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!

 

[vonb]

The new Ruger Marlins are like Lays potato chips. You can't just have one.

With that said, I have the 1894 Classic in .44 mag and the 1894 SBL in .357. The Classic has no beveling around the bolt. If you stick your finger in the action, the edges of the bolt/receiver will lay your finger open like a box cutter.

The 1894 SBL on the other hand is nicely beveled and has radiused edges on the bolt/receiver. I wonder if that was a design update on the SBL?

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

I Opted for an Older used ( 1990 ) model, Marlin 336 at, Half the Price ( $595.00 ) and it Shoots, TWICE as good as, the Newer Ruger .44 Mag's.,..
From One to, 1 1/4 MOA Max. group's at, 100 yds with, 150 gr. Sierra's and IMR 3031 @ 2,250 fps !
Old Marlins,.. ARE, pretty Awesome !

 

[bobcat93]

Im a loyal JM kind of guy..very picky. Ive taken enough marlins apart and made them smoooooth baby smooooth i know whats inside.
Ive owned 7 at one time..now i only own 1.
The very best i have ever shot is my 336 30-30...its wicked...you just dont expect that kind of accuracy out of a silly old lever gun or the dirty 30...so i figured i better hold on to it and pass it along to family.
Saying that i wouldnt think twice about purchasing a new Ruger made Marlin.
Ive held and inspected them with my picky eye balls, let my fingers feel the inner movements of the action while cycling also listening for any scratchy sounds.
The model i looked at in the store was pretty awesome and if Ruger ever manufacturers a Marlin in a .327 federal magnum ill buy one that day..ive waited years and years and years for that rifle to hit the market...they will probably release it the day of my funeral..stink-n ruger hahaha.
Not to sound like some goof ball advertisement, but i feel in my heart the Marlin legacy is important and our responsibility if we want to keep it alive.
There is an article floating around about just what ruger went through to fix the marlin machines from remington. It was short of amazing these rifles are even with us today
Simply for that purpose as an American gun lover i feel its my duty to purchase a new marlin to do my part so future generations can enjoy them like we have.
Long as Ruger keeps doing their part, American consumers can keep doing there's.

Very cool stuff..we are spoiled

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Im a loyal JM kind of guy..very picky. Ive taken enough marlins apart and made them smoooooth baby smooooth i know whats inside.
Ive owned 7 at one time..now i only own 1.
The very best i have ever shot is my 336 30-30...its wicked...you just dont expect that kind of accuracy out of a silly old lever gun or the dirty 30...so i figured i better hold on to it and pass it along to family.
Saying that i wouldnt think twice about purchasing a new Ruger made Marlin.
Ive held and inspected them with my picky eye balls, let my fingers feel the inner movements of the action while cycling also listening for any scratchy sounds.
The model i looked at in the store was pretty awesome and if Ruger ever manufacturers a Marlin in a .327 federal magnum ill buy one that day..ive waited years and years and years for that rifle to hit the market...they will probably release it the day of my funeral..stink-n ruger hahaha.
Not to sound like some goof ball advertisement, but i feel in my heart the Marlin legacy is important and our responsibility if we want to keep it alive.
There is an article floating around about just what ruger went through to fix the marlin machines from remington. It was short of amazing these rifles are even with us today
Simply for that purpose as an American gun lover i feel its my duty to purchase a new marlin to do my part so future generations can enjoy them like we have.
Long as Ruger keeps doing their part, American consumers can keep doing there's.

Very cool stuff..we are spoiled

They are very nice and will bring a smile every time you shoulder it.

 

[FNSafari]

Years ago I had a ruger 44 mag carbine, semi auto rifle with a williams rear peep. Using 240 grain jacketed bullets and 22 grains of 2400 I found that load would shoot 2.5-3.5" at 100 yds and I was plenty pleased with that result in a light hunting rifle. Too bad the stock cracked at the top of the wrist in back of the metal latch that accepted the barreled action. It also developed feeding problems. I traded it straight up for a Miroku Charles Daly 20 ga skeet gun for my wife and never looked back. The concept of the rifle and chambering for short range deer hunting was a solid one. Ruger is a great company, but they have had their share of flops IMO.

 

[Pete Wass]

I had a Ruger 44 mag carbine back in the late 60's. It was not a shooter, not even pie plate accurate. I loved the concept and it was a pleasure to carry in the Deer Woods but wouldn't shoot, a shame. I've owned a lot of rifles over my adult life and have always been partial to Winchester Lever guns for deer hunting. I think a 94 angle eject in 307 might be a good one but I lost my desire to kill deer many years ago.