Author Topic: Anyone have a Marlin 44 Mag? (Read 4870 times)

teddy12b · « **on:** March 29, 2007, 01:51:04 AM »

Indiana may change their hunting laws and the 44 Mag would be legal to hunt with in a rifle format. If this goes through I wouldn't mind getting a Marlin 44 Mag.

That being said does anyone know what kind of accuracy I could expect out of something like that?

Any good hunting stories with one of these?

teddy12b · « **Reply #1 on:** March 29, 2007, 02:17:13 AM »

After looking at Marlins website I saw they have the 1894 and the Cowboy models. Is there going to be much difference in the two for accuracy? I saw the Cowboy doesn't have the barrel band, but I could also get the 1894 in stainless too. Just curious if anyone had much preference one way or the other. If there was a difference in accuracy I'd care but other than that I'm not really moved one way or the other.

Ranger J · « **Reply #2 on:** March 29, 2007, 04:11:04 AM »

I recently purchased an 1894 in .44 mag. It seems to have an over sized bore, as it will not group .429 sized factory ammo at all. It really likes Hornady bullets with a full load of powder such as H110 behind them. The Hornady bullets are sized .430 and the heavy charge also probably helps to slightly expand the diameter of the bullet to engage the riffling better. Mine will shoot .431-sized Oregon Trail cast bullets only with light loads. This is fine with me as it gives me a cheap load to fool around with. I had a few size 432 250Gr GC bullets left over from another gun and they shot well with a heavy load.
That being that before I had 200 rounds through it, it developed the Marlin jam and I can now only shoot it with one bullet in the chamber and one in the mag. I could send it back to Marlin but think I will just take it to my local gunsmith as he says the Marlin jam is something he has corrected before but it will be a month before he can get to it.. Meanwhile I am pretty much shooting it as a single shot or at best a double shot. I like the feel of the gun but just want to work the bugs out of it.
RJ

teddy12b · « **Reply #3 on:** March 29, 2007, 06:49:04 AM »

I've never heard of "The Marlin Jam". Even though I had to take my 336 to the gunsmith once upon a time for a jamming while feeding problem, I still never heard of it. I'd probably just take mine to the gunsmith too.

There is something about the feel of those rifles that I really like. If I didn't get the cowboy I think I'd probably get the stainless steel version.

I have a ruger super blackhawk that I reload 240 JHP Hornady rounds over either H110 or titegroup. I'd like to use the same ammo for both but it all depends.

J'hawker · « **Reply #4 on:** March 29, 2007, 08:10:55 AM »

I picked up a pistol gripped model a couple of years ago and think it's absolutely wonderful. With a 4x scope at 50 yards, I will get 1" groups with the Speer 270 grain bullets over a max charge of 2400. With open sights and my older eyes, my groups average something more like 3" at that distance. I haven't hunted with it yet. Too many others in the safe, but it will get it's turn eventually.

Ranger J · « **Reply #5 on:** March 29, 2007, 08:30:38 AM »

Naturally Marlin doesn’t want to call it the ‘Marlin Jam’. I also have an 1894 in .357 and an1895 in 45/70 and have had no problems with them yet. I had read about the ‘Marlin Jam’ on several forums but until I got this gun had not really thought it existed. Marlin refers to it as ‘letting in two” as the problem is that because of a defective part when you work the lever it tries to load two cartridges at the same time. Evidently this problem has existed for some times but according to what I have been able to find out is more prevalent in the 1894s for some reason. As I said I could ship this gun back to Marlin and they would I am sure replace the defective part with a new one but am somewhat upset that the gun got out of the factory this way. While developing loads for it I had always loaded it one shot at a time and it jammed the first time I put multiple cartridges I it.
RJ

whiskey101 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 29, 2007, 10:31:15 AM »

I have an old 1894 in .44mag (1974 model). It has a lot of rounds though it. It does not have the Marlin Jam. It also doesn't have an over-sized bore. It shoots cheap Winchester ammo as well as any.

One thing to consider is the rate of twist in the marlins. It is fine for 240gr loads, but falls short when shooting the heaviest 44mag loads. Lots of folks have problems shooting 300gr loads. I just stick with the 240's and never a problem.

greywolf45 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 31, 2007, 05:13:42 AM »

i have an 1894 in .44 mag (1979 ) that shoots very well. i can hit fist sized targets offhand to 100 yds reliably. it shoots 44 spec cowboy loads thru lee 310 hard cast the same, altho to different POI. my normal loads use 4198 and 240 hardcast and lee 310 with h110. these two loads are simalar velocity and hit very close to POA to 125 yds. haven't gotten a shot at deer yet, but those 240's will take down squirrels at 80 yds. this has become my everywhere-all the time rifle. there is very little that this rifle will not handle.. BTW the 310's zip right thru railroad ties at 60 yds-how much more do you need?

T.R. · « **Reply #8 on:** April 01, 2007, 11:48:15 AM »

My Marlin 44 MAG would shoot just okay with 200 gr Hornady bullets. Groups of 3-4 inches at 100 yards were common using a 4X scope and steady rest. But it would not shoot 44 Special ammo well at all.

I sold it and bought this Ruger 96. This Ruger has a much faster twist and deeper rifling. It shoots 44 Special into a cloverleaf at 40 yards. 2 inch groups at 100 yards with any type 44 MAG ammo is common.

Ruger 96 is a keeper!
TR

teddy12b · « **Reply #9 on:** April 01, 2007, 06:12:32 PM »

While at a local gun store the other day I held a Marlin 44 Mag Cowboy model. Up until this time I had only looked at them on the internet. That gun just felt way too small for me. I doubt the other marlin would feel much different. Those rugers are hard to come by. I don't think they're made anymore, but they sound great.

papajohn428 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 08, 2007, 08:40:11 AM »

I've got the stainless 44 Marlin, and it's my favorite play-rifle. Mine shoots 300-grain Meister hardcast bullets into one ragged hole at 50 yards with a 4X scope, sized .430 and loaded a little warm. I also found a target level load that does the same thing with this bullet. If you can find a deer that can stop that bullet, I'd like to take a crack at it!

The dreaded Marlin Jam is nothing more than a timing issue, easily cured in five minutes with a file. The 1894 is susceptible to it, but it's hardly fatal.

The stubby little rifles are designed for woods hunting, and shine brightest there. They're fast, plenty accurate, powerful, and easily scoped if you need that. I have four with scout scopes mounted ahead of the action, tracking with both eyes open is remarkably fast, and the balance is wonderful. I personally wouldn't take a shot past 100 yards, but the gun is capable of better accuracy that most shooters.

As an added bonus, the stainless steel guns get a LOT slicker with use, and the trigger on mine is extremely good.

Hope this helps.

Papajohn

Mannlicher · « **Reply #11 on:** April 14, 2007, 01:08:49 PM »

My wife bought mine as a Christmas present for me back in 1994. I have killed 8 bucks with it now, and a number of hogs. I started out with the Speer factory 270 grain GDSP. After a few years, I started loading my own, using that same bullet and 21 grains of H110.
I get a dependable 1550 + fps, and accuracy is under 2 inches at 100 yards. At 50 yards, it will shoot 5 shots into one ragged hole.
In the Florida swamps and thickets where I hunt, most shots are under 75 yards. For close range deer and hog hunting, the .44 Mag has proved more than adequate.

daddywpb · « **Reply #12 on:** April 22, 2007, 01:47:27 AM »

I have an 1894P, and it shoots great. I also use the Speer 270 GD and H110 powder. 1" groups at 50 yards are common with open sights. I put a Williams Foolproof rear sight and a Williams Firesight front post on it. It's great for hog hunting in the thick palmettos around here. The Firesight is very fast to pick up.

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #13 on:** April 26, 2007, 11:55:44 AM »

OK, OK, slap me around a bit.

You may as well join in, as I have been in the process for a good long time already.

I once had, yep stupid of me, but I once had a nice little Marlin 44, one with the micro grove barrel, which shot the 310gr LBT bullets just fine!

I used the same load combination as I use in my Red Hawk, 19gr - AA#9, behind the quenched and gas checked LBT.

It did bang me around a bit until I added a recoil pad, which added enough length to the stock to keep my thumb away from my nose on firing.

Had it set up with a peep sight and found it to be great fun.

The only feeding problems I ever had, were due to the long bullet, and then only if I tried to rapidly chamber a new round.

AS long as I took it nice and easy, NO problem. Other wise, the long nose on the 310gr slug wanted to hang up a bit.

Looking for a replacement, so one day ------------------------------------------------!

Keep em coming!

chewey · « **Reply #14 on:** May 04, 2007, 03:45:39 PM »

I have an 1894 44 Mag that I bought in 2000. I have Williams peep sights on it and am amazed at how accurate and fun it is to shoot. I shoot 2" groups at 100 yds off a bench with the Williams. I shoot only 240 grs. It kills deer inside of 100 yds as dead as anything else I've shot. Haven't had the opportunity to go after hogs with it, but I bet it would be perfect.

Rangr44 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 06, 2007, 02:24:29 PM »

M1894P (ported) +1

Mine's set up with an XS peep/front sight and a XS LeverScout mount/scope combo. It handles more like a pistol, than a rifle, IMHO.

SuperstitionCoues · « **Reply #16 on:** May 13, 2007, 09:55:45 PM »

Quote from: Darrell Davis on April 26, 2007, 11:55:44 AM

OK, OK, slap me around a bit.

You may as well join in, as I have been in the process for a good long time already.

I once had, yep stupid of me, but I once had a nice little Marlin 44, one with the micro grove barrel, which shot the 310gr LBT bullets just fine!

I used the same load combination as I use in my Red Hawk, 19gr - AA#9, behind the quenched and gas checked LBT.

It did bang me around a bit until I added a recoil pad, which added enough length to the stock to keep my thumb away from my nose on firing.

Had it set up with a peep sight and found it to be great fun.

The only feeding problems I ever had, were due to the long bullet, and then only if I tried to rapidly chamber a new round.

AS long as I took it nice and easy, NO problem. Other wise, the long nose on the 310gr slug wanted to hang up a bit.

Looking for a replacement, so one day ------------------------------------------------!

Keep em coming!

You know, that is almost poetic...

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #17 on:** May 13, 2007, 11:24:56 PM »

another fan of the 44p here. Mines about my favorite rifle. It shoots 240 cast at speed into a tiny hole and is fast handling and hard hitting.

RollTide · « **Reply #18 on:** May 14, 2007, 10:19:14 PM »

+1 on the Marlin 44 fan club. The old Marlin 44's had a slow twist, 1:38 I think Microgroove barrel. The new Marlin '94 has a faster 1:18" twist I think, with ballard rifling. The newer ones will shoot the heavy bullets just fine. My son blooded mine first on a deer a couple years ago. He hit it well and it went down about 30 yards away. He liked it so well I had to buy him one so I could keep mine. I was just in the woods with it last week. Walking around looking for bear sign and watching for lions, the little Marlin is light to carry, quick to handle, pleasant to shoot, powerful on game. What's not to like?

Roll Tide

WyrTwister · « **Reply #19 on:** May 16, 2007, 01:39:23 AM »

Quote from: teddy12b on March 29, 2007, 01:51:04 AM

Indiana may change their hunting laws and the 44 Mag would be legal to hunt with in a rifle format. If this goes through I wouldn't mind getting a Marlin 44 Mag.

That being said does anyone know what kind of accuracy I could expect out of something like that?

Any good hunting stories with one of these?

I have a .44 Mag Marlin .

First tried feeding it with home cast SWC's that I have been shooting in my S&W . Did not want to feed well .

Bought a Lee round nose mold . Those bullets feed fine . :-)

So far , accuracy has not been great ( with a scope or iron sights ) . Maybe I need bigger bullets ?

Being cheap , I have not tried jacketed bullets .

The little rifle is a thumper ( a supprise ) , so I put a slip-on recoil pad on it .

God bless
Wyr

PlacitasSlim · « **Reply #20 on:** May 21, 2007, 02:57:36 PM »

I have the 1894SS which is stainless steel. It came with an adequate but pad and has very good accuracy for iron sights.

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #21 on:** May 28, 2007, 03:55:53 PM »

Hey there WyrTwister,

I note you say your .44 Marlin is a thumper.

Maybe it as I found, a case of a short stock.

Just added a thick recoil pad and no more thumb slamming into the nose. What a defference!

Keep em coming!

Is64.8 · « **Reply #22 on:** May 29, 2007, 10:18:10 AM »

Quote from: RollTide on May 14, 2007, 10:19:14 PM

+1 on the Marlin 44 fan club. The old Marlin 44's had a slow twist, 1:38 I think Microgroove barrel. The new Marlin '94 has a faster 1:18" twist I think, with ballard rifling. The newer ones will shoot the heavy bullets just fine. My son blooded mine first on a deer a couple years ago. He hit it well and it went down about 30 yards away. He liked it so well I had to buy him one so I could keep mine. I was just in the woods with it last week. Walking around looking for bear sign and watching for lions, the little Marlin is light to carry, quick to handle, pleasant to shoot, powerful on game. What's not to like?

Roll Tide

Can you provide a reference for the "faster twist" information???

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #23 on:** May 29, 2007, 10:35:35 AM »

If ya buy a Marlin and plan to use the sights , look down the barrel to make sure they are on straight !

the lone gunman · « **Reply #24 on:** August 21, 2007, 10:30:38 PM »

I just got one this spring, What a blast to shoot. so far have just used mine for critters around the house, but am looking forward to this years buck/doe season, shoots good with factory 240s , Hope you have fun with yours. Oh , and I put a set of Skinner peeps on mine,, love them. !!

EdinCT · « **Reply #25 on:** September 05, 2007, 06:52:31 PM »

I had a 1970 1894 and now have the CB limited II I think the 1894 was more accurate but the CB will shoot 2.5" or less at 100 and is a deer and coyote killer It likes gold dot soft points with 296 powder.

Downeaster · « **Reply #26 on:** September 07, 2007, 03:17:11 AM »

I have a Marlin 1894SS and it is alot of fun to shoot. It also shoots 270 gold dots and 265 grain hornady flat points just great. Either one, loaded at max is my go to hunting load in it.

It also shoots the 180 grain UMC soft points well. I keep a couple boxes on hand as SHTF ammunition (unlikely as that will probably ever be.) However, I'm not rich enough to have a rifle designated to self defence (i.e. AR15). The Marlin holds 10 + 1 rounds so that isn't bad. Anyway, the UMC softpoints scream out of the barrel at about 2150 fps.

sangdigger · « **Reply #27 on:** September 21, 2007, 04:00:53 PM »

Yep I got a 2000 something one without the micro groove barrel. I shot cast 300, 300 XTP hp, 265 fp, and settled on the 270 Speer GD. It shot all of them fine, shot some skunks, coyotes, bobcat and deer. On my 44th birthday I shot 2 spike bucks as fast as I could work the lever.Had a pretty good time dragging them out (I was on public land) Mine was a little stiff to feed, I ground a little from the extractor hook ( where it makes contact with the cartridge, keep it square) and it's only a 4 dollar part. works perfect now. I got some more new extractors, and they are stiff as well, guess I got to grind a little on them too. Great rifle for the woods

S.B. · « **Reply #28 on:** September 23, 2007, 04:34:58 AM »

Quote from: Ranger J on March 29, 2007, 04:11:04 AM

That being that before I had 200 rounds through it, it developed the Marlin jam and I can now only shoot it with one bullet in the chamber and one in the mag. I could send it back to Marlin but think I will just take it to my local gunsmith as he says the Marlin jam is something he has corrected before but it will be a month before he can get to it.. Meanwhile I am pretty much shooting it as a single shot or at best a double shot. I like the feel of the gun but just want to work the bugs out of it.
RJ

I think the stickies have a note on this? Try there, at the top of this forum.

WyrTwister · « **Reply #29 on:** October 04, 2007, 12:14:17 PM »

Quote from: teddy12b on April 01, 2007, 06:12:32 PM

While at a local gun store the other day I held a Marlin 44 Mag Cowboy model. Up until this time I had only looked at them on the internet. That gun just felt way too small for me. I doubt the other marlin would feel much different. Those rugers are hard to come by. I don't think they're made anymore, but they sound great.

Get the Marlin 1895 in .45-70 , it will not be too small for you .

God bless
Wyr