What is the best lever action deer gun?

[remauto1187]

Yep....gotta go pre 90s on the Marlin.

Mine is a late 70s early 80s model...much better than the later ones.

For all that want to find out year of manufacture of your marlin.
Marlin Manufacture Dates
or
http://www.marlin-collectors.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2288

Basically if it was made 1971 or newer then it will have 2 numbers at the beginning of the serial number. Take those numbers (25xxxx) as an example. Take 100 (always) subtract the 25 and that leaves 75 as the year of manufacture. (1975).
The link above also is good for older guns with letters at the beginning of the serial number.

 

[Iroquois]

Love the Marlin. That being said I have seen them self-destruct at several cowboy
shoots.
You might look into the 35REM.x 1.800 (think that's right) it's a slightly shortened
version of the 35 Remington . This is supposed to make it deer legal but doesn't take much
away from it's potential. I don't know much about it but have seen a lot of threads on it in
reloading & ammunition forum here. Just an idea...

 

[mrtdrew]

I would say the marlin 1895 but rossi is producing them now i believe and their version is the r95 i believe

 

[cartmanfan15]

Why am I not seeing Winchester? Is it because most are chambered in calibers not legal for hunting in Indiana? I have a rancher Winchester 94, but its 30-30 and I got it for like $300 or so. Some of these $8-$900 ranges seem way to high, but maybe that's just because I got mine pretty cheap.

 

[buckhunterbb]

Haven't heard mentioned yet the ruger 96/44 lever action

 

[cwillour]

Why am I not seeing Winchester? Is it because most are chambered in calibers not legal for hunting in Indiana? I have a rancher Winchester 94, but its 30-30 and I got it for like $300 or so. Some of these $8-$900 ranges seem way to high, but maybe that's just because I got mine pretty cheap.

I think there is a wide price gap between some of the calibers (rifle vs carbine). For example, the least expensive new Winchester .44 mag I found at Buds is over $1000:

Wincherster Guns 434190124 1892 Lever 44 Remington Magnum 20 $1,014.00 SHIPS FREE

 

[Big R]

Rossi 92

 

[davedolli]

for the money Rossi 92 is the best deal.....i like 45 Colt.....the 92's action is the strongest of them all......if you hand load you can load these....270gr Penn Thunder heads and they hit hard!!....1800fps from 20" barrel.....second from the left...

I agree, I have one in .44 mag, and it was on target right out of the box, smooth action, nice fit and finish, classic lines, decent price.


Dave

 

[Hoosier.Patriot]

Bump

Just wanted to "bump" this conversation ... Anyone else have an opinion on this topic ... great info so far! Thanks Guys!

H.P.

 

[spainy79]

Picked up my Marlin 1894 .44 back in '08 for $390 at an auction. It was the gun I went there for. Thought it was just fine with the factory sights, then upgraded to ghost rings; not a big fan. Ditched those in favor of the current setup of a bushnell 3x9 and couldn't be happier. I love this gun.

 

[snapping turtle]

1894 SS 44 mag limited edition. 16.25 inch barrel leopold scout scope (I call them advance Iron Sights) and some extras. The case is an old break down shotgun case that fits everything like it was made for the gun itself.

 

[Dockem]

Marlin 1894, Henry Bigboy, Rossi 92

Marlin is in 44 Rem Mag w/ a 3-9x40 scope, taken 4 deer using Win Whitebox. Very accurate groups, handles nicely w/ 20" barrel. Can find Marlin 44 Rem Mags still, 45 Colt going for a premium if you can find them.

Henry Bigboy is in 45Colt. Looks good (purists would cringe cause I have a 3-9x44 scope on it) and also shoots well, accurate. Biggest drawback: HEAVY, but recoil is subsequently lower. Handles +P loads well, but backed off on the powder amt. I did have a guy say the brass could flash in bright sun, he spooked a deer that way. Haven't had it in the woods yet.

Rossi 92 is in 45Colt also. Action notchy at first, but has smoothed out some. My model has the scout scope on it and higher cheek rest. Came with a 2.5x32, but got a stronger pistol LER scope, 4X32 . Handles +P loads well, being a lighter gun it does kick, put a hard rubber recoil pad on it, not necessary with a heavy hunting coat tho. But very easy to handle in the brush. Reasonably accurate (read: minute of deer easily, but not a tack driver - need to shoot it more).

The Marlin was about $550 I think, probably my favorite cuz I've had great luck with it. But I'm itching to try the Rossi 45Colt out too. Wanted the 45 to reach out a bit more w/ +P.

 

[ryan3030]

If you want a good lever gun then Marlin. Period. Anyone that speaks otherwise is a joker
That said don't buy a new Marlin go to a gun show and get a used Pre 1990s if you can!

Henry makes a "pretty" gun!

Have you ever handled a Henry? They make basically the smoothest action available in my experience. I've owned 3 marlin lever guns, 2 henry's, and shot one winchester. The Henry was by far the leader in terms of quality, fit/finish.

 

[VidGuy]

Henry Bigboy is in 45Colt. Looks good (purists would cringe cause I have a 3-9x44 scope on it) and also shoots well, accurate. Biggest drawback: HEAVY, but recoil is subsequently lower. Handles +P loads well, but backed off on the powder amt. I did have a guy say the brass could flash in bright sun, he spooked a deer that way. Haven't had it in the woods yet.

Henry in 45LC is a great deer rifle, but they also come in .357 and .44 mag if you need more power. Accuracy is great because it's heavy to dampen the recoil, but it's a lot of weight to hold steady for long periods of time. Cover the brass with black duct tape while hunting to prevent flashing.

I looked at the Rossi, but it seemed a little light, and the action was a bit clunky. I'm sure once it's been cycle a few thousand times it'd smooth out, and you really can't beat the price.

 

[Dockem]

Any Marlin made by Marlin should be good. It's when Remington took them over that quality issues arose - I think 2 years ago?

I do agree that the Henry action is smooth as silk. I think it's "handsome".

 

[tredwing]

Being originally from Michigan, I have killed plenty of deer with My 30-30 winchester and Marlin. So they would have to be my favorites. But in Indiana I have used a 45-70 Rossi and my brothers 44 Mag Marlin. Both of which I enjoy shooting as well. So looks like I will be looking to get a 44 Mag rifle next.

 

[tredwing]

Any Marlin made by Marlin should be good. It's when Remington took them over that quality issues arose - I think 2 years ago?

I do agree that the Henry action is smooth as silk. I think it's "handsome".

Remmington actually took over 4 years ago, but it wasnt really public until 09. Then Remmington stopped production on some of the Marlin rifles for about 12 months to bring them in house to be produced. Not sure why though. I guess they didnt like making money, or maybe wanted to raise the prices on some of there rifles I guess

 

[IndyGunSafety]

The Henry Big Boys in .44, 45LC or .357 are $745 from our online store. I have the .44 and would not trade it for the world.

 

[Hoosier.Patriot]

What a beauty!

1894 SS 44 mag limited edition. 16.25 inch barrel leopold scout scope (I call them advance Iron Sights) and some extras. The case is an old break down shotgun case that fits everything like it was made for the gun itself.

I'm guessing she's a Marlin?

 

[Bruno8pnk]

My bud and I both have Marlins - older models - I have a mounted scope 150yrds no problem. My bud shoots open sights not bad either. We both use Hornaday Level Action rounds.
Good luck.