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Rifle decision
Nanuq907
Member Posts: 2,552 ✭✭✭✭
After reading everyone commenting on Marlin model 1894s lately I've spent probably too much time looking and drooling at them. I already have a Marline .357mag lever action, and a Mossberg 12ga chock full of magnum slugs and 00 Buck. My primary concern is 1,200# brown bears running toward me on close trails.
Do I "neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed" a Model 1894 in .44mag? Or have I fallen into the trap of "My Precious, I must have it"? I'd think a magnum 12ga. slug out of the Mossberg is more of a bear deterrent than a Marlin.
Someone talk me out of it?
Do I "neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed" a Model 1894 in .44mag? Or have I fallen into the trap of "My Precious, I must have it"? I'd think a magnum 12ga. slug out of the Mossberg is more of a bear deterrent than a Marlin.
Someone talk me out of it?
Comments
Congratulations on a great decision. Just do it......
🥴😊
Go for it they're great rifles. Buffalo Bore has a nice heavy load for it
You can get the .44mag with a 20” barrel that will hold 10 rounds. I think the largest capacity I’ve seen on the 12 Ga pump is 8.
Both should hold enough. I don’t think reloading is an option you’d have.
Something else to think about.
I have a Ruger .44mag Carbine. (Semi-auto) paired up with a Ruger Super Blackhawk (also in .44mag)
4 in the mag 1 in the pipe, when expecting Bear.
1: The pump shotgun is going to be easier to maintain than a Marlin lever gun AND cheaper. A Mossberg 500 is a consumable.
2: Depending on your experience and skill, the shotgun might be easier to hit with and cycle than a lever gun.
I'm a longtime user of a pump shotgun and know full well the rate of "AIMED" fire can be impressive. I'm also not a fan of "magnum" slugs (or buckshot for that matter) for close range use. At 50', the penetration capability of the slug is more important than the velocity. "Magnum" just slows rate of fire because of recoil.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/880589104
Bob
If you see some bear scat with Pieces of a Bear spray can, pieces of clothes and bones that would be a Griz.
Also take someone with you that you can outrun.
PS: Shucks you could even down load it for deer.
I do some camping in western Pa so black bear is our concern. Either a 357 mag or 45 auto on my hip, but the 12 gauge is always within reach.
Nanuq
https://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/pubs/gtr152.pdf
I found some magnum shells that have two 3/4" lead balls and those things are devastating. At 40 yards the balls only separate about 2" so they make a nice long diagonal opening in whatever you're aiming at. I'm thinking two spheres 3/4" diameter in lead will probably carry more kinetic energy than one slug, and make a much bigger hole. Anyone else tried these?
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/50-rds-12-gauge-2-3-4-2-round-ball-shotgun-ammo?a=864940
I have some that duplicate the old buck and ball load one 58 cal ball and 9 00 pellets so far the only thing I've shot with them was a evil watermelon pretty much turned it into a fine mist
+1
I like both the Winchester holds a edge on looks for me but I like the Marlin better for a hunting rifle
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
This is the stupidest pile of horse hockey in the history of ever,
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
Seems like a good way to go to me.....
Years ago a woman killed an attacking polar bear by stuffing her mitten down his throat and choking him to death.
I have mittens but I don't carry them for bear defense. Both the bear and I are dead serious.