What is the opinion on these for a lead shooter? I know the Marlins are available with Ballard rifling now, and are actually more desirable. However, for the limited use I would be using the rifle for I'd rather spend a couple hundred bucks less.

For those in the area, there is a gun show at the fairgrounds in Kalispell, Montana this weekend.

Wak....I have the Win Model 94 in the Trapper model with the 16 inch barrel. It's a tack driver. Mine is in 45 Long Colt. If you get a trapper in 44 expect some recoil. I don't mean like a 45-70 but alot of people are surprised how some of the pistol round do kick in a light rifle.
I have a receiver sight on mine and I've even used it to hunt groundhogs. I also have the Marlin Cowboy in 45 Long Colt also and it has the 24 inch barrel so comparing it to the Trapper isn't exactly fair in my opinion. Anyways the 94's are good little rifles.

Joe

waksupi,
I have one of the 16" carbines. It has the large lever and saddle ring and is a newer model. I shoot 200 gr -350 gr cast bullets all the time.
I did have trouble with the mag tube pin gouging the metal and working loos. I did fix that problem however. I put a 1.5 x 4.5 scope on it and so far have only worried abot 3-4" groups at 100 yds. Orygun

waksupi
I have a 94 Legacy .44Mag in the rifle length 20 something inch barrel. It shoots several cast bullets ie. 429421SWC, LBTWFN265-300 both PB and GC at least well enough to hit deer within its 100yd or a bit more range. It's taken 3 Whitetail does with a shot apiece. However it has an annoying habit of feeding a loaded round under the cartridge lifter renderin' it a singleshot till Ya can take it apart to get it out!!
I also have a Rossi 92 in .44Mag and it shoots just fine with cast bullets and cost half a what the 94 did.

Ric....I've had a Legacy for about a year now and I have no complaints except the fact that it's not D & T'd for a receiver sight which I just corrected.

It will shoot the Lyman 429421 over 15.0 grains of WC820 (fast lot)into one hole at 100 yards with a scope and feeds well with that bullet or a 429667.

I haven't encountered the problems with jams mentioned below. The barrel is a tad longer than I like but I'd highly recommend it.

Comes with a 1-26" twist and handles 300 and 325 grainers just fine if you need to surge to that weight as you might need to in your country.

As with any 44 Mag rifle, you get some recoil but not to amount to anything. The M1894s are far worse and I can almost swear that I can feel the action flex when shooting them and I've owned two and a Model 336 in 44 Mag. You don't get this feeling on the Winchester.

I'd recommend it over the Marlin any day./beagle