Help!!! Gotta choose...

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Okay, so now that Winchester is goin' out of business, I used that as an excuse with the family accountant to buy a new rifle.  I really like the looks of the Trails End Octagon barrelled 94's.  But what chambering?
I don't really want a .357 or .44.  That leave the .38-55, the .45 Colt and the .25-35.  I'm drawn to the first and last since they are "NEW" chamberings.   The .30-30 is always an option but like the .45 is sort of pedestrian nowadays.  Seems like every one has one.  This rifle would be a once in a while shooter for me, a once in a while hunter for me and also used to help break in my kids to hunting with a rifle.  Ideas and reccomendations would be more than welcome!!!


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[Castaway]

Although the 45 Colt gets alot of press lately, it's well deserved.  If you reload the 45 Colt in the Winchester 94, you can get some deer slaying loads.  I'm biased of course as I have a Trapper and get over 1,500 f/s with a 255 grain bullet.  I can go faster but have never felt the need to hunt deer or hogs.

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I'm stationed in Germany right now, so no handloading.  I will have to be able to rely on factory ammo for the next three years at least.


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[hardertr]

Nothing against Winchester, but if I was looking for a 45 colt with an octagon barrel, I would surely chose a Henry over a '94 any day.

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Not to be a pain... but, if you would choose a different arm, give me your reasons...


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[GTaylor]

No reloading makes the 38-55 and 25-35 both a little tough, but I would lean toward the 25-35, especially with younger ones involved.  With the 117 grain factory load, it would be pleasant to shoot, and still meet most States Requirements for a hunting caliber. The way I read the Wyoming Regulations, the 45 doesn't make it, although I haven't heard of anyone trying it and getting in trouble.  That said, I haven't seen the octagon in 25-35!  I can't even find the 20" Hunter Round, other than one for an exorbinant price on one of the gun auction sites!

[SUSQUASH]

Depending on what you hunt you may want to opt for a Marlin .357 Mag.
I'ved owned and hunted with one since they first came out with the rifle.
IT is a handy, fast handling light weight rifle.  If you are getting into SAS you can shoot .38 Specials which are easier to shoot.  You won't have a problem obtaining loaded ammunition.  This rifle is a fine deer gun if you hunt in brush or where you have only 100 yds or so.  Maximum range is about 125 yds.

[hardertr]

My buddy has a Henry Big Boy in 44 mag and we "swap guns" on range day quite often.  The action is the smoothest I have EVER seen.  The balance and weight were on (for me anyway).  The wood and finish of the gun are much nicer than your average Winchester and Marlin.  Apparently, (he hasn't had to use them yet) customer service at Henry is also top notch because it is a small company that remembers where it came from and still has an eye on the future.

A Big Boy in 45 colt (or maybe 44 mag) is going to end up in my safe the next time I find one under $600.

[DakotaElkSlayer]

I am in total agreement with hardertr!  If Winchester were making such great guns, they probably wouldn't be closing there doors, right?  In my opinion, Marlins I have seen seem to be smoother and have a better fit and finish than the '94s I have been seeing the last few years.  Henry, on the other hand, is in a totally different league.  Pick up any Henry lever and work the action and YOU WILL KNOW.

Jim

[Big Hext Finnigan]

Howdy,

If you are trying to take advantage of the Winchester futures market, then buying anything else is counter-productive.  Winchester makes a decent rifle, just not a great one any more.  I would buy a Marlin long before I would buy a new model Henry... but that's just personal.

As for your Winchester dilemma, I would strongly suggest the .38-55 if you won't consider the .30-30.  The .38-55 is a solid performer with modern ammunition, but like any cartridge that originated as a BP round, caution must be exercised when handloading.   For your needs, the good ol' thuty-thuty is plenty fine, but it may not hold the cache you desire.

I would pass on the pistol length cartridges, as the 94 action was designed expressly for the longer rifle cases.  However, all may be moot, as the continued buying pressure has made it difficult to find many choices when it comes to new Winchester 94s.

Adios,

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Not gonna get a .357, already have a G2 with carbine and pistol barrels in .357 Mag...

Not gonna get the .38-55 yet... don't need that much oooomph right now.

Already have a couple of Marlins, a 336 and a 1895SS, don't need more Marlins...

Like the "classic" looks of the '94.

Guess with the new Hornady ammo, I'll just get a .30-30 and call it good.
Haven't tried the Henry and (without offense to any of you...) I won't buy it sight unseen.

Nope, not trying to get in on Winchester "futures"... with what about 5 million made, that would be like trying to get in on generic GM cars from any year ever made.  The only one's that will go up will be the special ones.

Now, I just gotta find one...   Really do appreciate the input, sometimes a a few dissenting opinions can make you think and figure out what you really need, not just what would be "cool"...


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