Author Topic: Marlin 1894P vs Win 94 Trapper (Read 1358 times)

Litefoot · « **on:** April 29, 2003, 05:30:41 PM »

Please give me your opinions in regards to these two rifles. Intended use is the same, of course, but how do the actions compare? What about build quality? Accuracy? Are there MV's below (or above) which .44 Mags won't stabilize I'm looking at a Trapper in .44 Mag that is about 10 years old with Burris rings and a Nikon 2X scope for $325. Other than the lack of a crosssbolt safety, what distinguishes the older Trapper from the new ones? OK, enough with the questions. I'll shut my trap and listen. Thanks y'uns.

Note: I've always been a Marlin man (I've an 1895G and a 1894S), but a 16 inch bbl has always intrigued me, expecially this interesting Trapper setup.

Bullseye · « **Reply #1 on:** April 30, 2003, 02:41:09 PM »

I can't answer many of your questions since I only own a Trapper but looked at the Marlin when I bought it and am looking at Marlins again because the new 41 Mag might find a home in my safe.

Most people will say that the Marlin is a better gun but I like the feel and action of the Win better. Like the short barrel for a play gun and to carry in the woods and on four-wheeler. I made my decision based purely on looks and feel since I felt that was most important for a play gun. Also the most jamming gun I own is a Marlin Golden 39A, so I considered that. Also own a Marlin 1895SS, that gun is very nice and never jams, considered that also. Now I am back to, I liked the feel and look of the Win better and at the time the only short barreled Marlin 44 had a Muzzle Break, a gun with a break will never find a home in my safe.

Mine shoots 240 Gr XTP's fine. I shoot it with open sights so group size are meaningless with my open sight ability and the cheesy sights that come on all lever actions.. Just put a set of Ashley Ghost ring sights on it this week and will try them out Friday. My biggest gripe with any lever action is the sights. I know they are supposed to look like the past, but give use a choice of a model with sights that are easily adjustable for windage. A hammer and a dowel rod is not the answer in my opinion.

Now maybe someone else can answer the rest of your questions and give you more opinions so you can make a good decision.

Good Luck.

Mainspring · « **Reply #2 on:** May 01, 2003, 04:29:37 AM »

FWIW, I've heard that the M94 sometimes has problems digesting pistol caliber cartridges because the action is designed for longer rifle cartridges. Not too long ago, someone posted a link here to a site that outlines how to do a fix for this "...common problem..."

On the other hand, the Marlin is a shorter action designed for pistol caliber length cartridges, and is supposed to be more reliable as a result.

Advocate · « **Reply #3 on:** May 01, 2003, 12:27:31 PM »

I'm using a new M-94 .44 mag trapper which I chose over the Marlin 94 because the M-94 has a faster twist for heavier bullets. I really like my M-94 so far. Very handy. Very compact. Very accurate so far. I use a Redfield 2 and 3/4 power Redfield scope with a post & cross-hair scope. I like the 16" barrel and I first thought it was too short, but not any more.

jhm · « **Reply #4 on:** May 01, 2003, 12:40:54 PM »

Advocate: Is that redfield the scope you were going to have the post put in over in Tulsa Ok.? JIM

daddywpb · « **Reply #5 on:** May 01, 2003, 02:40:20 PM »

I have a Trapper in 45 LC, and an 1894P in 44 Mag. You can't go wrong with either one. Both feed 100 percent reliably with every bullet type I've ever tried in them. If I had to pick one, I'd probably go with the Marlin, but I enjoy using them both.

Bullseye · « **Reply #6 on:** May 01, 2003, 06:17:52 PM »

I remember the post about the pistol calibers jamming in the M94 and think I even made a post about mine doing it. Since then I have put about 200 rounds through mine and have never had another jam. What I determined is that it was jamming when I cycled the gun real slow and tipped it toward the bench so that I could easily retrive the brass for reloading. Since then, I have just started cycling the lever and not worrying about where the brass lands and have never had a jam.

eroyd · « **Reply #7 on:** May 01, 2003, 07:05:29 PM »

I'm shooting a Marlin 94P. It shoots the Lee 310 grainer just fine. I'm using pretty hard alloy, they come out of the mold 300 grs. This bullet load requires assertive full operation of the lever otherwise the nose will catch just a bit on the feed. My jacketed bullet is the Speer 270 gr Flat Nosed Gold Dot. Again accurate enough.
I don't care for the porting on mine, it just makes the rifle louder. The front sight hood keeps getting blown off (no loss). I must admitt the gun has a pretty sharp little kick to it.
Nice gun, very handy!