[GermanHillHunter]

I need another rifle like I need a hole in the head but I don't have any handgun calibers in a rifle platform so I figured what the heck I'll add one to the collection. I really like the looks of the Henry big boy steels. I don't have any Henry's so there's another excuse. 45,44,41,357. I can't decide. Anyone have a Henry in one. How's the accuracy. Would a marlin be better. Not a remlin. I want to scope it and use it for deer in the thick stuff. Reading about the lever evolution ammo and it seems in these handgun rounds there really isn't that much of an advantage like there is with 30-30, 35, etc. I like the idea of the 357 with the very mild recoil but something about the 41mag is just appealing to me. Guess the oddball factor. The 41 is the only one I couldn't get the lever evolution ammo for if I decided to go that route so that is kind of bothering me because I know in my 30-30 and 35 that ammo is disgusting accurate. What you guys say. Need some opinions!

 

[Strut10]

I like the classic................................. the Winchester '94 !!!!

I'd grab up an AE Trapper in .44 Mag or .45 LC and be happy as a butcher's dog.

 

[410-er]

I personally like the original JM Marlins.The oct barrel 44 mag I have gotten a couple deer with.Recently got another 44 mag with round barrel and a 357. The 41 mag is about $2000 + if you find one.
Not a fan of Leverevolution but really like the Hornady XTP in all of them.
Ask the Marlin guys here.Check the 1894 form.

Marlin Firearms Forum

 

[PA-Joe]

Hard to get ammo and cases for the 41.

 

[Marcus99]

I really wish someone made a nice .454 casull lever gun (Rossi does but they're junk). If I were you I'd go with a 44 mag if you're not handloading for it. 45 colt is nice too but IMO the factory loads are too low powered for deer.

 

[blackpowder]

I like the classic................................. the Winchester '94 !!!!

I'd grab up an AE Trapper in .44 Mag or .45 LC and be happy as a butcher's dog.

X2!!! 45 LC for sure. shot that gun and caliber a lot years ago and that is what my son has hunted with for about 20 years. when he shoots, its one shot and deer down!

 

[blackpowder]

I really wish someone made a nice .454 casull lever gun (Rossi does but they're junk). If I were you I'd go with a 44 mag if you're not handloading for it. 45 colt is nice too but IMO the factory loads are too low powered for deer.

we had that problem for years with my son's colt, but there is a ton of "hot" ammo available for them now. I used to have him shoot the factory loads for practice and then I would sight it for our "nitro" loads and have him use them for deer. he never really knew the difference!

 

[Marcus99]

we had that problem for years with my son's colt, but there is a ton of "hot" ammo available for them now. I used to have him shoot the factory loads for practice and then I would sight it for our "nitro" loads and have him use them for deer. he never really knew the difference!

I dont know what gun you're talking about but I reload and in my manuals it specifically states that most 45 colt loads are intended for old guns or modern replicas(revolvers). There is then a whole other section of hot loads which states that they are only for use in modern guns such as ruger blackhawk/redhawk or TC encore/contender, etc... In my research there does seem to be some grey area involving hot loads in modern rifles. I would certainly check with the gun manufacturer to see whether or not they will tolerate the hot loads. 45 LC can be loaded up to virtually equal the 44 mag, but those loads are not safe in many guns designed for the old style loads.

 

[Marcus99]

Its my understanding that the 41mag will not be available until spring, and I would think even then they will be in short supply for a while.

 

[blackpowder]

I dont know what gun you're talking about but I reload and in my manuals it specifically states that most 45 colt loads are intended for old guns or modern replicas(revolvers). There is then a whole other section of hot loads which states that they are only for use in modern guns such as ruger blackhawk/redhawk or TC encore/contender, etc... In my research there does seem to be some grey area involving hot loads in modern rifles. I would certainly check with the gun manufacturer to see whether or not they will tolerate the hot loads. 45 LC can be loaded up to virtually equal the 44 mag, but those loads are not safe in many guns designed for the old style loads.

Winchester model 94 AE trapper in 45 long colt, 16" barrel. all the research was done by my an old friend next door that cast bullets and reloaded for about 40 years. he devoted several hundred rounds to the 45 colt in both the Winchesters and the marlins. that's all the man did was work, cast bullets and shoot. everyone should always proceed on the side of caution, just relaying info from many years and hundreds of rounds shot down range.

 

[blackpowder]

check out Midway USA. Buffalo Arms, 45 colt +P lead free, 225 grain Barnes XPB, 1855 FPS from a Marlin 1894 and also listed for the Winchester. not cheap, but the are great rounds.

 

[GermanHillHunter]

Its my understanding that the 41mag will not be available until spring, and I would think even then they will be in short supply for a while.

The 41mag is already available. They are releasing the 327 fed mag possibly as early as March maybe not until June according to different Internet articles I have read.

 

[tdd]

Whoa, hold the phone.

There's a new 41 Mag lever gun on the market? How'd I miss this???

I have a 41 Mag revolver. A lever gun to go with it would be pretty cool.

The 41 is a neat round. If you're a handloader. Ballistically, it does nothing you can't do with a 44, but if you want to shoot any kind of regular with it, you better handload.

 

[GermanHillHunter]

Well I just got back from my dealer and I decided to go with the 44mag in the Big Boy Steel. I got him to put the .327Fed on advanced order with his distributor for me. Soon as they are released I got one.

 

[Macs' Mountain]

Bighorn Armory does

I really wish someone made a nice .454 casull lever gun (Rossi does but they're junk). If I were you I'd go with a 44 mag if you're not handloading for it. 45 colt is nice too but IMO the factory loads are too low powered for deer.

Here ya go:

Bighorn Armory Model 90 Carbine 460 S&W

Not cheap, but from the reviews I've read, well made.

 

[Marcus99]

Here ya go:

Bighorn Armory Model 90 Carbine 460 S&W

Not cheap, but from the reviews I've read, well made.

For that price it better be well made. I would never spend that on a level rifle.

 

[GermanHillHunter]

For that price it better be well made. I would never spend that on a level rifle.

X2. Man they are nice though.

 

[Macs' Mountain]

For that price it better be well made. I would never spend that on a level rifle.

Well that exact model doesn't temp me, but the one in 500 S&W - now you're talking!! That would be way cool to bring to bear camp

Would it do to PA black bear anything my 45-70 guide gun with top notch reloads won't - probably not, but it's cool factor is way above average!