New lever gun came my way.

Rube Burrows · Post by **Rube Burrows** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 4:41 pm

Had an AR rifle that i put up on the trading block last week and got a trade offer that suited us both fine so I traded it for a new lever gun, a revolver and about 400 rounds of ammo.

The rifle is a Marlin 1894 ss in .44mag with a ghost ring sight. Has a rail for it also. The revolver is a Ruger Super Blackhawk ss in .44mag also. Ruger told me it's a Lipsey's special license product with the 3.75" barrel.

I have a Winchester in .44 mag but it's so pristine that I don't take it out much. This Marlin should get some use.

pshort · Post by **pshort** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 5:02 pm

Howdy,
Ya done good..... Nice stuff....
I have an AR and others, but my favorite is a .44 mag carbine...

Paul

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 5:54 pm

That Marlin looks pretty pristine also! That Ruger's gonna have a pretty good bark!

gamekeeper · Post by **gamekeeper** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 5:57 pm

Nice trade!

jeepnik · Post by **jeepnik** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 6:55 pm

You gave up an AR. I'm proud of you. And you made out like a bandit on this one.

jazman · Post by **jazman** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 7:14 pm

Wow, great trade in my view.

earlmck · Post by **earlmck** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 7:27 pm

gamekeeper wrote:Nice trade!

I second that motion!

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 7:33 pm

Griff wrote:That Marlin looks pretty pristine also! That Ruger's gonna have a pretty good bark!

I was thinkin' both of the same things...

My 1894SS is one of my "last one I'd ever part with" guns (...come to think of it, I got - er, uh, several in that category....

)

Daisyman · Post by **Daisyman** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 7:52 pm

Good trade! Plastic and aluminum going for a lever gun and a Ruger.

Rube Burrows · Post by **Rube Burrows** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 8:00 pm

Thanks guys. I liked the trade pretty good myself. Still have a few lowers I can build up some time. I seem to always build a nice AR and then the cowboy style guns call my name again and they ARs get traded.

The Marlin is a JM and is in excellent condition itself.

plowboy 45 · Post by **plowboy 45** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 10:00 pm

Nice trade there Rube
If you ever get up north a little give me a holler, we'll do a little shootin

PLOWBOY

Post by **Chuck 100 yd** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 10:45 pm

Ya did great on that trade. Enjoy!

Rube Burrows · Post by **Rube Burrows** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 10:45 pm

plowboy 45 wrote:Nice trade there Rube
If you ever get up north a little give me a holler, we'll do a little shootin

PLOWBOY

10-4 to that.

2X22 · Post by **2X22** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 12:13 am

jeepnik wrote:You gave up an AR. I'm proud of you. And you made out like a bandit on this one.

This ^^^^^!

An absolutely fantastic trade.

M. M. Wright · Post by **M. M. Wright** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 7:33 am

Did ya at least kiss 'im?

Bronco · Post by **Bronco** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 10:33 am

For me, something special about a rifle and handgun shooting the same center fire cartridge

John

Rube Burrows · Post by **Rube Burrows** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 11:01 am

Bronco wrote:For me, something special about a rifle and handgun shooting the same center fire cartridge

John

I can def. agree there. I have a few .45 Colt Rifle/Revolver combos that I really love.

JohndeFresno · Post by **JohndeFresno** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 12:13 pm

Very nice looking combo! Great transaction!

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 12:22 pm

Very nice.....

stretch · Post by **stretch** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 6:34 pm

That there is a nice combination.

-Stretch

fordwannabe · Post by **fordwannabe** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 7:08 pm

Ya done good buddy. I might suggest you send that Ruger right to magna-port. I bought one of the first 44 mags when they started offering the rounded triggerguard and five shots into the first cylinder full I put it down and said to my buddy. That Bi^* is going to magnaport tomorrow. When it cam back it was much nicer to shoot....with 310 lee fps.

ollogger · Post by **ollogger** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 9:50 pm

[quote="Rube Burrows"]Thanks guys. I liked the trade pretty good myself. Still have a few lowers I can build up some time. I seem to always build a nice AR and then the cowboy style guns call my name again and they ARs get traded.

The Marlin is a JM and is in excellent condition itself.[/quote

if I could trade ARs for guns like that, I would be building ARs in a frenzy
Very nice guns!!!

ollogger

Lever-Lover · Post by **Lever-Lover** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 10:27 pm

Very nice looking pair! Great pics of them, too!

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 11:47 pm

fordwannabe wrote:Ya done good buddy. I might suggest you send that Ruger right to magna-port. I bought one of the first 44 mags when they started offering the rounded triggerguard and five shots into the first cylinder full I put it down and said to my buddy. That Bi^* is going to magnaport tomorrow. When it cam back it was much nicer to shoot....with 310 lee fps.

I have the factory ported S&W 629PP.....it's mo betta than unported.

MrMurphy · Post by **MrMurphy** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 12:06 am

I had the blued equivalent (same sights) in a Marlin.

Excellent gun. I traded it for a Mauser as it was more useful to me, but the .44, despite kicking harder than it should in that gun, was a good shooter.

Nath · Post by **Nath** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 3:07 am

Waaay better than an ar.
Me thinks the other trader lost out!

N

TWHBC · Post by **TWHBC** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 8:59 am

Nice trade!!
Now you are covered from 150yds.down to your belly button with a big bore!

Rube Burrows · Post by **Rube Burrows** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 10:00 am

fordwannabe wrote:Ya done good buddy. I might suggest you send that Ruger right to magna-port. I bought one of the first 44 mags when they started offering the rounded triggerguard and five shots into the first cylinder full I put it down and said to my buddy. That Bi^* is going to magnaport tomorrow. When it cam back it was much nicer to shoot....with 310 lee fps.

I may do that. I was thinking that this little short barrel may be a pain to shoot.

Rube Burrows · Post by **Rube Burrows** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 10:02 am

Lever-Lover wrote:Very nice looking pair! Great pics of them, too!

Thanks.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 1:44 pm

Very nice trade.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 1:57 pm

This is NOT meant to be cold water, but check your local F&W regs about hunting with a <4" BBL....lots of states dictate a 4" or better BBL

(I love my little 4 5/8" SBH. IMO, throwing out a 300 grainer at about 900 - 1100 fps is very civilized to shoot, and will do for about anything you want to make DRT)

fordwannabe · Post by **fordwannabe** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 6:22 pm

HAHA ha Rube said it might be a pain to shoot....that's what I was r\trying to tell ya. It was a pain to shoot...LITERALLY!

7.62 Precision · Post by **7.62 Precision** » Fri Feb 05, 2016 1:54 am

Nice! Can't think of an AR that I wouldn't trade for those two guns.

Dan 444 · Post by **Dan 444** » Fri Feb 05, 2016 8:01 am

Very nice rifle! Good trade!

Dan

Rube Burrows · Post by **Rube Burrows** » Fri Feb 05, 2016 12:18 pm

fordwannabe wrote:HAHA ha Rube said it might be a pain to shoot....that's what I was r\trying to tell ya. It was a pain to shoot...LITERALLY!

I am not completely sure I am going to keep the Ruger though. I originally listed the AR for sale because I was wanting to get my son a new pair of Cowboy pistols for cowboy action matches. I was not looking for trades ( I had plenty trade offers that I was not interested in) till I was offered this deal of the Marlin, Ruger and Ammo.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Fri Feb 05, 2016 1:36 pm

Rube Burrows wrote:
fordwannabe wrote:HAHA ha Rube said it might be a pain to shoot....that's what I was r\trying to tell ya. It was a pain to shoot...LITERALLY!
I am not completely sure I am going to keep the Ruger though. I originally listed the AR for sale because I was wanting to get my son a new pair of Cowboy pistols for cowboy action matches. I was not looking for trades ( I had plenty trade offers that I was not interested in) till I was offered this deal of the Marlin, Ruger and Ammo.

Depending on what size his hands are, that Ruger will be fine with downloaded 44Spls... Starting at about 8, my son handled a Colt SAA fine... with my cowboy loads... Stick with light for caliber bullets and you might be surprised at how well he handles 'em.

JohndeFresno · Post by **JohndeFresno** » Fri Feb 05, 2016 1:41 pm

Rube Burrows wrote: I am not completely sure I am going to keep the Ruger though...

Never surrender your inheritance for a bowl of soup.
And nebbah, nebbah, evah get rid of a good gun!

Either way, you will regret it.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Fri Feb 05, 2016 1:47 pm

JohndeFresno wrote:
Rube Burrows wrote: I am not completely sure I am going to keep the Ruger though...
Never surrender your inheritance for a bowl of soup.
And nebbah, nebbah, evah get rid of a good gun!

Either way, you will regret it.

It would be way cool with .44 Special-level loads.

Rube Burrows · Post by **Rube Burrows** » Fri Feb 05, 2016 1:47 pm

Griff wrote:
Rube Burrows wrote:
fordwannabe wrote:HAHA ha Rube said it might be a pain to shoot....that's what I was r\trying to tell ya. It was a pain to shoot...LITERALLY!
I am not completely sure I am going to keep the Ruger though. I originally listed the AR for sale because I was wanting to get my son a new pair of Cowboy pistols for cowboy action matches. I was not looking for trades ( I had plenty trade offers that I was not interested in) till I was offered this deal of the Marlin, Ruger and Ammo.
Depending on what size his hands are, that Ruger will be fine with downloaded 44Spls... Starting at about 8, my son handled a Colt SAA fine... with my cowboy loads... Stick with light for caliber bullets and you might be surprised at how well he handles 'em.

His rifle is .357.

I will prob. just put a little more money back and keep both and just buy his pistols. He used to use the Ruger SASS .357s. Should have never sold those.

JohndeFresno · Post by **JohndeFresno** » Fri Feb 05, 2016 3:20 pm

Rube Burrows wrote: ...He used to use the Ruger SASS .357s. Should have never sold those.

'Swhat I said!

Experience speaks. I won't embarrass meself by admitting to the great guns I have divested myself of.
(Banging my head against the dented wall again)

Rube Burrows · Post by **Rube Burrows** » Fri Feb 05, 2016 4:05 pm

JohndeFresno wrote:
Rube Burrows wrote: ...He used to use the Ruger SASS .357s. Should have never sold those.
'Swhat I said!

Experience speaks. I won't embarrass meself by admitting to the great guns I have divested myself of.
(Banging my head against the dented wall again)

Yeah, I went years and years without ever selling a gun and then sold off a few and regret most everyone so I am with you on that.

Rube Burrows · Post by **Rube Burrows** » Sun Feb 07, 2016 9:43 am

Well got out yesterday and did some shooting. Both guns shoot great. The Ruger does have some pop to it and the slick grip don't help it any.

The Marlin really slings the lead.

Frank V · Post by **Frank V** » Sun Feb 07, 2016 3:39 pm

Rube Burrows wrote:
fordwannabe wrote:Ya done good buddy. I might suggest you send that Ruger right to magna-port. I bought one of the first 44 mags when they started offering the rounded triggerguard and five shots into the first cylinder full I put it down and said to my buddy. That Bi^* is going to magnaport tomorrow. When it cam back it was much nicer to shoot....with 310 lee fps.

I may do that. I was thinking that this little short barrel may be a pain to shoot.

Rube, I think you made a good trade too the Marlins are a great rifle especially the JM Marlins.
As for the short bbl on the Ruger I've put a lot of .44Mags downrange that are loaded to hot .44 Special velocities & they are very managable. We don't have to run them full throttle all the time. Most times a 245gr .44 cal SWC at 950-1000fps will do what needs to be done. Penetration is almost unbelievable with a hard bullet, & shot placement is what counts, loads in the 950-1000fps range are pretty easy to control. Give it a try I think you will like it.
Good shooting.

Rube Burrows · Post by **Rube Burrows** » Sun Feb 07, 2016 4:55 pm

Frank V wrote:
Rube Burrows wrote:
fordwannabe wrote:Ya done good buddy. I might suggest you send that Ruger right to magna-port. I bought one of the first 44 mags when they started offering the rounded triggerguard and five shots into the first cylinder full I put it down and said to my buddy. That Bi^* is going to magnaport tomorrow. When it cam back it was much nicer to shoot....with 310 lee fps.

I may do that. I was thinking that this little short barrel may be a pain to shoot.

Rube, I think you made a good trade too the Marlins are a great rifle especially the JM Marlins.
As for the short bbl on the Ruger I've put a lot of .44Mags downrange that are loaded to hot .44 Special velocities & they are very managable. We don't have to run them full throttle all the time. Most times a 245gr .44 cal SWC at 950-1000fps will do what needs to be done. Penetration is almost unbelievable with a hard bullet, & shot placement is what counts, loads in the 950-1000fps range are pretty easy to control. Give it a try I think you will like it.
Good shooting.

I do believe some .44mag/.44spl dies are in my near future.

Frank V · Post by **Frank V** » Mon Feb 08, 2016 7:32 pm

Rube, good for you.
Once you start reloading for the .44 Mag you will see what a great cartridge it is. It is as versatile as most any cartridge & can be loaded from light loads almost in the .38 Special range to full house magnums.

You will like it, then if you get into casting your own bullets well..............
Keep us informed as to your progress.

Rube Burrows · Post by **Rube Burrows** » Mon Feb 08, 2016 7:46 pm

Frank V wrote:Rube, good for you.
Once you start reloading for the .44 Mag you will see what a great cartridge it is. It is as versatile as most any cartridge & can be loaded from light loads almost in the .38 Special range to full house magnums.
You will like it, then if you get into casting your own bullets well..............
Keep us informed as to your progress.

I would eventually like to start casting bullets but no definite plans on that yet. I have always enjoyed shooting the .44mag but have never loaded for it.

JohndeFresno · Post by **JohndeFresno** » Tue Feb 09, 2016 1:42 pm

Rube Burrows wrote:
Frank V wrote:Rube, good for you.
...the .44 Mag... is as versatile as most any cartridge & can be loaded from light loads almost in the .38 Special range to full house magnums. )
You will like it, then if you get into casting your own bullets well...
I would eventually like to start casting bullets but no definite plans on that yet. I have always enjoyed shooting the .44mag but have never loaded for it.

Based upon what you have stated here, I would recommend Unique as possibly the best all around (and generally most often stocked) powder for your reloading needs. It was so named because of its unique ability to work for such a wide range of loads, and still is one of the kings of powders.

I love to practice with 1,000 fps 240 grain cast loads in my .44 Magnum - my favorite overall choice, with a couple of .45 Colt loads edging in at a close 2nd.

As for handloading: I am unaware of any store bought light loads like this, and I think I remember a commercial loader (Buffalo Bore) that has some light loads, but they are quite expensive as I remember. Handloading makes a lot more sense, and I think it is a lot of fun to boot. I don't have the additional time to cast my own, but there are many great outlets where you can purchase cast bullets and still save money over purchasing factory ammo.

This particular mild .44 Magnum load is a safe pressure for any reliable .44 Mag handgun; more like a warm or hot .44 Special load. The longer .44 Mag cases make it quite safe in the Mag platform, while its recoil is pretty tame, allowing fairly quick second shots. It is my absolute favorite plinking and fun load:
240 Gr. SWC BB (Bevel Base) Moly coated Keith Style Magnus hard cast bullet, .430, their Lot # 701M
9.0 gr. Unique
CCI 300 Lg Pistol primers, Winchester brass (Win brass reportedly gives many loads vs. price)
(Above - primers, brass - not all that critical; other components might work better in your gun)
COAL (Overall Cartridge Length) 1.610 inches
Actual MV from 6.5 in. Taurus Model 44SS6 (Stainless 6 inch DA revolver): 1,078 fps (chronographed)

Brinnell hardnesss of this cast bullet is reportedly 18-20, per the supplier
Bullets touch at 15 yards when I am in shooting shape, very tight at 25 yds

I also use Unique for .38 practice rounds and stouter loads in .38's and my .357 Magnum 6 inch. Unique is my choice for light practice loads in an old aluminum lightweight .38 snubbie (to preserve the ol' fella) and it is very reliable for me.

Like mentioned above, your shelf is not complete without Unique.

Frank V · Post by **Frank V** » Tue Feb 09, 2016 3:30 pm

We have a lot of store bought light loads for the .44 mag. They are called .44 Specials & work just fine. I've probably fired as many or more .44 Specials in the .44 mag as I have magnums. Clean the chambers afterward & you are good to go. The problem is we don't find them as cheap as say the 9mm or .38 Special.

JohndeFresno · Post by **JohndeFresno** » Wed Feb 10, 2016 2:09 am

Frank V wrote:We have a lot of store bought light loads for the .44 mag. They are called .44 Specials & work just fine. I've probably fired as many or more .44 Specials in the .44 mag as I have magnums. Clean the chambers afterward & you are good to go. The problem is we don't find them as cheap as say the 9mm or .38 Special.

Frank,
Yes, true for light loads for the .44 caliber.

I was addressing a true "mid-range" load in .44 caliber for the 240 grain cast bullet at 1,000 fps.

Aside from the expensive and less available Buffalo Bore "Heavy Load" .44 Special, I have not found a commonly available, street stocked .44 caliber load using a 240 grainer at 1,000 fps; only loads that run about 700 to 850 fps (.44 Specials) or .44 Magnum loads in that bullet weight at a higher velocity.

What have I missed? Do you know of one that is stocked on the shelves (.44 caliber, 240 grs, 1,000 fps)?

piller · Post by **piller** » Wed Feb 10, 2016 4:06 am

I have a couple of rifle/pistol pairs which shoot the same cartridge. It works fine for me. You could load down a little for the pistol, and it would still come out pretty fast from the rifle. I do suggest that you find what is most accurate in the rifle and use that load in both. With the rifle in hand, you will use that more ranges of 50 yards up to 150 yards, and at 25 to 50, either will do great. Less than 25 yards, then the pistol will be handier, but at that range, the loads which are more accurate in the rifle will still be plenty accurate in the pistol.