Thoughts on Lever Action

[browndcm]

I am considering picking up a lever action. This would not be a go-to hunting rifle, and certainly not a long range gun.
I might not even scope it.

I'd be interested in thoughts on Winchester 1894s, especially any pros- and-cons of pre-and post '64. This would be a plinker and maybe a truck gun, so not really interested in a pristine 120 year old gun for $3000++. I would not mind such a gun as a collector some day, just not today.

Others in the mix might be Marlin 336 or any of the Henrys.

Caliber-wise, I'm thinking either .30-30, for price of ammo and availability, or possibly .44 Magnum, in which case I'd have a revolver and short duty rifle that shot the same ammo.

I'd appreciate any thoughts on these choices, namely does one stand out as generally holding up better, or having a smoother cycling action, better iron sights, etc.

I've not shot lever actions much. My Dad's Henry Golden Boy in .45 LC, and a friend's .45-70, long ago. That's about it.

Had a Marlin 336 1955 for many years which I sold to my left cousin last year
Should have kept it lol
Just a pleasure to carry and shoot
Good luck in your search

 

[john69]

just my personal though ,but as for lefties ,you can by a finer rifle that a golden boy Henry. I don't know what good would be but I can shoot my 22 mag 200 yds all day. its the only gun I ever found out of the box built for south paws.

 

[Deleted member 112174]

The marlin cowboy in 45-70 has been a great piece for me. Plinking, small game, elk, and bison. I have 2 savage 99's that are fun. My son and son-in-law have, Browning levers in 308, they love carrying them and they can do good work to 300 yds.

 

[JWM]

I am considering picking up a lever action. This would not be a go-to hunting rifle, and certainly not a long range gun.
I might not even scope it.

I'd be interested in thoughts on Winchester 1894s, especially any pros- and-cons of pre-and post '64. This would be a plinker and maybe a truck gun, so not really interested in a pristine 120 year old gun for $3000++. I would not mind such a gun as a collector some day, just not today.

Others in the mix might be Marlin 336 or any of the Henrys.

Caliber-wise, I'm thinking either .30-30, for price of ammo and availability, or possibly .44 Magnum, in which case I'd have a revolver and short duty rifle that shot the same ammo.

I'd appreciate any thoughts on these choices, namely does one stand out as generally holding up better, or having a smoother cycling action, better iron sights, etc.

I've not shot lever actions much. My Dad's Henry Golden Boy in .45 LC, and a friend's .45-70, long ago. That's about it.

I would think about a .25-35, and ackley improve it. Put a peep site on it, with a ghost ring rear. I did that, except never did the AI. Eyes aren't good enough for iron sights, or I would still use it as a saddle gun. You hardly feel them under your knee.

 

[Ckgworks]

The 25-35 is a sweet little round! I would NOT pass up a reasonably priced lever gun in that chamber!

 

[Greyfox]

Greyfox

My first whitetail deer rifle was a Marlin 336 in .35 Remington. I reloaded for it using a Lee Loader.

I was about 18 or 19 years old and lived in Wisconsin.

I remember my first buck kill with it. I field dressed the deer and carried it out of the woods on my shoulders.

Oh...to be young and stupid again!

Our first buck stories are quite similar, taking my first deer around the same age with the same rifle/caliber. A few months ago I ran into a 50 year old box of fired 200gr Core-Lok brass from that rifle found in one of my old storage boxes.
Having recently retired, I surely can't be young again, but stupid has a decent possibllity. .

 

[Rem7mm08]

My go to for years and still is a Marlin 1894 S in 44 Mag for woods hunting deer and for pigs. Its carbine length barrel makes for easy carry and fast handling. 240 gr soft point in front of H110 usually ends up as a bang-flop.

 

[YZ-80]

Here's my Marlin 336 "Texan" chambered in .35 Rem. Family heirloom and Serial # dates to 1959. I put a Leupold VX-1 in 2-7 on it and I think it's quite appropriate for the application. Fun gun!

 

[Buck100]

I am considering picking up a lever action. This would not be a go-to hunting rifle, and certainly not a long range gun.
I might not even scope it.

I'd be interested in thoughts on Winchester 1894s, especially any pros- and-cons of pre-and post '64. This would be a plinker and maybe a truck gun, so not really interested in a pristine 120 year old gun for $3000++. I would not mind such a gun as a collector some day, just not today.

Others in the mix might be Marlin 336 or any of the Henrys.

Caliber-wise, I'm thinking either .30-30, for price of ammo and availability, or possibly .44 Magnum, in which case I'd have a revolver and short duty rifle that shot the same ammo.

I'd appreciate any thoughts on these choices, namely does one stand out as generally holding up better, or having a smoother cycling action, better iron sights, etc.

I've not shot lever actions much. My Dad's Henry Golden Boy in .45 LC, and a friend's .45-70, long ago. That's about it.

Marlin 444

 

[DCAN]

I have owned a Marlin in 44mag, 444 marlin, and just today purchased the stainless 45-70. The only lever gun in the safe is a Winchester M94 from 1957. All were or are great weapons. They all have their place, depending on the intended use. A 30-30 is a fine short range weapon. The Marlins were far more accurate than I expected. I've never shot any of the Browning lever guns, but they sure look interesting.
If anyone knows of a site related to accurizing/upgrading lever guns, I would appreciate a referral.

 

[Pinoniper]

I'd also like to put in a plug for a Savage 99. Elegant, reliable, classic, and deadly. 308 or 300 Sav or 30-30 are all solid rounds.

 

[Jonoton]

If you are considering the box magazine lever guns, as you can see the BLR is a great rifle. I have on in 243. I can't bring myself to treat it like a knock around 30-30, though.

I'd also like to put in a plug for a Savage 99. Elegant, reliable, classic, and deadly. 308 or 300 Sav or 30-30 are all solid rounds.

Agreed! I have a 99f is 300 Savage and it is such a pleasant rifle to carry and points like a dream. The internal box mag and round counter is pretty neat!

Unfortunately I can't get the sights on paper - suspect a bent barrel :/

 

[Pinoniper]

Sorry you have a bad specimen. A good one is a joy to use and own.

 

[Mustang72]

I will agree with sedancowboy if you are looking for a pistol cartridge. A good '92 in 44/45, or maybe a 38/357, is smaller and lighter and if you are also carring a pistol, you only need one cartridge in your belt loops. The action is very smooth and a lot shorter stroke. Now I will admit I own a couple '94. One made in 1895 (wall hanger, not a shooter) in 30 WCF and one made in 1956 in 32 Winchester. If I could find one in 7-30 waters I would probably buy it. But you can not scope these rifles unless you can find an angled eject. If you want to put glass on top, then go with the Marlin. I like my little '92 and have taken a couple of deer with it.

I have a Winchester 94AE trapper 44mag. Very accurate iron sight carbine. But it's for sale! I just don't use it and Personally I think the marlins are more reliable.

Pm me about your trapped that is for sale.