Got my new Hunting Rifle - she's a beauty !

[Jacko]

Well folks a few months back I announced to all that would listen I was in the market for a Ruger No 1 in 45.70 and would be saving until Christmas time . Come into a bit of cash sooner than I thought so it burned a hole in my pocket .

I was very sorely tempted by a Marlin 1895 Guide Gun , talk about a sweet handling little carbine however I passed up a beautifull No 1 and the Guide Gun after sitting down and crunching some numbers . If I buy a Rifle I want to shoot the thing other than a few warm up shots the week before one of the rare hunts I do get out on and a 45.70 coupled with the rising cost of reloading components was just too expensive to shoot regularly .

I looked long and hard at a Ruger Number 1 in 460 S & W mag and 475 Linebaugh as well but the cases etc cost as much as or more than the 45.70 . I have no interest in high velocity loudenboomers or .308 , .338 etc so I opted for a Mini Guide Gun of sort's "a Marlin 1894 .44 magnum" . I will keep on dreaming of a Ruger No 1 big bore for when the kids are grown , another 5 years and the horizon should open up . The 1894 wont hold value like a Ruger No 1 thats for sure . I'm a working class fella so it seems are my rifles .

I've picked up 200 new Remington cases , a set of near new .44 mag dies for 1/2 full retail price , 1000 240 gr Westcast projectiles and a box of Hornady 265 gr JSP , 60 rounds of Winchester Super X 240 gr JHP and 6000 CCI magnum primers so I'm good to go for a couple of years I reckon and for about 1/2 the total cost of a similar quanity of 45.70 reloading components .

Another advantage of the .44 magnum for me is that I can use the same powder as for my .357 mag Rossi . At the moment I have some development loads using W296 waiting for a trip to the range latter this week . A tip off from a firearm sales rep aquantence as well as the same tip off from a wholesaler that imported reloading components prices are set to soar come Christmas due to the panic buying in the USA just now and other factors causing supply problems for Australia . I will buy Australian made ADI AR2205 next pay which I'm hoping as a local product should be readily available if the tip offs prove correct . I have some ADI AP70N which should make for some great plinking loads .

Im very happy with the 1894 , nice deep blueing , reasonable stock and forend timber that don't quite match but hey it don't bother me none , pretty short about 38" long , 6 1/2 pounds which will be lively under recoil with full power loads but I'll only notice that on the bench . I have fitted a Williams FP336 peep sight using the front scope mount holes so I don't need to use the hammer spur so I'm good to go . Hoping for a pig hunt in November , can't wait to thump a few porkers with the .44 - stay posted

regards Jacko

[gundownunder]

Sounds like your good to go for all but buffalo.
I was also looking at possibly getting a 45-70 but since I will probably never hunt buffs and would always need to load it down to manageable recoil levels anyway, I will probably go for a 45 colt instead.

[Tycer]

Congrats! Looking forward to range reports.

[Borregos]

Nice one, you will enjoy it, I would not part with mine

[Pop Watts]

Hi Jacko,

You will enjoy the 44mag, they are fun to shoot and easy to load down to plinking velocity.

My question to you though is - where is the Ruger 45-70 you were looking at bacause I want one badly?

I am looking at buying another 45-70 and I would like to get a Ruger No1.

Thanks,

Pop.

[Old Time Hunter]

My little '94 Trapper chambered in .44 Mag has given my 13 Whitetails, one Black Bear, and a nice Bull Elk 'cross the Clark Fork up in the Bitter Roots. That little bugger does a fine job....enjoy!

[Sixgun]

Good smart choice You get to shoot a whole lot more all the while saving money. Cast bullets and small powder charges lead to lots of fun. As we all know, the 44 mag. is a well balanced potent round that will easily handle most all game at reasonable ranges.
You got yourself a nice fast repeating rifle that will last you your lifetime and a few more
Happy shooting!----------Sixgun

[madman4570]

Thats one dandy gun there. From a very pleasant shooter, to one very powerful gun with the right loads.Cant think of a nicer carry gun. Anyone would be proud to own it! Great choice!

[Paladin]

Great gun, wouldn’t give mine up with out a fight.
Working on a new finish for mine will let you know when I am done.

[Birdman]

I get to thinking about a 45-70 SBL. I really like the way they are set up. I have a 1894SS and I am set up to reload that along with a couple of 44 revolvers. I installed a sling, some Skinner sights, and alot of shooting. I also think of that as my Mini Guide Gun. I'm sure it will never get a shorter barrel, and I don't have a very big paw so I don't need a big loop. It's alot cheaper to shoot than my buddies Guide Gun.

[ceb]

Sounds like good sound reasoning to me, my Marlin .44mag was my first centerfire levergun, for much as the same reasons as you. I love it, it has done everything I've asked of her.

[AJMD429]

Unless you live in Africa or want to go after Grizzlies, there's not much you can't hunt with that gun.

Handgun-compatible, too...!

[foxtrapper]

Oh boy your gonna hate this You can't go wrong with your Marlin either http://singleactions.proboards.com/inde ... hread=1891