Thoughts on Marlin 1894 Rifle

22-rimfire

22-rimfire

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Nov 20, 2005
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Been looking at the 1894 Marlin lever action. I'm really taken by it, but I don't have a specific use for it. Leaning toward the 41mag version since I shoot 41 mag a lot. What do you use your 1894 for? I view it as sort of a lever action Mini-14 in terms of use. But I suspect it shoots a lot better. I also think it would be an excellent woods survival rifle. Thoughts?

Added: What kind of accuracy can one expect at 100 yds? Are they reliable operationally? Would you mount a scope on one?
 
Very nice rifle and very nice caliber. I agree with comparing it to the mini 14 except it's more accurate, hits harder, but doesn't shoot quite as fast, but a better man than me once said "Speed is fine but accuracy is fatal". I have a Rossi 1892 winchester repro in 45 colt, with my reloads it will kill dang near anything that walks the woods in North America and with flip up peeps I can ring an 8" gong at 100 yds until I am bored. Chris
 
Lever guns are FUN!

This was my Dad's cowboy action gun, it's mine now since he's passed away.
trapper.gif


It's a Winchester Trapper in .45 colt. I haven't done much but just plink with it but it really is loads of fun. The cowboy action loads are pretty mild but I'm sure I could get some hotter loads for hunting.

If you like the Marlin and the .41 mag, by all means, that's just what you should get!

Good luck!
 
Go for it. I have the .44 and don't get the chance to use it for much except targets, but it's a lot of fun. Very well made, and very accurate. I have a soft spot for all things Western.
 
I had one in 44 mag, it was my dearstopper for 3 years. Reliable rifle never let
me down and even with hot loads 240 grain at 1800 fps after hundreds of rounds it never had a rattle. In .41 mag expect pretty much same preformance..
 
One of my buds has a "94 in 44mag...Shoots really good and hasnt given him no trouble...

I cant tell ya how many rounds it has had through it, but it is prolly around 2K by now...
 
I've been eyeing one in .357. I love my old Marlin 39A levergun in .22lr.

I figure the 1894 would do a whole lot of things quite well, more economical to shoot, too, than rifle cartridges. And even the old .38sp FBI load out of one of these things would be a good manstopper for home defense that just about anyone can handle.
 
I have the Cowboy model (24 inch octagonal barrel) in 45 Colt. I use it for hunting and informal target shooting. I find it very reliable - never missed a beat even with semi wadcutter projectiles. Very versatile - will shoot blackpowder loads, light plinking loads and heavy jacketed bullet loads that are truly impressive performers on game. With a Williams peep and Williams firesight on the front, I can get 4 inch groups at a 100 yards which is the limit of my eyesight. Scope mounting is simple if that is the way you want to go.

Most of the people I know that have had feeding problems with the Marlin 94 have 44 magnums. They are not universally a problem but seem more problem prone than other calibres for some reason. I have no experience with the 41 magnum. Have owned one in 357 and it was very reliable, accurate within its limitations, but not as versatile as the 45 for hunting. One of the great advantages of the Marlin over its competitors is the ability to clean the barrel from the breach end.
 
Don't miss out on these.

My nephew has a Winchester with a 24 inch barrel in 44 Mag. Offhand we can hit a 16 ounce coke bottle at 50 and 75 yards with open sights.

That thing is awesome, has a IIRC 10 round magazine, and would be deadly for game and self defense.

What else do you have in 41? Any pics?

I have always loved that basic Smith with the fixed sights and K frame that was supposed to the be next big thing in police weaponry.
 
I have three 41 mags so far. All are Smiths and all are Model 57's. One is a blue 8 3/8", a 4" Nickel, and a 4" Mountain Gun. Been shooting the 4" Mountian Gun the most of late. Would like to get a 6" one of these days, but it not something that I am rushing to the store over. No pics, sorry. One of these days I need to learn how to post pictures.
 
Is the 41 mag anything like the 44 mag ? Would there not be an issue with take down power at long ranges ?

I have a 44 mag revolver . I always heard that the 44 mag marlin was good for close range but petered out at long distances .
 
Kevin the grey said:
Is the 41 mag anything like the 44 mag ? Would there not be an issue with take down power at long ranges ?

I have a 44 mag revolver . I always heard that the 44 mag marlin was good for close range but petered out at long distances .
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It is good for 100 to 150 yds, plenty of range for the close ranges I hunt.
 
sodak said:
Go for it. I have the .44 and don't get the chance to use it for much except targets, but it's a lot of fun. Very well made, and very accurate. I have a soft spot for all things Western.
Click to expand...

Lever guns are also a good way to learn how to keep that finger off the trigger. :o :eek: :o

n2s
 
Kevin the grey said:
There must be quite the drop after 100 yards ? I agree that 150 yards is plenty of range for shooting . I,d be proud to do a walking shot on a deer at 150 yards with my Marlin .
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Yeah it drops like thrown rock after a 100 yds. It is still quite lethal though, and with a little practice you would be surprised how far you can drop one on to target, but in all reality no matter how far I can score a hit on a target at the range I wouldn't shoot game past 150. Chris
 
The 41mag is actually flatter shooting than the 44mag. I love the caliber in a revolver. I'm pretty lethal out to 100yds with it and hitting a pop can is not a huge problem at that range with the revolver. I generally don't shoot revolvers much over 50 yds though. I use a 480 Super Redhawk for deer hunting. It is a bit of a beast as far as I'm concerned. I just got some Hogue grips for it and thought I'd try them out.

Saw a 44 mag Ruger Alaskan the other day. You know, I'm not much of a fan of snubbie 44's (or 41's), but it is a darn nice revolver.
 
When you gentlemen get tired of shooting those little peashooters you can step up to a real mans gun . Dan Wesson 44 mag with a ten inch barrel . Now before you get too downhearted and hide your little barrels away I have to admit I could never hit much with it . It sure did wake up the little 9MM shooters at the range . L:O:L
 
My Son Wanted A Cowboy Gun So I Picked Him Up One In 357. That Was One Of The Best Buys I Ever Made. It Is Accurate, Cheap To Shoot And Fun. Like One Of The Other Guys Said That One Hundred Yard Metal Plate Really Gets A Work Out. I Suspect It Would Make A Pretty Decent Home Defense Gun Also In Just About Any Cal. You Choose. Although The 357 Wouldn't Be My First Choice For Deer Size Game. Personally I Would Get What Ever Cal. Matches The Revolver You Carry.

Also Try To Get An Older One Without That Stupid Safety.

Sorry I Don't Get The Mini 14 Comparison. Anyone Want To Explain That One To Me.

Oh I Forgot To Mention It's My Gun Now And It's Going To Stay That Way.
 
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