David4516
August 19, 2003, 11:28 PM
I like Winchesters myself, but I'd like to know what the rest of you think...
Who makes the best Lever action?
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444
August 19, 2003, 11:32 PM
I own at least a couple of each. I have a pre-64 Winchester 94 in .30-30 and a 94 in .45 Colt, I also have a 9422 Trapper. I have a Marlin in .444 (surprise) and a Marlin in .357.
To me, there is no comparison, the Marlin is the superior rifle. I LIKE Winchesters also, but I don't think they are the best.
To me, there is no comparison, the Marlin is the superior rifle. I LIKE Winchesters also, but I don't think they are the best.
BusMaster007
August 19, 2003, 11:35 PM
444 speakum wisely, Kemosabe...:D
number6
August 19, 2003, 11:41 PM
Pretty good company here!
Top 7 Lever Action Deer/Big Game Hunting Rifles
Guide Picks
When it comes to deer hunting, nothing says "tradition" quite like a lever-action rifle... especially the old flat-sided Winchester and Marlin rifles chambered for 30-30 Win. But these aren't the only lever guns that have enjoyed success with big game hunters... other designs have proven themselves useful and popular, too.
1) Browning BLR
Browning's BLR, introduced in 1971, is their offering to lever action lovers, and it has gained quite a following with some hunters. The rotating bolt allows for positive lockup, and side ejection makes scope mounting a breeze. The detachable box magazine also makes it a standout rifle. Chamberings from 22-250 through 450 Marlin.
Manufacturer's Site
2) Marlin Model 336
Marlin's Model 336 is one of the most successful lever-action rifles in history - and deservedly so. Whether chambered for 30-30 Win or the harder-hitting 35 Rem, the 336 provides a strong, smooth, well-designed action in a rifle that is a pleasure to carry and shoot. Side ejection and a solid top allow for easy, solid scope mounting above the bore - where a scope belongs.
Manufacturer's Site
3) Marlin Models 1895 & 444
Marlin big-bore lever-action rifles are just as good as the smaller 336 - and they should be, since they are simply scaled-up versions of the same gun. Chambered for 45-70 (Model 1895) or 444 Marlin (Model 444), these guns pack a wallop, and will handle tougher game than their smaller antecedent. These full-grown lever guns are some of the most dependable and accurate knocker-downers I've used.
Manufacturer's Site
4) Marlin Model 1894
Marlin's Model 1894 is a bit different than their other lever guns - but just as good. Instead of the round bolt found on those above, the 1894 has a flat-sided bolt that sits flush with the receiver, featuring a solid top and side ejection for proper scope mounting. Three chamberings: 357 Mag/38 Special, 41 Rem Mag, and 44 Rem Mag/44 Special. I recommend nothing less than 44 Mag for big game.
Manufacturer's Site
5) Ruger Model 96/44
Ruger's Model 96/44 is a sweet little rifle. Though it looks a lot like my old favorite Model 44, the 96 has a detachable rotary magazine instead of the tubular mag found on its semi-auto predecessor. Side ejection and solid top receiver for scope mounting. My experience indicates this is a very smooth and accurate little gun, excellent for close-cover brush hunting. Chambered for the 44 Rem Mag.
Manufacturer's Site
6) Winchester/USRAC Model 94
The Winchester Model 94 is possibly the most-recognized lever-action rifle in the world still in production and widespread use. While not as inherently smooth or strong as the Marlin Model 336, the Model 94 has a loyal following, and it has done the job for many years. Common complaints include the open-top receiver which makes scope mounting inconvenient. Chamberings from 30-30 Win to 480 Ruger.
Manufacturer's Site
7) Savage Model 99
Though it is now discontinued, the Savage 99 is a rifle that broke the mold for lever-action rifles. The rotary magazine (later a detachable box mag) allows for the use of pointed bullets, unlike the tubular mags often found on lever guns. The action is both strong and smooth, with a wide and hand-filling receiver rather than the tall and slim style found on the Marlin 336 and Winchester 94.
Manufacturer's Site
Top 7 Lever Action Deer/Big Game Hunting Rifles
Guide Picks
When it comes to deer hunting, nothing says "tradition" quite like a lever-action rifle... especially the old flat-sided Winchester and Marlin rifles chambered for 30-30 Win. But these aren't the only lever guns that have enjoyed success with big game hunters... other designs have proven themselves useful and popular, too.
1) Browning BLR
Browning's BLR, introduced in 1971, is their offering to lever action lovers, and it has gained quite a following with some hunters. The rotating bolt allows for positive lockup, and side ejection makes scope mounting a breeze. The detachable box magazine also makes it a standout rifle. Chamberings from 22-250 through 450 Marlin.
Manufacturer's Site
2) Marlin Model 336
Marlin's Model 336 is one of the most successful lever-action rifles in history - and deservedly so. Whether chambered for 30-30 Win or the harder-hitting 35 Rem, the 336 provides a strong, smooth, well-designed action in a rifle that is a pleasure to carry and shoot. Side ejection and a solid top allow for easy, solid scope mounting above the bore - where a scope belongs.
Manufacturer's Site
3) Marlin Models 1895 & 444
Marlin big-bore lever-action rifles are just as good as the smaller 336 - and they should be, since they are simply scaled-up versions of the same gun. Chambered for 45-70 (Model 1895) or 444 Marlin (Model 444), these guns pack a wallop, and will handle tougher game than their smaller antecedent. These full-grown lever guns are some of the most dependable and accurate knocker-downers I've used.
Manufacturer's Site
4) Marlin Model 1894
Marlin's Model 1894 is a bit different than their other lever guns - but just as good. Instead of the round bolt found on those above, the 1894 has a flat-sided bolt that sits flush with the receiver, featuring a solid top and side ejection for proper scope mounting. Three chamberings: 357 Mag/38 Special, 41 Rem Mag, and 44 Rem Mag/44 Special. I recommend nothing less than 44 Mag for big game.
Manufacturer's Site
5) Ruger Model 96/44
Ruger's Model 96/44 is a sweet little rifle. Though it looks a lot like my old favorite Model 44, the 96 has a detachable rotary magazine instead of the tubular mag found on its semi-auto predecessor. Side ejection and solid top receiver for scope mounting. My experience indicates this is a very smooth and accurate little gun, excellent for close-cover brush hunting. Chambered for the 44 Rem Mag.
Manufacturer's Site
6) Winchester/USRAC Model 94
The Winchester Model 94 is possibly the most-recognized lever-action rifle in the world still in production and widespread use. While not as inherently smooth or strong as the Marlin Model 336, the Model 94 has a loyal following, and it has done the job for many years. Common complaints include the open-top receiver which makes scope mounting inconvenient. Chamberings from 30-30 Win to 480 Ruger.
Manufacturer's Site
7) Savage Model 99
Though it is now discontinued, the Savage 99 is a rifle that broke the mold for lever-action rifles. The rotary magazine (later a detachable box mag) allows for the use of pointed bullets, unlike the tubular mags often found on lever guns. The action is both strong and smooth, with a wide and hand-filling receiver rather than the tall and slim style found on the Marlin 336 and Winchester 94.
Manufacturer's Site
Preacherman
August 20, 2003, 02:35 AM
In current-production rifles, I'd take the Marlin any day. If discontinued rifles were included, I'd have to put the Savage on top of my list... {sigh}
fallingblock
August 20, 2003, 06:14 AM
The Marlins (especially the Cowboy models:) ) are the pick of the currently-produced levergun litter.
Rossi seems to be making some very nice model 92 replicas for Navy Arms and EMF.;)
If Miroku would stay in production of the '86 for more than a few months at a time.......
The Savage 99 may be the finest levergun of all time:D
Rossi seems to be making some very nice model 92 replicas for Navy Arms and EMF.;)
If Miroku would stay in production of the '86 for more than a few months at a time.......
The Savage 99 may be the finest levergun of all time:D
BusMaster007
August 20, 2003, 07:27 AM
I guess we should've asked what the lever gun would be used for.
The Browning BLR is an outstanding choice for the reasons mentioned above, plus the ability to use 'pointed bullets' in the detachable mag.
I think it's available up to the .300 Win.Mag. :eek:
That's a potent lever-gun!
The Browning BLR is an outstanding choice for the reasons mentioned above, plus the ability to use 'pointed bullets' in the detachable mag.
I think it's available up to the .300 Win.Mag. :eek:
That's a potent lever-gun!
Kaylee
August 20, 2003, 09:42 AM
Ford!!
no wait....
Chevy!
oops... wrong bumpkin thread... sorry.... :)
-K
no wait....
Chevy!
oops... wrong bumpkin thread... sorry.... :)
-K
Dionysusigma
August 20, 2003, 09:52 AM
Let's not forget Henry Levers...
OEF_VET
August 20, 2003, 09:53 AM
My personal favorite is the Marlin. I've owned 2 Model 336's over the years. The first of them was my first rifle, bought when I was 13 with money earned delivering newspapers through snow in Great Falls, Montana. I've actually been thinking of buying an 1894 chambered in .357/.38 just for s***s and giggles one of these days.
Ringer
August 20, 2003, 10:39 AM
Just wanted to say thanks for posting this poll and thanks to those who replied with feedback. I have been looking for a 30-30 myself. Haven't found anything used that I would buy and have been considering buying new.
Anyways, as always thanks for the info! :cool:
Anyways, as always thanks for the info! :cool:
Z_Infidel
August 20, 2003, 11:53 AM
I would like to hear what people view as the shortcomings of the current production Winchester '94 lineup. I have a Trail's End .357 Magnum on order and have been waiting months. I've heard the wait is because of the new safety design. Just what factors do you think tip the scale in favor of the Marlin?
Keith
August 20, 2003, 12:45 PM
The BLR is far more accurate and chambered for far better rounds than the standard Winchester and Marlin offerings.
I love my Marlin GG, but next to a BLR it's like a 56 Chevy next to a Porsche.
Keith
I love my Marlin GG, but next to a BLR it's like a 56 Chevy next to a Porsche.
Keith
aspen
August 20, 2003, 01:14 PM
I love my 1860 Henry. It is made by Uberti.
I action is ruff, the barrel is a mile long, you have to watch out for the magazine follower and I have cut myself on the slot in the mag tube, but the trigger and finnish is great.
Mine is in 45 LC not the most powerful caliber in the word but it kills paper just fine. I have thought about taking it deer hunting but the thought of the weight and possible damage to the wonderifull finish has me looking for a bolt action deer rifle.
My dad has a 94 in 357 and it is a good solid gun but the Henry goes to the range with me every trip.
I action is ruff, the barrel is a mile long, you have to watch out for the magazine follower and I have cut myself on the slot in the mag tube, but the trigger and finnish is great.
Mine is in 45 LC not the most powerful caliber in the word but it kills paper just fine. I have thought about taking it deer hunting but the thought of the weight and possible damage to the wonderifull finish has me looking for a bolt action deer rifle.
My dad has a 94 in 357 and it is a good solid gun but the Henry goes to the range with me every trip.
Brian Williams
August 20, 2003, 01:56 PM
I have a Marlin 1894 and it is the 2nd most shot gun in my meager arsenal. I have put a Uncle mikes quick sling and a Marble's tang peep sight. it is a real hoot to shoot and is fairly accurate. With heavy revolver loads it is a pussycat with some great fangs it has almost no reciol but will reach out and thump the target a good one. 158gr LSWC and XTP"S are great over about 14.5 gr of 2400.
Poodleshooter
August 20, 2003, 02:13 PM
Functionally speaking I'd take a Marlin 336 over a Winchester 94 any day, mostly for the better trigger and better ergonomics (for me at least).
The only real disadvantage is the occasional use of Micro-Groove rifling and the added leading in those barrels if you're a cast bullet shooter.
That said, I own a Winchester 94 that was given to me at my wedding, and I wouldn't trade it for anything!
The only real disadvantage is the occasional use of Micro-Groove rifling and the added leading in those barrels if you're a cast bullet shooter.
That said, I own a Winchester 94 that was given to me at my wedding, and I wouldn't trade it for anything!
JohnBT
August 20, 2003, 02:19 PM
"I love my Marlin GG, but next to a BLR it's like a 56 Chevy next to a Porsche."
I'd rather have a '55 Chevy.
And a Marlin Mountie.
John
I'd rather have a '55 Chevy.
And a Marlin Mountie.
John
Keith
August 20, 2003, 02:25 PM
I'd rather have a '55 Chevy.
Say that when you've got a trophy buck trotting along the ridge line 300 yards above you!
My Marlin GG serves a purpose, but because of the range limitations it's utility is pretty limited.
The BLR in calibers like .308, 30/06 and .300 Mag opens a whole new world for lever guns. They are in an entirely different class.
Keith
Say that when you've got a trophy buck trotting along the ridge line 300 yards above you!
My Marlin GG serves a purpose, but because of the range limitations it's utility is pretty limited.
The BLR in calibers like .308, 30/06 and .300 Mag opens a whole new world for lever guns. They are in an entirely different class.
Keith
mainmech48
August 20, 2003, 04:31 PM
I started out with lever actions and pumps when I was a kid mostly because I'm a southpaw. They were about the only centerfire repeating rifles I could find that I could afford.
In the traditional "deer" calibers like 30-30 and .35 Remington, I prefer the Marlin 336. I agree that using lead bullets in the old "Microgroove" barrels can be something of a trial, but moderate velocities and gas checks make it work pretty well. Not an issue with the new ones, as they all use more conventional Ballard rifling now, but I still don't like the silly crossbolt safety.
I like the Winchester 94, but back in the day you almost always had to replace the front sight with a higher one when you mounted a receiver sight on them while you didn't on a Marlin.
I've gone to an 1895 Guide Gun in 45-70 for short-to-moderate range deer hunting in my old age. Just as handy as a 30-30, and the recoil with 300 gr. bullets is comparable to 170 gr. loads with the porting and pad.
For longer ranges it's a toss-up between my Savage 99F in .308 and a Browning BLR 81 in .270. If I could find one of the semi-rare 81s in 7mm-08, they'd both probably stay in the safe.
A pre-64 Winchester 88 in .308 or .284 is high on my wish list, but nice ones are generally going for more than I can afford. Heavy sigh.
In the traditional "deer" calibers like 30-30 and .35 Remington, I prefer the Marlin 336. I agree that using lead bullets in the old "Microgroove" barrels can be something of a trial, but moderate velocities and gas checks make it work pretty well. Not an issue with the new ones, as they all use more conventional Ballard rifling now, but I still don't like the silly crossbolt safety.
I like the Winchester 94, but back in the day you almost always had to replace the front sight with a higher one when you mounted a receiver sight on them while you didn't on a Marlin.
I've gone to an 1895 Guide Gun in 45-70 for short-to-moderate range deer hunting in my old age. Just as handy as a 30-30, and the recoil with 300 gr. bullets is comparable to 170 gr. loads with the porting and pad.
For longer ranges it's a toss-up between my Savage 99F in .308 and a Browning BLR 81 in .270. If I could find one of the semi-rare 81s in 7mm-08, they'd both probably stay in the safe.
A pre-64 Winchester 88 in .308 or .284 is high on my wish list, but nice ones are generally going for more than I can afford. Heavy sigh.
David4516
August 20, 2003, 04:56 PM
Wow, I didn't expect the Marlin to be so popular :what:
Maybe thats just because I like the Winchester more? I've got 2 Model 94's (one of them is a Pre-64), and love them. They are just so "handy". I've picked up a Marlin or two before, and they have a totaly different "feel" to them, thats why I don't own one...
I guess I'd feel different if I wanted a scope on my leverguns, scoping a Winchester is a major pain. But I don't really need or want a scope on my "brush guns", so that isn't an issue...
Maybe thats just because I like the Winchester more? I've got 2 Model 94's (one of them is a Pre-64), and love them. They are just so "handy". I've picked up a Marlin or two before, and they have a totaly different "feel" to them, thats why I don't own one...
I guess I'd feel different if I wanted a scope on my leverguns, scoping a Winchester is a major pain. But I don't really need or want a scope on my "brush guns", so that isn't an issue...
JohnBT
August 21, 2003, 07:55 AM
Keith - For me to find a 300-yard shot at a deer around here I'd have to get permission to hunt two farms and shoot across a road. :)
John
John
rick newland
August 21, 2003, 08:22 AM
I have a Marlin 1895 SS that has taken more pigs then I can count in Germany and one Moose in Finland. I have a Williams receiver sight on it and if I do my part I can keep most of my shots in the X ring at a hundred yards. Right now UPS is on it's way with a 1895 LTD V, 24 inch barrel and eight shot Mag. I own a Winchester 94 in 30-30 and in my opinion it is not as sturdy as the Marlin 336.
webley455
August 21, 2003, 08:46 AM
The Browning BLR in 308 is superior to both my Marlin and Winchester, IMO.:neener:
Dr.Rob
August 21, 2003, 03:41 PM
Many Marlins in the safe. (not easy to count) At least 5 lever guns.
Only Winchester is a cheap ranger Bolt gun that belongs to my cousin.
The 336 is the "classic" deer rifle in my mind. easily scoped, available with a pistol grip action (naver see a winchester with one) and the barrel is heavier. I hunted for years with a Marlin 336. Big bolt, positive extraction. Hate hate HATE the new crossbolt safety.
Winchester just doesn't compare.
Only Winchester is a cheap ranger Bolt gun that belongs to my cousin.
The 336 is the "classic" deer rifle in my mind. easily scoped, available with a pistol grip action (naver see a winchester with one) and the barrel is heavier. I hunted for years with a Marlin 336. Big bolt, positive extraction. Hate hate HATE the new crossbolt safety.
Winchester just doesn't compare.
JShirley
August 21, 2003, 04:05 PM
Voted Marlin- only current lever is an 1895G. Like to get a Marlin .41 at some point.
I'll probably be on the lookout for a clean and reasonably priced Savage 99 in .250-3000 for the rest of my life. Stands to reason, then, that I wouldn't mind one of the Ruger levers, either.
I'll probably be on the lookout for a clean and reasonably priced Savage 99 in .250-3000 for the rest of my life. Stands to reason, then, that I wouldn't mind one of the Ruger levers, either.
Hutch
August 22, 2003, 02:18 PM
The Cowboy shooters consensus is that the Win 94 is a poor choice for pistol calibers. Fine for .30-30, etc. The 1894C is much preferred to the Win 94 for SASS competition.
Comparing the BLR and Sav99 to a cowboy gun just ain't right. For aerobatics, a biplane is fine, but don't compare it to an F15.
Comparing the BLR and Sav99 to a cowboy gun just ain't right. For aerobatics, a biplane is fine, but don't compare it to an F15.
jjmorgan64
August 22, 2003, 05:42 PM
Finest lever action-Savage 1899/99
BLR's I agree are really unfair to include in this catagory, completely different breed of gun.
Marlin vs Win, I think the Marlin is probrably a nicer gun, but I shoot my Winchersters more, they just fit and feel better to me.
BLR's I agree are really unfair to include in this catagory, completely different breed of gun.
Marlin vs Win, I think the Marlin is probrably a nicer gun, but I shoot my Winchersters more, they just fit and feel better to me.
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