New lever action

[cmc589]

Hey I'm looking into getting a new lever action rifle, by new I mean new to me, so I am completely fine and probably prefer buying used. My budget is around $500 and the only thing that I do not want is another lever to be chambered 30-30 because I would like a pistol chambered or 22 lever. All suggestions and why would be highly appreciated.

 

[Win1300]

I have a Marlin 1894c 357 magnum. I absolutely love it. I deer hunt with it and plink all the time. The great thing about the 357 levers is that they can shoot 38 special as well. So it's like two guns in one. They also make a bird shot shell for 357 magnum. Looks like it would be good for small game.

If you get a marlin make sure it has the "jm" marking on it. I paid 450 for my jm marked rifle.

After a couple years owning it I installed a Bushnell banner scope on it for deer. I'm very accurate out to about 100 yards.

Hope this helps!

 

[w_ADAM_d88]

You can get a Marlin or Henry 22 for way under your $500 budget. I'd say go that route and use the rest of you money for ammo.

 

[in625shooter]

I own a Marlin 357 that is great. I have a lot of trigger time on a Rossi 357 that a freind in High School had which was a good alternative to the marlin and a little less expensive. The Marlin will run you slightly over 500 and you should be able to get a Rossi/Puma for well under 500.

I would recommend 357 becuase more avalability and a little cheaper than 44 or 45 colt especially with 38's but if you reload that helps.

 

[RedThunder]

I grew up with a Marlin. It was a real reliable rifle. Put a lot of rabbits, coyotes down with it

 

[kalboy]

Your intended use will help dictate your choice of caliber. Plinking and or small game would be best served by a 22LR, and larger game like coyote or deer 357 or 44mag.
Ammo cost for the 22 would be much cheaper of course.

 

[Cottong2001]

Marlin 1894 in 44mag is a ton of fun. Bought mine in college for $100 because the barrel was caked with lead. Cleaned it up and has shot great ever since. You can hunt deer in Indiana with .357, 44, etc. Took my second deer ever with it.

http://www.in.gov/dnr/files/fw-Deer_Hunting_Equipment.pdf

 

[cmc589]

Not a huge hunter, if ever need be I have other guns for that, but this is mainly a gun for going to the range and shooting. I like the idea of a 22 lever since I already have a 10/22 and have a good deal of .22 ammo already, but the .357/.38 has always struck my interest. I am just unsure if I would rather have a pistol caliber, or keep it cheaper on ammo and go with .22. I do enjoy shooting .22 but sometimes wish that there was an intermediate between that and my marlin 30-30 in caliber due to costs of ammo an just general use. What should I look for in a .22 lever? I know what to look for in a pistol caliber, but for a .22 what is everyone's recommendations? Also if you happen to know a price that I can get that rifle for that would be great if you included it.

 

[in625shooter]

Not a huge hunter, if ever need be I have other guns for that, but this is mainly a gun for going to the range and shooting. I like the idea of a 22 lever since I already have a 10/22 and have a good deal of .22 ammo already, but the .357/.38 has always struck my interest. I am just unsure if I would rather have a pistol caliber, or keep it cheaper on ammo and go with .22. I do enjoy shooting .22 but sometimes wish that there was an intermediate between that and my marlin 30-30 in caliber due to costs of ammo an just general use. What should I look for in a .22 lever? I know what to look for in a pistol caliber, but for a .22 what is everyone's recommendations? Also if you happen to know a price that I can get that rifle for that would be great if you included it.

The best value/quality combo in lever action 22's has to be a Henry. they are well under 300.00 can be found just about everywhere ie Walmart, LGS etc etc. the Marlin 39 while nice is a lot more than 500.00 and the Henry is every bit as nice as the Marlin JMHO

 

[cmc589]

Well I'm sure someone from Orion will jump in pretty soon on this after a mention of them, but that is most likely where I will purchase from and will be in there next week. I will definitely look into any Henry's that they have in stock. What it seems is that Henry is the best quality for how much I'm going to pay, plus I've heard of Rossi actions not being all that great.

 

[James Bond 007]

Rossi may not have quite the fit and finish of a Henry or Marlin, but nothing wrong with the action. I have one in .45 Colt and it is wonderful to shoot. You can find one new under $500 if you shop around...

 

[straight-shooter]

Two very good choices, depends on your ammo budget and your particular use for either rifle. Small or Large game.

Henry .22

or a Marlin 1894 CB .357 mag

 

[Bapak2ja]

I have a Marlin 1894c 357 magnum. I absolutely love it. I deer hunt with it and plink all the time. The great thing about the 357 levers is that they can shoot 38 special as well. So it's like two guns in one. They also make a bird shot shell for 357 magnum. Looks like it would be good for small game.

If you get a marlin make sure it has the "jm" marking on it. I paid 450 for my jm marked rifle.

After a couple years owning it I installed a Bushnell banner scope on it for deer. I'm very accurate out to about 100 yards.

Hope this helps!

What he said! 100%

 

[vwarren]

henry golden boy in 22 mag is probably one of my most favorite guns i've ever shot!

 

[ghostdncr]

My pre-safety Rossi 44-40 is one of the sweetest lever guns I've owned and became an almost instant all-time favorite:

 

[w_ADAM_d88]

My Marlin 336 chambered in .35rem...

 

[D.T.O.M.]

I have a Henry 22 I bought new 4 years ago I think I gave $315 for it ?
great little gun. I also like the Marlin 39As.
If you want a single shot the Ithaca M29 is a good short gun to pack around in the woods.

 

[Bikerdad61]

I have had all brands of the lever guns and I must say I'm pretty partial to the Henry. Your budget won't be quite enough to get you a Henry in a pistol caliber but you could sure land a nice Henry Golden Boy in 22, 22 Magnum or even .17 HMR. for under $500.00.

 

[roadrunner681]

My pre-safety Rossi 44-40 is one of the sweetest lever guns I've owned and became an almost instant all-time favorite:

so im not the only one that thinks that safety is a atrocity cause i hate the safety on my rossi half cock is just fine in my opinion. i would go with the Henry in 22 my experience with them has been great

 

[IUprof]

What he said! 100%

+2 for the Marlin 1894c