That now I have this hankerin' for a lever gun...

I used to have one (Marlin 30as - sold it, sorry I did), and now want to replace it.  So the question is

Which do you think would be better for all 'round big game hunting (Deer, Elk, maybe Moose) - a 30-30 or 444?

So that narrows the field to:

Marlin 30as (again)
Marlin 336 in 30-30
Marlin 444
Winchester 94 in 30-30
Winchester 94 in 444

Oh, and barrel length - especially on the 444 - 20 or 22 in?

Maybe I'll make this a survey [:)]

For big game I would definately go with the 444 from your list. But 45-70 or .450 marlin would probably by my choice for a big game lever action.

I have taken deer and elk with a marlin 336 in 35 remington, blew 3-4 inch long pieces of rib out the back side of the elk.  I would go with the 444 however out of your choices. If it were me, with the addition of moose, I would get the Malin in 45-70.

I like the .450 marlin. but the 45-70 is a good choice. 45-70 is easier to find ammo and is more widely known. Just my .04

Guncrazy223

You might also want to look at a Browning BLR in 308.  Or a Savage Model 99 in any caliber (the .250 savage would be too lite for elk or moose though)  I have a little Marlin 336 in 30-30 that is great for deer hunting in the thick stuff.  I don't know much about the .444, but it would be better on the larger stuff.  But if you really want to hunt elk or moose with it, I think the 45-70 would be the best, particularly if you reload.  Most factory 45-70 ammo is loaded far below potential to be safe in older guns.  If you don't reload, look into the 450 Marlin round.  Good luck with you decision.  

I have always liked lever action rifles. I think it goes back to Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and all the rest of the cowboys. I remember one Christmas (I was around 12) my dad got me a Hawn lever action CO2 powered BB gun repeater, damn it was powerful and fast. I would go down to the swamp and hunt with it. I loved levering those BBs. I would like to get another Hawn if I could.  Next lever rifle I would like to get is a Marlin 45-70 rifle. Hope you get your lever action soon jhasz.

Jhasz, I mentioned rifle legenth when I said 45-70 (rifle.)[:)]

What is it with lever guns this week? I've been dreaming of them myself so I bought a 94 30-30 from Wally world today. Gonna buy a 94 in 444 at the gun show this weekend. Can't have too many! Well, maybe.

Well thanks for the input so far guys - altho no one has mentione barrel length.

Personally I like the short ones, but then there is an issue of accuracy - do you really lose that much with 2 inches?

Ah well, still hunting for the best deal right now.  Also, I'm not enamoured with the action on the Winchester - just seems kind loose to me.

You have no idea what recoil is until you have pulled the trigger on a 45-70 lever gun... 7 pound rifle and a monster cartridge equals pain!