I have been thinking about a lever gun/revolver combo. I had neither.

I've been looking for a deal on something, and pricing new guns. I had not yet decided if I wanted .357,.44mag, or 45LC.

While deciding, I ran across a Marlin 1894. It's kinda beat up, and has some surface rust, but the bore looked great. IT'S PERFECT! OK, it's perfect for what I want. More of a utility gun, that I can enjoy. I think it will clean up a lot, but it won't make a show gun. It's the "micro-groove" rifling, and does not have the safety. It has a 3-9x50 simmons scope on it.(I'll be taking that off.)(Yes, I bought it.)

I can't wait to shoot it, but looking at the price of .44 ammo, I may have to concider getting into reloading!

BTW, this rifle has the gold-colored trigger and saddle ring. Did all of them come with that, or is this something different? (A different model or something?)

Thanks for any info.

3-9x50 on a 44mag carbine? what was the last owner thinking?

Dang...That was polite, compared to the way I asked that question!

Everything else being equal , the larger the front lens , the more light it gathers . And traditionally you get the most scope for your $$$ with a 3 x 9 . Volume of production ?

Take the Simmons off and replace it with a Loupy . :-)

I prefer the looks of a lever gun w/o a scope , but when you get old and vision is not what it used to be .....

I cast most of my own bullets and reload . Otherwise I could not imagine shooting center fire . Save your brass .

Ask around . Find a reloader to teach and help you untill you get your own equipment . If he does not load .44 , offer to buy dies & shell holder ( get the Lee carbide die kit ) , and components .

All of which you will need when you get a press . And scales . And calipers .


God bless
Wyr

I believe the micro-groove Marlin has a 1 turn in 38 inches twist rate. It will probably shoot best with lighter weight bullets. I like the Hornady LeveRevolution rounds for mine. The bullets are available for hand loading.

__________________
CheckSix

KYPDACS
Keep Your Powder Dry And Check Six

I’m not into the “collector” end of acquiring Levers but a pre-safety, with a “saddle ring” sounds like you got something special there. I’d check it out.

As far as handloading goes, you can get everything you need in a Lee “Anniversary Kit” for around $100. That’s how I started and it’s a great way to enjoy your guns when your not at the range.

IIRC the Marlin Micro-Groove rifling has some problems dealing with lead bullets - like it doesn't like them, and they don't grab well, so don't spin well, plus lead the bore unusually fast. Marlin went away from that, I believe in part because of Cowboy shooting, which mandates lead bullets. SO if you reload, you should first try out some plated stuff (a little more expensive) then if that doesn't work, consider buying jacketed rounds.