Any way to cover 1894P ports?

[adk44]

Hello -- I'm very happy to find this forum!!  First post.

Question: does anyone know of a product or a good way to cover the ports on the Marlin 1894P 44 mag?  

(Would the gun work right if I find a way to cover the ports? I mean, would its accuracy be compromised?) Thanks. adk

[John Traveler]

I can think of no effective way to cover barrel ports.  

You might consider shrink-fitting a sleeve onto the barrel to cover the ports, but the problem is that the machined/drilled ports will quickly fill up with bullet material and firing residue.  On military ported barrels that I've worked on this buildup quickly destroys accuracy and defeats the purpose of covering up the ports (to reduce side blast and noise) to begin with.

On drilled-in ported barrels, don't even THINK about tapping the holes for plug screws.  That is asking for big problems!  Plus, it won't work for the same reasons as covering up the holes with a sleeve.

Older models of .22 rimfire pistols used to have ported muzzl devices to aid in rapid-fire recovery.  They required routine harsh cleaning (scraping with hand reamers) to maintain accuracy.

[marlinman93]

The best thing to do is cut the barrel, and have it recrowned. The small amount that would be removed, wouldn't hardly affect velocity, and accuracy should be the same.

[Nanook 450]

Sell your '94p - there is a strong market for them . . .  then take the money and buy a new pistol gripped or other '94 and cut the barrel.

[adk44]

Thanks for the input. I appreciate it.

I think I'll give up on the idea of covering the ports. I've discussed it several times and no one thinks there can really be a good outcome. The advice I've always gotten is to get a longer barrel and cut it down - which I'll probably do.

I heard a rumor that Marlin may bring out a stainless 16" lever gun someday, without ports. I'd like to have one in 44 mag. adk

[Nanook 450]

Yea, stainless with a pistol grip.  

Had I know they were coming out with a pistol gripped 44 mag, might have bought that, cut the barrel to a length approxomatly 16 inches, that would leave the mag tube at a lenght to maximize the rounds, and be of a "legal length".

Get some of those ear plugs that let sound in, and muffel the wicked loud noise - they don't cost much.

What would you take for your '94p???

[adk44]

I'm not sure I'll sell the 1894P because it's still the gun I can put on target the fastest. But I'll contact you if I decide to sell it. (I'll remember Marble Falls, as I almost went to work there at the investment casting company - for Baker Oil Tools. Back in the 80's.)

Question: is the Marlin 336Y 16" 30-30 fairly new?  Is it expected to come in 44 mag someday?

Also I saw the 1894SS 44 mag.  I have machines to cut it down to 16.25" and recut the crown. Maybe I'll do this. Thanks for the help on this problem. adk

[Nanook 450]

That 336 Y denotes "youth" and has a smaller, "youth stock" - I'm contemplating putting an after market youth stock on a standard 30-30.  I think that rifle was new last year.

[Nanook 450]

By the way, why don't you like those ports?

[adk44]

I wanted to cover the 94P ports because I'm assuming the blast is a lot worse on your ears than the Trapper, for example.  But I liked the Marlin so much that I bought it with the assumption I'd be able to cover the ports somehow in my machine shop.  

We live in the mountains and the 94P was my ride-around rifle for coyotes, mountain lions, etc.  Might want to fire several shots right away. But I'm 66, and my hearing is already borderline.  

I recently bought a Trapper to replace it for the time being, but I suppose the blast from the short barrel, even without ports, is still more than I should risk. Maybe I should be getting a 20" rifle.  adk

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[Hooker]

Don't cut off the ports, but instead endbore the barrel and recrown in past the ports,,,,then fill in the ports? Shouldn't foul in the ported area cause that area is machined to a greater ID than the 44cal. Stays legal, too. I don't know if it's possible though to get the crown right set down in the barrel, but I think it can be done.......Actually, maybe fill or set screw the ports first, then centerbore the muzzle, thus giving a better machined inside the barrel end.


.........TM7

This a great idea and it will work. Counter boring is done all the time and squaring the recessed crown is no problem for a competent machinist.

[jimmyp50]

I had that gun, the 1894 44 magnum with 16.25 inch barrel and ports.  I shot it ONE time without hearing protection.  I then traded it on a 20 inch barrel 44 magnum.  Sell that one, and see if you can find one without the ports.  The 20 inch gun is very accurate with 240 grain WW softpoint ammunition. Just today I put 3 bullets into a silver dollar, off hand at 50 yds, no rest.  I like it because it has mild recoil, is not too loud, shoot 44 special ammunition.  I really liked that short handy 44 carbine, I really like to hunt deer without hearing protection, and the two did not mix. jimmyp

[adk44]

Good idea.  There might be a lot of people interested in having the counterbore done. Myself, I'll probably just go to the 20" rifle after all. Many thanks. adk