Level Action Rifles

[Shoots4Fun]

I'd like to learn more about lever action rifles. Seems like something I'd enjoy having.

In addition to brands to consider, can someone tell me the advantages of the various calibers? Sadly, I don't have anything in the calibers I'd consider, beyond 22lr, but don't know much about the costs and availability of them either.

Probably would keep it bone stock, so I don't care about scope mounts or anything like that.

Thanks...

 

[SSGSAD]

Most of the lever guns, from major mfg., come in .357, .44, .45 lc, .444, 45-70, 30-30, and a few others..... the NICE thing about L/A, is that they come in pistol cal., so you can have two guns, with 1 ammo .....

 

[CTS]

I've got an old Marlin .22 right now and really want a bigger caliber. From all of my reading the best of the modern producers of lever action rifles is Henry:

Henry Repeating Arms | Fine Rifles Made in America and Priced Right

Others I'm interested in are the Browning BLR, a pre-1964 Winchester Model 94, and a savage 99.

 

[Cavman]

If you can find older Winchester rifles they are great! I have two 30-30's, a 375H&H and a 45colt. I also have a puma 357 that I used to kill a doe at 100 yards last fri. I love Lever guns

 

[doug1980]

I have an old Winchester 94 in 30-30 and love it. Very fun to shoot. I take it deer hunting. My buddy has one in .357 and now I want one of those too.

 

[pwoller]

I have a puma .44 mag that I love to shoot. I use it to deer hunt too.

 

[Bikerdad61]

As CTS said, Henry is one of the best lever gun manufactures. The caliber you choose should be based on how you'll most use the gun. With the sky rocketing cost of ammo, a .22 Long Rifle caliber is a great choice for target shooting, plinking and small game (Squirrel, rabbit etc) hunting. Plus .22 Ammo should be readily available.

A lever gun in .38 / .357 Mag, 44 Spcl /44 Mag, 45 Colt, 44-40 WCF would be a great choice, for Medium and larger game (Coyotes, deer etc) plus a handgun could be added to your collection in the same caliber as your lever gun.

Finally, the larger bore lever guns, 30-30, 35 Remington, 444 etc were primarily designed for Large game protection or hunting (Deer, Elk, Bear, Moose etc.)

All this is to just give you a quick overview of calibers from my experience. I currently own several different makes and calibers of lever guns and each one serves a specific use for me. There are several quality lever gun manufacturers in the market. You'll have to decide which brand and price range fits you budget and need.

 

[nipprdog]

the NICE thing about L/A, is that they come in pistol cal., so you can have two guns, with 1 ammo .....

Yep;

 

[echoagain]

If you can find older Winchester rifles they are great! I have two 30-30's, a 375H&H and a 45colt. I also have a puma 357 that I used to kill a doe at 100 yards last fri. I love Lever guns

Did you mean .375 Winchester?

 

[mjblazor]

Levers are great and really fun to shoot. I have a really nice old Marlin barely used in 30-30. I also have (2) Henry's; .357 and .22. They have the best action and are very accurate. Winchesters are very clunky action and I do not like them at all. But they look Cool!

 

[Kirk Freeman]

In addition to brands to consider, can someone tell me the advantages of the various calibers?

Umm, well, it runs the gamut--.22lr to pistol calibers to 243 to 300 Savage to .308 to everything. Do you want to plink cans or kill critters or what?

Probably would keep it bone stock, so I don't care about scope mounts or anything like that.

Like everthing else, it is about triggers and sights (I use XS ghostrings). Slick the action, get a sling on it.

 

[87iroc]

I have a Winchester 94 .30-30. Love it but ammo is kind of pricey. I put about 20 rounds a year through it. I love that it shoots the shells straight in the air and they run off your hat brim.(I love Old West history...so I love it...)

Anyway, I saw a new Winchester rifle at a gun shop that said it was made by blah blah blah holding ocmpany. Sounded like it was made in Japan these days. My brother loves his Henry .22 and its probably what I'd buy if I was buying another brand....but if I could find an old Winchester lever action in .45 LC I'd be all over it!

 

[Ryan281]

If you want to deer hunt legally in Indiana then a lever action in 44 magnum or 357 magnum are great. They hold 9-10 rounds and are great for home defense and plinking too. They are cheaper to shoot than real rifle centerfire rifles too.

30-30 and 45-70 lever actions are cheaper to buy initially than the pistol calibers, but cost more to feed. They are fun to shoot, certainally suitable to defend your family, hold 4-6 rounds, and are capable of taking larger game animals...although they are not legal for deer in Indiana.

I am partial to marlin and Winchester rifles, but I cannot say anything bad about others because I have not owned them.

Ryan

 

[Shoots4Fun]

Thanks for so many responses.

I don't have any plans to hunt really, especially not in the short term but its a consideration.

22lr makes the most sense for me, because I mostly want to plink, but I have a few 22 rifles, so I'd kind of like to move into something bigger.

Keep the suggestions coming and thanks again..

 

[CharlesGoodnight]

I have a Browning BL 22 (.22 lr) lever action that is a beauty. Holds 15 in the tube. Lots of fun, cheap ammo, etc. I will go to the range and shoot 200-300 rounds in a few hours. Henrys are similar if you want a slightly cheaper model. Marlin makes a good one too.

 

[Shoots4Fun]

Any comments on the Rossi's particularly with the stainless barrels?

 

[jhaynes]

I have a Marlin 1894 in 44 mag. that I use to hunt deer with here in Indiana. I have taken 4 nice deer with it out to 120 yards. Great woods gun, and hits really hard. My friend took a deer with it this year and liked it so much that he went and got one (used). I here that the quailty of the new ones is down somewhat (built by Remington now). I've seen pictures of poor wood to metal fit, etc. But I haven't seen a new one in person. I also have a Winchester 9410. Which is a lever action model 94 in .410 shotgun. Great for rabbits, squirrels, or deer at closer ranges with slugs. Both are fun to shoot. Everyone should have at least one lever gun in my opinion.

 

[BigMoose]

All lever guns are not made the same...

You have the Winchester type lever guns that take rounded bullets. The lever is under the action and the locking weaker then other actions.

Then you have the Savage type lever guns with a box magazine and a different style bolt. There are Savage 99s in modern calibers using spitzer bullets. Including 308 and 243. The Savage lever system is the most modern. The lever is behind the action and drives a bolt/block back and forth. Some of the last ones made have detachable magazines.

The odd one out is the 1895 Winchester. It's really a third type that John Browning worked on to have a box magazine and better locking lugs for high powered cartridges. Most of the 1895 Winchester guns are expensive collectibles. Browning added extra locking for the pressures.

Here is a Savage action that was made for the Canadian army.

 

[karl77]

have henry golden boy in 17hmr and carbine in 22lr. both are fine guns and made in here in america, not overseas.

 

[Osobuco]

Levers are great and really fun to shoot. I have a really nice old Marlin barely used in 30-30. I also have (2) Henry's; .357 and .22. They have the best action and are very accurate. Winchesters are very clunky action and I do not like them at all. But they look Cool!

I too have Henry goldens in 22 and 357 as well as Marlin 30-30 AND a winchester. Of the three brands the Henry's are in a league of their own but they are HEAVY!