I'll be honest, I don't see the need for a conversion ???. I would consider the 1895 in .45-70 or .450 Marlin caliber first. Anything the pistol round can do those two will do better especially against grizzlies ;D. You can load down for both if you reload to the .50AE level, if not go with the 45-70 for a wide selection of "mild to wild" factory rounds. The .450 Marlin doesn't have as much selection in factory loads but is certainly a good round. Also consider the .444 Marlin, I haven't shot one but it would also fit the criteria you gave. Good luck on your posting to Alaska and enjoy yourself up there . I always wanted to go when I was in the Army but was sent to Germany instead, Lonnie.

 

The 45-70 guide gun is what my wifes uncle recommends as well. Thanks for the advice man. Appreciate the education......Bet Germany was an experience to remember!!!

 

If you are set on doing a 50 cal conversion the 500 S&W would be the way to go. Or like mentioned above you could just invest the funds in a nice 45-70 or 450 marlin and that much more power at your disposal.

 

When I was stationed in Alaska and fishing on the Little Sue, I had an all-too close encounter with a big brown sow. That's what got me to buy my 1895G.

I personally would forget the conversion and go with the 45-70. Wild West Guns is in Anchorage so you could drop your rifle by their place and use your money to have them do some work on it.

 

Yes, Germany was an experience. I was there for 6 straight years, went single and left with a pregnant wife. We just celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary yesterday.

About the 45-70. I own one in a H&R single shot TALO Trapper version. They are just plain fun to shoot. Buy a 1895 in regular version or in a guide gun version if you like short barrels. Put a Limbsaver recoil pad on it (you don't have to prove you're macho ;D) and get some ammo for it and shoot. I ended up buying a Lee Classic reloader in that caliber along with some other equipment and am now reloading for it and am exploring a whole new area for me. Who says you can't teach an old (or middle age) dog new tricks ;D. Have fun, Lonnie

 

buy a guidegun

 

Buy the Guide gun then take the extra money you will spend on the 1894 nad the extra money on the conversion then figure in the extrar money that teh 50 ammo costs thengo buy at least two more giude guns.

 

Another vote for the guide gun.

There is a company making a beautiful lever in .500 S&W, but it's north of 2K.

Truth be told, if you can't kill it with a 45-70, you're in the wrong business.

 

Thank you all gentleman for the education. That's why I signed up here. Wish me luck!!!

 

Thank you all gentleman for the education. That's why I signed up here. Wish me luck!!!

If you prefer a pistol grip to straight grip, which many folks do, especially with stout loads. You can buy the standard 1895 or an XLR and have the barrel shortened for very little money. You can have a sweet little, powerful carbine rather inexpensively.

 

1895 Guide gun, don't leave home without it! If you still feel the need to put even more serious hurt on jaws n claws, visit Wild West Guns in Anchortown..

 

Hello all, I have decided, and not really sure why, that I need to buy a Marlin 1894 .44 and have it converted to .50 AE. My wifes Uncle and my hunting buddy says I should piss my money away on something else. I did a search but not see much out there on this conversion. I am feeling the need, especially since I just got orders to Alalska, to up my game a bit for elk and moose hunting and to "scare away" grizzly bears. I did see the Big Horn Armory .500 SW and kind of fancy that one too. What do y'all think? Thanks for the advice...

Its not really an option anyway. The action cant take the pressure and the barrel would be awefully thin around the chamber. Just get a 45/70 or .450.

 

Its not really an option anyway. The action cant take the pressure and the barrel would be awefully thin around the chamber. Just get a 45/70 or .450.

True enough.

 

Still another vote for the .45-70 Guide Gun, and welcome to MOs from NE Florida.

 

If you prefer a pistol grip to straight grip, which many folks do, especially with stout loads. You can buy the standard 1895 or an XLR and have the barrel shortened for very little money. You can have a sweet little, powerful carbine rather inexpensively.

Compact carbine.......I like that. I read a good article many years ago in guns and ammo about Ben Folkin doing the .50AE work but whatever....I am taking the advise of experience and getting a -45-70. thanks..

 

If you prefer a pistol grip to straight grip, which many folks do, especially with stout loads. You can buy the standard 1895 or an XLR and have the barrel shortened for very little money. You can have a sweet little, powerful carbine rather inexpensively.

Or buy a pistol grip stock... That way, you can put it back the way Marlin intended if you ever desire...

Roscoe

 

I say go the 4570 route .but if you want a pistol round in a rifle I seen a 454 casul in a lever gun I think it was a off brand.

 

I've toyed with the idea of a 1894 in 50AE, but that was just because it could be done.

 

Can the 1894 handle the pressure of a 500S&W? Or the 50AE? I've been told it won't stand up to a 454 Casull and I figured the pressure of the 500 was probably close to that of the 454.

 

The .500SW I saw was made by Big Horn Armory and it is a total build not based off of the 1894. But the Folkin .50AE was based off of a 1894 .44. thought it would be fun and different way to handle big game but after reading an email from a friend on Kodiak and reading these posts I think I will be stepping it up a notch.

 

Did anyone mention to get the Guide Gun?

 

Not to steer this off course but, since you are in the military and it seems relavant...

They make .50 Beowulf AR-pattern rifles, the .50B is bigger even than the .50AE.

 

Yeah the Big Horn Armory is based off of the Winchester 1886/1892 action which is stronger than the Marlin actions which is why you see those chambered for cartridges like the 454.

 

Just incase it wasn`t said clear enough, "Get a guide gun!!!" 444 ;D ;D ;D
GOOD LUCK ON YOUR TOUR IN ALASKA!!! Send us pictures

 

Loud and clear sir...Already got a friend looking around. Thanks...