I got my hands on a lightly used 2008 Marlin 1894 in 44 mag. It's a Connecticut gun with the JM stamp. I got it sighted in with a Weaver V-3 1-3x20 scope, very happy with the scope and I'm now very curious how it would transfer to AR applications, but that's a different story. I'm also very happy with the gun. With factory ammo off bags it's making nice little clover leaves at 50 yards and approximately 1.5" groups at 100 yards. I can't wait to work up some handloads.
I was out shooting the other day and, making a long story short, the loading gate screw broke. Now, I love this gun and I did plenty of reading before I bought it. Everyone seems very happy with this gun and it is often said to be a hardy beat around the woods gun. To me, that indicates durability yet one itty bitty little screw later my gun was transformed into a club. I had been planning on taking this gun with me next week knock to down a hog or two but at this point I'm a little leery. I mean, the stinking loading gate screw? I did some google searching of the issue and it does't seem at all uncommon. It's a little discouraging that after years and years of making this gun they never quite figured out the loading gate screw. And believe me, it's a single point failure. The action was useless, jammed up by the loading gate. When you take a shot at a hog the rest tend to bolt and things move rather quickly. Anyone want to give me a confidence boost about this hardy lever rifle or do I just need to say a little prayer and carry a good sidearm? (I do those two things anyway)
I was out shooting the other day and, making a long story short, the loading gate screw broke. Now, I love this gun and I did plenty of reading before I bought it. Everyone seems very happy with this gun and it is often said to be a hardy beat around the woods gun. To me, that indicates durability yet one itty bitty little screw later my gun was transformed into a club. I had been planning on taking this gun with me next week knock to down a hog or two but at this point I'm a little leery. I mean, the stinking loading gate screw? I did some google searching of the issue and it does't seem at all uncommon. It's a little discouraging that after years and years of making this gun they never quite figured out the loading gate screw. And believe me, it's a single point failure. The action was useless, jammed up by the loading gate. When you take a shot at a hog the rest tend to bolt and things move rather quickly. Anyone want to give me a confidence boost about this hardy lever rifle or do I just need to say a little prayer and carry a good sidearm? (I do those two things anyway)