The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post

**Mike Irwin** · March 31, 2011, 11:42 AM

"I allus thot the .44-40 designation came about when Marlin did not want to put that big WCF on their rifles."

The first rifle that I know of that Marlin chambered in .44-40 was the Model 1894, and by that time the .44-40 had entered the lexicon, so I don't think Marlin had anything to do with it.

The first company I know of other than Winchester to chamber a rifle in .44-40 was Colt in 1884 with the Lightning slide action.

"Ever see a SAP headstamp from when Savage had ammunition made for their pistols with no reference to Colt? All I have seen were in an old Gun Digest article."

I've never seen a cartridge marked SAP, but Savage DID for many years mark .25, .32, and .380 cartridges <caliber> A.S.P for Automatic Savage Pistol.

March 31, 2011, 11:42 AM	#56
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,389	"I allus thot the .44-40 designation came about when Marlin did not want to put that big WCF on their rifles." The first rifle that I know of that Marlin chambered in .44-40 was the Model 1894, and by that time the .44-40 had entered the lexicon, so I don't think Marlin had anything to do with it. The first company I know of other than Winchester to chamber a rifle in .44-40 was Colt in 1884 with the Lightning slide action. "Ever see a SAP headstamp from when Savage had ammunition made for their pistols with no reference to Colt? All I have seen were in an old Gun Digest article." I've never seen a cartridge marked SAP, but Savage DID for many years mark .25, .32, and .380 cartridges <caliber> A.S.P for Automatic Savage Pistol. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.