What's the difference?

[Guest dakota.d]

Im having trouble choosing between the Winchester Model 92 Case Hardened Sporter, Winchester 1892 Deluxe Octagon, and Marlin 1894 Cowboy in the 44 mag. What's the main differences? Which one to go with?

[f3joel]

Well the main differences I know of would be top eject or side eject.

Wouldn't matter too much unless you plan on using a scope.

The octagon barrels look great IMO.

My brother just bought a Henry big boy .44 with the octagon barrel, really sweet but I don't like the way you load it.

The marlin is side eject.

If you get a marlin 1894, I would highly recommend looking at the barrel where it meets the receiver for the stamp.

What you want to see is a "JM" stamp on the left side, if you see "REP" on the right it is a remlin

Edited March 6, 2012 by f3joel

[Guest dakota.d]

Is the price difference worth going with the winchester or stick with the marlin. Or are you paying for what you get between the 2?

[f3joel]

I'm not sure, never handled one of the winchester levers.

I am sure they are fine guns.

If you can find one a browning 92 would be another one to consider.

[Guest Papabear]

I have both types of rifles. I have a Winchester 92 and a Rossi clone 92. And a Marlin 1894 all used for cowboy action shooting. It's a personal preference on what type you like. Myself I perfer the Marlin over the 92's I like the side eject as I am not a fan of brass on the top of my head. I also find the action on the Marlin fits my shooting style a little better as the lever does not have to be worked quite as far. Your not getting a bad rifle either style you go with but I don't think personally the winchester would be worth any kind of premium over a marlin.

[Westwindmike]

I started Cowboy Action Shooting with a Winchester. It wasn't long till I went to a Marlin. The Marlin action could be levered much faster and still function. The Winchester tended to jam if levered too fast. But, if you aren't shooting in competition, then it shouldn't matter.

[hipower]

Haven't shot either in years, but my dad was a lever action fan for a while. As I remember it, he prefered the Marlin, and that's what I kinda grew into.

[DWARREN123]

I like the Marlins best. I think the receiver is a little stronger and the Marlins just feel better to me.