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="" />

I have several Marlins, and I really like them. Can't really appreciate the newer Win 94's. I don't think it gets anybetter than the Sako Finwolf (I'm with you on that Pacecars) had one in 308 and like an idiot let it get away. I do like the newer 86 versions (Browning). The BLR just leaves me cold. IMHO YMMV

I think the choice has to be among the actions that handle pointed bullets, which leaves out the Marlins and all the Winchesters except the 88 and 95. The 88 has a horrible trigger, the 95 a protruding magazine, so they are out. The BLR is just plain ugly. That leaves the Sako and the 99 Savage pretty much tied for first place, the Savage gets my vote for the classy rotary magazine.

I dislike the BLR for many reasons. The number one being they spend more time being repaired than any of the other models mentioned by far. I like classy, traditional style lever guns also. Not shiny stocked, gold-plated triggered models with "Made in Japan" on the side. Go ahead and put a scratch or two on one of these stocks and see how easy they are to get rid of as opposed to a nice oil-finished one. They're just not a practical choice for someone who hunts hard. More gearded toward those who'd rather look at their rifle, IMHO. I also do not like the balance of them as compared to other lever guns. The big, awkward looking receivers are probably the culprit. The "lines"(shape) of these rifles are horrible to me. Can't really comment from experience on how well they shoot on average, but I'd definitely wager that they shoot no better on average than an 88, 99, or Finnwolf. We all have our own tastes, I have no problems with anyone who likes BLR's, and any 358 is nice, but these guns just don't appeal to me in any way---2MG

Just why do you feel you need an action that handles pointed bullets? For an open sighted lever action, 200 yards is about as far as most would ever want to shoot, which is well within woods range. Check out the ballistics, or better yet, see a .348 M-71 shoot at 200 yards. Same goes with a .45-70 and hot loads like 350 gr Buffalo Bore rounds at 2150 fps. Nope, I don't think flat nosed bullets are a detriment one bit at normal levergun ranges.

By the way, the best levergun ever made is the Browning copy of the Winchester 1886, which can handle loads that the Win cannot.

BMR, even if you ignore the ballistic advantage of pointed bullets for shots over 200 yards, many of the top premium bullets simply are not available in flatnose.

That's true, but for deer-sized game a premium bullet doesn't matter in a caliber like the .45-70. And for taking very large game, there are a number of bullets, such as those used in the cartridges sold by Buffalo Bore and Garrett. The Super Hard Cast and the Woodleigh Weld-Core are two such examples used by Garrett. None of the pointed bullet rounds used in any of the mentioned leveraction rifles approach these rounds in knockdown power.

I'm with BMR. When you start talkin' ballistic advantages and shots over 200yds and pointy bullets, you should be talking about a different kind of gun. It is not what the beauty of a lever gun is all about. There are PLENTY of tough bullets for lever guns around. Cast bullets also. You don't need failsafe's or TBBC's, although A-frames are available also. Some of the most dramatic kills I've ever seen have been with big, slower moving flat-nosed bullets. I mean visible knock-down power that makes you say "DAMN!" The Win 71 348 still has a deserved following in Alaska to this day, the factory load of choice was 250gr flat-nosed silver tips, not the faster 200gr crap they load now. If I'm planning on shooting over say, 150 yds, I take a bolt action(not that no levers are capable of such shots). If I want a fast handling woods rifle that will anchor something right now, I take a big-bore lever. And have never felt handicapped in any way in doing so. In fact, quite the opposite---2MG

BMR-- guess we were typing at the same time. Sounds like we agree <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />---2MG

2muchgun, I'm planning on using Buffalo Bore 350 gr rounds in my Browning 1886 for deer hunting in WI this fall. I know it's a heck of a lot more of a round than necessary for a deer, but that's what my rifle is sighted in for and it shoots extremely well with that load.

That BB stuff is expensive! I basically duplicate one of their loads in my 444, otherwise I'd be paying $40/box for it. Where are you at in Wisconsin? I hunt in the U.P. often, and will going on my next bear hunt not that far from your northern border. My buddy shot his first deer last year with a 350gr 450 Marlin load that I found for him, he'll also be on that bear hunt. I'll be taking my 348, I think. Killed my last bear with the 444---2MG

2much. I won't deny you're entitled to your opinion, but you ought to try and base it on facts.
I have 2 blr's neither of which have seen the inside of a gun shop since the day they were purchased. Both have been put thru more hard use than most guns are.
One is a peice of "japanese" crap with FN Belgium stamped on the barrell. The other is Miroku made, and like I said before neither has been babied. Both will shoot 1 inch or less 3 shot groups with their favorite loads, and neither one has let us down whether it was 90 degrees hot and dusty or -40 and 3 feet of snow on the ground.
You may just want to try one once. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

2muchgun, I am in western Wisconsin, Jackson/LaCrosse county, just east of the Mississippi.

R-13, I don't want to get in an argument with all the BLR fans out there. I'm sure there are plenty that have provided years of reliable service. I'm also pretty sure that more problems have occurred with them than most Winny's, Marlins, or Sav99's. If I could get over the looks of one, I could possibly try one. Not only do I detest shiny stocks on hunting rifles, the shape(lines) of these rifles are most unappealing to me. I have a good friend who asked me about picking one up in 358. He has pretty much every type of rifle he needs now, except a big-bore lever. I told him to buy one if that's what he likes. I am glad that the BLR is keeping the 358 afloat. It is too good of a cartridge to die off IMHO. I let him take my Marlin 444ss on a deer hunt to Pennsylvania, now I think he's pretty much hooked on it and will probably buy one instead of the BLR. The fact that I own a whole bunch of lever guns and no BLR I think also influences his opinion. Still, I never asked anyone what they thought when I bought all of mine, and neither should he. You're always going to get varying opinions. As they say, opinions are like azzholes, everyone's got one---2MG

2much , I don't have any problem with folks having opinions. The problem comes from when you flat out state that the Blrs are junk, and admit to never owning one. My point is you might try one before you dismiss them as Japanese junk, and then state the same without having used one.
You did it again in your last post when you say the Blr breaks down more than the other leverguns, that just hasn't been the case in the ones I own, or the ones I know of other folks owning.
If they don't appeal to you that's fine, just say so and leave the rest of it alone until you have the personal experience to back the "japanese junk".

Winchesters, Marlins & Savages are all leverguns in the "classic" definition of same. The BLR, while it may be efficient, may be accurate, and certainly may be to the liking of some (or even many) is not a "classic" lever gun by any stretch. Personally, I thought the old steel receiver BLR 81s were "OK", but only that. The new aluminum receiver versions are just flat-out abominably ugly. And yes, I know you can get it in 358 Win, which is a big plus. ...but if it's so ugly as to be embarassing, what's the point???

R13--I understand your point. However, I know enough, read enough, and hear enough from "gun people" to know that certain products have a bad rep. Even if I knew nothing of it, I still would never buy a BLR beacause of other reasons. If you owned one and it broke, you'd say it was junk. Even though it was but one of however many thousands made. Somebody else has one that works fine and it's a great product, if you ask them. My opinion is simply based on all the bad stories I personally have heard about them from various sources through the years. Enough to make me, personally not want one, even if I did like them. If you try to convince me that they are as reliable as a Win 94, 86, 71, Sav 99, or Marlin 336, or 1895, guns that have been around for 100yrs, I'm simply not buying it. You make a good point, and I fully understand your argument, as I will never have enough experience with a BLR to back up my "opinion" on them---2MG

2much, I own and shoot Winchesters, Marlins, and Savage lever guns,and BLR's I've done so since long before lever guns were the" in " thing to do. I've had more problems with the first 3 than the Blr's.
The most disgusting was the 99 that after carrying the magazine full for 4 days in near zero weather, the moment of truth popped up, and the rotary magazine wouldn't push the top cartridge up far enough for the bolt to push it in. Didn't think the rifle was junk then and don't now.
I do wish Browning would see fit to recycle the aluminum, and use good old cold steel in the receivers again, I also wish Marlin would sell off the supply of used telephone poles they got for forearms, and let somebody elses grandkids play with the checkering press for a while, and get back to the trimmer lines of days gone by.

AMEN, brother! Preach that True Gospel...

R13--Yeah, I know. I wasn't planning on getting too technical here, but the aluminum receivers are another turn-off for me. Even though the bolt locks up in the chambers on these guns not the receivers. So I guess technically they are still strong enough. They also have, or at least had, plastic bushings in them at one time. I've also heard of the teeth on the gears being too fine and "chipping" off. They also do not point well for me, like they are receiver or stock heavy and the barrel is too light. What can I say, I'm a big lever guy, but they're just not my cup of meat---2MG

I've heard of the teeth chipping thing too, but out of the dozen or so, miroku made rifles I'm familiar with none have had that problem, and several of those have seen alot of use.
The orginal FN made ones were all steel.
The biggest thing keeping me from getting one of the new ones in the wsm cartridges is that aluminum receiver. I agree its probably strong enough, but I just can't get past it.
My favorite BLR's are the 81 steels, in the short action cartriges. Much more comfortable for onehanded carry than the original design, which I've heard was actually one sort of on John's Drawing board way back when. Don't know if its true or not but they certainly show classic John M lines.
The long actions don't seem to handle to well for me, they do seem a bit long and clumsy.

264Bore,

I like most all lever guns.

My hands down favorite is the Ruger No. 1. I have a sporter in 7X57 and a standard in .257 Bob. I know, this is not the "kind" of lever that you were looking for...but they are levers.

Now to answer your question, here are my preferences (although I find, unlike my bolts, I can get more "emotional" about levers, and my favs may change from time to time):

1. Savage 99s. I've always admired these, however I didn't own one until about a year ago. Now I own 5, 3 in .300 savage, 1 in .243 Win and one in .250 Savage. One or two of the .300 Savages will be my first choice for whitetails this season, and probably at least the next few.

2. BLRs. I like the strength of the action, and they fit and feel good to me. I own 3 steel frame BLRs, a .284, a .358 and a Belgian in.308. The .308 was acquired cheap as a donor for a .338-08 project, but I made the common mistake of shooting the donor. It groups 3 in 1" with factory Rem 150 gr Corelokts. It ain't pretty (needs stock refinishing and the blue is thin in a couple of places), but it had been my go to whitetail gun for many seasons.

3. Marlins-I own 2, a 45-70 Guide Gun and a 336 in 30-30. I like the sturdy actions and balance of the Marlins. The 336 was my very first centerfire huntin rig. Traditional levers shooting traditional lever cartridges.

4. Winchesters-I own 2, a m94 trapper in .44 Mag (very handy in the woods that I hunt in) and a 9422.

I haven't had the opportunity to handle a Sako, but have my eyes open for one. I handled a Win 88, but didn't like the way it felt.

Just my opinions, but thats what you asked for.

Chris

p.s. I also own a Henry youth model lever in .22 I bought in anticipation of my kids wanting to shoot a lever. Didn't want to cut down the 9422.

I love all lever guns. I want a Savage 99, BLR, and and a ruger #1- also been looking at a Win. low-wall. Never heard of a "Sako"- until now. (anxious to "check" that out)

I regret letting go a pre-64 Win. 30-30 carbine, A Win. 30-30 oct. bbl. rifle, and a mint Win. 1892 25-20. (All many years ago).

I Now have 5 Marlins. I couldn't say what lever gun is "best"- but the gun that I have have enjoyed the most ever (of all my guns)- and love to shoot and consistantly hit what I aim at- is my Marlin 1894 C. It shoots and cycles "everything in 357 mag & 38 special right on target.

If I could only keep "one gun"- of all my guns- I would want my Marlin 1894 C.

Weed

"Best Lever gun"
I have to go with my winchester Timber Carbine in 444 Marlin.
I own Marlins, Savage, Ithaca, Henry, and Ruger levers, but until about 3 years ago never had the inclination to add a Win. to the mix. Naturally when I decided to do so Win. had discontinued them, major search to find one (probably paid to much for it) but after handling and firing it, it had a special place in my heart. So much so that I ran out and grabbed 2 9417's to keep it company. Then when Win. introduced the 94 Timber in 450 Marlin (same gun as Timber Carbine in different caliber) I snagged one of those also, but the Timber Carbine in 444 is my favorite. My 336 in 35 Rem. holds 2nd place, and the 1961 vintage 99 in 308 takes 3rd. The 9417's are fun and accurate and since they aren't offered anymore, the unfired one that is still in the box might just stay there, might be luck that I accidently bought 2, but then again the only luck I seem to have is bad.

My Model 1895 Winchester in .30-40 Krag. By far the most reliable and favorit. Have owned many Savage 99's, a Marlin in .375 Win and various 94's. I still love my 95!!!!

I bought a BLR 358 this summer and am very happy with it.
I never thought of it as a "Classic" lever action but a modern day lever action with "Retro" styling.

I think it's nicer looking than other modern levers like the Win. 88 and Sako Finnwolf. It's also much lighter and less expensive than a Savage 99 in .358.

It's easily scoped, has a short throw lever, does'nt have an ugly safety and the detachable clip works great.

I think it's the greatest since sliced bread...I wish it were made in the USA (It could be...labor is not cheap in Japan)

So far my only complaint is, NO SLING SWIVELS!!!

tp4whlr, the winnie timber in triple four was my first ever gun purchase a year and a half ago, and I am old

every time it is fired it puts a big grin on my face <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

maybe we should have a thread on grin factor??? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

444 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Four or five years ago, the only lever that I had was a BB gun. There must be something mystic about them. I now have:
Savage 99 in 300 Sav
250 Sav
308 Win

Winchester 94 32 spec
32 spec (Wrangler)
375 Win (XTR Big Bore)
22 Mag (9422)

Marlin 336 35 Rem
1895 45-70 (Guide Gun)

Remington 22 (Nylon 76)

Ruger #1 270 Weatherby Mag

I'm always on the lookout for Savage 99s and the only reason that I don't have a BLR in 358 Win or maybe the new 325 WSM is the price. Good luck.

George

I definitely look for opportunities to fire this weapon, just something about it, what a blast <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

The best I lever gun have personally ever had is the inexpensive Black Shadow Model 94 rifle I presently own. It is 30-30 and I have a refurbished old Weaver K3 on it with four plex reticle in Leupold mounts. I will probably have the reticle converted to a German #4 soon but it is a true deer killing machine. I use Winchester 170gr Silvertips and shoot into an inch at 100. I can't reload anything it likes as well as the factory stuff. It was bought as a knock around truck gun but has become my main hunting rifle when eastern Whitetail is the goal.

Here are my three favorite levers.
Model 88 in 338/08
Model 64 in 30/30
Model 99 in 358
Just three very nice deer rifles.

Here's my two go to lever guns. 250-3000 and .308 in 99A. I'm still looking for a .300 in the same model.

Forgot the picture

Interestin, readin all these points of view.
BLR controversy...only bad thing ever heard of em other n bein ugly enuff to scare a guy, is that trigger-some folks don mind it, some find it mushy an too variable on release.
Personally don't want one. Just don't fit me that well.
Marlins are blessed w/some of the best n worst. Easyst to maintain, but the last couple decades see em stickin with these popeye forearms-completely ridiculous.
Most newer browning/wins are made in japan. Real nice guns, but made on metric not english systems. Can be a problem if a lookin for parts.
New 94s -.450 Timber handles way bettern the Marlin. Worry about that standard, not big bore reciever n pressure.
Never got a chance at the 94 Timber carbine 444. Always wanted one, never found one.
Best levergun?
Best levergun is the one that springs to the shoulder, puts that front sight on that running ungulate without effort, trigger drops right into the finger, an the bullet goes where its intended.
Still like my 30 yr old 94.

Keep looking for those 99s, they are hard to come by. The Savage is my favorite. Mine is in 308. Don't care for Winnys or any other but the Marlins. First deer rifle was a 336C in 30-30. I would like to find a mid 50s 336 in 35 Rem. but will always hold out for the 99. The best looking, most accurate, and easiest to work on lever gun ever. But man the triggers are crappy.

The triggers can be polished up real nice. Have owned more than one 99 with a 3# trigger - some even less. The post million guns can be brought scary low on the pull.

I like the 99 as #1. Then comes the Winchester 71/'86. The grin factor on all those guns is biiiiig for me. I want to own some Winchesters some day but I am busy with the 99 these days. God Bless. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Rusty Zipper

Savage 99 was the best levergun ever produced.
1886 Win
71 Win.
1873 Win
1892 Win
1894 Win.