I have room for one - but only 1 centerfire lever action in my safe - what should it be? I don't have any specific hunting use in mind - just something to take to the range sometimes. No interest in scoping it to me this is an old style traditional rifle.
That depends on what trips YOUR trigger not any one elses. For me its an easy choice. A 1892 in 44-40 Although a '94 in 30-30 is a real classic or a 1886 in 45-70 or a '73 No No wait I would really like a Marlin! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Lots of good choices out there. A BLR in 358 Win, Marlin Cowboy in 45-70 or a Savage 99 in 300 Sav would all be great choices. Which turns your head, straight or bottleneck cartridges?
"A free people (claim) their rights as derived from the laws of nature, and not as the gift of their chief magistrate." --Thomas Jefferson, Rights of British America, 1774
well, I think I'd probably suffer a terminal meltdown if I had to make that decision. Love me some winchester 88 and some savage 99. that covers my affection for the box fed levers but what about the tube feeds? dang it, like I said, terminal melt down. Let's say I had to pick one more over what I have & I couldn't buy another for like....2 years. I can live with that question. in which case my answer would be a nice model 88 winchester in good old lack-luster trusty .308
Are there any true "gun loonies" out there who don't have a pre 64, 94 30-30 in there collection? Dat would be #1 for me. (got one in my safe!) 'course there's a 9422 to go with it..... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Virgil B.
If so, a Savage 99EG in .300 Savage. And, a Marlin 336 in .30-30. And, a Winchester 1886 in .45-70. And a Rossi/Legacy Puma in .454 Casull. And a Sako Finnwolf in .243 ( or just about anything else). <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I did not give too much info in my original post because I wanted to hear everyones ideas w/o my bias. I think I want to buy new and I prefer popular calibres. So based on your comments I looked at all the lever actions offered by Winchester and Marlin. I'm leaning toward Marlin at this time because Winchester is out of production. Right now, I thinking 30-30 or 45-70 but I noticed how popular the 357s and 44s are. Whats up with this? Also, I really want walnut stocks so no synthetics - but stainless is interesting. Not sure what to do here. Any added comments or suggestions?
ok, you want new & you prefer popular, you like walnut & you mentioned a fondness for stainless. Any intended use or do you just want a center fire lever just to have one? Everything you just said points directly at a walnut/stainless Marlin. if you want the big boy go for the 45-70 in 1895GS 1895 guide stainless. very pretty. if you want the 30-30 you mentioned then just look for a 336SS. I have an 1895G .450 walnut/blued, I like it a lot, took a cow elk with it last fall.
just get into the marlinfirearms website & swim around a little. If you like laminates they have a new line called XLR, laminate stainless, kind of neat.
Here's an idea: For just target shooting, you can't beat a .38 special. Buy a Marlin Model 94 Cowboy Competition in .38 special, and you have a rifle chambered for a cheap, accurate cartridge (not .357 mag like the 1894C), with a factory action and trigger job. Classic late 19th century looks too. Minimal recoil.
The only problem I see with this choice is, you will run into some Cowboy Action Shooters at the range, and they will talk you into buying a couple of single-action revolvers and a SxS shotgun so you can have a heck of a lot of fun at CAS meets.
An old dog don't run no trails, an old dog don't flush no quails, but he can still bury a bone.
Several others have touted the Savage 99 in various cals. The only change i`d make is with cal........... my choice would be a .250. A Savage 99 (pre-mil) in any cal, now there`s tradition. No offense to post mil owners.
" The best part of the hunt is not the harvest but in the experience."
I'd sell a few other guns in your safe to make room for samples of these three. One lever action is just not enough. 88 in 338-08 64 in 30/30 99 in 358 39A in 22 (missing from pic.)
Getting the picture, now. You want a new, traditionally-styled levergun in walnut and stainless steel, chambered for a popular cartridge.
If you also want that rifle to be pleasant to shoot, easy to carry, and yet practical for taking a deer (someday maybe) inside of 200 yards with iron sights, I'd recommend the Marlin 336SS, .... the .30-30 carbine in stainless steel, with walnut stock.
I'd also recommend that you have a Lyman or Williams receiver sight installed, along with a correspondingly higher front sight. Makes for a real nice rig.
I'd second that but with a scope if your set on SS. If not the 1895 cowboy in 45-70 is mighty slick. I prefer the 1894's because they are so easy to work on and I like the smaller cartridges like the 44mag.
Thanks for the suggestions. Here are some replys to your comments.
Regarding my 1 gun safe - (Smile) I'm a bolt action fan for hunting. The lever is more of a want - just to have one. I also need to make room this year for the REM 700 CDL Anniversary model. I'm really annoyed with Remington. I didn't plan on buying the 30-06 commemerative rifle - but it's so nice looking that I really want one.
Regarding the "no scope" comment - I'm trying not to spend too much $$ on this purchase - maybe a scope will come later.
On calibre selection. Over the years several of my friends have owned the lever action 30-30s. So I have shot several 30-30 lever guns. So to me the 30-30 is a natural choice. But one friend has a 45-70 that I have fired. I am a recoil wimp - but there's something about shooting those heavy bullets that I really enjoy. I have no interest in tolerating a lot of recoil for a magnum round - but the 45-70 is different. If I had never fired the 45-70 I would just buy the 30-30.
On the pistol calibers - They certainly have low recoil so maybe this is a good chioce - but as Carlos111 noted above - the CAS people at my club would try to drag me into the CAS world - and I just don't have the time or money for this right now. Carlos must know the CAS guys at my club - I was talking to my IWLA club VP last month and she tried to talk me into attending a CAS event. (Must ignore voices in my head - resist the temptation...)
Anyway I think my choice has been narrowed down to 30-30 or 45-70. Any added comments to help me finalize the decision are appreciated.
If cost is a factor then the the 30-30 gets my nod. The 45-70 ammo is not cheap and the 1895 Cowboy is much pricier at $800 Vs the 336 that might be half as much. I had a guide gun and I'm just no fan of the recoil. The 1895 cowboy version with the octagon barrel is simply a classic IMO. There is nothing more traditional than a 30-30 to me and if you really are a one lever gun guy what I would say is look for a pre-64 Winchester '94. They can be had for $4-500 and they are the real deal. If you ever want to scope I say go with a new Marlin. You cant go wrong with any of those choices but to me the 30-30 is far more practical.
The 30-30 is extremely practical and handy and comes in stainless. The 44 Mag is just as handy and has the same power as the 30-30. Either would make a fine deer rifle. I don't know that I could limit myself to one. I would have a hard time limiting mine to 5. So I didn't. I'm trying to limit myself to....a dozen. Yeah that's a good number.
NRA LIFE MEMBER GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS ESPECIALLY THE SNIPERS! "Suppose you were an idiot And suppose you were a member of Congress... But I repeat myself." -Mark Twain
If it were me a traditional straight checkered stocked Winchester 30-30 with sight hood and white triangle rear sight. Sure some others might be a little bit more accurate but none is as easy and quick to handle. For jump and dump deer hunting there is none as good.
I have 11 Savage 99's and will be getting more given the chance so my choice is obvious. Warning to you is that once you get one of these, you will want more.
The toughest thing about doing nothing is knowing when you are finished?
Considering that you want it stainless, the only other one that would even be in the running, if it were me, would be the Rossi/Legacy M92 Puma.
Stainless and "walnut" (actually a hard South American wood dark/walnut finished). Available in .38Special/.357, ..44Special/.44 Magnum, .45LC, .454 Casull (will also fire .45LC, I know this for fact), and .480 Ruger.
Available with 16", 18", or 20" round barrels, or 24" full octagon barrel.
I had the blued/walnut .454, and safariman now has it (PM him for details, or see my threads here re: that one).
If I were to do it over again, and likely will, I'd have Steve Young order it for me and give it a action job prior to receiving it. He can get a cut price on the order and do the action job on it, slicking it up NICELY, and all totaled for about the price of the new Marlins, so it puts it in the apples-to-apples category for consideration. Young's website is here: Steve's Gunz
I got one BIG ragged hole at 50 yards with irons and .45LC loads, and about 1.5" to 2" iron sight groups at the same range with the few five-shot strings of .454 I sent down range. And, yes, considering that it delivers factory .45-70 ballistics (300 gr. @1850-1900 fps) out of that short carbine, it'd be a fine deer/bear/whatever set-up. 9+1 of .454 or 10+1 of .45LC in the 20" barrel.
If cost is a factor then the the 30-30 gets my nod. The 45-70 ammo is not cheap and the 1895 Cowboy is much pricier at $800 Vs the 336 that might be half as much.
The Marlin Cowboy aka 26 inch barrel can be had in the $500 dollar range not $800 bucks.I own a Mod 94 Win in 30-30 and a Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70 and by far,the 45-70 gets the nod.The 45-70 can do anything the 30-30 can plus one heck of alot more from mild recoiling factory loads in the 1800 fps range in 300 grain bullets to over 2350 fps depending on barrel length.The Marlin 45-70 is under $500 dollars new in box,I gave $399 for mine but the 30-30 is less expensive than that but gives up a lot of ballistics to the old but modern 45-70 if one hunts Elk or larger than Deer game.
Not knocking the 30-30 as it has put alot of meat in my freezer and still does with a couple of my friends but the 45-70,to me,is a much better choice in a levergun.
If you know a source for NIB 1895 Cowboys for $500 please share. I want one. Retail is $849 and Davidsons OTD price here is $730. That's a good average of most shops in my area. Retail on the 336SS is $692 and those I have seen for a little over $500. Two hundred bucks still is a pretty good difference. Marlins are made in the USA and easy to work on yourself which is a nice bonus.
Our local gun guy will order any rifle/pistol for $25 bucks over his cost also.I don't want a long barrel or I would probably order one from him.When I got my Guide Gun his price was a few dollars less than I gave but I was 200 miles away at the time so I bought it in Coeurd'Alene Idaho at a local sporting goods store.
That is a great price. I just called all the Wally worlds in my area and none of them carry the Marlin Cowboy. One said they would special order it for $693. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I think I'll stick with the sporting goods store for any potential service issues. You gotta love the fine print on the wally world web site that says "In stores only, prices may vary". <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />
Oops - a lever action 44 mag Marlin is now in my safe - it sure looks good. Now I still "need" the 30-30 too. I guess I should have titled the thread if you could own only 2 lever action rifles... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I own at least 8 different models of pre-'64 Winchesters, and some other Marlins to boot. My tastes really lie with the classics. If you are not looking to spend a lot, but want a solid, nice performing lever-action in a fairly hard-hitting caliber, the Marlin 336 in 35 Rem would be my choice. Drops deer like flies, and with top loads, will do the same to black bears. All with little recoil. Can be scoped later, if you wish---2MG
The Marlin 336 in .35 Rem is an inexpensive but very lethal combination, that gets my vote for cheapest but most effective in a new rifle.
I have a win 94 chambered in 44mag, great little gun, killed a black russian boar, one buck and one doe with it, absolutely deadly within 100yds. The other great thing is that you can use 44 special ammo in it for plinking. The same goes for the 357 mag model will feed 38 special, very versatile and ammo is real cheap compared to centerfire rifle ammo.
Well I must admit - despite all the thinking that goes into choosing a rifle - the 44 mag won out because it had the best looking wood. I have my share of stainless rifles w synthetic stocks - but I'm still a sucker for a good looking piece of wood.
I know the feeling. Personally, I don't care at all for synthetic stocks, but a great piece of wood on a rifle can get my attention (and my money) faster than just about anything else.
The '94 is hard to turn down for me because it still looks pretty much the same as it did 100 years ago plus you can easily scope it. Uou don't need a gunsmith to take it apart, replace the crossbolt safety and install a WW trigger. All theese things make the '94 a favorite. Now if only the would make a 38-55 model '94.
Although one lever rifle is somewhat of a blasphemy in my mind...If I could only have one, I'd keep my 1927 94/95 Hybrid.
If I didn't already have my "one" lever gun. I'd pick up a plain jane pre-64 94 in .30-30 and send it to Turnbull for refinish & color case-ing, and then fit it with some pretty wood.
After that, I'd work full time to make sure I enjoy every minute of that rifle.
Guide Gun - 45-70 - loaded to the max. Kicks, but will take anything on the north american continent. Where I'm from we shoot wild hogs and deer with em' Good Luck on Your quest for the perfect lever gun, I have 5 and am still buying!
I have a fair number of lever actions, and if limited to only one, it would be my Marlin 444 guide gun. Its not as finicky about ammo as my 45-70, and does just as good in the field on anything.
Not cheap to shoot, but if I could have just one of any kind it would be a Winchester 71 in 348 hands down. If practicality enters in to the equation, probably a pre-64 Winchester 94 in 30-30.
Larry *********** "Speed is fine but accuracy is final" - Bill Jordan "We do not exaggerate when we state positively that the remodelled Springfield is the best and most suitable "all 'round" rifle".......Seymour Griffin, GRIFFIN & HOWE, Inc.
'Noter vote here for the 1894C in .38 Special/.357 magnum.
The most versatile rifle I own, carries about like a .22, yet .357 Magnum out of a 20" barrel has serious ballistics, and with mild .38 reloads its a joy to shoot at soda cans 100+ yards out, sorta like "Quigley Down Under" in miniature.
Plus it feeds the same rounds as my revolver, and would be my first choice for a defensive longarm in times of civil unrest.
Birdwatcher
"...if the gentlemen of Virginia shall send us a dozen of their sons, we would take great care in their education, instruct them in all we know, and make men of them." Canasatego 1744
Winchester 95 in 30-06, reciever sight, recoil pad. Jim
I second this opinion. Now to decide between the '06 or the 405? Either work work world wide, just be easier to find 30-06 ammo. Hope you Marlin works well for you. My 30-30 336 has been going well for 11 years. Aaron
Last edited by 22rimfan; 03/22/06.
Anyone who claims the 30-06 doesn't work has either not tried it or is unwittingly commenting on their marksmanship.
If your stuck on the classics and short range shooting the Savage 99c is your best bet. But if your wanting a good hunting rifle for both short and long range... Browning's BLR in the 300 wsm or 7mm wsm 22" barrel is my only choice. Realizing this is not your basic "classic" lever action you still get the speed and accuracy of a bolt action rifle but with the semi-classic loog of a lever action. Recoil a problem? Short mags aren't that bad with a decent pad. This is not a weapon to plink with. If thats all you want to do with it stick with the Savage.
Model 71 in .348 Win. 'Cause they're cool and not everyone has one. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
It is not enough to fight for natural land and the west; it is even more important to enjoy it. While you can. While it's still there. So get out there and hunt and fish and mess around with your friends...
Simple choice. Marlin 336 in .35 Rem. I already have mine and it would be the last levergun out the door. Accurate, a bit more power than a .30-30 and the trajectory is no handicap out to 200 yards. Next in line is a 99 in .300 but the .35 is still the first choice. Ward
Are you still trying to make me regret that deal? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
Seriously, I'm glad you like it and hope you shoot it more than I was. It deserved better than I was giving it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Larry *********** "Speed is fine but accuracy is final" - Bill Jordan "We do not exaggerate when we state positively that the remodelled Springfield is the best and most suitable "all 'round" rifle".......Seymour Griffin, GRIFFIN & HOWE, Inc.
If only one it would be my 94 Winchester (1965 model) 30-30. Killed my first deer with it. It was not bought new in 65 by my father but luck would have it thats was when I was born.
Yes, as much as I love my Browning 71 and 1886 SRC, I'd have to keep my 1967 Win Canadian Centennial that my dad saved for to buy me when I was a little kid. I killed my first deer with that when I was 12, sitting next to him on a log. I could never get rid of that.
Pre-mil Savage 99 in 300 Savage. Pure class. I settled for post-mil in 308. Good luck getting her away from me. Our safe has 43 levers and a couple of odds and ends, get ye a safe just for 99s, your kids will thank you for it.
I guess for me it would be a M94 .25-35(I don't know why), except the one I got rid of many years ago was accurate and a pleasure to shoot. It was 'only 93%' so I got rid of it hoping to find a better one; when I did, I thought it was to much(dumb). Recently I saw one, but, I wasn't quick enough with the wallet. SO I guess one of my .30-30's (see attachment), would have to fill the bill, except which one? I'll have to work on the attachment. They are a 1947 Savage EG, a 1961 Marlin SC w/Redfield 2 3/4X and a 1960 M94 w/Williams receiver site. Would be a tough choice. (I guess a M92 .38-40 or .44-40 might be another one to think about.)
When a country is well governed, poverty and a mean condition are something to be ashamed of. When a country is ill governed, riches and honors are something to be ashamed of . Confucius
If I could own only 1 it would be a Sako Finnwolf chambered for the .308 Winchester! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
It is better to be believed a FOOL than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!!!
If I could own only 1 it would be a Sako Finnwolf chambered for the .308 Winchester!
I had a Finnwolf for a very short time. Nice action but too heavy to my liking.
If I could only have one lever action it would be a 99A .250-300. The 100gr factory bullet is good for deer, the 87gr for varmits and I think you can still get a chamber sleave so you can shoot the .25 auto pistol bullet for small game. That would cover all the bases.
"We live in the present, we dream of the future, but we learn eternal truths from the past"
I vote with Carlos and Loggah, choose either a Winchester 71 or a Savage 99, the 71 of course a .348, the 99 either a .300 or, for me, a .250. They are the grand classics. If you want to use a scope, go for the 99, otherwise a peepsight on the 71.
Sorta funny, askin here about one lil ol levergun. Sorta like potato chips-anyone really stop at one? Question really is too broad for concise answers. Need to narrow it down a bit. Lookin for fun gun mostly, self defense, woods hunting, admiring, just what? If I needed practical-Win/Marlin 30WCF. Ammo is easy to get, an one of the best loads 170 corelockt is reasonably priced. If I needed to stop 2 legged predators-pistol cartridge, preferably Marlin in .357, Marlin/Win. in .44 mag. If I needed pretty, Miroku 1886. If I just wanted something fun, Rossi-read cimorron arms or Hartford 92 in traditional chambering. Opinions r like body parts, we all have em. Good luck on yer search.
Im changing my pick, i would love a new Winchester 1886 extra light weight in 45-70, would prefer a mint original but now were talking thousands of dollars., plus i want a shooter not a collector.
Marlin 1895 Cowboy in .45/70 Winchester 1886 ELW in .45/70 Winchester Mod 71 in .348 Win Winchester 1886 in .33 Winchester Marlin 336C in .35 Remington Savage 99 C Series A in .308 Winchester Savage 99 F in .308 Winchester Marlin 39A Mountie in .22 Cal
Thinking about a Marlin 336 Cowboy in "Thutty-thutty" and a Browning Mod 71 in .348 Ackley Improved.
I only own one lever action..Been in the family since '54.. Savage M99 R in .300 Savage with 2.5X Lyman Alaskan scope.. Great rifle, accurate, reliable and just feels right in the hand..Shame they don't make them any more..Jim
Well, too bad your collection is so thin. While I like the 99, where's the 444? How about a 30 carbine? And, you absolutely have to get an XLR in 450 Marlin.
I'd love to have a 99. I'm looking, okay? But, I do have a
model 62 30 carbine 1894 44 mag and 45 Colt 444s and the 1895M
(and a single action Rugar in a caliber to match each, as well as a couple of BFR's, one to match the 444 and the 450)
If I had to choose one.....
WHY????????
If I had to chose the 99 comes to mind, though the BLR in 30-06 or 300 would work too. But of the ones I have, probably the 444s with Leverevolution rounds.
GPS, I've got a Ruger 96, in 22 Mag. It's a fun little gun, and a favorite. It wears a Loupie 2.5 and is a fast handeling "varmit" rifle. I actually enjoy it more than the several other 22 mags. I've owned. (gotta try it on running jackrabbits!) Virgil B.
Nice to see that the lever action guy's are not the only ones who like to torture themselves with the "only one gun what would it be?" nightmare scenario. I am not a huge lever action fan, yet still I own three, and could not imagine trying to pair it down to just one.
Good luck to you all, hunting's beginning and maybe these wild what if posts will dwindle in favor of the more entertaining "lies and bull$hitt" stories of our hunting escapades!!!