Author Topic: Marlin 1894PG. How good are them? (Read 646 times)

LJ Barrero · « **on:** March 25, 2005, 05:26:19 PM »

I am about to purchase a Marlin 1894PG in 44 mag but I may need to get more info on this gun before I committ the cash.

What I am looking for is a 44 mag lever gun (Marlin) with pistol grip stock and the Ballard type rifling. I assumed that the 1894PG is it but I am not sure. If that's what tha is, then my question is:

Has anyone have one of this and how good they work and what kind of accuracy should I expect?

Can I shoot lead cast bullets through it or lever guns are not for that kind of shooting?

I also love the 357 mag (if they make one with pistol grip) but I think I will wait longer for that.

Any thoughts?

LJB

Warthog · « **Reply #1 on:** March 26, 2005, 01:42:43 AM »

LJ, I have a Marlin 1894PG and it's become my primary deer rifle. I put a low resolution scope on it and it easily shoots 2" or better at 100 yards using factory jacketed bullets. Although I've not shot lead bullets, a friend of mine shoots them with very similar accuracy. It's light and a joy to carry afield. I bought a M70 in 25 WSSM for long range work and I've pretty well decided to sell it. I'll just use the 1894 and get closer. It'll make me a better hunter instead of a better shooter.

LJ Barrero · « **Reply #2 on:** March 26, 2005, 03:35:46 PM »

I finally got to see the rifle. It has great looks :-) . The trigger is crisp and within 3 lbs pull :shock: . The action was smooth. I think this rifle may be an excellent rifle :-D .

LJ

LJ Barrero · « **Reply #3 on:** March 27, 2005, 06:29:48 PM »

I looked at the MarlinOwners.Com forum and most of what I read about the 1894 44 mag rifle is that either they have problems:
feeding, ejecting, only one type of ammo feeds well but not accurate... etc.
Then I read articles there about accuracy and that getting 3" to 4" three shot groups at 100 yards is fine.

Is this the norm for these lever guns? :shock:

I have a Ruger M77/44 that shoots 2" to 2.5" groups at 100 yds; but I thought the Marlins would be better than that. Maybe I should reconsider and buy something else later.

What do you think?

old06 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 28, 2005, 06:35:42 AM »

I have a Winchester 94 trapper in 357 that will shoot 1 to 1 1/2 inch groups with factory sites and no feeding problems execpt maybe not bring enough ammo and they make it in 44 mag and 45 colt. I haven't heard anyone really rag them out. Short handy points well for me at least

victorcharlie · « **Reply #5 on:** March 28, 2005, 07:01:33 AM »

You might try posting this question on the cowboy action forum as the 1894cb is the same action. The 1894 is very popular in cowboy action shooting......there is probably lots of experience with the 1894 over there.....