New Ruger/Marlin in 44 Magnum first shots.

[joshb]

I took my new 1894 Marlin to the range today to see how it shoots and I was pleasantly surprised. The gun fed smooth as silk. I had expected a breaking in of the action but it ran perfectly from the start. My first load test was using H110 and Hornady XTP 240 grain hollow points. I put a Weaver T36 on for the initial testing.
I shot the first test loads at 50 yards after 3 sighters to get on target. I had some loads for my other Marlin/Marlin with 24.3 grains H110 that I used for sighters and some shots at 100, since it shot so much better than the older JM Marlin.
All in all, I’d say Ruger is making a fine gun. My first 100 yard group was just under 6 inches. I’m going to work on that. I have some 265 grain flex tips to try next.

 

[CCM]

Ruger really has done a great job taking over Marlin. Several design updates coupled with modern manufacturing has bumped them over and above what even the JM rifles were.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

That’s very nice Josh!
I’m really proud of the little brother in 38/357 that I have.

 

[joshb]

That’s very nice Josh!
I’m really proud of the little brother in 38/357 that I have.

Hey! Don’t leave me guessing! How’s it shoot?
PS: You’d get this:
Since I just returned from the east, I was a little forgetful about the Texas sun. I set the 44 aside to “cool”. Layed it on the bench with the action open while I shot another gun. When I went to pick it back up, I almost burned my hand! Ouch! I put it in the shade for a while.

 

[chop house]

I put a Weaver T36 on for the initial testing.

Holy cow. I have had an 1894 since about 1980, and always found the recoil to be a little, shall we say, sharp. That is a lot of scope!

I have receiver peep on mine. Hasn't been out since I started hanging out here. You got me curious. Hmmm. 2400, enforcer, or h110??? Which shall I use?

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Hey! Don’t leave me guessing! How’s it shoot?
PS: You’d get this:
Since I just returned from the east, I was a little forgetful about the Texas sun. I set the 44 aside to “cool”. Layed it on the bench with the action open while I shot another gun. When I went to pick it back up, I almost burned my hand! Ouch! I put it in the shade for a while.

It’s a can kicker son-of-a-gun with 38 Specials. Very enjoyable little rifle.

 

[K22]

Nice very nice.

A long time ago I had one in 357 Magnum with a 4X Leupold mounted on it. One of many firearms I traded away which I regret!


Suggestion: you might shoot yours a little better with a cheek riser and / or lower mounted scope. I know with mine, even though I had the lowest mounts possible with that 4X small objective, I couldn't get an effective cheek weld. So improvised one and I was able to shoot mine better.

 

[joshb]

Nice very nice.

A long time ago I had one in 357 Magnum with a 4X Leupold mounted on it. One of many firearms I traded away which I regret!


Suggestion: you might shoot yours a little better with a cheek riser and / or lower mounted scope. I know with mine, even though I had the lowest mounts possible with that 4X small objective, I couldn't get an effective cheek weld. So improvised one and I was able to shoot mine better.

I put a new cheap 3-9 scope on it today. The T36 was only for load testing, along with the rest and bag. I have a little Leupold around here some where. When I find it, I’ll put that on.

 

[WesG260]

Marlin ... a really nice 99-M1 (tube fed) my dad picked up at a gun show. Walnut stock ... how many Marlins will you see with Walnut now?

Cheapy scope on it. Maybe someday find one of the original 'carbine' rear sights. I've heard they were plastic and rotted away. I don't care, if I could find one in any condition... I have machines, and I know how to use them ... I think ... it's been awhile...

 

[Tommie]

Fondling the new Marlins at gun stores they certainly have nicer fit & finish than the JM’s. Sorry if that’s blasphemy.

 

[hoz53]

I took my new 1894 Marlin to the range today to see how it shoots and I was pleasantly surprised. The gun fed smooth as silk. I had expected a breaking in of the action but it ran perfectly from the start. My first load test was using H110 and Hornady XTP 240 grain hollow points. I put a Weaver T36 on for the initial testing.
I shot the first test loads at 50 yards after 3 sighters to get on target. I had some loads for my other Marlin/Marlin with 24.3 grains H110 that I used for sighters and some shots at 100, since it shot so much better than the older JM Marlin.
All in all, I’d say Ruger is making a fine gun. My first 100 yard group was just under 6 inches. I’m going to work on that. I have some 265 grain flex tips to try next.
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Ive got a RemMar 1895 and also a 336– thinking about selling them off and getting Rugers if i can find them

PS/—. mabie swapping from 45-70 to 44 Magnum would be easier on this old man

 

[Davers]

Holy cow. I have had an 1894 since about 1980, and always found the recoil to be a little, shall we say, sharp. That is a lot of scope!

I have receiver peep on mine. Hasn't been out since I started hanging out here. You got me curious. Hmmm. 2400, enforcer, or h110??? Which shall I use?

I once owned a Winchester M-94 in .44 Mag., I purchased back in 1970. Nice carbine but it KICKED, more so than a M-94 in .30-30. I had a peep sight installed which added to its accuracy.

 

[Tangent]

I've got a JM 1894 .44, very accurate with light loads all the way to magnum. I've had a look at the new Ruger Marlins and the fit and finish does look good. A 357 is on the list, I won't swap the .44 as it shoots too well.

The key I find is getting a bullet (cast) it likes, others I know seem to have a similar experience.

 

[nakneker]

I agree with you josh, Ruger did a great job on these new Levers! I have the 44, 357, 30-30 and 45-70. The 30-30 I shoot surpressed and leave by the front door, friends and family like to shoot that one. Hollywood quiet with sub loads.

I look forward to more on your progress and thoughts with this rifle!