44 mag vs 12 gauge

[Fordtough25]

I use a Winchester 12 gauge or a 45 colt lever action for deer. Also use my 45 colt blackhawk or ruger 357 mag revolvers. Where I usually hunt I am not shooting past 200 yards, usually not past 50 or so. I enjoy using any of them really, lever action is lighter than shotgun by a bit and revolvers are on my side so no biggie there. It's all fun.

 

[Whitey]

slug gun is the deadliest! with a 44 the shot need to placed in the kill zone. with a slug you just need to be close.

 

[MRP2003]

I have also used both. Actually started with the Marlin 44 mag when I moved to Indiana 7 years ago because I never had a shot gun. I was use to rifles as this is what I used back in PA. It felt pretty much the same as a 30-30 with just slightly less distance. I also like my smooth bore shotgun with just a bead if I am still hunting with a lot of brush. Target aquistition is quicker. I typically bring both a shot gun and my 44 and decide what to use right before I go in.

 

[sbcman]

Some people I talk to say the 44 has no knockdown power

What! Have they never watched Dirty Harry?

Whoever is saying this has no idea of what they're talking about. The 44 mag has taken every game animal on the planet, including the African big five, with a revolver.

I switched last year to my 1894ss in 44 from my 1894c (357) for deer. Didn't really see any difference in killing ability, but I will credit the 44 for leaving massive blood trails against the 357. I've reached a point in my life that I appreciate easier tracking.

I can also add that one needs to be really careful on shot placement (as always) with the 44. Last year I used Hornady flex tip stuff and cracked one right in the shoulder. Deer went down about 10 yards from where she was shot, both shoulders lost= less meat to eat. I'm going with a homerolled 240gr hardcast this year.

 

[hammer24]

I agree with above! Anyone who questions the .44 and "knockdown power" is speaking out of ignorance. The .44 out of a rifle turns into a different animal giving around 300 fps more than a revolver. For Pete's sake Indiana whitetail are not cape buffalo! It doesn't take 2300 ft./lbs. to kill one. Oh, by the way... the .44 has taken the African big 5 multiple times through a revolver. It'll work on a deer! Buy the Marlin and you'll never look back!

 

[shooter1054]

Do you also believe it when, in the movies, guys fly backwards 10' when hit with a load of 12ga buckshot?

No, I don't. What do movie stunts have to do with this discussion?

 

[J_Wales]

Using a Marlin Model 1894 for deer hunting this season for the first time....

Based on what I have seen at the range, this should be much more enjoyable than a slug gun.