Considering purchasing an 1894 in 44 mag.-Have two questions

[Bamasnyper]

I am thinking about purchasing a new Marlin 1894 in 44 mag. What is the price difference in the regular 1894 as compared to the 1894 Cowboy? I have found the Cowboy for $580.00 plus tax but don't know the price of the regular 1894. What is the difference in the two other than the octagonal barrel?
Also, what is a good factory cartridge for Alabama whitetails? (O.K. that's three questions).

[Graybeard]

For our Bama white tails I prefer the Hornady 240 XTP or the Nosler 240 JHP but any of the various 240 JHPs or JSPs will do fine.

[RemingtonMagnum]

You will love the Marlin 44 mag.

Don

[Lloyd Smale]

about 200 bucks and the actions are usually smoother and most have a little nicer wood.

[wienranch]

I believe the 1894 Cowboy also has better sights (Marble buckhorn rear,and bead front).

[Bamasnyper]

Thanks for the input!

[old geezer]

The Cowboy also has a longer barrel, 24" vs 20".

[Ranger J]

I am still waiting for my .44 1894 that I ordered before Christmas.  Mine went for $409 + tax.  I usually shoot 240G SP at deer here in MO.  If I don’t hear from the dealer today I guess I need to call him.
RJ

[RicMic]

My local shop has a regular Marlin 1894 44 Mag for $419.  That's what I have.  I also agree that the 240 grain bullet weight is the most efficient however, I like the 300 grain Hornady XTP best.

[Lloyd Smale]

they made the cowboys in both 20 and 24 inch.

The Cowboy also has a longer barrel, 24" vs 20".

[Ranger J]

it's here, it's here, but dang it, wouldn't you know I have to work this weekend. Nutz!   Its got great wood on it.  I may have all the blue rubed off it before I get to shoot it, just by petting it. 
RJ

[dubber123]

Try Speers 270 gr. soft point if you want a little heavier jacketed.  A healthy dose of H110 puts them out at 1600 out of my 16-1/4" 1894P.  Shoots into 1/2" at 50 yds. Great little guns.  Enjoy!

[daddywpb]

Another vote for the Speer 270's and H-110. I also have an 1894P, and this load shoots clover leafs at 50 yards. I put a Williams peep and firesight front on it. Great hog gun in the thick stuff.

[RickC.]

It's hard to beat the 240 XTP in the Marlin for deer.  My 1894 is my Cowboy gun now and I seldom hunt with it since I had to take the Williams sight off to be CAS legal (doggone it), but the XTPs are .430 whereas most jacketed .44 bullets are .429.  It does make a difference in my mid-80s Microgroove barrel.

 I had great results with the 240 XTP and AA#9 and IMR 4227, and I'm sure the factory loads would do just as well.  The .44 is not a 200 yd gun, but it hits -hard-.

 Mine has shot mostly 210 RNFP lead over blackpowder the past several years, wonderfull little rifle!  The avatar to the left is that same load in a Ruger Vaquero, my better half behind the trigger.



                                                Rick

[lovedogs]

In the past there have been different versions of both the 1894 (standard) and the Cowboy.  The newest Marlin catalog lists them both at 20 inches.  The CB has an octagonal bbl., the standard has a round tube.  They both now have Ballard rifling at 1:38 twist.  The CB has its serial number on the side of the receiver so you can mount a tang sight without drilling through the serial number which is on the tang with the standard model.  At least this is what I've gleaned from an on-line catalog source.  Hope this helps.