Marlin 1894 vs Henry Big Boy

[jdwoodbury]

Hi Folks

Looking for a .44MAG underlever and these 2 have hit the short list. Only had the opportunity to handle the Big Boy and I like the feel, finish and action. Some internet research though tells me the Marlin may be the one to go for should I be interested in gallery rifle competition, as it loads via the receiver unlike the Big Boy which has a loading tube. Both are about the same on price but supply of the Marlin is a little more difficult (I will have to travel). My main concern if I have not handled one and don't know what to expect for £1k.

I welcome peoples thoughts, especially those who have shot both.

JD

[WelshShooter]

I can only vouch for the Marlin 1894 in .357 mag as I own one. I prefer the side loading gate compared to the loading tube which can be a bit of a faff. There's good availability of spare parts for the Marlin and aftermarket parts should you want this. Although the action wasn't amazingly smooth to begin with, I stripped it down and gave it a little polish on the bearing surfaces and the rifle now cycles like a dream. I've close to 4,000 rounds with no problems. The rifle is fun to use!

You'll need to find out the serial number of the Marlin as Marlin were bought out by Remington a few years back. These initial rifles made by Remington were of very poor quality, e.g. lots of machining marks left behind. I'm not sure what the new ones are like now, but the older ones are certainly not to be passed up!

Have a good read up on both rifles, hopefully, someone with a Henry Big Boy can chip in!

[ovenpaa]

A vote for the Marlin and Remlin here, we regularly shoot both however my competition gun is a Remlin and it is a superb rifle to shoot.

[jdwoodbury]

I am looking at brand new BTW, I have just noticed them coming into the country in the last month.

[dromia]

I really like the Henry Big Boys and would get one before a new Marlin.

The only "benefit" a Marlin gives is the loading gate on the receiver which is handy if you want to use speedloaders, other than that the Henry beats the new Marlins hands down and are cheaper to boot.

Personally I am shooting a couple of Uberti underlevers a Henry in 44-40 and 1873 carbine in 38-40 and I am very impressed, these Italian guns are top quality nowadays and also be considered.

[Dark Skies]

I can't speak for the Remlin .44 as I have the 'proper' Marlin. I don't know if Remington have managed to keep the handling and accuracy together.
I have seen one or two new 'old' Marlins about but they were asking silly money.

Having said that I've found these to be akin to the Ruger 10/22 in accuracy when fed with Cowboy Action .44 Special made by Magtech. I've won a number of golds and silvers with this rifle and to be honest I basically point and plink - it can take all the credit for my accuracy, I just hold it and squeeze the trigger.

[bradaz11]

i've had a big boy in 44, currently own a henry mares leg in 357, a rossi 92 in 44 and an uberti 1873 in 44.

I have shot a few marlins

If I had to buy one again, I'd get the Uberti, it's beautiful.

[greenshoots]

i would go with a rossi 92

greenshoots

[falco67]

I was going to ask a similar question as I have just been granted a slot for a 44 magnum under leaver. However instead of a Marlin I have had a look at a Chiappa. Anyone with experience of these Italians. The reviews I have seen look pretty good
Regards
Geoff

[phaedra1106]

Apparently Remlin have re-blueprinted the production machinery and the quality has improved, still not to the previous standards from days of old though.

For competition I wouldn't recommend the Henry, they are superb quality rifles (I have two in 44) but heavy and slower for competition use using the tube magazine.

For general shooting the Henry is the mutts nuts, it feels nice, shoots ragged 1 hole groups (if I do my bit!) and always leaves me with a smile on my face, what's not to like? :)