Looking to buy a lever in a 45 Colt but cant decide on if it should be a Marlin or Winchester. And if its a Winchester should I go with a 16" Trapper or other model ie: Trailsend with it's 20" barrel. I have a Marlin in a 357 and found the accuracy not that great with the cast at high velocity's so I switched to Hornady XTP. I will only be shooting 250gr cast in the 45 between 800 and 900 FPS. Can anyone steer me in the right direction
Winchester Trapper over Marlin 45LC
- Thread starter Super Scout
- Start date
Cariboo Lefty
CGN Regular
- Location
- Kamloops BC
I have had both in 45. The Marlin Cowboy is, in my opinion, much better than the Win 94 model. The Marlin Cowboy is also rifled for cast loads. If you are planning to use it for Cowboy action I don't think you can get more than 8, or maybe, 9 250gr 45s in a Trapper. The 94 action has cast parts that break when subjected to the amount of rounds fired and the stress of shooting as fast as you can.
Just my 2 cents.
Just my 2 cents.
Howdy ;win 94 break and jam more oftenn than marlins in cowboy action shooting. 20 inch are more controlable in 45 colt ,marlin with ballard rifling are great with cast bullets.
I would opt for a marlin cowboy 20 inch hex barrel with ballard rifeing, as cowboy shooting is going to 38s you might find a used 45 .
I would opt for a marlin cowboy 20 inch hex barrel with ballard rifeing, as cowboy shooting is going to 38s you might find a used 45 .
Don't spend your money on a '94 in a pistol calibre. They were designed for long rifle cartridges, specifically the 30.30 and are not reliable with shorter bullets except slow fire.
The Marlin is my preference and is probably your best choice. It can be lightened and smoothed very easily, even by a homebody.
The 92 is a good choice, but needs a smith to tune it properly. 66's and 73's are also an excellent choice, but expensive.
I would suggest using a 357 gun though. With 38's you can load up to 10 in most trapper models - I know because I do. I like big bore, but I can shoot all day with 38's for a fraction of the cost.
JB
The Marlin is my preference and is probably your best choice. It can be lightened and smoothed very easily, even by a homebody.
The 92 is a good choice, but needs a smith to tune it properly. 66's and 73's are also an excellent choice, but expensive.
I would suggest using a 357 gun though. With 38's you can load up to 10 in most trapper models - I know because I do. I like big bore, but I can shoot all day with 38's for a fraction of the cost.
JB
- Location
- Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
Marlin vs Winchester
Hi,
I have shot both for CAS and like the Marlin much better.
My Win. would not feed the 250 gr lead bullets as the lifter was not strong enough and only holds 9 rounds (you will need 10 for CAS).
The Saskatchewan Association of Wild West Shooters will have a display of weapons and gear at the Saskatoon gunshow at the end of Feb. and I know they will have both the Marlin and Winchester on display so you can see the mechanical differences and get some firsthand advise from them.
Go for a marlin if you can get one but come out and shoot what you have, most of the CAS people I know will be glad to loan a firearm for someone to try.
I hope this helps
Doc
Hi,
I have shot both for CAS and like the Marlin much better.
My Win. would not feed the 250 gr lead bullets as the lifter was not strong enough and only holds 9 rounds (you will need 10 for CAS).
The Saskatchewan Association of Wild West Shooters will have a display of weapons and gear at the Saskatoon gunshow at the end of Feb. and I know they will have both the Marlin and Winchester on display so you can see the mechanical differences and get some firsthand advise from them.
Go for a marlin if you can get one but come out and shoot what you have, most of the CAS people I know will be glad to loan a firearm for someone to try.
I hope this helps
Doc
For CAS, I would consider what classification you are going to shoot before you make your buy.
Don't be afraid to consider one of the Uberti clones of the Winchester. They were designed for shorter cases and, in addition to looking cool, shoot very well.
Don't be afraid to consider one of the Uberti clones of the Winchester. They were designed for shorter cases and, in addition to looking cool, shoot very well.
