Hey guys, what do you think about this rifle? I am really considering buying one and am just curious what experiences you guys have had. I would use it for hunting whitetails and maybe black bear in New Hampshire. Would probably put some ghost ring sights on it for quick sight aquisition. Thanks ahead of time.

NH_Hunter

I am still waiting on my reloading supplies to come in so all I can vouch for is factory stuff. It looks nice and feels good coming up to the shoulder. I haven't had a chance to put it on a bench yet but it will hit the bottom of a pop can at 50 yards standing off hand with the factory sights. That is about all I can do like that too.
I just finished installing a lyman #2 on the tang. I will give another report after I check out how it does with the reloads.
Has anyone tried the lee 310 gr flatnose ib these. Will they fee alright or will I have to use the secong crimp groove?

In answer to your question yeah I like it.

Well, that is good news! I think that this rifle will be perfect for my needs. I wouldnt mind getting a new winnie in .30-30 but that will have to come later. I imagine that the 310 grain bullets will work fine in the winnie. I dont have any experience with it, but that is just my guess. I would probably get the new one with the tang safety, so i would just put a regular Williams 5d or something like that on it. Or I could get ghost ring sights.

NH_Hunter

My mold came in yesterday so now I know. The lee 310 gr fp will function through the action of the winchester trails end seated in the top crimping groove for a oal of 1.703. Next to find out what it wants for accuracy.

This past year I got a Win 94 in a trapper 44 mag with 16 inch barrel. Darn thing will shoot MOA with 240 gr Noslers. Put a 1 X 4,5 bushnell shotgun scope on it. Works real good. Got me a nice doe at about 85 yds opening morning. When that 44 hits them don't move, just sag to the ground.

Well, i am glad for you fuudog. I never really did consider the trapper, but that would probably be better for the extremely close range hunting I do. I bet with the 16" barrel it is really quick handling. How is the eye relief on that scope? Now i am extremely intrigued. It is a lot easier to find the trapper than the trails end.

NH_Hunter

I really like the Trail's End with case coloring...now, if'n they'd only offer it in .38-55 (drool)!

This past year I got a Win 94 in a trapper 44 mag with 16 inch barrel. Darn thing will shoot MOA with 240 gr Noslers. Put a 1 X 4,5 bushnell shotgun scope on it. Works real good. Got me a nice doe at about 85 yds opening morning. When that 44 hits them don't move, just sag to the ground.
:D
The trapper is a great little gun .Fine it fits the back of the ATV box.
I load 5.5 Bullseye and 200 gr. lead for the range ,and found this to be great fun hammering steel plates and to get the rifle to wear in and polish the barrel. We had our rifle now for about five years and it is as slick as a whisle.
This rifle is about perfect for doggin' in the bush as is.Quick on the draw.With the 16 barrel and the 44 Do you gain with more Barrel?
I have never come across a trails end, but the longer site radius might be a plus if your using iron sites.

Hey guys, what do you think about this rifle? I am really considering buying one and am just curious what experiences you guys have had. I would use it for hunting whitetails and maybe black bear in New Hampshire. Would probably put some ghost ring sights on it for quick sight aquisition. Thanks ahead of time.

NH_Hunter

Hi NH_Hunter, Just curious but why do you want the .44 Mag over a 30-30? Especially if black bear is also on your hunting list..... Thanks

Hi NH_Hunter, Just curious but why do you want the .44 Mag over a 30-30? Especially if black bear is also on your hunting list..... Thanks

Well, becuase i already have a .30-30. A marlin 336 Cowboy in .38-55 is also another option that i am thinking over.

NH_Hunter

Well, becuase i already have a .30-30. A marlin 336 Cowboy in .38-55 is also another option that i am thinking over.

NH_Hunter

Make sense.... In general do you feel comfortable hunting bear with a .44 Mag? The reason I'm asking is am looking for a bear defense firearm. Thanks and have a great day!

Make sense.... In general do you feel comfortable hunting bear with a .44 Mag? The reason I'm asking is am looking for a bear defense firearm. Thanks and have a great day!

NH Hunter, I probably didn't make that very clear... I don't plan to "hunt" bears, just want something for protection. Thanks

I don't see how you can go wrong with a light handy carbine like a Winchester 94, and if you want a real thumper of a load, look for the Federal CastCore or similar stuff from CorBon.....

I don't see how you can go wrong with a light handy carbine like a Winchester 94, and if you want a real thumper of a load, look for the Federal CastCore or similar stuff from CorBon.....

Mike, it's probably obvious but I'll ask anyway... What caliber are you talking about? Thanks

Fastdraw.... .44 mag, sorry that wasn't clear.

Ok !! Ok!!! I will say it then.
Go to the beartooth bullet section look for the heavy 280- 300 gr. gas checked lead bullet.
If the bear does not go down with a bear tooth, then your not aiming in the general direction.
Happy

Make sense.... In general do you feel comfortable hunting bear with a .44 Mag? The reason I'm asking is am looking for a bear defense firearm. Thanks and have a great day!

Out to 100 - 125 yards, a properly loaded 44 mag will take blackies cleanly.
Griz would be iffy, but blackies no problem.
The 44Mag deserves alot more credit than it gets, and it becomes even meaner out of a rifle vs. a handgun as the powder has more time to burn and it is capable of MUCH higher velocities than one would ever see out of a handgun.
I hunted last season with a 336 in 44Mag, and I must say, it was the easiest rifle to carry, quick to shoulder, negligible recoil, and if necessary, a full 10 round capacity.
Until something more comfortable in every respect comes along, or I need something for much longer shooting, that will be my go to gun from here on out for deer and blackies.
Ranger