I have a pair of the 1983 Marlin 1894S carbines. The first I bought, used, at the Medina, OH gunshow in ~1988 and the other, unfired, a few years ago by accident (long story).
Immediately after acquiring that 1894S in 1988, I found & installed a Williams 5D rear aperture sight. I quickly discovered that that little carbine is deadly accurate with nothing-special, whitebox American Eagle 240gr JHP .44mag ammunition.
While I have never shot a deer with it, from seeing the damage that it would inflict at 100+ yards on groundhogs, I have no doubt that it would put down an eastern whitetail with no problem.
That said ... if I were in the market for a .44mag lever action carbine today I would first spend some time researching the
new Marlin 1894s since I have periodically come across some hoohaw regarding QC (perhaps now corrected?). I would also look closely at the Rossi. From what I have read about the Rossi, it sounds like they may benefit (greatly, in some cases) from a bit of Fluff&Buff TLC in the beginning.
My mindset for something like this: I would not be interested in paying a grand for a type of rifle when another-brand, decent, reliable, accurate and well-built model is available for, perhaps, half of that amount, y'know? I do not care about the brand name so long as the product is acceptably-well-built, reliable, accurate meets my requirements and does not waste my money (yes, I like sales, rebates and coupons
).
Oh, and, like you
Deanimator, in some cases, I will not consider a brand due to aesthetics. I have 2 at the top
my List: Henry and Thompson Contender.
