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Winchester vs. Marlin

Bman74
I want to buy a .44 magnum cowboy rifle and I am trying to decide between a Marlin or a Winchester. Which is better in accuracy, quality of parts, and performance. By performance I mean will not jam or misfire. I would think the Winchester, after all it has stood the test of time but I thought I would ask you guys.
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6 comments

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  • rufe-snow
    There are at least two generations of 44 Mag Winchesters. The original one based on the 94 action, then the Japanese made replicas based on the original Model 92 Winchester. Go with the latter I had one of the original Japanese made ones sold under the Browning name years ago. It was a super quality gun. Very well finished, high quality both internally and externally.
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  • tsr1965
    They are both high quality rifles that have their own attributes. Both designs have been around for over a century. The Miroku made Winchester and Browning 92's are silky smothe, and the Marlins are not far behind. The Marlin's are easier to mount scopes on, as they are side ejection, and come drilled and tapped for scope bases. As the accuracy game goes, they are both outstanding. However, if you get a Marlin 1894CB "Cowboy" model with the octagon barrel, it might have ballard style rifling, and prefer lead cast bullets. The standard Marlin 1894 will like jacketed better, but shoot both.

    Hard choice, so you might have to get one of each! The kind of hard decisions I like!

    Best

    EDIT 1

    I will make an edit to say a few words about the 1892 clones from South America, and Europe. While they are servicable, and will what most want to do, they are no where near the quality of the original 1892, or the Japanese Miroku made Winchester and Brownings. If I was going to get a 92, I would get one I did not have to wonder "what if" about. Also, the Miroku ones have standard sight dovetails, should you decide to replace them. The South American ones have a buzzardized 28 degree one that is not as strong or forgiving.
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  • 45er
    Howdy Bman,

    Weeell, just an observation here, yet did get a chuckle with, "... Winchester, after all it has stood the test of time".-- Oh yes, and so has Marlin since 1870, there abouts. (Not counting mutilple change of ownerships for both these great firearm makers). And Colt vs S&W, and Ford vs Chevy, Pepsi vs Coke, etc. have all stood time, too.

    What I'm getting at is I truely do not believe your questions can be answered, given the fact, as been stated, both rifles up to task.

    I will say when looking to buy rifles in .30-30 lever and .357 lever carbine, both ended up to be Marlins. When comparing, the actions were tighter, the side-eject preferable, I liked the sights better, and, (uh-oh, here comes trouble), I do believe they are inherently stronger. Both have done admireably for 20/30 years with bucou rounds fired. Just couldn't stand the No-Mar Marlin finishs, so slapped a hand-rubbed oil on them which brought out the grain nicely.

    But that all is just one good experience with Marlin, and of course others will have exact same with Winchester. Folks I used to shoot Cowboy with loved their Winnies on equal par and for good reason-- they did the job, too. TSR has the right idea, me thinks.

    45er
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  • templin9
    I have fired both and own a Marlin. As others have said, they are both great gun companies. Both make great guns. One company that I did not see anyone mention Rossi. Rossi makes an excellent Model 1892. I have one in .357/ .38 and she shoots absolutely great. I have taken 150 yard shots accurately with .357 on both the range and in the field. The Rossi out shoots the same calibre in the Marlin and the newer Winchester. The original 1873 and 1892 both out shoot the newer guns, though the Rossi is pretty close to the originals. One thing I recommend is trying a wide variety of ammunition. I like the "Leverevolution" personally. Winchester "Super X" is also pretty good. I would avoid Remington unless you REALLY like cleaning fouling out of your barrel. Avoid Tenex, it is inaccurate as can be and fouls something awful. Those are my thoughts. Good luck with your decision.
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  • MFI
    have you looked at the Henry rifle's made now ? They also to my knowledge make a 44 Magnum lever action Big Boy with octagbn barrel and brass receiver.
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  • rsnyder55
    I have both and if you are going into cowboy shooting, a spare is not a bad thing. In fact, it is almost a necessary thing.

    The Winchester 92 comes up easier, points faster, and is a little easier to carry. The Marlin is no slouch and seems to be a little more accurate.

    In my experience of course.
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