i have one. it is indeed light as a feather. can't be more than 6 lbs. it kicks like a mule though and you better be wearing ear protection. i like it but its going to go down the road one of these days.

Does yours have the butt pad? I can't imagine shooting it w/o one.

yes it has the factory limbsaver or whatever it is. doesn't really do much. this thing smacks you in the face even with a good cheek weld.

Still another option you might consider is to modify or replace the butt stock on a levergun that accommodates you with a higher comb. Possibly a monte carlo like pictured on WasTexasShooter's 444. It might even be a fun do-it-yourself project.

Marlin levers ain't light. My 30-30 weighs more than my 300 WSM, quite a bit more than my other bolt guns. The Winchester 94's in 30-30 tend to be about 1/2-3/4 lb lighter than Marlin, but I've never owned one of their big bores. If you're not really a big lever action fan then look at either the Ruger American or Scout rifle in 450 Bushmaster.

https://ruger.com/products/scoutRifle/specSheets/6837.html

https://ruger.com/products/americanRifleRanch/specSheets/16950.html

I have the win. timber carbine in 444 I think it weights 6 I/4 lbs. un loaded no scope

Another Browning BLR owner here...358 Winchester. Light, handy and accurate.

Dan

i would prefer a SAVAGE 99 but i also like the Browning BLR`s they do have a magazine clip , both the Savage 99 and the BLR`S are very accurate . if i was buying new it would be a Browning BLR , Savage 99`s are getting hard to find used anymore and are no longer made.good luck,Pete53 >> who ever reads this post >i am still look`n for a decent Savage 99 in a 358 Win. ?

I'd recommend getting whatever sub-species of Marlin 336 .30-30 that suits your fancy and then send it off to JES reboring for conversion to .38-55, .375 win, .356 win, or .444. I had him convert a .30-30 to .444 for me this past winter, you can see it here:

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/13697449/1

My gun ended up at a smidge over 6lbs and carries great. I think this sort of conversion is the best way to get a light bigger bore rifle. The marlin .44/.45 barrels are chubbier than they need to be in my opinion.

My marlin outfitter was nearly 8 lb loaded with a low power scope. Not handy

Correct! They’ve put out some real dogs, but it’s what some people want. Marlins with all the extra meat in barrels and laminated stocks, big loop levers, tactical rails, and who knows what else are heavy. It’s all extra crap people either like the looks of or think they need. For many of us it’s just weight that adds up and clunkiness that feels poorly in the hand. Some variations like the TK or the Texan are really done right. Others can be made that way with a little work. Just thinning the forend on a Marlin makes a difference. If you get a chance to handle any of the things old 1800/1900s guns you’re bound to notice the differences with the modern ones.

I’d also recommend checking out the .45 colt versions of the 1894. They’re pretty handy and will likely cover the ballistic needs described by the OP.

Same here Pete53. I looked for 30 years but I never found one when I had money in my pocket. Have settled on a BLR and have quit looking for that 99

Got a 94 bit bore the old man gave me, 375 win, light and handy, love it.

If you don't like levers you might consider a ruger american in 450 bushmaster. Light weight bolt action, throws a big ol bullet and you can load it down to take some of the kick out of it.

Browning used to make a 450 Marlin BLR.

How about a BLR in .308? Light, fast handling,capable of handling a longer poke if needed,
and a .308 with good bullets will tackle anything in the lower 48 with confidence. Just another option that hasn't been mentioned yet. Good luck!

Yep a 308 Win. in a BLR is another great choice too ! i just purchased a takedown BLR in 30-06 S.S.takedown and this rifle is very accurate too.

For a big bore lever they don't get any nicer than the Marlin 450 MR, the MR is scarce with a 22" non ported barrel. They didn't make all that many and you very seldom see one for sale, when you do they usually go for 1k or more.

I like the 45-70 and I have a couple, but when push come to shove, I'd much rather have the 450 Marlin.

Put Talley bases and rings on it (with the rear base milled for their Peep Sight) along with a fixed 6x scope, and you'd have one heck of a rig (like mine)

I have a couple of their Scouts also but don't much care for the ported.


Phil

I just skimmed this deal.

I didn't notice the Ruger # 3?mentioned

Or the 348 Winchester 71 carbine.

My favorite is the 356 win in a 336 with a custom glove( big loop) or a 1895 P custom big loop in 45/70 I use detachable rings for the scopes. With peep sights if possible. Ghost ring.

U can load a 35 R.E.M. In 336 mighty warm if on a budget.

I've got one, accurate with handloads or factory rounds. Makes nice big holes.