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Lever action and deer hunting question

ljwrench
I've been around here long enough to know I'll get a gazzilion answers to this but my state (Indiana) just passed a rule allowing us to deer hunt with a rifle chambered in handgun cartridge (IE: .357, .44, 45lc, ECT). In the past we could only hunt with shotguns. I'm planning on going on a gun buying spree (XD40SC, AK, and a lever gun) this summer. My question is what would you recommend: Henry Big Boy or Marlin 1894 (I'm leaning towards the Marlin) and in what caliber? I'm not sure between the .44 and the 45LC. When I hunted with the shotgun most of my shots were around 50 yds. Going with the rifle I may be able to take longer shots.
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Comments

27 comments

Date Votes
  • Kimbercolt
    44 magnum
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  • dlrjj
    .44 magnum in the Marlin

    I have three of the Marlins, one Winchester, and a Ruger semi-auto.

    Take the Marlin.
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  • Mk 19
    Lagacy arms puma series in .454 Cassull
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  • CapnMidnight
    Marlin 44 mag.
    W.D.
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  • SCorvers
    Marlin 1894 in .44 Mag. Is there anything else that comes close?
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  • elkoholic
    quote:Originally posted by Mk 19
    Lagacy arms puma series in .454 Cassull


    I like!!!
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  • dcinffxva
    Winchester 94AE Trapper in .44 mag.

    Light, compact enough to fit under raingear, and able to knock down anything in the Virginia hillsides where you rarely get a shot beyond 100 yards.

    DSC03350.jpg
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  • zipperzap
    Marlin .44 Mag - hands down.
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  • GUNFUNCO
    Don't nobody screw up there and maybe we can get that in lower Michigan as well.

    Go with the 44.
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  • JamesRK
    If you're going to get a Marlin you'd better start now. I've had a .44 1894SS on order for a couple of months and they are telling me maybe in another month or two. GOOD LUCK.
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  • use enough gun
    Do they have a list of approved calibers, or is it ANY handgun cartridge? I can think of a BFR in 45/70.[:D]Dave
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  • Permanently deleted user
    If you want a Marlin in 44mag I know were one is (if it has not sold yet). He has a $400 price tag on it (it is used but in excelent condition).

    If you are interested shoot me an email and I will give you his number (it is a gun shop and he will ship).
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  • Mr. Gunz
    Go with the Henery Big Boy in 44 mag
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  • br549
    Marlin 44 Magnum
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  • FEENIX
    Excellent advice from all! Here's one for your thoughts ...

    How about Forkin/Marlin 1894 .50AE


    GAforkin_092905B.jpg


    http://www.gunsandammomag.com/long_guns/forkin_092905/

    Too pricey for my blood. Good luck!
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  • Cubslover
    Marlin in 44mag.

    I'm really looking forward to this year's season. I'm in Indiana as well.
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  • iwannausername
    One more vote for 44 mag... unless you already own a pistol in a different suitable caliber. In that case, match 'em up !
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  • Chief Shaway
    There is talk of this coming to Il also. I have the Marlin in .44 mag as well as a Ruger # 3 in .44 Mag. The # 3 is just dying to shoot an Il buck.
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  • RustyBones
    quote:Originally posted by FEENIX
    Excellent advice from all! Here's one for your thoughts ...

    How about Forkin/Marlin 1894 .50AE


    GAforkin_092905B.jpg


    http://www.gunsandammomag.com/long_guns/forkin_092905/

    Too pricey for my blood. Good luck!


    Now thats a nice Forkin gun!
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  • COLT
    ...44mag. It will perform better at short ranges in heavy brush than the lighter 150-170grn 30-30 Win...and has plenty of power and drops very little out of a 20 or so inch barrel at 100-125 yds...[;)]

    ...Dang James! I just sold a "as new" Marlin in 30-30 WIN. I bought new in 82 (no lawyer safety!) less than 2 bxs shells thru it, was a back up deer rifle that was never used, 99%+ blue/wood
    ...Earlier this year sold a 44mag Marlin that had 150+- rounds thru it not a scratch, and a set of 44 dies, cheap beacause I "stole" it from a guy that did not want a gun in his house([:0][:p])...would/shoulda/coulda..wish Id known sooner!...[;)]

    ani-texas-flag-1.gif
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  • tsr1965
    The marlin would be the most economical for a lever gun. Winchester has licensed out production re-runs of the 1892, and there are some listed on the auction side in 44Mag. They are a little pricey, and I have one in 38-40(euro classic), and it is an awesome shooter. The 44 mag will make a good 100 yard gun in rifle form.
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  • goldeneagle76
    another vote for Marlin 44mag.
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  • Nighthawk
    The .44 Mag is great, but have you considered the 30-30 or .35 Remington. Good Luck!!
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  • Odawgp
    quote:Originally posted by elkoholic
    quote:Originally posted by Mk 19
    Lagacy arms puma series in .454 Cassull


    I like!!!


    Sorry guys, but those are as cheap as they get, some may even come with cheap stamped in the barrel. I handled one at the gun store about a month ago, i did not like it.

    its a toss up for me both henery and marlin are good guns
    pick which ever one feels the best.
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  • He Dog
    Marlin in 44 mag.
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  • fishkiller41
    I had a Rem .35 pump rifle years ago, i believe it was a Model "760"?
    I can't remember, but it performed great, out to 150 yds.Tiny gun too, thought it was a .22 when i first saw it..Their's one on the auction side in .35 Rem. but mine looked like the one thats there in .300 Sav.
    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=77783184

    Jeff
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  • tsr1965
    quote:Originally posted by Nighthawk
    The .44 Mag is great, but have you considered the 30-30 or .35 Remington. Good Luck!!


    I do believe that ljwrench said they were legalizing rifles in PISTOL calibers. Yes, I do realize that some pistols are chambered in 35 Rem. and 30-30, but I would believe the law means straight walled cartriges that were originally chambered in handguns.
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