Lever Action Rifles

[3 Meter Para Bellum]

I usually pull out a lever action when I get drawn for antlerless mule deer. I love shooting these guns and they are likely the guns I shoot the most for fun, albeit they are very capable for putting meat in the freezer; Although the 45-70 does cut a quite a swath through a deer with a factory 300 JHP or a handloaded 400gr SPEER SPFN.
I have a Marlin 336 JM stamped 30-30 WIN
A Remlin 1895 CB 45-70.......Pic taken from the net
A Winchester (Miroku) 1886 45-70 that I let get away.........Idiot
And an Original Winchester 1892 44WCF (44-40) , that was my grandmothers gun. Made in 1896 IIRC

That's a cool old Winchester there! Looks like it is still in good condition. Do you ever shoot it?

 

[possum]

That's a cool old Winchester there! Looks like it is still in good condition. Do you ever shoot it?

Yes it is in great shape according to the gunsmith that I had check it out. I shoot it occasionally in the summer with the old Dominion ammo, but unfortunately i only have 3 or 4 rounds of it left. I have bought a new box of Winchester ammo, but I need to pull the bullets so I have the brass or get my buddy to fire them in his Henry and give me back the brass so I can build some loads with less pressure than the new stuff has. It's a lot of fun to shoot; Unfortunately i can't shoot it as good as Lucas McCain (The Rifleman)

 

[ldg397]

Got this nice marlin about a year ago. 1964 Texan 336 in 35 Remington. Always wanted to have a 35. Should have looked at ammo price and availability first but have since found some.

Also finally found an all steel Lyman 66 took quite awhile.

 

[wvbuckbuster]

That Marlin in 35 is a classic for sure. Looks nice. Let us know how it shoots. Dan.

 

[KinleyWater]

Do I count the wife's rifles? Between us, 2 357 lever guns, one in 44, and one in 45-70. No joke, one of those 357s is the house gun and I do NOT feel under-gunned. Ever.

I'm a huge fan of lever rifles, regardless of caliber; they work and you can find one to fill nearly any requirement (nearly). I want one in 35 Remington, and one in 38-55 (or 375 Win), and lust after the idea of one in 480 Ruger. Would love to have a takedown like Scrum; but don't think I've got the cash for it.

 

[ScottinTN65]

I love lever action rifles and they are all I plan to hunt with this coming fall.

Savage 99F in 300 Savage

 

[PJGunner]

These days my lever actions are my " fun guns". Sometimes I'll cast up a few bullets (Lyman #311291 although my antique mold is marked #308291), load up a few, usually enough for a box of ammo and take my fat carcass out to wander in the desert looking for a few targets of opportunity like a jack rabbit coyote or some such. Haven't done as much for a while since the knees went out and then messed up in a wreck in my truck. So, what little I do with them now is on paper at the range.
I like my old M94 made in 1911. It's old and tired like me.
Paul B.

 

[wvbuckbuster]

These days my lever actions are my " fun guns". Sometimes I'll cast up a few bullets (Lyman #311291 although my antique mold is marked #308291), load up a few, usually enough for a box of ammo and take my fat carcass out to wander in the desert looking for a few targets of opportunity like a jack rabbit coyote or some such. Haven't done as much for a while since the knees went out and then messed up in a wreck in my truck. So, what little I do with them now is on paper at the range.
I like my old M94 made in 1911. It's old and tired like me.
Paul B.

You all are just longtime friends. Dan.

 

[Scrumbag]

Do I count the wife's rifles? Between us, 2 357 lever guns, one in 44, and one in 45-70. No joke, one of those 357s is the house gun and I do NOT feel under-gunned. Ever.

I'm a huge fan of lever rifles, regardless of caliber; they work and you can find one to fill nearly any requirement (nearly). I want one in 35 Remington, and one in 38-55 (or 375 Win), and lust after the idea of one in 480 Ruger. Would love to have a takedown like Scrum; but don't think I've got the cash for it.

Take downs are good fun my friend and with a scout scope or red dot, they are remarkably quick and handy. I'm currently on a bit of a journey with reloading straight wall cartridges. I believe I am discovering how important a consistent crimp is.

Still, all part of the learning experience and even if at times maddening

Quite a few take downs available at the moment:

Winchester are doing 1892s as are Chiappa.
Chiappa are making a 45-70 1886 takedown but with that 16" barrel, not sure I'd like it
Winchester are also doing 94s in 30-30, 38-55 and 450 Marlin if you want a thumper.

Scrummy

 

[SJB358]

Did some shooting with a few of mine the other day. I think Guy mentioned most of us bolt gun folks have a few. It’s a breath of fresh air to shoot them after goofing around with bolt guns.
M99 300 Savage



M94 30-30



348 Win



444 Marlin



35 Remington



358 and 45-70 (444 in the back)

 

[DrMike]

Sweet herd you've assembled, Scott. Yeah, I love having a lever gun or two about.

 

[Scrumbag]

Very nice indeed, Scott!

I've often through 358 Win in a BLR or Savage 99 would make a great driven / general boar rifle here in Europe.

Daytime stalking with a 1.5-6x42 or something with a little more magnification
Driven with an Aimpoint or other red dot
High seat work at dusk with an 8x56.

Put those 3 in good quality QD rings and bases and very useable rig... (Though I probably wouldn't put a weaver rail on a Savage 99...)

Scrummy

 

[ScottinTN65]

1924 Savage 99F, 30/30

Marlin 1894CP 357

Marlin 336ER 356 Win

Winchester 94ae 7x30 Waters

'77 Marlin 336 30/30

 

[ScottinTN65]

Glenfield 30A 30/30

Savage 99EG 300 Savage, using a Hammond Game Getter

 

[Scrumbag]

Always thought the 307 and 356 Win looked interesting. "Proper" speeds and pressures out of a lever action

 

[DrMike]

Always thought the 307 and 356 Win looked interesting. "Proper" speeds and pressures out of a lever action

I've had multiple iterations of these cartridges in Model 94s. They are among my favourite cartridges of all time. The .356 rifles have accounted for a variety of game (grizzly, black bear, mule deer, elk, moose, whitetail...).

 

[Scrumbag]

I've had multiple iterations of these cartridges in Model 94s. They are among my favourite cartridges of all time. The .356 rifles have accounted for a variety of game (grizzly, black bear, mule deer, elk, moose, whitetail...).

They are very cool but hardly ever seen sadly where I am, sadly.

Scrummy

 

[ScottinTN65]

I've owned 2 rifles in 356, a Winchester 94 and the afore picture Marlin 336er. I carried the 94 in Alaska for a couple of years.

 

[DrMike]

I've owned 2 rifles in 356, a Winchester 94 and the afore picture Marlin 336er. I carried the 94 in Alaska for a couple of years.

Still have three of them for myself. I gave away the two 307s that I had to a grandson and a great friend. The two 375s were also sold.

 

[Guy Miner]

I have to admit that I like the bemused looks I get from other guys on the rifle range, shooting AR's and bolt action rifles, when I pull out my 22, 30-30, or 45-70 rifle and start shooting. That big 45-70 really gets attention. I love smacking the 100 yard steel gong with it. Poor gong takes a big ol' hit from 405 grains of bullet.