Which do you suppose would be a better rifle for short ranges woods hunting of whitetails?
Rossi 1892 .44 Mag
Marlin 444 .444 Marlin

My vote goes to the Marlin 444.
1. The rifle is better made and operates more smoothly.
2. The caliber is better. The 444 can shoot the lighter bullets for longer range and it will handle the 300 to 335 gr. bullets for anchoring in deep woods where you can't afford a run-off wounded animal.

Frank

I've had 3 Rossi's and none of them shot worth a damn at over 35yds. The Marlin is by far the better choice.

Duc
Do you have any guesses why the Rossi's just don't cut it?
Jim

My stainless .357 Rossi is more than adequate to 100 yards and beyond if I can figure the drop. It is smoother than my Marlin 1894 ,44 mag.

If I liked the caliber better, it'd be perfect.

I would take the Marlin, easy choice IMHO

As you didn't specify the caliber in the Rossi (sorry you did 44 mag) -I would think your not talking about the 454 Casull? In the 454 Caliber it's right there with the trip four as far as power and bullet wieghts. In a smaller, lighter package. I don't know why Dr. Duc couldn't get his to shoot, mine is accurate enough out to 150 yds and definately has the power to take even the biggest Whitetail!!

No question about it the Marlin is the better choice. I would much prefer a 30-30 to either of them for what thats worth...

I agree with PC, the 444 is a great cartridge. I download mine with 44 mag reload info and it gives me the same performance as the 44 mag, and reduces the recoil by quite a bit.

But the 444 offers something that no 44 mag in a rifle has offered me, and that was the accuracy of the 444.

Handloading you can make the 444 into a 444 or a 44 Mag.

A little American made does not hurt either.

Cheers and Good shooting
seafire