Both will shoot 44spl.. You can pull up the manufacture details, barrel length, weight etc as well as what you mentioned in the OP. I think the cowboy models are probably finished a little better as well, or at least they appear to be.

I have found that it's cheaper to buy what you want the first time, make sure it's what you want. For hunting, and walking the 1894s (regular carbine) is a very handy lightweight rifle, as a matter of fact it's like carrying a Marlin 39 22lr weight/handling wise. I have not owned a cowboy, but have handled the cowboy type rifles in other models/cartridges they are much heavier with the longer octagon barrels...

 

Thank you and yes the weight was another difference besides the aesthetic details on the Marlin site.

I use my Marlins for hunting mainly and plinking with the kids. I’ve been on the search for a nice/like new JM but seem to miss them.


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I was thinking that the cowboy models have Ballard rifling and the 1894 standard has Microgroove rifling. If it makes a difference to you.

 

I've had both at the same time, and I ended up trading off the CB LTD 44 mag. It was a beautiful rifle for sure! I shot them side by side a few times and decided I liked the shorter 20" barrel carbine a lot better. It shot better groups, was easier to carry around and as a shooter/hunter, it just made more sense to me. Having both is not a bad plan either, but with my "wants & needs" exceeding my gun budget, it made more sense to me to trade it for something I'll actually use. Both of them handled 44 specials very well. Either one is a good choice, buy what you like,.............and then show it off here!

 

Great insights and thanks for the SxS comparison for your experience......


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I've got both. A 99 94CB Ltd & a 86 94 both in 44mag /spl. I like both, but for carrying, I like the 86 94. Always wanted a CB with the octagon barrel, so I likes both.

 

That sounds great, handloads opens up the 44mag to being an outstanding cartridge !!

Don't feel to bad about your son worrying over getting gun/guns if something happens to you, my son has already done the same on several guns LOL

 

Well, COST wise, you can't go wrong with a standard round barrel 1894! However, a 1894CB or a 1894P are outstanding rifles, albeit a bit more pricey!

 

Problem solved I got the 1894. Couldn’t pass up on the sale price. I’m committed now [emoji6]


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The CB's came with and without checkering, in 20" & 24" bbls.
I have a checkered .44 CB 24" and it's a great rifle.
That said, I shoot CAS and use my 1982 carbine(bought it new in '82).44 with lead loads for competition. I found it works better for 'swinging' around some of the props we use in this game.
LG

 

Here she is. Skinner sights are on their way and looking to add a larger loop lever.


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Let us know how it shoots & how the action is. Looks to be new.

 

Need to load some rounds and get through some duck hunting. But the action is really nice for a Remlin and better than my 1895s when they came off the shelf.

I’m amazed how light it is [emoji1417]


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Nice looking rifle.
I found 44 mag cases a lot eaiser to find than 44 special. I decided to use Starline brass for my heavy hunting loads and Win or Rem for light loads. Also that way I do not have to reset my dies for different case lengths.

 

I have some Starline brass and now just waiting for my Oregon Trail bullets to arrive. My friend gave me some Fiocchi 240 gr FMJ’s to run through her. Has anyone reloaded their brass? I’ll be getting them later this week.


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I also reload for my 1894s it likes just every jacketed bullet I have tried 240gr so far, and have tried both .430"and .429" diameter I can't tell any difference with jacketed bullets. Hornady 240gr xtp have shot good for me, but for plinking I would buy what is on sale, and have been meaning to try some plated bullets. The problem I have is plated, and lead bullets are close or maybe even over the cost of jacketed bullets that I know work

edit to add I really like Hodgdon Universal in my 1894s, and 1894c, and it meters outstanding in a lee auto disk pro.

ps make sure you give the insides of your receiver parts a light coat of oil like rem oil before breaking in/shooting...

 

My partner has good luck with LilGun and Speer 240gr. Deep Curl soft points.
Speer Bullets - Product Details

 

Hi-end jacketed loads use H110/WW296(same powder)
For plink'n-use Unique.
Unless you wear a gloves to shoot. The large loop lever isn't the best choice.
LG