1894 44 to 41 mag conversion questions.

[Trapperscott]

Hey all, I have a question for you guys. I am a fan of the 41 magnum. I want a Marlin 1894 lever gun in 41 mag. But, when I am able to find one, it is way out of my price range.

I have been kicking around the idea of converting a Marlin 1894 44 magnum to 41 magnum. The first question I have is, where can I find a .410 rifled barrel?

Second, if anyone has tried to convert one, what are some of the pitfalls of doing so?

I am wondering what if any internal parts are going to have to be changed/modified to make it feed?

I have a full machine shop at my house. So if anything has to be made/machined it not much of a problem.

Any of you guys have any experience with such a project?

Thanks for all help in advance.

Scott

[I'll Make Mine]

Green Mountain Rifle Barrel has .41 pistol barrels (blank profile, unchambered), but only up to 15" long (i.e. too short to legally mount on your 1894) -- might be worth contacting them to see if they have longer lengths of that stock available. You might also look at a liner sleeve instead of a complete rebarrel, though I don't know if .410 groove liners are any easier to come by. FWIW, .405 Winchester is almost the same bore dimension (.411 groove is nominal, and a .412 cast bullet should work in both that and a .41 Magnum revolver); looking for one of those might improve your search.

What I see as the problems are that the smaller rim and body diameter of the .41 Magnum might require altering the extractor and bolt face, but there's only .013 nominal difference in the rim and .024 in the case body, so you might get away with just the new barrel.

[Uncle Grinch]

I sent my Marlin 94 44 Mag back to Marlin (many years ago) and asked to make it a 41 Mag. They changed out the barrel and some internal parts, but I don't remember which ones, It wasn't that expensive for me because of my 44 Mag cost was less than $200. Marlin charges a little less than $300 back then.

Now I have a straight grip 41 Mag 1894 Marlin.

[Hackleback]

I saw a 1894 FG, in a local gun store for $1400, I just about dropped dead!

[missionary5155]

Greetings
The guide rails may be just a shade loose or too open. THe cartridge stop at the receiver tube may also just be a hair too short to catch the rim of the next cartridge so it does not double feed. Then the extractor hook again may be just a hair short.
But neither of those three items would slow me down. I know I could fix them.
Admiral Richover once said, " Our doughts are traitors and make us loose the good we oft might win by failing to attempt".
I have had JES rebore two Marlin 336's to .405 bore (.412 groove). One is a 414 Super mag and the other a 405 JES. Any .41 mag boolit that drops fat enough will shoot in either.
I would be getting a Marlin, and barrel blank in .410 or .412 and having the job finished before spring gets going and is over.
Mike in Peru

[Trapperscott]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and advise. I appreciate it. I may just have to jump off and try to convert one.

[meeesterpaul]

Did you do it?
I have a spare 45 Cowboy version that could be a candidate also.

[Farmer&shooter]

Trapperscott, I would love to have the same rifle. Please keep us informed if you decide to do it!

[LUCKYDAWG13]

i saw this you use a marlin 336 30/30 bore out to 405 jes http://www.35caliber.com/8.html

[Trapperscott]

Hey guys, I got side tracked and didnt get around to doing this before a buddy came by and offered me way to much money for my rifle. I'm sure I could have done it, just to many irons in the fire at once to keep them all hot. LOL

[Geezer in NH]

Better it will be cheaper to buy what you wnt instead of adding gunsmithing and parts fee

[claude]

Better it will be cheaper to buy what you wnt instead of adding gunsmithing and parts fee

I'm not so sure you are correct about it being any cheaper, .41 marlins are scarce as hens teeth, and quite pricey. I have sent an inquiry to a well known Marlin gunsmith, about this very conversion, I'm awaiting an answer.