PUSHING IT TO THE MAX

While the handy little Marlin Model 1894 Classic in .44 Mag. is new, Marlin actually introduced its design close to 130 years ago. At that time the .44-40 Win., first offered by Winchester in the Model 1873 and later in the Model 1892, had become the most popular deer cartridge in America. The action of Marlin’s Model 1893—which eventually evolved into the Model 336 that was also brought back to life this year—was too long for the .44-40 cartridge, so it was shortened and renamed the Model 1894. The .25-20, .32-20 and .38-40 Win. were also available.

Marlin discontinued the 1894 in 1935, and if not for the 1955 introduction of the .44 Mag., the little deer thumper would likely have remained in its grave. Ruger introduced the gas-operated Deerstalker carbine in that caliber in 1961, and shortly thereafter Marlin began producing Model 336 rifles chambered for the cartridge.

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More Inside This Issue:

BEATING THE WINTER BLUES by Craig Boddington

Offseason projects that will get you and your rifle ready.

LITE MAKES RIGHT by Keith Wood

The Browning X-Bolt Target Max Competition Lite is a winner.

A BETTER MOUSETRAP by Joseph von Benedikt

Weatherby improves on a timeless action with the new 307.

THE NYLON REVOLUTION by Layne Simpson

Remington's Nylon series of rimfires was a novel but solid concept.