Any experience with .44 Magnum Lever action / carbines? Or suggestions for currently produced models.

Joined
Jul 28, 2021
Messages
61
Recently, NH updated more densely populated Unit regulations; to allow certain pistol calibers use in lever actions. In the past I tote my Muzzleloader if I don’t punch my tag before General Firearm opens. I primarily hunt areas that are shotgun/ muzz only.
unsure if straight wall would be added as well, depending on bureaucratic timeline, etc.
When I trek out of state or in NH , to areas that allow rifle. I use my .30-.30 or .308
The .30 .30 is so nice to carry and I prefer it for heavy woods.
Any recommendations on a .44 mag lever as the currently produced options seem limited to Rossi/ Henry? Prefer stainless but discontinued ones are spendy
I doubt it will add many additional shot opportunities but the recent change is enough for me to research these, and I’m covered if I head to OH.

thx
 

Wapiti1

WKR
Joined
Sep 18, 2017
Messages
3,688
Location
Indiana
The Rossi is a decent rifle. They aren't super polished and perfectly fit, but work just fine. Most take some shooting before the action is smooth. Their triggers tend to be a bit gritty, but not bad. I have not used or handled the Henry in .44, but the others that I've used were nicely made and a step up from Rossi, IMO.

If you want alternatives, I'd look at a Thompson Center Contender G2 carbine. I have one in .357 Maximum for deer here in Indiana and it is a great little rifle. Compact, lightweight, accurate, and very easy to shoot. I load it with 200gr bullet at 2200fps. It's a hammer on deer out to 200 yards, but 90% of my shots are within 50 yards. Being short makes it really nice in a blind or stand.

Another to look at is a Ruger 77/44.

Jeremy
 

Actual_Cryptid

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Sep 16, 2021
Messages
200
For stainless I like the Contender and the 77/44.

If you want a lever, I would look at the Henry or the Marlin offerings. I like the Rossi 357 I have, but I would have paid quite ab bit more to get one factory threaded and with decent way to mount a red dot. There's not a great option for them without drilling holes because of the barrel taper. If you don't have a silencer, the new eForms option makes it worth considering with a slower-moving round like the .44 mag.

Other options include ye old Ruger No 1 and the new crop of Henry single shots. The upside with the single shots is you can load some real goofy stuff, pointed bullets or long COAL heavy bullets without much issue. The downside of course is you can't go full The Rifleman.

I had a Marlington 1894 rifle, I liked it well enough. I didn't end up staying with the .44 mag personally.
 
Last edited:

rayporter

WKR
Joined
Jul 3, 2014
Messages
4,417
Location
arkansas or ohio
ruger should be making the old marlins soon in 44.
i have a marlin remlin 45-70 and love it.

an old jm stamped 44 would be super, but cost $$$. dont know a thing about henry's 44. i had a henry 22 mag that was a shot gun pattern at 30 yd.

i am a single shot fan and could do with any of the single shots out there.
 

Mk44

WKR
Joined
Aug 21, 2020
Messages
416
If you're looking for a New lever action in 44mag, I would look at the Henry. They are nice.
Or wait for Ruger to produce the new Marlins (Ruger brought Marlin.)
I've owned Marlins and Rossi. Imo, JM Marlins are nicer than a Rossi's. But prices on an old Marlin are spendy.
 
Joined
Dec 20, 2019
Messages
1,137
Henry makes a fine lever gun. My luck with Ruger QC has not been good at all, so I'd wait a while before I bought one of their Marlin lever guns. If you ever need Rossi customer service, you probably won't enjoy the experience.
 
OP
SurfAMHuntPM
Joined
Jul 28, 2021
Messages
61
Thanks for the feedback, all helpful!
I’ll plan to check with a few area shops and keep an eye on what Ruger / Marlin releases.
 

Hoghead

WKR
Joined
Jun 20, 2019
Messages
796
Location
Turlock California
I have a Henry 44 mag great shooting gun smooth action but heavy. I have a rossi 45 super light functional not as accurate. I had a 44 mag marlin JM not as light as the rossi but not heavy . Very accurate it is now a 500 jrh I carry this gun weekly. It's seen rain mud been dropped and keeps on going. Get a blued jm marlin or Henry and ceracoat it don't hold out for stainless especially in a marlin it will be expensive.

Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk
 
Joined
Dec 9, 2018
Messages
383
It’s not stainless but I have a new miroku built Winchester 92 in 44 mag and it is a sweet shooter. I have an old 1892 in 38-40 made in 1916 I believe it was, and the new one is every bit as nice as the original except for the tang safety feature.
 
Top