44 mag deer rifle

[dougd]

Hey guys, just wondering if anyone uses a 44 mag as there main deer gun. If so what do you recommend? Marlin 1894, Ruger 77/44, Winchester, Henry.... I have shot Spainys Marlin, and now I am pretty sure that I NEED one. Just not sure if the wife agrees. Any ideas?

 

[bowhunter_1978]

My friend thumped a huge buck with a Ruger 96/44, I shot it, it was nice!

 

[cce1302]

Hey guys, just wondering if anyone uses a 44 mag as there main deer gun.

I don't; I use a shotgun, but I'd like to contribute.

If so what do you recommend? Marlin 1894, Ruger 77/44, Winchester, Henry.... I have shot Spainys Marlin, and now I am pretty sure that I NEED one. Just not sure if the wife agrees. Any ideas?

Yes. You do need one. You need to convince the wife to agree. Yes, all of those are great guns.

 

[SteelersFan]

Marlin

Got a Marlin a couple months ago ready to take it out.

 

[tedbower]

got a henry last year ,great gun

 

[dougd]

It sounds like everyone that has one loves it... so since I have my AR, it looks like the 44 will have to be next. Anybody have any bad experiences?

 

[jontheturboguy]

Ruger deer slayer. Pretty good to about 100yds.

 

[spainy79]

To hell with your wife, buy one! (she doesn't read the forums does she?) I'm gonna get slapped the next time I stop by.

 

[Stainer]

I got a question to add to this thread because I am curious. What is the stopping power like compared to a 20 or 12 gauge? I have put three deer down with less than a 100 yard run from all of them, I'm sure with the perfect shot it would be the same with this, but what about a less perfect shot, maybe a little low, back, high, or front? Also has anyone had one drop immediately from a 44 mag shot? Thanks guys

 

[jontheturboguy]

The 9pt I got this year dropped @ 100yd. I had to do a follow up shot, but thats because Im a bas'tad with a heart.

 

[Lock n Load]

I have had many one shot stop/ dropped deer using a Ruger Redhawk 7.5" .44 mag., a few have taken some steps but never out of sight.

I also use the same .44 mag bullets in the muzzle loaders, they work very well too.

This thread was timed very well, I am looking at a used Ruger .44 rifle, the price is the only thing making me hesitate!!!

 

[mistergreentree]

I have a Marlin 1894 that I got for last season...took an 8 pointer at 75 yards...it put him down immediately. I wouldn't trade that little gun for anything...absolutely love it.

 

[fullauto 45]

I use a Ruger 44 carbin, and have one for sale. Great gun. Love them. Almost bought another one Saturday.

 

[fireball168]

Marlin 1984 is hard to beat. Gander Mountain in Castleton has a couple for $479.

 

[Kcustom45]

I bought a Marlin 336 in .44Mag years ago and was very excited when Indiana allowed .44mag rifles for hunting. I know I am good out to 100 yards, which I don't even think I can see 100 yards where I hunt.

I took a small 5 point buck with this set up last year.

The best part I think is getting to work up my own hunting loads.

 

[indyjoe]

I love my Marlin 1894 in .44 Mag. XS Ghostring Sights and I'm accurate out past 100 yards.

 

[ggglobert9]

350 yards running full speed...All I did was yell "here dear"...elevated the gun to approx45 degrees, checked to make sure it was not to windy and fired!! It was amazing, by the way does anyone want to buy a bridge...I have one for sale!

 

[IndianaSlim]

Honestly, I don't know why someone would want to carry one of these. More power to those of you that do, but I'm sticking with my muzzleloader. I do have a 458 socom on order, but that's just for more of a "because I can" kind of thing. I know for a fact my muzzleloader is good to 200+ yards if needed and I don't know of a legal rifle that is (maybe a 500, but it falls off fast). I have carried a handgun before in the woods, but as more of a back up.

FYI, I know people that hate the cursed muzzleloader, but you guys really need to check out this website. Randy Wakeman Shooting Sports I shoot a Savage Model 10 MLII. The coolest thing about this gun is its ability to shoot SMOKELESS RIFLE POWDER, notice I didn't say pyrodex. Cleaning is easier than most other rifles on the market and the ballistics are amazing.

I know this might not be what you're looking for, but I think it's the most etical way to take deer in Indiana today. Plus your range is better than doubled from a handgun cartridge (or most handgun cartridges). Anyway, just my

 

[Leadeye]

My old Marlin 1894 does a fine job hunting with a cast lead bullet. I can practice a lot all year on what shotgun sabots used to cost me.

 

[mistergreentree]

Honestly, I don't know why someone would want to carry one of these. More power to those of you that do, but I'm sticking with my muzzleloader. I do have a 458 socom on order, but that's just for more of a "because I can" kind of thing. I know for a fact my muzzleloader is good to 200+ yards if needed and I don't know of a legal rifle that is (maybe a 500, but it falls off fast). I have carried a handgun before in the woods, but as more of a back up.

FYI, I know people that hate the cursed muzzleloader, but you guys really need to check out this website. Randy Wakeman Shooting Sports I shoot a Savage Model 10 MLII. The coolest thing about this gun is its ability to shoot SMOKELESS RIFLE POWDER, notice I didn't say pyrodex. Cleaning is easier than most other rifles on the market and the ballistics are amazing.

I know this might not be what you're looking for, but I think it's the most etical way to take deer in Indiana today. Plus your range is better than doubled from a handgun cartridge (or most handgun cartridges). Anyway, just my

Muzzleloaders do have much better range than a 1894, but where I hunt is in the woods and rarely have had a shot over 100 yards. I will say that the most important thing in taking a deer humanely is in the shot placement and not so much the round in my opinion. There are a lot of bullets that placed correctly will kill a deer quickly. Also I grew up with my Dad's 30-30 Marlin lever in the closet and loved shooting it whenever I had the chance, so there is some sentimental stuff going for me too.