Would you rather have a Winchester Trapper (think it's a newer model) or a Marlin 1894 made in possibly around 1986. According to the friend that's seen them the Winchester is mint and the Marlin is about 90%, and what value do you think these should hold. Thanks, DD
The Winchester was made in 1992 if that makes a difference

For me, the deciding factor would be twist rate. I love 300 grain bullets in the .44 Magnum.

Otherwise it's a coin toss. I presently own both Winchester and Marlin lever rifles.

In good condition is $400-$500 fair on each of these?

Pick the one you like, that's a good price for either. Monetarily the Winchester is worth more than the Marlin. Best route, buy 'em both and sell the one you don't like to offset the cost of the other.

I really like my trapper in 44 mag, and a buddy has a marlin 1894 in 44 mag as well. No telling how many deer I've had to help drag because of his rifle.

I think they are both nice rifles. I've seen the Trappers on GunBroker for about 600-750 dollars.

You'd be surprised what a JM stamped pre safety Marlin 1894 brings though. They ain't cheap.

Thanks again, should know if they will part with either one in the next couple days...

I have a 6 pound Win 94 ranger [trapper with hardwood stock] in 45 Colt, that I got for $300 at BIG5 in 2004.

Same deal Joe got:
http://www.realguns.com/Commentary/comar113.htm


Mine shoots 3 moa and kicks me into next week with 250 gr 1550 fps. [44 mag 240 gr 24 gr H110 30 kpsi should make the ~same recoil as my 45C 250 gr 24 gr H110 22 kpsi]
Easy to mount a scope.
Easy to add a recoil pad.
Never any type of malfunction.

Recoil Warning:
Don't even think about starting the wife or little kids with the recoil of a 6 pound rifle at 1550 fps 250 gr.
But go ahead and hand it to your brother in law.

I'd go with the Marlin.

I had a Marlin, but it wouldn't feed the cast bullet loads as they were too long. Otherwise I really liked my Marlin. I sold it due to it not being able to feed the longer cast bullet loads tho. My 44's almost always are being fed cast loads.

Whichever one that doesn't have the cross-bolt safety

If you can get a Winchester, grab it. I had a trails end, a newer marlin with Ballard and now one with micro groove rifling. I should have never gotten rid of the first 2.

I find nothing wrong with the cross bolt safety, it can be replaced with a plug that fits flush with the receiver. The pre-1978 models with out the safety used an extractor which is almost impossible to find if a replacement is needed. A passed on two 1894 sporter models because of the old extractor.

Doc

I prefer my WW Trapper 94 over all of my Lever Action rifles. It's just so light and handy for walking, and mine is EXTEMELY accurate with LBT WFN Cast bullets.

a friend decided he wanted a 44 mag rifle and he preferred the win but best gun we could find at time was a very nice marlin with case color hardened lever ,trigger handle and gold inletted lettering. i'll look for pics not sure if i have any.This gun shoots great.Personally i prefer the marlin with flat top side eject instead of angle eject.I just read somewhere this morn about 44 mag rifle maybe in handloader about the marlin can be smithed to take a longer cast bullet and the winnie can not.

Want to add that my Marlin Lever Actions are usually more accurate than my Winchester's. My little WW Trapper .44 just happens to be the exception to the rule.
Not a thing wrong with the Marlins. The JM stamped guns are super nice rifles.