Short rifle or carbine?

[Mainspring]

I'm looking to get into a cowboy lever gun in .45 Colt that I can also hunt with, using loads that are on the warm side.  That kinda does away with the '66s and '73s from what I understand.  I hear that the Winchester '94 has feed issues in pistol calibers, and for whatever reason I just can't get wrapped around the Marlin offerings.  And I hate those dumb safties on the Pumas.  SO....

[Graybeard]

Mine has the 20" full octagon barrel with color cased receiver. If I had it to do over with I'd have gotten the 24" barrel. Why? Just cuz is as good an answer as I have. Just think I like the longer ones better.

Since you are gonna hunt with it what kinda sights you plan to use? Longer barrels have longer sight radius and thus should in theory at least shoot more accurately. But for a pure hunting rifle that short 20" barrel sure does carry nice.

GB

[SAAJim]

Mainspring,
The Navy Arms and EMF 1892's do not have any added safeties on them; just 1/4 click notch on the hammer just like the original 1892. They are very strong and will take your warm to hot hunting loads with ease. Navy Arms rifles use real American Walnut are more expensive than the EMF Hartford models which have nice wood but not as nice as the Navy Arms. You couldn't go wrong with either one and both have excellent customer service. I just got a couple of Winchester/Miroku 1892's and with a couple of small modifications, eliminated the rebounding hammer and they now function pretty much like an original 1892. For the money, it's hard to beat an EMF Hartford 1892; I've had a couple of them and they were fine rifles. I only sold them because of the Miroku's.
Jim

[SAAJim]

Mainspring,
The Navy Arms and EMF 1892's do not have any added safeties on them; just 1/4 click notch on the hammer just like the original 1892. They are very strong and will take your warm to hot hunting loads with ease. Navy Arms rifles use real American Walnut are more expensive than the EMF Hartford models which have nice wood but not as nice as the Navy Arms. You couldn't go wrong with either one and both have excellent customer service. I just got a couple of Winchester/Miroku 1892's and with a couple of small modifications, eliminated the rebounding hammer and they now function pretty much like an original 1892. For the money, it's hard to beat an EMF Hartford 1892; I've had a couple of them and they were fine rifles. I only sold them because of the Miroku's.
Jim

[1860]

The toggle linked guns (especially 73s) that are made today will take any of the published loads for the .45colt.  But if you are worried about it or are going to "experiment", the 92 is a better bet.  As much as I like carbine styled guns, the cresent butt plate of the rifles stays on my shoulder better when I start cranking them out fast.  I'd go for a short rifle, round bbl. if you can find one, they are lighter/handier.

1860

[Mainspring]

1860 - You're saying that the toggles will handle Buffalo Bore, CorBon, and the like?  :eek:

Now this pole is a 50/50 split.  I don't have to cast the deciding vote, do I?  Of course, if the toggle guns will handle heavy hunting loads, I may have just confused myself...

[SAAJim]

I don't think you want to be putting hot loads in a toggle link action. John Taffin recommended a 250 RNFP over 8 grs of Unique as a max load for a Henry, '66, or '73 which is basically a factory load equivalent. You want to go hot, use the '92.

Jim

[1860]

Mainspring,

I'm saying the togglelink guns will handle anything you'll find recomended in Lymans book for reloaders(or similar), and things like Winchester and Remington factory offerings.  I'm not familiar with the ones you mentioned but I can tell you I only shoot (MY) own reloads or straight brand named factory rounds.  Never, do I shoot off brands, commercial reloads, or anyone elses reloads in any gun, I don't trust them.

I read somewhere and some time ago that Oliver W. tried to blow up a 76.  I think it took 5 bullets wedged in the bore and another shot to crack/bend a link.  It also stated that failures were generally not from preasure or recoil, but from cracking the toggles while trying to chamber a stiff(out of shape) round, or stong arming a jam.  The toggle would then fail while shooting and everyone just figured it was the result of preasure.

1860

[Mainspring]

Thanks for the input and clarification 1860.  Appreciate it.

[long colt lawrence]

Whats ya'lls thoughts on this.....

  If the 92 is ok for the hot loads, what about the kind with the brass reciever?  Any special warnings or dont's?  I ask 'cause thats what I got.

[WD45]

What type of places will youhunt most ? Woods and thick brush and vines or more open areas ?
If it is the woods and brush you may want to go for the shorter barrel. Even in more open areas they are easier on you if you are covering a lot of ground or so it seems anyway.

[Holiday]

The only "feed issue" that I am aware of in the 94 Winchester is in .357. The .45 and .44 feed fine. I had a 94 Trails End in .45 Colt and several shooters at our club have the Winchesters. I have seen very few problems. In fact, I wish I had never gotten rid of my Winchester and WILL buy another if one pops up in my local toy store. Most of the complaints are from Marlin folks who are ashamed of how much they paid for their Marlin. And yes, I DO own a Marlin, two of them. I like them very much. But the Winchester is a much-malighned rifle and deserves better.