Best lever action for hunting?

Cosmoline · September 10, 2000, 07:42 PM

I've been looking at some of Marlin's lever actions, but wonder if they're ideal for hunting medium to large-size game in Alaska--or just as a back-up camp gun. What are the advantages, if any, over a bolt-action? Any favorite lever action models?

Jay Baker · September 10, 2000, 08:32 PM

GRH, the debate on lever vs. bolt vs. pump vs. semi-auto vs. single shot, will go on forever. That said, if I were going to Alaska and bound and determined to take a lever, depending on what I was going to hunt, then I would look into the Browning Lever Action rifles. I think (????) that Browning makes a lever in 7mm Mag., and .300 Win. Mag.??????

Other than that, I'd get a good bolt action for Alaska big game.

I've seen many a lever gun in camps, which were always around the cook tent, "just in case." FWIW. J.B.

Field-dressed · September 10, 2000, 09:43 PM

GRH, I recently ordered the Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70 for hunting and bear protection. I work and hunt (moose, bears, deer and goats) along the gulf coast of Alaska. I decided on the Guide Gun because I rarely kill any thing over 100 yards (usually less than 50) and spend a lot of time in heavy cover. The Guide Gun is fast and can lob a 530 grain bullet if you want. I also just like the looks of the guide gun, clean lines with no brush-snaggers. The lever handle itself has a tang at the rear end where it meets the stock that looks like it would keep the handle from collecting brush. If you're more of a caribou or sheep hunter you probably want a long range caliber. You can learn a lot about the 45-70 if you do a search on it in The Art of the Rifle forum.

Turk · September 11, 2000, 06:14 PM

I'll 2nd Jays post. My next rifle purchase will be a Browning lever action in 300 Win. Mag.

Turk

smitty21 · September 12, 2000, 02:33 AM

Same as Field-dressed, I got the Guide Gun about a month ago. Everyone on here gave it positive remarks.

Keith Rogan · September 12, 2000, 01:03 PM

I live and hunt in Alaska and have owned and hunted with the Browning BLR AND the Marlin Guide Gun.
It comes down to what and where you want to hunt. I live in Kodiak which is all grassy mountain sides - I need something with range to hunt effectively. I let my BLR go a few years ago in a trade (dammit!) but it would (and did) serve very well for that purpose - wonderful rifles and plenty accurate.

But for fishing or just general packing around for bear protection you can't beat a .45/70. The BLR does not come in any caliber or bore size anywhere near large enough for close range "stops" on a brown bear. I wouldn't think twice about using a .300 WinMag to pop a bear at 200 yards, but at ten yards in the alders, I want a 500 grain flat-nose. If I lived in a heavily forested area, I'd use the .45/70 for all my hunting.

------------------
Keith
The Bears and Bear Maulings Page: members.xoom.com/keithrogan

September 10, 2000, 07:42 PM	#1
Cosmoline Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2000 Posts: 1,069	I've been looking at some of Marlin's lever actions, but wonder if they're ideal for hunting medium to large-size game in Alaska--or just as a back-up camp gun. What are the advantages, if any, over a bolt-action? Any favorite lever action models?

September 10, 2000, 08:32 PM	#2
Jay Baker Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2000 Location: S.W. Idaho Posts: 1,295	GRH, the debate on lever vs. bolt vs. pump vs. semi-auto vs. single shot, will go on forever. That said, if I were going to Alaska and bound and determined to take a lever, depending on what I was going to hunt, then I would look into the Browning Lever Action rifles. I think (????) that Browning makes a lever in 7mm Mag., and .300 Win. Mag.?????? Other than that, I'd get a good bolt action for Alaska big game. I've seen many a lever gun in camps, which were always around the cook tent, "just in case." FWIW. J.B.

September 10, 2000, 09:43 PM	#3
Field-dressed Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2000 Location: Alaska Posts: 148	GRH, I recently ordered the Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70 for hunting and bear protection. I work and hunt (moose, bears, deer and goats) along the gulf coast of Alaska. I decided on the Guide Gun because I rarely kill any thing over 100 yards (usually less than 50) and spend a lot of time in heavy cover. The Guide Gun is fast and can lob a 530 grain bullet if you want. I also just like the looks of the guide gun, clean lines with no brush-snaggers. The lever handle itself has a tang at the rear end where it meets the stock that looks like it would keep the handle from collecting brush. If you're more of a caribou or sheep hunter you probably want a long range caliber. You can learn a lot about the 45-70 if you do a search on it in The Art of the Rifle forum.

September 11, 2000, 06:14 PM	#4
Turk Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2000 Location: USA Posts: 517	I'll 2nd Jays post. My next rifle purchase will be a Browning lever action in 300 Win. Mag. Turk

September 12, 2000, 02:33 AM	#5
smitty21 Member Join Date: August 4, 2000 Location: Hampton, Va. Posts: 93	Same as Field-dressed, I got the Guide Gun about a month ago. Everyone on here gave it positive remarks.

September 12, 2000, 01:03 PM	#6
Keith Rogan Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 1999 Location: Kodiak, Alaska Posts: 1,015	I live and hunt in Alaska and have owned and hunted with the Browning BLR AND the Marlin Guide Gun. It comes down to what and where you want to hunt. I live in Kodiak which is all grassy mountain sides - I need something with range to hunt effectively. I let my BLR go a few years ago in a trade (dammit!) but it would (and did) serve very well for that purpose - wonderful rifles and plenty accurate. But for fishing or just general packing around for bear protection you can't beat a .45/70. The BLR does not come in any caliber or bore size anywhere near large enough for close range "stops" on a brown bear. I wouldn't think twice about using a .300 WinMag to pop a bear at 200 yards, but at ten yards in the alders, I want a 500 grain flat-nose. If I lived in a heavily forested area, I'd use the .45/70 for all my hunting. ------------------ Keith The Bears and Bear Maulings Page: members.xoom.com/keithrogan