Anyone got a Chiappa 1892 .44 Mag?

[Fenring]

I examined one yesterday in the gun shop, specifically the Alaskan Takedown model.

It looked and felt great and the all weather finish was appealing and the action very slick. 16" octagonal pipe looked and felt awesome.

However....lockup didn't feel too solid, with the lever almost wanting to fall open, there was some lever slop, and it would drop the hammer with the action cracked open a little.

And the price was an eye watering $2050AUD. A Marlin 1894 is about $1300 here by comparison.

Thoughts and experiences, anyone?

[Randy Bohannon]

Get the Marlin, the other is not known for consistent quality,Marlin has had it's troubles look at all them over thoroughly.There's some forgiveness in $650.00

[Fenring]

Thanks for the info. The other issue on my mind, is that my two moulds throw long bullets - the Devastator and the Lee 310gr. A lot of conflicting info on how the Marlin feeds and shoots heavy boolits.

[osteodoc08]

I'd save the money and get the Marlin. Buy some standard weight molds in a WFN style, size to 431 and enjoy.

[Fenring]

Yeah....not interested in lighter boolits or in retooling so I think I'll forget the Marlin.

Their lack of a stainless / all weather 1894 is off-putting, too.

[osteodoc08]

Yeah....not interested in lighter boolits or in retooling so I think I'll forget the Marlin.

Their lack of a stainless / all weather 1894 is off-putting, too.

No need for light weight sizes, no matter which levergun you decide on, you're going to have limitations on overall cartridge length, thus eliminating several heavy weight designs.

You'll be fine in the 240-260gr class in either one. If you can't get it done with that, well, you need a bigger gun all together.

Marlin did and does make stainless models. No 44 current production but they're out there. Just gotta look.

Perhaps you should consider Henry. I'd buy another Henry before a chiappa

https://www.henryusa.com/rifles/all-weather-big-boy/

[Fenring]

My existing moulds, cast boolits and loaded ammo is all heavier stuff, hence my preference for a rifle that will handle that class of boolits.

I'd buy an all weather Big Boy Steel in a heartbeat.....but for my use I don't believe their muzzle end tube loading setup is appropriate, where one needs to top up quickly and sometimes on the move.

[osteodoc08]

My existing moulds, cast boolits and loaded ammo is all heavier stuff, hence my preference for a rifle that will handle that class of boolits.

I'd buy an all weather Big Boy Steel in a heartbeat.....but for my use I don't believe their muzzle end tube loading setup is appropriate, where one needs to top up quickly and sometimes on the move.


Sounds like your mind is made up then. Let us know how those heavy boolits work out for you.

[Fenring]

It's not made up....but I have certain criteria I need / want met.

[rondog]

A new mold in a lighter weight is cheap, comparatively. Plus, it's a new mold! Yay!

[Fenring]

New gun and new mould?

I like your thinking! :drinks:

[bluejay75]

I have both. I would say get the Marlin. More sight options. My Chiappa will almost touch three bullets offhand at 50 yards with factory installed Skinner sights. Can't get the Marlin to do that.

[Fenring]

Thanks for the info. Is your Chiappa the Alaskan Takedown model?

[salvadore]

I own a Chiappa 92 carbine in .45 Colt. Sent it back to the I repair station 3 times. It will group 2" at 50yds off of a bench, not off hand. My 94 Marlin is the cl model in 32/20. It groups 1.25" at 100 yds off of a bench with my cast bullets. It also had to be sent back to get it to work right.

Handloader magazine's Brian Pearce is not happy with Marlin's twist rate and heavy bullets as far as accuracy is concerned. Hope some of this is useful info.

[Four Fingers of Death]

I've seen a few at the range, they look my Rossi 92s with a bit nicer wood and a huge price tag. I haven't seen a take down one though. They would be good on the motorcycle.

[Hickok]

Fenring, I know they may be hard to find, but I have a Winchester model 94 Angle Eject in 44 magnum and it will feed the Devastator with no problem. This carbine is also very accurate, with a scope it will shoot 2 inch groups @ 100 yards.

Don't know about the 310 Lee, as I have never used it. But with the Devastator, and the Lyman 429244 GC SWC it runs and shoots perfect.

These Winchesters are scarce though.

[Fenring]

Thanks for the info, everyone. Much appreciated.

[bluejay75]

Its not the Alaskan takedown. It is the Skinner Trapper. Nicest leveraction that I own.

[Fenring]

Thanks mate.