Home Forums Lever Action Central Lever Actions - General Best levergun?

My absolute favorite levergun is the Winchester Model 1886 extra light-weight in 45-70 in the new production version. I must also admit to liking the M 95 especially in .405 win.

As far as most modern design i would have to give it to Browning's BLR. With its rotating bolt, 60 degree lever throw, side ejection, detachable box mag, folding hammer safety, excellent handling especially the light-weight, it is a great overall package.

Now i know that i have left a lot of rifles out here, and to tell the truth i love em all. The Savage 99, Win 94 and 92, All the Marlins 336, and 94, as well as the rare Win 88, all great. Whats your favorite? and why?

Really can't say. Guess I'll have to get one of each and get back to you in 10-12 years. ;-)

Win. 92 is my all-time favorite lever gun, just because it's the slickest action ever made.
I had grandpa Ernie's 92, 25-20 Gave it to my son, Ernie when he graduated high school...
Presently have a NavyArms 92 in .45 Colt
Have owned a Browning '86 carbine in 45-70, that was one slick action also. Lost it to a home invasion. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
Virgil B.

Also wanted to add...
I've got a Ruger 96 in 22 mag. that I'm growing quite fond of! (slick,short throw action!)

Winchester 71 (.348 Win.) is my favorite, for the big stuff.

Winchester 1892 carbine (.25-20 Win.) is my favorite, for the small stuff.

Savage 99EG (.250 Sav. and .300 Sav.) and the Winchester 64 (.30-30 Win.) and several others are among my favorites, for the in-betweeners. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> This is almost as bad as trying to name your favorite offspring.

Action ------------- (preferred caliber(s))
Savage 99 -------- (.300 Savage; .250 Savage)
Winchester 1886 - (.45-70)
Winchester 1892 - (.32-20; .45LC)
Winchester 71 ---- (.348, of course)
Marlin 336 ---------(.30-30)
Marlin 1894 ------- (.25-20)

In that order, but all very close together at the top of the charts. And, nothing else comes close

Never got the hang of liking the Marlin models. Just never seemed to balance right and seemed awful heavy for what they were.
I like my 94 XTR BB in .375 a lot and I have shot a few BLR's that are quite nice. The 99 and 88 (the two that a young and stupid 25 year old sold 13 years ago...sigh) 88 in .308 and 99 in .300 Savage were very nice and probably are my favorites personally.
MCS

I currently own Winny's in models 71, 86, 94, 64, 88, 55, and 95. Own a 1920's Sav 99 takedown, and a Marlin 444ss and 336. I would have a real hard time picking a favorite, as I love lever guns. From what I've read so far, I don't have any problems with anyone's votes except for the BLR. Junk. Never owned one and never will. ----2MG

Browning BLR in .308
Marlin 1895GS 45/70
Browning BL-22 22lr/s
Marlin 1894PG 44mg
Marlin 1894 357/38

My grandfather's Win'92 rifle is number one followed very closely by my 3 steel frame BLR's and Browning M95 '06 then by a Browning M86. My old Navy Yellowboy would not be far behind, but a 9422, a Marlin 444 and 3 Marlin '94's(two CL's) are the also rans at the end. Win 88's were too heavy and Savage 99's too stiff. Winny 94's with their double jointed actions were not comfortable to work from the shoulder so are off the list even though I own an early 44mag.

Best is different for each of us. I personally like the Marlins the best because they fit me. I have over a dozen Marlins in various chamberings and like them all. They are easy to understand mechanically and I'm not intimidated by the disassembly/reassembly. All are more than accurate enough for the intended purpose.

I do like the win 1892 for pistol cartridges, but they seem too much like a metal puzzle to do much tinkering with. I really like the current BLRs too, but won't attempt a complete disassembly on one. I have a 99 in 300 Savage that shoots great, but for some reason it just doesn't hold the same fascination for me that the others do.

If we all did like the same models, the price would go through the roof and we'd be complaining about that. Variety and competition in the marketplace are good for all of us.

I like them all, but the Wincester 94's , and 95 are tied with the Blr for the all time best list in my mind.
I like the way my savage 99 shoots but don't care for the way it carries while hunting.
The Marlin's with the exception of the 45-70 I had ,won't shoot as good as the Winchesters , and are more uncomfortable to carry than the Savage, while hunting.

The Sako Finnwolf rates high. I like the Savage 99s and the Winchester 88 also. The slickest one I have ever handled was a well used Winchester 71 Deluxe .348 with another well used 1886 Takedown .33 Winchester. Both were slicker than Owl snot.

I'd have to go with the 99.I've also own a 94 and a bl-22.I think the 99's are the best looking guns period.Mine shoots very well it's an EG in 300 sav.I like all lever guns,been thinking about picking up a Marlin next.

I have a pre-'64 Winchester model 88 308 Win. that I love. It shoots right around an inch at 100 yards. I also like Marlin lever actions as well. Never really cared for the Winchester model 94, had trouble with two of them. I would really like to find a another model 88 but in 358 Win. They cost and arm and a leg so I might just get a Browning BLR instead! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Nothing balances and points like a Red Ryder.

"you'll take your eye out kid!" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I have a M88 in .308 and a 336 in 30-30. I gave a M99 in .250 to my daughter-in-law to get her started hunting.

Which is best? Depends on the day, phase of the moon, my mood and what I am doing! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I'll be taking my 88 in 308 deer huntin' this year. Not sure what'll be backin' it up yet---2MG

2muchgun

How do you figure that the BLR is junk? Mine in .358 win shoots sub MOA and its quality and fit and finish is second to none. I realize that to each their own, but if you have never owned one how can you judge it?

Good question! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />