Ruger 96/44 VS Marlin

[beavis]

If you all were in the market for a lever action 44 magnum which would you pick a Ruger or a Marlin and why?

Do either have any clear advantages in accuracy, reliability or utility?   The uses would be for deer hunting in the timber and plinking.  Oh and for fighting off the zombies in the end times  of course lol.   

[old geezer]

If it was me, I'd pick the Marlin.  Main reason would be that the Marlin carries 9 or 10 rounds, the Ruger only three.  Second, the Ruger is substantially wider across the action area,  making it harder to carry.

Strictly my opinion, others may vary.

[ihmsa70]

If you're planning on clubbing the deer to death, get the Ruger.
Clyde

[Keith L]

"If you're planning on clubbing the deer to death, get the Ruger."

They don't work to well for that either.  My buddy's cousin split the stock on his trying to finish off a wounded deer with his Ruger.

[old geezer]

Looks like it's unamious so far, 3 to 0, Marlin.

[John Y Cannuck]

While I think the Marlin is probably better built, the Ruger has it's advantages as well.
The action is quite a bit faster, and the rotary mag, means you can unload/load quickly.
The mag on my wifes Ruger holds four I think, giving you a total of five, with a loaded chamber.
The Ruger is about as light as you could want with any rifle, and that means it has substantial felt recoil. Not helped by the design of the stock, wich I guess is Rugers interpretation of a carbine butt.
accuracy with any 44 will never get you a huge prize, the Ruger that my wife owns, manages three inch groups with some regularity now. Ok for close range work, but that's all.

[Lloyd Smale]

rugers ugly and the marlins and winchesters arent.

[T.R.]

Ruger comprehends twist rates for the 44 MAG cartridge. Marlin still does not get it.  Marlins typically produce very poor accurasy with slower loads such as 44 MAG 300 grain heavy weights and 44 Special.

This 3 X 3 buck toppled over from just one single bullet fired through the chest.  Best part was my bullet went exactly where I aimed.

Buy whatever carbine you choose.  But do not be deceived by someone who has never handled one of these great carbines by Ruger.  I have an identical model in 17 HMR that will shoot dime sized groups at 75 yards.  No kidding.
TR

[Sharps-Nut]

   I have been reading the ruger bashing on these rifles and fail to see the problem.  So far all I have shot is offhand and sitting and mostly cast lead, rcbs mold 245 keith.  From these positions it shoots very well.  Love the thought it could be scoped with the unbeatable ruger rings, no screws to loosen.  I guess some have had problems but so far I found it wonderful fast shooting and accurate for what it is.  My brothers winchester 94 in 44 has rejected cast lead so far and the micro twist marlin seemed questionalbe with cast so the ruger was an obvious choice that I don't regret.  A dab of locktite on the takedown screw is a fairly easy fix for the take down screw coming loose.  Just my obeservations so far.

[RLB]

I'd like to have a .44-96 I hink they look funky and I like odd and unusual stuff....

RLB....

[308Win]

Marlin the reason being self explanatory.

[Poohgyrr]

I can't argue against TR's buck, it looks good..

But I agree with Lloyd...   

Besides, with proper ammo, hunting accuracy is not a problem.

I would rather have a M92 though..   

[308Win]

Never hunt with an ugley gun.

[Dee]

What about a Navy Arms Model 92 Winchester clone, or a Henry. Their even purtier. Expand your horizons. These two are good ones too.