new lever action rifle - The Firearms Forum

remington1990 · 11-19-2011, 08:31 PM

I have finally decided on a another gun but, I am not sure which one I want I've looked at a mossberg 464 in 30-30 or a marlin 336 in 30-30 but, I am not sure. I heard some bad things about the mossberg but I have heard some about the marlin to about the new ones. I have looked at some winchester 94's used and a marlin used but, mostly I can find new ones cheaper thanks.

reynolds357 · 11-19-2011, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by remington1990

I have finally decided on a another gun but, I am not sure which one I want I've looked at a mossberg 464 in 30-30 or a marlin 336 in 30-30 but, I am not sure. I heard some bad things about the mossberg but I have heard some about the marlin to about the new ones. I have looked at some winchester 94's used and a marlin used but, mostly I can find new ones cheaper thanks.

I do not really like lever guns since I had an action blow open on one and hurt my fingers, but I dislike the 94 Winchester the least of the ones listed above.

Brisk44 · 11-19-2011, 08:41 PM

I've got a Marlin 1894 in .44 mag and she's as acurate as you could ever want, but then it's 20 some years old.

LDBennett · 11-20-2011, 07:18 AM

I have never owned or worked on a Marlin that was accurate, but that may just be me. Mossberg may be the manufacturer to go to for a really cheap shotgun but they have not proved themselves capable in centerfire, at least not yet.

If it is a classic lever gun you want it is hard to beat a Winchester in 30-30. Tons (is it 5 million or more?) were made and there are many on the used market. Pre 1964 versions get a pretty good premium used. The last ones are good enough for hunting in the East and can be found used much cheaper than the early versions.

But the absolutely best lever you can buy is the Browning BLR. You can find them used, either made in Belgium or later ones that were made in Japan. Both are excellent. They work on a rotating bolt principle so they can lock up as well as any bolt gun. The lever throw is short and all of the trigger guard moves with the trigger so there are no pinched fingers when operating the lever. It is available in many rifle cartridges from 243 to 300 Mag. It is well made (either Belgium or Japan). It been around for nearly 50 years so there are many out there used. Most have a deep beautiful Browning blue job and some have exceptional wood as well.

http://www.browning.com/products/cat...ent=BLR-Rifles

LDBennett

Jackman · 11-20-2011, 07:36 AM

My Marlin 336C in 35 Rem its my favorite

it feels right, looks nice and pretty accurate with no scope

jacksonco · 11-20-2011, 07:52 AM

you may want to check out Rossi. They have a Rio Grande 30-30 model that is reasonably priced. I can't speak for the Rio, but their 92 models are excellent.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/61513

and LD Bennett is spot on with the BLR

Zhurh · 11-20-2011, 08:22 AM

Back in the late 70's I bought a lever action marlin in 44 mag. I had to keep a screwdriver in my pocket to take gun apart in the woods as being a pistol cartridge, shell wouldn't slide into chamber consistently, jam right up 1 out of 3 times. I never bought another lever action after watching deer bound off with a jammed gun in my hands.

Brisk44 · 11-20-2011, 08:47 AM

As I said before I love my Marlin, but L-D has a good point about the BLR.

45nut · 11-21-2011, 10:41 AM

One of the absolute best lever guns is the Savage #99. They made them in .243, 250 & 300 Savage, .308 30-30 and a couple of now obscure calibers 22 High? which is 5.6X54R I think and a .303 (not the British one) The rotary magazine made it possible to shoot spire point bullets in a lever gun and I just love them.

You have too look at used gun stores but they are wonderful rifles. I had one in my possession for a couple months in 250-3000 and I fell in love with them. I found one this last week in .243 and bought it. See my other post

LDBennett · 11-21-2011, 11:45 AM

As there are collectors out there for Winchester lever guns, there are the same for Savage Model 99's. I bought mine off a co-worker and could 4X my investment after about 15 years. They are great guns but now quite pricey.
There are two basic styles: early and late.

The early ones were in calibers like 250 & 300 Savage, and other calibers that finding ammo for today is a challenge. These guns used a rotary magazine that Bill Ruger patterned the rotary magazine of the 10/22 after (actually the Ruger 44 carbine used it before the 10/22 did, I believe).

The later version discarded the rotary magazine and used a removable regular magazine. These guns also came in todays standard hunting calibers like 308 and 243 (and others).

The early guns are very collectable. I don't know about the later ones (??).

Anyway these are accurate reliable lever guns that are very well made. They are not much for spit and polish but just good utilitarian shooting machines. I like the look!

LDBennett

45nut · 11-21-2011, 01:55 PM

Mine has the rotary magazine in .243. I got lucky on this one.

LDBennett · 11-21-2011, 02:08 PM

The Model 99 Savage I have (rotary magazine version) is from the 1950's and is in excellent shape. It is remarkably accurate too and is in 300 Savage. I have a collectors book but I didn't bother to research exactly what calibers were available in which guns, rotary or removable magazines, to answer this thread.

If anyone needs any info then just ask and I'll look it up, like serial number vs. build dates.

To be clear, I shoot all my guns and even though some are collectable, they get shot anyway!

LDBennett

11-21-2011, 08:36 PM

the two I would look at first are the any Marlin 1849 or 336. Of the Old Savage 99 They were a lever gun way ahead of their time.

I think Marlin has and always will be a much better lever gun than Winchester.

My dad has a few marlin lever guns. even has an 1895 45-70. That is perfect....

Browning would be a close 3rd with winchester about 3 laps down in 4th place.

LDBennett · 11-21-2011, 09:06 PM

cpttango30:

Wow! You like to go for the underdog!

I have owned and worked on several Marlins and none were accurate at all.

The John Browning designed Winchester actions work like a charm, are smooth, and control the round from the magazine to the chamber.

My Browning BLR is an order of magnitude better fit and finish than any Marlin I have ever seen. Chambered in 243 my BLR shoots MOA at 100 yds for five shot groups all day.

My order would be:

BLR
Browning lever clones
Winchester pre-64
winchester post-64
And NO Marlins

When it comes to 45-70 I'll take my Browning 1886 clone made in Japan. A good box magazine lever is the Browning 1895 clone. Mine is in 30-40 Krag but I'd love to have one in 405 Winchester.

For handgun cartridge levers nothing beats the Browning Winchester clones of the Model 92, 65, and 53. I think them better than the real Winchester Model 92 that I also have.

For shear power it is very hard to beat the Winchester Model 71 in 348 Winchester. I have an original but the Browning clone is much nicer finished.

But we all get to choose.

LDBennett

Python · 11-22-2011, 03:45 AM

I've bought two this year. One is a 1967 Winchester 94 30-30 that's never been fired (bought from a collector), and a new Henry Big Boy .357, also never been fired. Now that the temp. has dropped below 100 deg. I'll have a chance to try them out.

mr.t7024 · 11-23-2011, 01:50 PM

Check out the Henry Rifles. I have not only sold them (Bass Pro/Dicks) I have also shot them as well. I firmly believe they are an outstanding firearm with an extremely smooth action.have a great day!

Munch · 11-23-2011, 08:41 PM

I have a 1969 marlin 336 that is a fantastic shooter, and as reliable as anything out there. Never had a single problem with it, and consider it to be an all around rifle. I can have a fun day at the range of course. But also I know that I can rely on it to take down nearly anything I may come upon on a hunting trip. I have owned other (Winchester) 30-30s, and I personally prefer the marlin.

DidI · 11-24-2011, 01:53 AM

I have been in posession of a Henry Big Boy in 357 for a few weeks. No fine tuning yet but I love shooting it lots. I believe the Hornady 180 gn bullet will work well. Also just getting started with a new Hornady Lock-N-Load AP and am very pleased there too.
Some folks say 357 is marginal for deer and bigger. I already feel like I could hold my own with deer AND bigger. Accurate shot placement is more important than brute force.
But a fun story from the past: After a day of Elk hunting Bart takes the head off a Spruce Grouse for camp dinner that eve. Used 338 Win Mag. Ole friend Leonard wanted to add to the meat plate so he tried to drop another Spruce chicken. Leonard carried a 300 Win Mag and he and Bart were forever debating the merits of their choice in Elk guns. Leonard missed a few times (yes them dumb Spruce chickens are that dumb) and Bart sez; "I got it Leonard, ur hit it but ur just not killing it". They had a silent dinner in camp that night.

Albtraum · 11-24-2011, 03:22 AM

Ive never heard of a reliability issue with a lever action rifle before this thread. That BLR looks pretty spiffy. Hey Python, those look great too. Let us know how they perform.

I'm partial to the Henry lever actions

mr.t7024 · 11-24-2011, 05:35 AM

I like them all the same, Marlin,Henry,Savage,Winchester, Mossberg. Great firearms. They are fun to shoot and accurate enough for me!

tomingreeneco · 11-26-2011, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DidI

I have been in posession of a Henry Big Boy in 357 for a few weeks. No fine tuning yet but I love shooting it lots. I believe the Hornady 180 gn bullet will work well. Also just getting started with a new Hornady Lock-N-Load AP and am very pleased there too.
Some folks say 357 is marginal for deer and bigger. I already feel like I could hold my own with deer AND bigger. Accurate shot placement is more important than brute force.
But a fun story from the past: After a day of Elk hunting Bart takes the head off a Spruce Grouse for camp dinner that eve. Used 338 Win Mag. Ole friend Leonard wanted to add to the meat plate so he tried to drop another Spruce chicken. Leonard carried a 300 Win Mag and he and Bart were forever debating the merits of their choice in Elk guns. Leonard missed a few times (yes them dumb Spruce chickens are that dumb) and Bart sez; "I got it Leonard, ur hit it but ur just not killing it". They had a silent dinner in camp that night.

You should have no problem with deer. I use a 158 gr. jhp with 6.8 gr of bullseye powder in my .357 lever. Killed many a deer with that round. All under 50 yards. For factory loads check out buffalo bore rounds.

remington1990 · 11-28-2011, 09:33 AM

anybody has the 44-40 I looking at one in a rossi 92 I am not sure about the caliber it hard to find around here. How would it be for deer hunting I know factory ammo is more to cowboy action but is there any rounds for hunting

hardluk1 · 11-28-2011, 11:09 AM

Don't buy a 44-40 unless your just into old calibers. get a marlin in the 44 mag. OR go back to the 30-30 and get a marlin new or used. If you want a lever action with balls then as covered allready get the browning BLR. Yes you can kill deer with all sorts of calibers ever loaded in lever rifles but if money is tight you might as well buy one in a caliber than is common today ,found in most any store and will do the job at a distance over 150 yards.

remington1990 · 11-28-2011, 05:19 PM

I looked at the 44-40 ammo and after not finding anybody that sell it on the shelf I thought I would looked at something different. How is the rossi rio grand thanks

LDBennett · 11-28-2011, 06:26 PM

Remembering this is just my opinion, all the Italian and South American clones of Winchesters are below any of the ones I mentioned earlier. I also am not a Henry fan. They are flashy deluxe and don't compare to even to a Marlin. But there are those who would disagree. I speak from my experience and yours may differ.

LDBennett

11-19-2011, 08:31 PM	#1
remington1990 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 290	new lever action rifle I have finally decided on a another gun but, I am not sure which one I want I've looked at a mossberg 464 in 30-30 or a marlin 336 in 30-30 but, I am not sure. I heard some bad things about the mossberg but I have heard some about the marlin to about the new ones. I have looked at some winchester 94's used and a marlin used but, mostly I can find new ones cheaper thanks. --> Last edited by remington1990; 11-19-2011 at 08:32 PM..

11-19-2011, 08:41 PM	#3
Brisk44 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Iowa Contributor Posts: 1,747	Re: new lever action rifle I've got a Marlin 1894 in .44 mag and she's as acurate as you could ever want, but then it's 20 some years old.

11-20-2011, 07:18 AM	#4
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,754	Re: new lever action rifle I have never owned or worked on a Marlin that was accurate, but that may just be me. Mossberg may be the manufacturer to go to for a really cheap shotgun but they have not proved themselves capable in centerfire, at least not yet. If it is a classic lever gun you want it is hard to beat a Winchester in 30-30. Tons (is it 5 million or more?) were made and there are many on the used market. Pre 1964 versions get a pretty good premium used. The last ones are good enough for hunting in the East and can be found used much cheaper than the early versions. But the absolutely best lever you can buy is the Browning BLR. You can find them used, either made in Belgium or later ones that were made in Japan. Both are excellent. They work on a rotating bolt principle so they can lock up as well as any bolt gun. The lever throw is short and all of the trigger guard moves with the trigger so there are no pinched fingers when operating the lever. It is available in many rifle cartridges from 243 to 300 Mag. It is well made (either Belgium or Japan). It been around for nearly 50 years so there are many out there used. Most have a deep beautiful Browning blue job and some have exceptional wood as well. http://www.browning.com/products/cat...ent=BLR-Rifles LDBennett Attached Images Last edited by LDBennett; 11-20-2011 at 07:44 AM..

11-20-2011, 07:36 AM	#5
Jackman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 446	Re: new lever action rifle My Marlin 336C in 35 Rem its my favorite it feels right, looks nice and pretty accurate with no scope

11-20-2011, 07:52 AM	#6
jacksonco Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jackson County West Virginia Posts: 2,237	Re: new lever action rifle you may want to check out Rossi. They have a Rio Grande 30-30 model that is reasonably priced. I can't speak for the Rio, but their 92 models are excellent. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/61513 and LD Bennett is spot on with the BLR Last edited by jacksonco; 11-20-2011 at 08:24 AM.. Reason: added link and comment

11-20-2011, 08:22 AM	#7
Zhurh Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Upper Yukon, Alaska Posts: 1,834	Re: new lever action rifle Back in the late 70's I bought a lever action marlin in 44 mag. I had to keep a screwdriver in my pocket to take gun apart in the woods as being a pistol cartridge, shell wouldn't slide into chamber consistently, jam right up 1 out of 3 times. I never bought another lever action after watching deer bound off with a jammed gun in my hands.

11-20-2011, 08:47 AM	#8
Brisk44 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Iowa Contributor Posts: 1,747	Re: new lever action rifle As I said before I love my Marlin, but L-D has a good point about the BLR.

11-21-2011, 10:41 AM	#9
45nut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,433	Re: new lever action rifle One of the absolute best lever guns is the Savage #99. They made them in .243, 250 & 300 Savage, .308 30-30 and a couple of now obscure calibers 22 High? which is 5.6X54R I think and a .303 (not the British one) The rotary magazine made it possible to shoot spire point bullets in a lever gun and I just love them. You have too look at used gun stores but they are wonderful rifles. I had one in my possession for a couple months in 250-3000 and I fell in love with them. I found one this last week in .243 and bought it. See my other post __________________ A gun is a tool, Marian; no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that. Shane Nemo me impune lacesset We recall the case of the Shoshone war band which showed up complete with one 30-30 rifle per man the week after Pearl Harbor, and simply wanted to have the enemy pointed out to them. "We hear there's a war going on and we want to go fight it." Jeff Cooper *KCCO*

11-21-2011, 11:45 AM	#10
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,754	Re: new lever action rifle As there are collectors out there for Winchester lever guns, there are the same for Savage Model 99's. I bought mine off a co-worker and could 4X my investment after about 15 years. They are great guns but now quite pricey. There are two basic styles: early and late. The early ones were in calibers like 250 & 300 Savage, and other calibers that finding ammo for today is a challenge. These guns used a rotary magazine that Bill Ruger patterned the rotary magazine of the 10/22 after (actually the Ruger 44 carbine used it before the 10/22 did, I believe). The later version discarded the rotary magazine and used a removable regular magazine. These guns also came in todays standard hunting calibers like 308 and 243 (and others). The early guns are very collectable. I don't know about the later ones (??). Anyway these are accurate reliable lever guns that are very well made. They are not much for spit and polish but just good utilitarian shooting machines. I like the look! LDBennett

11-21-2011, 01:55 PM	#11
45nut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,433	Re: new lever action rifle Mine has the rotary magazine in .243. I got lucky on this one. __________________ A gun is a tool, Marian; no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that. Shane Nemo me impune lacesset We recall the case of the Shoshone war band which showed up complete with one 30-30 rifle per man the week after Pearl Harbor, and simply wanted to have the enemy pointed out to them. "We hear there's a war going on and we want to go fight it." Jeff Cooper *KCCO*

11-21-2011, 02:08 PM	#12
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,754	Re: new lever action rifle The Model 99 Savage I have (rotary magazine version) is from the 1950's and is in excellent shape. It is remarkably accurate too and is in 300 Savage. I have a collectors book but I didn't bother to research exactly what calibers were available in which guns, rotary or removable magazines, to answer this thread. If anyone needs any info then just ask and I'll look it up, like serial number vs. build dates. To be clear, I shoot all my guns and even though some are collectable, they get shot anyway! LDBennett Last edited by LDBennett; 11-21-2011 at 02:09 PM..

11-21-2011, 08:36 PM	#13
cpttango30 Adnanced Senior Member Posts: n/a	Re: new lever action rifle the two I would look at first are the any Marlin 1849 or 336. Of the Old Savage 99 They were a lever gun way ahead of their time. I think Marlin has and always will be a much better lever gun than Winchester. My dad has a few marlin lever guns. even has an 1895 45-70. That is perfect.... Browning would be a close 3rd with winchester about 3 laps down in 4th place.

11-21-2011, 09:06 PM	#14
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,754	Re: new lever action rifle cpttango30: Wow! You like to go for the underdog! I have owned and worked on several Marlins and none were accurate at all. The John Browning designed Winchester actions work like a charm, are smooth, and control the round from the magazine to the chamber. My Browning BLR is an order of magnitude better fit and finish than any Marlin I have ever seen. Chambered in 243 my BLR shoots MOA at 100 yds for five shot groups all day. My order would be: BLR Browning lever clones Winchester pre-64 winchester post-64 And NO Marlins When it comes to 45-70 I'll take my Browning 1886 clone made in Japan. A good box magazine lever is the Browning 1895 clone. Mine is in 30-40 Krag but I'd love to have one in 405 Winchester. For handgun cartridge levers nothing beats the Browning Winchester clones of the Model 92, 65, and 53. I think them better than the real Winchester Model 92 that I also have. For shear power it is very hard to beat the Winchester Model 71 in 348 Winchester. I have an original but the Browning clone is much nicer finished. But we all get to choose. LDBennett

11-22-2011, 03:45 AM	#15
Python Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Arizona Posts: 677	Re: new lever action rifle I've bought two this year. One is a 1967 Winchester 94 30-30 that's never been fired (bought from a collector), and a new Henry Big Boy .357, also never been fired. Now that the temp. has dropped below 100 deg. I'll have a chance to try them out. Attached Images

11-23-2011, 01:50 PM	#16
mr.t7024 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Near a brook & pond in Ma Posts: 735	Re: new lever action rifle Check out the Henry Rifles. I have not only sold them (Bass Pro/Dicks) I have also shot them as well. I firmly believe they are an outstanding firearm with an extremely smooth action.have a great day!

11-23-2011, 08:41 PM	#17
Munch V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Puyallup, WA. Posts: 321	Re: new lever action rifle I have a 1969 marlin 336 that is a fantastic shooter, and as reliable as anything out there. Never had a single problem with it, and consider it to be an all around rifle. I can have a fun day at the range of course. But also I know that I can rely on it to take down nearly anything I may come upon on a hunting trip. I have owned other (Winchester) 30-30s, and I personally prefer the marlin.

11-24-2011, 01:53 AM	#18
DidI V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Central Texas Posts: 61	Re: new lever action rifle I have been in posession of a Henry Big Boy in 357 for a few weeks. No fine tuning yet but I love shooting it lots. I believe the Hornady 180 gn bullet will work well. Also just getting started with a new Hornady Lock-N-Load AP and am very pleased there too. Some folks say 357 is marginal for deer and bigger. I already feel like I could hold my own with deer AND bigger. Accurate shot placement is more important than brute force. But a fun story from the past: After a day of Elk hunting Bart takes the head off a Spruce Grouse for camp dinner that eve. Used 338 Win Mag. Ole friend Leonard wanted to add to the meat plate so he tried to drop another Spruce chicken. Leonard carried a 300 Win Mag and he and Bart were forever debating the merits of their choice in Elk guns. Leonard missed a few times (yes them dumb Spruce chickens are that dumb) and Bart sez; "I got it Leonard, ur hit it but ur just not killing it". They had a silent dinner in camp that night.

11-24-2011, 03:22 AM	#19
Albtraum Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 686	Re: new lever action rifle Ive never heard of a reliability issue with a lever action rifle before this thread. That BLR looks pretty spiffy. Hey Python, those look great too. Let us know how they perform. I'm partial to the Henry lever actions

11-24-2011, 05:35 AM	#20
mr.t7024 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Near a brook & pond in Ma Posts: 735	Re: new lever action rifle I like them all the same, Marlin,Henry,Savage,Winchester, Mossberg. Great firearms. They are fun to shoot and accurate enough for me!

11-28-2011, 09:33 AM	#22
remington1990 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 290	Re: new lever action rifle anybody has the 44-40 I looking at one in a rossi 92 I am not sure about the caliber it hard to find around here. How would it be for deer hunting I know factory ammo is more to cowboy action but is there any rounds for hunting

11-28-2011, 11:09 AM	#23
hardluk1 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: nc mountains Posts: 294	Re: new lever action rifle Don't buy a 44-40 unless your just into old calibers. get a marlin in the 44 mag. OR go back to the 30-30 and get a marlin new or used. If you want a lever action with balls then as covered allready get the browning BLR. Yes you can kill deer with all sorts of calibers ever loaded in lever rifles but if money is tight you might as well buy one in a caliber than is common today ,found in most any store and will do the job at a distance over 150 yards.

11-28-2011, 05:19 PM	#24
remington1990 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 290	Re: new lever action rifle I looked at the 44-40 ammo and after not finding anybody that sell it on the shelf I thought I would looked at something different. How is the rossi rio grand thanks

11-28-2011, 06:26 PM	#25
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,754	Re: new lever action rifle Remembering this is just my opinion, all the Italian and South American clones of Winchesters are below any of the ones I mentioned earlier. I also am not a Henry fan. They are flashy deluxe and don't compare to even to a Marlin. But there are those who would disagree. I speak from my experience and yours may differ. LDBennett