Ruger Marlin 1894 .44 mag

buckey · September 25, 2023, 01:30 PM

What kind of accuracy are people in the real world getting from them? Thanks

Straitshot · September 25, 2023, 03:13 PM

I took mine to the range but did not shoot at paper. I was with a friend and we took turns shooting at clay pigons we set on the 25 yard berm. Was busting them easily shooting offhand just for fun. Next time I will take the time to shoot and see how it groups at 50 and 100 yards. I sure like the way mine looks and handles.

buckey · September 26, 2023, 10:31 AM

great looking rifle!

tangolima · September 26, 2023, 11:50 AM

I repaired one for client a few years ago. Test fired and got 3/4" group at 25yd. I expect 3 - 4moa.

Ammo was expensive. More than $1 a round.

-TL

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

saleen322 · September 27, 2023, 06:09 PM

We have a single shot handi rifle in 44 mag. With 240 cast gas check bullets, 1 inch groups or better at 50 yards were common. I would expect that a lever gun would be similar.

**Shane Tuttle** · September 27, 2023, 07:21 PM

I have a pre-cross bolt safety w/Microgroove barrel. Getting roughly 2" at 50yds using iron sights. I think there's a decent peep sight set out there somewhere that would help me out.

bamaranger · September 27, 2023, 10:03 PM

I have posted many times about the twist rate used on the majority of .44 mag carbines from most mfgs up until just recently........1-38". My observations and experience with two vintage Ruger .44 semi's, and my Dad's M94, all so twisted, was that accuracy in those rifles was only so-so....3-4 MOA. Well with minute of whitetail and the useful range of the carbine/ctg, but not what many shooters expect from a modern firearm.

Now, MANY fellas report much better results, with their older carbines, but those three examples mentioned, that I have shot personally, with magnifying optics, were only that capable, with 240 gr bullets. I'd add that heavier bullets, the old 265gr and 300 gr jacketed bullets from Hornady, were much worse. In my gas guns, the lighter bullets, 180 and 200 gr, shot best.

Revolvers in .44 mag have traditionally been twisted 1-18" and .44mag revolvers have a stellar reputation for accuracy. Ruger with with 1-20" twist in the new model 96 and 99 carbines in .44 in their limited production lifespan, basically admitting that old .44 slow twist rate could be improved upon. I read the new Marlin/Ruger carbine is twisted 1-20" and should be a good shooter with a variety of bullets.

Regards peep sights, Skinner offers a couple of options, but one might have to experiment with front sight heights to get on target. A simple arrangement is the Lo-Pro, a single stem arrangement, affordable, and it screws right in to a drilled and tapped scope base hole on the receiver. Skinner also offers more elaborate arrangements as well.

The 1-20" Marlin/Ruger has only been released a short while. Anything prior has to be from the much berated Marlin/Rem arrangement, or an earlier true Marlin, both twisted 1-38.

ballardw · September 28, 2023, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane Tuttle

I have a pre-cross bolt safety w/Microgroove barrel. Getting roughly 2" at 50yds using iron sights. I think there's a decent peep sight set out there somewhere that would help me out.

Might want to investigate a tang mounted sight. Semi-traditional for lever actions and quite possibly no interference with the existing open sights.

**Shane Tuttle** · September 28, 2023, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ballardw

Might want to investigate a tang mounted sight. Semi-traditional for lever actions and quite possibly no interference with the existing open sights.

That's exactly what I want. Just don't know which one to get.

buckey · October 1, 2023, 03:01 PM

It'll be interesting how these compare in accuracy to Winchester 92s and Henry's?

FrankenMauser · October 1, 2023, 05:49 PM

I tried a Lyman tang sight on my Marlin 1894 ('93 JM .44 Mag).
It got in the way, irritated me, and it could not be left flipped up without the bolt hitting it.

Correct model for the rifle, but pretty much a bad joke and waste of my time.

Straitshot · October 1, 2023, 07:08 PM

I intend to get the skinner peep sight for my Ruger/Marlin 1894. Just haven't done it yet.

ciwsguy · October 3, 2023, 10:40 PM

News flash - lever guns are just NOT 1 MOA rifles. 2-3 MOA is more common. I'm doing well to get a 1-1/4" group at 50 yards with a scoped Remlin 1894. The 240 grain bullets need to be pushed hard to get that. WRT iron sights, the Skinner peep sights do help but I find a low power scope works best for my eyesight. two cents....

buckey · October 7, 2023, 08:50 AM

What are reasonable expectations for the new 1894 Ruger/Marlin fir accuracy?

jetinteriorguy · October 8, 2023, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckey

What are reasonable expectations for the new 1894 Ruger/Marlin fir accuracy?

For me, any PCC that can shoot a 4” group at 100yds is pretty good. I’m not talking about the shooter’s ability here, just the rifle’s potential. Just my criteria though.

mehavey · October 8, 2023, 03:12 PM

2.5 - 3 MOA w/ Cast is reasonable expectation:
https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...3&postcount=20

Trooper Joe · October 9, 2023, 11:36 AM

This is my first time at the range. I am sure it will be fine at longer distances.

I spend more time looking at this beautiful stock than I do shooting it.

Trooper Joe

bamaranger · October 12, 2023, 11:28 AM

Oh gosh Trooper, what a pretty piece of wood on the butt stock of that rifle !
Am I interpreting your pics correctly......15 yds?

My latest copy of "Rifle" arrived recently, and scribe Brian Pierce has an article on the new Ruglin (

) .44 carbine. Shooting at 75 yds, using a Skinner peep sight rig, he managed 3-shot groups with a variety of factory ammo ranging from 1.9-2.7". This was done with a wide range of bullet weights, from 200-300 grains and I find that most impressive. My own shooting with slower twisted .44 carbines would not keep the heavy slugs on a pie plate at 100 yds! Also impressive were the velocities Pierce reported with the 20" Ruglin barrel. Factory 240 grain slugs were running about 1800 fps. The hard cast Buffbore 255 lead SWC got 1780 fps, and that from the reduced recoil load!
The same company's 300 gr jacketed bullet managed 1650 fps. That is a lot of thump for a handy carbine weighing a tad over 6 lbs and 3 ft in length!

Trooper Joe · October 12, 2023, 01:28 PM

15 yards is correct. That is about as far as I can see clearly with open sights now days

Pumpkin · October 12, 2023, 03:03 PM

Looks like MOH to me, Minute of Hog.
I have a walnut 77/44 with a Leupold 2.5x heavy duplex shotgun scope.
It will do MOH too, on paper and live targets.

buckey · December 4, 2023, 09:20 AM

any favorite load or bullet/weight, or brand?

**44 AMP** · December 4, 2023, 03:04 PM

Something to keep in mind, when shooting .44/.45 guns, a 2" group can be one
5 shot hole.

Plainsman · December 26, 2023, 12:55 PM

Accuracy with Marlins can be good, eap. If you reload for them. Dont let the naysayers sway you.

As to Ruger Marlin accuracy, they havent been out long enough to get many reports. I hope they shoot as good as they look.

Im holding out for a stainless laminatwd .357!! I hope they hear me!

2wheelwander · January 15, 2024, 09:27 AM

Great thread. I've been eyeballing a .357/.44 lever for some time. Leaned towards the Henry.

These new Ruger/Marlins are much more attractive rifles IMHO. I won't knock a Henry, but they don't have the timeless Old West look these rifles do.

September 25, 2023, 01:30 PM	#1
buckey Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2016 Posts: 213	Ruger Marlin 1894 .44 mag What kind of accuracy are people in the real world getting from them? Thanks

September 27, 2023, 07:21 PM	#6
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,455	I have a pre-cross bolt safety w/Microgroove barrel. Getting roughly 2" at 50yds using iron sights. I think there's a decent peep sight set out there somewhere that would help me out. __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

September 27, 2023, 10:03 PM	#7
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,800	.44 mag carbines I have posted many times about the twist rate used on the majority of .44 mag carbines from most mfgs up until just recently........1-38". My observations and experience with two vintage Ruger .44 semi's, and my Dad's M94, all so twisted, was that accuracy in those rifles was only so-so....3-4 MOA. Well with minute of whitetail and the useful range of the carbine/ctg, but not what many shooters expect from a modern firearm. Now, MANY fellas report much better results, with their older carbines, but those three examples mentioned, that I have shot personally, with magnifying optics, were only that capable, with 240 gr bullets. I'd add that heavier bullets, the old 265gr and 300 gr jacketed bullets from Hornady, were much worse. In my gas guns, the lighter bullets, 180 and 200 gr, shot best. Revolvers in .44 mag have traditionally been twisted 1-18" and .44mag revolvers have a stellar reputation for accuracy. Ruger with with 1-20" twist in the new model 96 and 99 carbines in .44 in their limited production lifespan, basically admitting that old .44 slow twist rate could be improved upon. I read the new Marlin/Ruger carbine is twisted 1-20" and should be a good shooter with a variety of bullets. Regards peep sights, Skinner offers a couple of options, but one might have to experiment with front sight heights to get on target. A simple arrangement is the Lo-Pro, a single stem arrangement, affordable, and it screws right in to a drilled and tapped scope base hole on the receiver. Skinner also offers more elaborate arrangements as well. The 1-20" Marlin/Ruger has only been released a short while. Anything prior has to be from the much berated Marlin/Rem arrangement, or an earlier true Marlin, both twisted 1-38.

October 1, 2023, 05:49 PM	#11
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 26, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,776	I tried a Lyman tang sight on my Marlin 1894 ('93 JM .44 Mag). It got in the way, irritated me, and it could not be left flipped up without the bolt hitting it. Correct model for the rifle, but pretty much a bad joke and waste of my time. __________________ -Unwilling Range Officer -Unwilling Match Designer -NRL22/PRS22/PRO -Something about broccoli and carrots

October 3, 2023, 10:40 PM	#13
ciwsguy Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2008 Location: KY Posts: 309	Lever guns are not "The Rifleman" accurate News flash - lever guns are just NOT 1 MOA rifles. 2-3 MOA is more common. I'm doing well to get a 1-1/4" group at 50 yards with a scoped Remlin 1894. The 240 grain bullets need to be pushed hard to get that. WRT iron sights, the Skinner peep sights do help but I find a low power scope works best for my eyesight. two cents....

September 26, 2023, 10:31 AM	#3
buckey Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2016 Posts: 213	great looking rifle!

September 26, 2023, 11:50 AM	#4
tangolima Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2013 Posts: 5,182	I repaired one for client a few years ago. Test fired and got 3/4" group at 25yd. I expect 3 - 4moa. Ammo was expensive. More than $1 a round. -TL Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

September 27, 2023, 06:09 PM	#5
saleen322 Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2010 Posts: 779	We have a single shot handi rifle in 44 mag. With 240 cast gas check bullets, 1 inch groups or better at 50 yards were common. I would expect that a lever gun would be similar.

October 1, 2023, 03:01 PM	#10
buckey Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2016 Posts: 213	It'll be interesting how these compare in accuracy to Winchester 92s and Henry's?

October 1, 2023, 07:08 PM	#12
Straitshot Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2011 Location: West Texas Posts: 200	I intend to get the skinner peep sight for my Ruger/Marlin 1894. Just haven't done it yet.

October 7, 2023, 08:50 AM	#14
buckey Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2016 Posts: 213	What are reasonable expectations for the new 1894 Ruger/Marlin fir accuracy?

October 8, 2023, 03:12 PM	#16
mehavey Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 7,210	2.5 - 3 MOA w/ Cast is reasonable expectation: https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...3&postcount=20

October 9, 2023, 11:36 AM	#17
Trooper Joe Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 238	This is my first time at the range. I am sure it will be fine at longer distances. I spend more time looking at this beautiful stock than I do shooting it. Trooper Joe

October 12, 2023, 11:28 AM	#18
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,800	wood & accuracy Oh gosh Trooper, what a pretty piece of wood on the butt stock of that rifle ! Am I interpreting your pics correctly......15 yds? My latest copy of "Rifle" arrived recently, and scribe Brian Pierce has an article on the new Ruglin () .44 carbine. Shooting at 75 yds, using a Skinner peep sight rig, he managed 3-shot groups with a variety of factory ammo ranging from 1.9-2.7". This was done with a wide range of bullet weights, from 200-300 grains and I find that most impressive. My own shooting with slower twisted .44 carbines would not keep the heavy slugs on a pie plate at 100 yds! Also impressive were the velocities Pierce reported with the 20" Ruglin barrel. Factory 240 grain slugs were running about 1800 fps. The hard cast Buffbore 255 lead SWC got 1780 fps, and that from the reduced recoil load! The same company's 300 gr jacketed bullet managed 1650 fps. That is a lot of thump for a handy carbine weighing a tad over 6 lbs and 3 ft in length!

October 12, 2023, 01:28 PM	#19
Trooper Joe Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 238	15 yards is correct. That is about as far as I can see clearly with open sights now days

October 12, 2023, 03:03 PM	#20
Pumpkin Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2020 Location: Seguin Texas Posts: 995	Looks like MOH to me, Minute of Hog. I have a walnut 77/44 with a Leupold 2.5x heavy duplex shotgun scope. It will do MOH too, on paper and live targets.

December 4, 2023, 09:20 AM	#21
buckey Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2016 Posts: 213	any favorite load or bullet/weight, or brand?

December 4, 2023, 03:04 PM	#22
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 30,487	Something to keep in mind, when shooting .44/.45 guns, a 2" group can be one 5 shot hole. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

December 26, 2023, 12:55 PM	#23
Plainsman Member Join Date: October 31, 1998 Location: Grand Forks, ND, USA, NA Posts: 57	Accuracy with Marlins can be good, eap. If you reload for them. Dont let the naysayers sway you. As to Ruger Marlin accuracy, they havent been out long enough to get many reports. I hope they shoot as good as they look. Im holding out for a stainless laminatwd .357!! I hope they hear me!

January 15, 2024, 09:27 AM	#24
2wheelwander Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2018 Posts: 626	Great thread. I've been eyeballing a .357/.44 lever for some time. Leaned towards the Henry. These new Ruger/Marlins are much more attractive rifles IMHO. I won't knock a Henry, but they don't have the timeless Old West look these rifles do.