Dang I love lever guns - Page 2

FrankenMauser · October 6, 2018, 01:17 AM

One octagonal barrel here, on a Marlin 39 "Century Limited". --Technically, I believe it's actually a 39a; but Marlin stamped them "39 Century Ltd." So that's what I go with.

...But also a big lever gun fan. Well, a Marlin lever gun fan.

A quick count shows nine currently in possession (including the 39CL). Some are projects. Some are fully functional. Some are fully customized. Some are new (2017). Some are old (I think a 1946 M36 is currently my oldest - but there was a 1906 Model 1893 for a short time).
Irregardless, ALL are lever guns and fun as hell.

.22 LR to .30-30, to .44 Mag, to .444 Marlin. Factory to full custom. I love them all.
There's also a Henry. But we don't talk about that one. I don't even let it sleep in the same safes as the Marlins...

I have great respect for the Henry, Winchester, Browning, and Savage designs (and Ruger, too, I guess). But I think Marlin's take is the best balance of utility, performance, production cost, affordability, and safety. As a 'garage gunsmith', I also appreciate how easier they are to work on, repair, and/or modify.

Big game has yet to fall to one of my lever guns.
But next year may change that. We'll see...

bamaranger · October 6, 2018, 03:05 AM

I've had at least two Win 94's, both .30-30, pass through my hands, and took deer with both of them, iron sights.

Currently there are 3 lever guns in the stable. A "no safety" Marlin .357, a Win 88 in .308 (my grand dad's), and a Henry .22. My district gave me the Henry when I retired.

The Marlin was a woodswalking carbine for a long time. I've posted many times about loads and how fond I am of it. Killed my first whitetail with the M88 and still hunt it now and again under the right, easy, circumstances. The M88 wears a Leupold 6x and will shoot with a lot of bolt rifles from the same era, and outshoot some. My longest whitetail shot was with the M88. I've not killed anything with the Henry but a lot of time!!!!!

Jack O'Conner · October 6, 2018, 06:35 AM

These are two of my favorite hunting rifles - both are chambered for the famous 30-30 cartridge!

Jack

458winshooter · October 6, 2018, 08:45 PM

Well let's see checking my gun safe there are three side by side by side. A 357 mag, a 30-30 and a 45-70. The 357 mag is a fun gun especially when shooting 38 spl loads. The 30-30 just because no gun collection is complete without one. The 45-70..... the if I could have only one gun thing.

Carmike · October 6, 2018, 10:16 PM

I, too, love lever guns, especially when friends and compatriots try to tell me why they're old-fashioned or less-than-perfect for a zombie apocalypse or Commie infiltration of the outside wire.

I just find them much more fun to shoot than bolt rifles or semi-autos. Both of those are fun to shoot, too, though, and I've got a few around in case of an infiltration, but I always enjoy shooting the ol' levers more.

Brutus · October 7, 2018, 10:32 AM

Must admit the older I get the more I appreciate them. Last couple of hunts the 06 stayed in the car and my 30-30 Marlin was carried instead, made for a much less fatiguing day. I have an AR-15 but my choice for an assault rifle is my stainless 1894 in 44mag. 10 rounds as fast as I can work the lever.

By the way I've outfitted both Marlins with Williams aperture peep sights, makes a big difference in accuracy for me.
The 1894 is one of the few firearms I own that actually increased in value over the years. Wish I'd have gotten a .357 to go with it.

gw44 · October 7, 2018, 10:48 AM

I have a model 71 Winchester in 348win, shoots good looks good, its my forever gun !!!

Husqvarna · October 7, 2018, 02:41 PM

Only one guy with a BLR?

Its just a spectacular rifle

Marlins, Winchesters, Rossis, chiappas etc
That are just different kinds of economical Fords

A BLR that is a mustang

358win is such a underrated calibre to

stagpanther · October 7, 2018, 02:53 PM

Quote:

A BLR that is a mustang

And like a mustang--I park it way out at the edge of the parking lot for fear of getting a scratch on it.

Wag · October 7, 2018, 04:59 PM

The only one I have is a model 94 in 30-30. But I want several more. If I had enough disposable cash, I'd have one of every caliber.

--Wag--

THE · October 7, 2018, 07:45 PM

I have one Marlin 30 30 and two BLR`s. Both 308. One is a White Gold Medallion.
I like the BLR`s best. I did not own any lever guns until the beginning of November last year and then I bought 3 in the span of 2 weeks.

Chainsaw. · October 7, 2018, 09:06 PM

Love levers. Had a rossi in 44 mag, got young and dumb and sold it for cash, stupid, one of the most accurate guns Ive owned to date. Now have Dads Winchester in 30-30. I’ll have it till I die. Next lever I own will be a 44mag carbine or a 45-70. The latter being the race winner at this stride.

JWT · October 7, 2018, 10:08 PM

1873 Winchester (Miroku) case hardened receiver, octagon barrel.

Rifletom · October 8, 2018, 06:22 PM

Three lever rifles here. 39A[1957], Mod 94A/E 30-30 and a Henry Big Boy Classic[brass] in .357/.38spl with 20" octagon barrel. Love the lever guns. Need one more. Probably a .45 Colt. Looking.

ilmonster · October 10, 2018, 09:28 AM

Yup, they sure are fun. Have a Marlin 1894C and an 1895. I don't hunt, so these are just range toys, but boy are they fun! The 1894C for no recoil plinking, and introducing new shooters to rifles. The 1895 with my downloaded handloads (300 gr. RNFP's at 1,100 fps) for launching fist size chunks of lead at steel 200 yds away!! I for some reason now have a hankering for a 30-30 that I have no particular use for, but doesn't everyone need a 30-30?? Looking at a Marlin 336BL or maybe one of the color case hardened Henry's made up north here in Wisconsin!

gw44 · October 10, 2018, 09:54 AM

My Marlin model 375, ( 375win caliber ) is the one I walk the woods with second week of season !!

TnTnTn · October 11, 2018, 12:31 PM

Dano...get the Henry .41! Got mine about 3 months ago and is a nice shooter..it is the steel carbine version. Deer season can’t get here soon enough..killed 3 doe last season with the same carbine in .357. Yeah levers are fun and seem more attractive as I get older; plus they are classic Americana. A Savage 99H in 30-30 is my beautiful old classic; the early 99s are hard to best in the lever gun world imo. But the modern Henrys are very nice and affordable.

Rooster Leghorn · October 12, 2018, 08:48 AM

My favorite gun of all is my Winchester Model 1894 in .30-30 manufactured in 1907

COSteve · October 12, 2018, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TnTnTn

A Savage 99H in 30-30 is my beautiful old classic; the early 99s are hard to best in the lever gun world imo. But the modern Henrys are very nice and affordable.

While I also enjoy my 1949 99EG in 300 Savage and marvel that it's design is only 5 years newer than the Win '94's, it's not the most graceful of designs in my book. The stock is a bit blocky around the receiver but for it's time, it is still pretty good.

For me, the real beauties of the levergun world fall into 2 camps, the classic design and the modern. The classic style of a Winchester 1866 & 1873 followed very closely by the Winchester 1892 & 1894 styles are timeless, rugged, and at the same time, elegant. They scream America and Damn Proud of It!!!

As to the newer modern style, one stands above all; the Winchester 88. Introduced some 56 years after the Model 99, it's sleek design is absolutely gorgeous, especially the pre 64 models with the cut checkering on the stock and the cloverleaf recoil block.

With it's 3 lug front locking bolt, it truly is a "bolt action rifle with a lever" as Winchester marketed it. Sleeker than the Finwolf and 99, it is the epitome of style and grace. I'm proud to own a beautiful 1959 version in .308.

Wendyj · October 12, 2018, 12:29 PM

I went lever crazy just this year after shooting bench precision rifles. Bought 45-70,44 mag, 45 colt, and 357, and the old 30-30. Ended up with molds and lots of lead and they are a hoot to shoot. Just having a hard time not punching same hole every shot.

COSteve · October 12, 2018, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wendyj

I went lever crazy just this year after shooting bench precision rifles. Bought 45-70,44 mag, 45 colt, and 357, and the old 30-30. Ended up with molds and lots of lead and they are a hoot to shoot. Just having a hard time not punching same hole every shot.

Step away from the paper targets and go after some real fun, reactive tagets. I love all reactive targets; be they hard boiled eggs or old golf balls at 100yds, clay pigeons and bowling pins at 200yds, or heads of lettuce at 300yds. All are a riot when shooting an iron sighted rifle. I shoot them with my .30-30, .357 Mag, and .45 Colt leverguns as well as with my M1A and Mini M14. All are a ton more fun than shooting at paper.

Heck, I love shooting my long range AR set up with a 12x scope at medium sized apples . . . . at 400+yds!!!

You want to talk about precision shooting? Long range grenading apples is a ton of fun.

Dano4734 · October 12, 2018, 05:57 PM

For me precision they ain’t but they will punch my paper plates really well and oh they have such soul. Yup 41 is my next purchase oh yes

Road_Clam · October 13, 2018, 11:52 AM

I purchased the Henry 30-30 brass last year and never shot it much, only put about 40 full velocity factory ammo through it. It was fun, but nothing of real unique admiration. Shot just like any of my other 13 different rifles. I recently decided to try some "cowboy" mild loads in my Henry. I loaded up cast 170 rnfp's and 16.5 gr or 2400 powder. I'm at 1640 fps and shoots about 2.5 moa at 100 yds and it's just a pleasure to shoot. I swapped out the crappy rear leaf sight to the Skinner peep, had to fiddle with a taller front sight as I wanted to shoot 200 meter steel gongs at my club. I wanted a 100 yd zero, and the ability to reach 200 meters. Got the rifle all dialed in and I must say what an absolute blast to shoot, especially old skool offhand !

Brutus · October 14, 2018, 08:06 PM

One lever gun on my bucket list would be a Savage 99 in .250-3000.
Not as svelte as a 336 or 94 but rotary mag & pointy bullets.

Have visions of Charles Bronson toting a 99 in the movie Death Hunt.

Winny · October 16, 2018, 10:02 AM

I picked up a Marlin 336 .30-.30 a few years back for whitetail hunting but ended up moving and had nowhere to hunt deer, so got my fix with waterfowl and upland bird hunting the past couple of seasons...

Finally found some land worth hunting this year and it looks like the ole marlin is getting out of the safe! Going to be a bit of a transition from the 12ga, I may need to take a box or two to the range and get the feel back.

I don't often shoot my hunting rifles until I realize I'm going on a hunt and haven't touched em in months and need to hone my skills.

The shotguns (especially the O/U's) get to blast clays fairly frequently, so I dont worry too much about them.

I'm excited to get some rounds through the lever gun, though. I knew I'd held on to her for a reason!

October 6, 2018, 01:17 AM	#26
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	One octagonal barrel here, on a Marlin 39 "Century Limited". --Technically, I believe it's actually a 39a; but Marlin stamped them "39 Century Ltd." So that's what I go with. ...But also a big lever gun fan. Well, a Marlin lever gun fan. A quick count shows nine currently in possession (including the 39CL). Some are projects. Some are fully functional. Some are fully customized. Some are new (2017). Some are old (I think a 1946 M36 is currently my oldest - but there was a 1906 Model 1893 for a short time). Irregardless, ALL are lever guns and fun as hell. .22 LR to .30-30, to .44 Mag, to .444 Marlin. Factory to full custom. I love them all. There's also a Henry. But we don't talk about that one. I don't even let it sleep in the same safes as the Marlins... I have great respect for the Henry, Winchester, Browning, and Savage designs (and Ruger, too, I guess). But I think Marlin's take is the best balance of utility, performance, production cost, affordability, and safety. As a 'garage gunsmith', I also appreciate how easier they are to work on, repair, and/or modify. Big game has yet to fall to one of my lever guns. But next year may change that. We'll see... __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

October 6, 2018, 03:05 AM	#27
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,300	the three I've had at least two Win 94's, both .30-30, pass through my hands, and took deer with both of them, iron sights. Currently there are 3 lever guns in the stable. A "no safety" Marlin .357, a Win 88 in .308 (my grand dad's), and a Henry .22. My district gave me the Henry when I retired. The Marlin was a woodswalking carbine for a long time. I've posted many times about loads and how fond I am of it. Killed my first whitetail with the M88 and still hunt it now and again under the right, easy, circumstances. The M88 wears a Leupold 6x and will shoot with a lot of bolt rifles from the same era, and outshoot some. My longest whitetail shot was with the M88. I've not killed anything with the Henry but a lot of time!!!!!

October 6, 2018, 06:35 AM	#28
Jack O'Conner Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2005 Location: Manatee County, Florida Posts: 1,976	These are two of my favorite hunting rifles - both are chambered for the famous 30-30 cartridge! Jack __________________ Fire up the grill! Deer hunting IS NOT catch and release.

October 6, 2018, 08:45 PM	#29
458winshooter Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Transplanted to Ridgeland,SC Posts: 606	Levergun love affair Well let's see checking my gun safe there are three side by side by side. A 357 mag, a 30-30 and a 45-70. The 357 mag is a fun gun especially when shooting 38 spl loads. The 30-30 just because no gun collection is complete without one. The 45-70..... the if I could have only one gun thing.

October 7, 2018, 10:32 AM	#31
Brutus Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 1,023	Must admit the older I get the more I appreciate them. Last couple of hunts the 06 stayed in the car and my 30-30 Marlin was carried instead, made for a much less fatiguing day. I have an AR-15 but my choice for an assault rifle is my stainless 1894 in 44mag. 10 rounds as fast as I can work the lever. By the way I've outfitted both Marlins with Williams aperture peep sights, makes a big difference in accuracy for me. The 1894 is one of the few firearms I own that actually increased in value over the years. Wish I'd have gotten a .357 to go with it. __________________ Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak out, Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen, Winston Churchill.

October 6, 2018, 10:16 PM	#30
Carmike Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2016 Posts: 106	I, too, love lever guns, especially when friends and compatriots try to tell me why they're old-fashioned or less-than-perfect for a zombie apocalypse or Commie infiltration of the outside wire. I just find them much more fun to shoot than bolt rifles or semi-autos. Both of those are fun to shoot, too, though, and I've got a few around in case of an infiltration, but I always enjoy shooting the ol' levers more.

October 7, 2018, 10:48 AM	#32
gw44 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2015 Location: Michigan Posts: 311	I have a model 71 Winchester in 348win, shoots good looks good, its my forever gun !!!

October 7, 2018, 02:41 PM	#33
Husqvarna Senior Member Join Date: May 7, 2012 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,000	Only one guy with a BLR? Its just a spectacular rifle Marlins, Winchesters, Rossis, chiappas etc That are just different kinds of economical Fords A BLR that is a mustang 358win is such a underrated calibre to

October 7, 2018, 04:59 PM	#35
Wag Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2010 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 988	The only one I have is a model 94 in 30-30. But I want several more. If I had enough disposable cash, I'd have one of every caliber. --Wag--

October 7, 2018, 07:45 PM	#36
THE Member Join Date: November 6, 2017 Posts: 35	I have one Marlin 30 30 and two BLR`s. Both 308. One is a White Gold Medallion. I like the BLR`s best. I did not own any lever guns until the beginning of November last year and then I bought 3 in the span of 2 weeks.

October 7, 2018, 09:06 PM	#37
Chainsaw. Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2015 Location: Issaquah WA. Its a dry rain. Posts: 1,774	Love levers. Had a rossi in 44 mag, got young and dumb and sold it for cash, stupid, one of the most accurate guns Ive owned to date. Now have Dads Winchester in 30-30. I’ll have it till I die. Next lever I own will be a 44mag carbine or a 45-70. The latter being the race winner at this stride. __________________ Just shoot the damn thing.

October 7, 2018, 10:08 PM	#38
JWT Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: Southern Arizona Posts: 3,888	1873 Winchester (Miroku) case hardened receiver, octagon barrel.

October 8, 2018, 06:22 PM	#39
Rifletom Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2011 Location: So-Cal Posts: 786	Three lever rifles here. 39A[1957], Mod 94A/E 30-30 and a Henry Big Boy Classic[brass] in .357/.38spl with 20" octagon barrel. Love the lever guns. Need one more. Probably a .45 Colt. Looking.

October 10, 2018, 09:28 AM	#40
ilmonster Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2009 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 180	Yup, they sure are fun. Have a Marlin 1894C and an 1895. I don't hunt, so these are just range toys, but boy are they fun! The 1894C for no recoil plinking, and introducing new shooters to rifles. The 1895 with my downloaded handloads (300 gr. RNFP's at 1,100 fps) for launching fist size chunks of lead at steel 200 yds away!! I for some reason now have a hankering for a 30-30 that I have no particular use for, but doesn't everyone need a 30-30?? Looking at a Marlin 336BL or maybe one of the color case hardened Henry's made up north here in Wisconsin!

October 10, 2018, 09:54 AM	#41
gw44 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2015 Location: Michigan Posts: 311	My Marlin model 375, ( 375win caliber ) is the one I walk the woods with second week of season !!

October 11, 2018, 12:31 PM	#42
TnTnTn Senior Member Join Date: June 2, 2013 Location: Middle TN Posts: 140	Dano...get the Henry .41! Got mine about 3 months ago and is a nice shooter..it is the steel carbine version. Deer season can’t get here soon enough..killed 3 doe last season with the same carbine in .357. Yeah levers are fun and seem more attractive as I get older; plus they are classic Americana. A Savage 99H in 30-30 is my beautiful old classic; the early 99s are hard to best in the lever gun world imo. But the modern Henrys are very nice and affordable.

October 12, 2018, 12:29 PM	#45
Wendyj Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2015 Location: North Georgia Posts: 1,372	I went lever crazy just this year after shooting bench precision rifles. Bought 45-70,44 mag, 45 colt, and 357, and the old 30-30. Ended up with molds and lots of lead and they are a hoot to shoot. Just having a hard time not punching same hole every shot. __________________ God is NOT dead!!!!

October 12, 2018, 05:57 PM	#47
Dano4734 Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2014 Posts: 730	For me precision they ain’t but they will punch my paper plates really well and oh they have such soul. Yup 41 is my next purchase oh yes

October 13, 2018, 11:52 AM	#48
Road_Clam Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2013 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 1,695	I purchased the Henry 30-30 brass last year and never shot it much, only put about 40 full velocity factory ammo through it. It was fun, but nothing of real unique admiration. Shot just like any of my other 13 different rifles. I recently decided to try some "cowboy" mild loads in my Henry. I loaded up cast 170 rnfp's and 16.5 gr or 2400 powder. I'm at 1640 fps and shoots about 2.5 moa at 100 yds and it's just a pleasure to shoot. I swapped out the crappy rear leaf sight to the Skinner peep, had to fiddle with a taller front sight as I wanted to shoot 200 meter steel gongs at my club. I wanted a 100 yd zero, and the ability to reach 200 meters. Got the rifle all dialed in and I must say what an absolute blast to shoot, especially old skool offhand ! __________________ "To be old an wise you must have been young and stupid"

October 14, 2018, 08:06 PM	#49
Brutus Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 1,023	One lever gun on my bucket list would be a Savage 99 in .250-3000. Not as svelte as a 336 or 94 but rotary mag & pointy bullets. Have visions of Charles Bronson toting a 99 in the movie Death Hunt. __________________ Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak out, Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen, Winston Churchill.

October 16, 2018, 10:02 AM	#50
Winny Senior Member Join Date: June 12, 2018 Location: SC, USA Posts: 136	I picked up a Marlin 336 .30-.30 a few years back for whitetail hunting but ended up moving and had nowhere to hunt deer, so got my fix with waterfowl and upland bird hunting the past couple of seasons... Finally found some land worth hunting this year and it looks like the ole marlin is getting out of the safe! Going to be a bit of a transition from the 12ga, I may need to take a box or two to the range and get the feel back. I don't often shoot my hunting rifles until I realize I'm going on a hunt and haven't touched em in months and need to hone my skills. The shotguns (especially the O/U's) get to blast clays fairly frequently, so I dont worry too much about them. I'm excited to get some rounds through the lever gun, though. I knew I'd held on to her for a reason!