. 44 mag in a Bolt or Lever?

[Lon371]

 I am thinking of getting a new rifle. I have a pump .223 AK I am thinking of selling. Just dont play with it much. Thought I would like to have a new .44.
 I love the Handi's but I want a bolt and or a Lever action.
 If I got a bolt looks like I would have to get the Ruger 77/44. If I got the Lever action, looks like a Marlin because of the side eject.

 Am I missing another option?

Lonny

[Buckskin]

I'm curious why you would want a 44 mag rifle?

[Lon371]

 Mainly for Indiana Deer and some plinking and economics. Would love a .358 or a .458 But those dollars are not there.

Lonny

[fireball168]

Would love a .358 or a .458 But those dollars are not there.

I can get you into a 357 BFG-Herrett or 458 BFG/SOCOM barrel, dies and brass for less that what you'd think. 

I've got both coming back from field testers - lightly used.

If you can find an Encore frame attractively priced - it won't be much more (if at all) more than what those rifles are bringing retail this late in the season.


Or, find a WSM Savage action priced right - can set you up with a 358 BFG-WSSM barrel, dies and brass attractively as well.  By the time you sell off the factory barrel for $75-120 it makes the whole situation look better.

[Hank in Indiana]

I tried a Marlin 44 mag, and a Handi and was disappointed in the accuracy. I got a Ruger and it was more accurate. It shoots a consistant 2" all the time @100. The marlin was close but not as consistant. It's hard to say what the Handi was shooting. I went to a larger target backing and it still was off the chart. I know you don't reload but your friend does. I would wait until the Indiana vote confirms the 1.8" case length and go with a shortened 35 rem, 358 win, or 45-70.

[teddy12b]

Years ago I bought a puma 92 44mag.  It's not a side ejection, but I've never had any problems with it ejecting out of the top. 


The H&R is the cheapest 44mag.
The Puma 92's have the good looks.
The Marlin 1894's lever look, but with a scope.
The Henry big boys are a fine lever action, and the price shows it.
The Rugers are the only option in a bolt action.


With my puma 92 I feel comfortable with shots out to 150 yards max because that's where I practice out to.  At the same time, I know my shot won't be close to 100 yards so the longer practice just reinforces good shooting techniques.

[amdak]

I have a marlin 1894 in 44mag,and mine shoots really good out to 100yards

[Lon371]

 I did fail to mention in my above post, I do have a Handi .44. Well I did have, my boy has put claims on it

I talked with one shop. He can get me the Ruger bolt for around $550. He would have to order, which is ok. But I like to hold a gun before buying it.

Lonny

[teddy12b]

That'd be a great deal for around here.  I just saw a puma 92 blued today for $500 new on the shelf.  The ruger should be much better if you're after a bolt action.

[indymadcaster]

  i got the ruger!!!!   light   and accurate!!!!!!!!!!!  love bolt guns