyote, use a different rifle.
I have an 1894c, which is the .357 version of the same gun. I really enjoy shooting mine, and yours would make a better hunting gun, suitable beyond 100 yards for the game you mentioned.
Should you want to use something other than the factory iron sights, I've experimented with various options, and these are my observations.
Rear sights
- the original buckhorns... don't care for them much
- Skinner "winged" receiver peep sight... well made, but not so well thought out... adjusting it for windage and elevation is imprecise and a hassle. Can be difficult to set perfectly squared up to the eye, which leaves me with an egg shaped aperture instead of a circular one. I'd avoid the winged/tactical version if I were to do it again.
- Williams fiber optic rear sight... tended to flare too brightly in bright sun and made the front sight and target harder to see
- Skinner barrel mounted peep sight... lacks the sight radius of my Skinner receiver peep, but I like the sight picture better and it's simpler to adjust... and I can mount my scope behind it and see over it (even in low rings) if I want.
Front sights
- original brass colored bead... not real easy to see
- Skinner black post sight... not easy to see against dark backgrounds, but I like the flat top post better than a round bead
- Marbles fiber optic sight... easy to see, but felt less precise than a flat-topped post, especially in bright sun
- XS post sight... most precise front sight for me, and second only to the fiber optic in visibility (actually better than the fiber optic in very dim settings)
Optics
- Leupold 2.5x20mm scope... most precise option I've tried, but the iron sights are probably more fun, and I like the feel and handling better without a scope.
Should you want to use something other than the factory iron sights, I've experimented with various options, and these are my observations.
Rear sights
- the original buckhorns... don't care for them much
- Skinner "winged" receiver peep sight... well made, but not so well thought out... adjusting it for windage and elevation is imprecise and a hassle. Can be difficult to set perfectly squared up to the eye, which leaves me with an egg shaped aperture instead of a circular one. I'd avoid the winged/tactical version if I were to do it again.
- Williams fiber optic rear sight... tended to flare too brightly in bright sun and made the front sight and target harder to see
- Skinner barrel mounted peep sight... lacks the sight radius of my Skinner receiver peep, but I like the sight picture better and it's simpler to adjust... and I can mount my scope behind it and see over it (even in low rings) if I want.
Front sights
- original brass colored bead... not real easy to see
- Skinner black post sight... not easy to see against dark backgrounds, but I like the flat top post better than a round bead
- Marbles fiber optic sight... easy to see, but felt less precise than a flat-topped post, especially in bright sun
- XS post sight... most precise front sight for me, and second only to the fiber optic in visibility (actually better than the fiber optic in very dim settings)
Optics
- Leupold 2.5x20mm scope... most precise option I've tried, but the iron sights are probably more fun, and I like the feel and handling better without a scope.
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If you are going to load cast for it, slug the barrel and size at least .001"? over groove diameter...
The SAAMI spec for .44 mag rifle is larger than for pistol (.429" vs .431"), and many fine guns have been sold or traded over the years because people could not get them to shoot cast...
The SAAMI spec for .44 mag rifle is larger than for pistol (.429" vs .431"), and many fine guns have been sold or traded over the years because people could not get them to shoot cast...
placed a small redfield scope on it today,could'nt live with factory iron sights.Seems to like light for cali.better than heavy.Going to put 100 rounds through it today I have 4 different loads to try.thanks guys for the input.any other replies welcome.Is the Marlin 1894 a keeper in your eyes???
Two things about the Marlin .44, one, they do seem to kick more than you expect.
Two) Pay attention to cartridge length. The Marlins are quite picky about length, and you can create (or maybe even buy) ammo that is TOO LONG to feed from the magazine to the chamber.
Despite the advice of others, I would stay away from the 300gr and other overly heavy bullets. One, for the length issue possible, and two, the Marlin was designed in the era when 240gr was the standard, and 265gr was the "heavy" bullet.
Try them if you want, but be prepared for less than the best results.
Two) Pay attention to cartridge length. The Marlins are quite picky about length, and you can create (or maybe even buy) ammo that is TOO LONG to feed from the magazine to the chamber.
Despite the advice of others, I would stay away from the 300gr and other overly heavy bullets. One, for the length issue possible, and two, the Marlin was designed in the era when 240gr was the standard, and 265gr was the "heavy" bullet.
Try them if you want, but be prepared for less than the best results.
shootniron
New member
I have had the 1894 for years...great rifle and I shoot cast in mine...does the job. It is a fine tag-along rifle...although, I prefer the Rossi 92.
I see no need for more than a Hornady 265gr going 1600-1700fps...The .430" bullets are incredibly accurate from my gun...Do not expect much expansion from this bullet, as it was designed to open at .444 Marlin velocities...
I agree with 44 AMP...
I know some people have good results with 300gr (and larger) from their Marlin 1894's, but my gun is not particularly fond of them...
I agree with 44 AMP...
I know some people have good results with 300gr (and larger) from their Marlin 1894's, but my gun is not particularly fond of them...
I've got an old one in 44 Mag that simply loves 240 Green Box Remington SP. I haven't noticed much recoil with these loads. I haven't tried reloads yet, but I've got 500 Rem 240SP. I agree with the others on cast, particularly in the Micro barrels. Someone also mentioned Skinner Sights and I can't recommend them highly enough. Mine came with a scope and it looked and handled like crapola. Put on the Skinners, front and rear, and it shoots amazing.
Thanks Guys. A lot of points came to light and were spot on.Tried Reminton,hornady,Fiocchi today. The rem & hornady did pretty good. the Fiocchi would not cycle checked over all length were to long.reseated them deeper and they too worked good.Ordered a set of skinner sights.Looks like about 1.5 or 2'' gun at 90 yards.maybe with a little load development might get a little better. might try some cast next. thank ya'll for the tips.
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:Lever guns in the traditional style, with their "stock" sights and triggers are not noted for exceptional accuracy. Nor were they ever made to be.
They should shoot a bit better than "minute of deer" at any range you can hit the deer. Most do. IF you get exceptionally better than this, count your blessings.
Better sights and trigger work do not improve the accuracy of a gun, but they can improve the accuracy of the shooter with the gun.
They should shoot a bit better than "minute of deer" at any range you can hit the deer. Most do. IF you get exceptionally better than this, count your blessings.
Better sights and trigger work do not improve the accuracy of a gun, but they can improve the accuracy of the shooter with the gun.
44 Marlin
I'm Ohio deer hunter. I have had 44 carbines in past but never hunted much
with them. I just got a old 94 in mint shape. In the past I always just shot
my 44 Ruger loads, 240 JHP/ 21.5 gr 2400. Since I get to deer hunt in Ohio
with rifle now I am wondering if a 180 or 200 would stretch out the range
with out sacrificing accuracy. I have a Lyman #66 reciever sight I plan to mount.
Anyone tried these lite bullets?
I'm Ohio deer hunter. I have had 44 carbines in past but never hunted much
with them. I just got a old 94 in mint shape. In the past I always just shot
my 44 Ruger loads, 240 JHP/ 21.5 gr 2400. Since I get to deer hunt in Ohio
with rifle now I am wondering if a 180 or 200 would stretch out the range
with out sacrificing accuracy. I have a Lyman #66 reciever sight I plan to mount.
Anyone tried these lite bullets?
bamaranger
New member
light bullets
Re the carbine, I have the .357 version, pre-safety, and it has been a dandy GP/woods rifle for a long time, till I started having trouble with the sights and slipping vision. On my early .357 rifle, the quality is quite high and I have always been plenty satisfied.
Re light bullets in .44 Mag. I started down that path quite a few years ago when an early Ruger .44 carbine (twisted 1-38) would not group 240 gr bullets to my satisfaction. In fact, two such carbines display such a tendency. Basically minute of "pie plate" at 100 yds. Some Rugers / Marlins do better, but mine will not.
With such a slow twist, I figured a lighter, shorter bullet would do better, accuracy wise, and the carbines responded well, yielding 3" groups or so and giving enough accuracy, (for me) for a woods carbine. I've shot both 180's and 200 Hornady XTP's, and taken deer with both weights. I've not had any of those slugs exit a deer. By comparison, I've not ever seen a 240, mine or my Dad's, NOT exit. I've picked the 200's over the 180's for deer and here's why.
I found that the 180's were a "soft" bullet, and per Hornady literature, intended for .44 Special velocities. Driving them a good bit faster down carbine tubes yielded a very explosive bullet, especially up close. I fired a second shot at a buck that got up as I approached, under 10 yds, broadside on the ribs, and the bullet exploded internally, did not exit. The jacket/lead shredded, and the found fragments resembled chewed gum. The damage was major, and a dead deer, but I did not like the frag nature of the results. I'd think on something like a big hog, or B.bear, the bullet would be a problem.
The 200 gr Hornadys are intended for rifle velocities, (again per Hornady) and hold together much better. REcovered bullets have not fragged or separated and display extreme mushrooming. Difference in accuracy between 180-200, in my carbines, is not discernable. I've not had any exit a deer, but that is not a problem for me. On a pure broadside shot, I think they would, but every buck that has presented a shot when carrying the .44/200 combination has been quartering, and the off shoulder has caught the bullet.
I really wish my .44's would shoot the heavy bullets. The new (discontinued) Rugers are twisted 1-20, and should, as are most .44 revolvers, (+/-) and I think there is merit for a heavy .44 slug. Back in the day, I could out group my carbines with 240's, using a 6" M29! (alas). But my old carbines will not shoot them to suit me.
Re the carbine, I have the .357 version, pre-safety, and it has been a dandy GP/woods rifle for a long time, till I started having trouble with the sights and slipping vision. On my early .357 rifle, the quality is quite high and I have always been plenty satisfied.
Re light bullets in .44 Mag. I started down that path quite a few years ago when an early Ruger .44 carbine (twisted 1-38) would not group 240 gr bullets to my satisfaction. In fact, two such carbines display such a tendency. Basically minute of "pie plate" at 100 yds. Some Rugers / Marlins do better, but mine will not.
With such a slow twist, I figured a lighter, shorter bullet would do better, accuracy wise, and the carbines responded well, yielding 3" groups or so and giving enough accuracy, (for me) for a woods carbine. I've shot both 180's and 200 Hornady XTP's, and taken deer with both weights. I've not had any of those slugs exit a deer. By comparison, I've not ever seen a 240, mine or my Dad's, NOT exit. I've picked the 200's over the 180's for deer and here's why.
I found that the 180's were a "soft" bullet, and per Hornady literature, intended for .44 Special velocities. Driving them a good bit faster down carbine tubes yielded a very explosive bullet, especially up close. I fired a second shot at a buck that got up as I approached, under 10 yds, broadside on the ribs, and the bullet exploded internally, did not exit. The jacket/lead shredded, and the found fragments resembled chewed gum. The damage was major, and a dead deer, but I did not like the frag nature of the results. I'd think on something like a big hog, or B.bear, the bullet would be a problem.
The 200 gr Hornadys are intended for rifle velocities, (again per Hornady) and hold together much better. REcovered bullets have not fragged or separated and display extreme mushrooming. Difference in accuracy between 180-200, in my carbines, is not discernable. I've not had any exit a deer, but that is not a problem for me. On a pure broadside shot, I think they would, but every buck that has presented a shot when carrying the .44/200 combination has been quartering, and the off shoulder has caught the bullet.
I really wish my .44's would shoot the heavy bullets. The new (discontinued) Rugers are twisted 1-20, and should, as are most .44 revolvers, (+/-) and I think there is merit for a heavy .44 slug. Back in the day, I could out group my carbines with 240's, using a 6" M29! (alas). But my old carbines will not shoot them to suit me.
FWIW:
1894 MARLIN 44 MAG HEAVY
Acc432-280gr* Cast #2 / Lym450Sized 0.432/LymAloxLube(50/50)
H110 / 20.5
CCI_LP_Mag
OAL:1.600"
QUickLoad(20")= 33,803psi/1,633fps / Actual Vel =1,630fps
* http://www.accuratemolds.com/
BTW:
- My `94 feeds the RCBS 44-240 SWC with a 1.675" OAL just fine
- [That particular] `94 (new Rem/Ballard) prints ≤1" at 50 w/ the heavy bullet at 0.432"
- Lyman #2/BN-15 good up past 1,620 on a plain base.
- Superhard is not req'd as long as the bullet fits....
1894 MARLIN 44 MAG HEAVY
Acc432-280gr* Cast #2 / Lym450Sized 0.432/LymAloxLube(50/50)
H110 / 20.5
CCI_LP_Mag
OAL:1.600"
QUickLoad(20")= 33,803psi/1,633fps / Actual Vel =1,630fps
* http://www.accuratemolds.com/
BTW:
- My `94 feeds the RCBS 44-240 SWC with a 1.675" OAL just fine
- [That particular] `94 (new Rem/Ballard) prints ≤1" at 50 w/ the heavy bullet at 0.432"
- Lyman #2/BN-15 good up past 1,620 on a plain base.
- Superhard is not req'd as long as the bullet fits....