I want a lever in 44 Rem Mag to go along with my Ruger 44 carbines. Which manufacturer and why? Would be interested in shooting heavier loads also, so twist rate may be of some importance. I will not limit it to current manufactured guns either. If there is a Browning 92 repo that might be on the radar let me know your thoughts why. Going to be used as a hunting gun. Will be using peeps so not important for scope mounting. I would not want to ruin the handiness by scoping a 44 lever gun. Thanks for your input.

Rules out Marlin. Unless they pull their heads out of their butts and quit using the damn 1 in 38" twist

I'd love a 1894 SBL but not risking that twist

I don't know how heavy you want to go, but my 1894 shoots the 270 gr Speers well. With the XS sights its a damn handy rifle.

I had a Winchester 92 for quite a few years. They will handle heavier bullets than the marlin. I used a 300 grain cast bullet exclusively. Very good big game bullet. The Winchester 92/44 is actually gaining in popularity up here as a wolf gun. They are very reliable and dont freeze up when carried around in the winter on snow machines. I know a couple of guys that swear by them.

If you can find a Browning B-92 in 44 mag it is worth the price. I have one and it shoots the 300 gr Nosler just fine.

Its heavy..... but I really enjoy shooting the Henry silver. Amazingly accurate with 240/250 gr bullets.

+1 on the Browning 92, I love mine.

My favorite was a Winchester 94 trapper. It'd handle OAL which would not feed through a '92 clone or Marlin 1894. Regardless of what SHOULD happen, what DID happen is it shot very well with long 300s .. 3/4 inch or less at 50 yards .. despite the 1-38" twist.

Buying today, new, I'd go with a Marlin 1894, either the Cowboy rifle or the new SBL.

Tom

I'm a big fan of my recent 92 Winchester. Shoot mostly 240gr SWC's through it.

Ruger 96? Be a great companion to your carbine.

My dad has a Henry as well and he really likes it.

why are you interested in shooting heavy loads? isn't the 240 grain stuff standard 44 mag? I spent the day shooting an 1894 in 357, funnest rifle I have shot, an absolute hoot. get an 1894!

You might wanna make sure the heavy load OAL will cycle and make your decision on that.

It lore about being able to shoot cast lead bullets. Cant really do that with my ruger auto carbines

I've never had any issue with 285-310gr cast bullets out of Marlin's 1:38. In fact, they print as tight as the gun will go for 3 shots of full-power or +P ammo. Think as you will, though, naysayers. Most guys don't understand twist rates anyway. I recommend the Marlin. One reason the Marlin wins for me is that it is straightforward to file the cartridge stop back and shoot longer-than-standard rounds, thus making more powder space in the case, thus making the Marlin that much more of a powerhouse if desired, and it still feeds 44 Special stubbies like butter, too. So I get 23gr of H110 under heavies, and they shoot as fast as 240gr factory ammo, and for me print into an inch for 3 past 100yds.

I'd buy an older one though, manufactured by Marlin, and with the Ballard Rifling.

I went with a large loop Henry as a carrying around rifle for targets of opportunity walking the woods scouting when other hunting seasons might be open, or shots at coyotes I might encounter.
As for a scope, a guide friend of mine says "Anybody that would put a scope on a lever gun would drink his own bath water", no offense meant of course, just hunting camp talk!

I have the Uberti 1873 replica in 44 Mag. Unfortunately, they don't make that one with the case hardened receiver, just straight blued.

It lets you know when you touch one off. Dad has .41 Mag in a pre-Remington Marlin carbine. It's a lot more pleasant to shoot.

I went with the Henry steel

If your planning to shoot cast bullets stay away from Marlin Micro grove & slow twist. I personally own a Win. Legacy 24" Bbl. Faster twist & traditionally square rifling. Very accurate with any cast bullet I've shot up to 310gr. Shoot my own cast bullets. No matter what brand you buy if you wish to shoot cast bullets look to traditional square cut rifling.

I'm another fan of the Browning B92. If you can find one, it will make a fine rifle. The Ruger 96/44 is a good rifle also, but the Browning is better in my opinion. I have both rifles.

The Browning 92 is a fine rifle but if you plan on using cast just be aware that their barrels are similar to Marlin microgroove barrels. That's not to say they won't shoot cast but you do you need to treat them much like Marlin microgroove barrels to get the best out of them.

Use as large a diameter bullet as will chamber and feed in the rifle (aim for 0.433-0.434"). Ideally use a hard alloy and a GC. RNFP or TC designs function best. If you follow this formula you will be rewarded with groups on a par with those using jacketed bullets.

Despite the slow twist (1 in 38"), the rifle will stabilise and accurately shoot 300 gr cast bullets. The truth is its not the twist that is the problem, it's the shallow rifling, large groove diameter and the long throat (approx 0.22").

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/796048926

This is my RUGER 96 which I bought to replace my older Marlin 1894. Its far more accurate but the hardwood stock is plain.

Sherwood

I have a like-new, high-quality Winchester Mod 92 style rifle in 44 mag if you may be interested. I bought it about 15 yrs ago.

If using peep sights, the Browning will require drilling holes.