Best Lever Action?

[GunsBeerFreedom]

We've all seen the threads here; Best EBR, best Milsurp, best .22, etc. But I haven't seen a poll (ooo the excitement!) for lever guns.

Now before I go any further, I'll admit I know I'm missing a few here. Feel free to educate me by voting other and explain.

 

[MCMXI]

You forgot the Marlin 1894 but I would have voted for the Marlin 1895 anyway. If I had two choices it'd be the '94 and '95.

 

[AH-1]

BLR



win BB94 in 375

 

[MachIVshooter]

If I could only have one, it'd be my Marlin 1895 SS. But it's not the best for everything. For example, in CAS, that'd be a small magazine and alot of recoil to tolerate.

 

[natman]

You left out the best IMO, the Winchester 71. Best looking rifle ever. Stocked by Townsend Whelen, it handles like a fine shotgun. Smoothest lever ever. Plenty of power. Just great.

 

[CraigC]

Best for what??? The Winchester 94 and Marlin 336 are the most widely circulated and thusly, the most affordable. The Winchester 1892 and 1886 (and those derived from same) are the strongest and most refined of the traditional guns. The 1860, 1866, 1873 and 1876 have an appeal all their own. Fortunately, "best" is a highly subjective term.

PS, the 1866 was sold by Winchester, not Henry.

 

[madd trapper]

If I had to choose only one it would be a Marlin 1895 SS 45.70 caliber.

 

[hammerklavier]

So what makes the Marlin 1895 better than the 336?

 

[Ratdog68]

After decades of wanting one... I toddled into a local gun store lookin' for a lever action .44. I found a Winchester '94 in .30WCF and walked out the door with it. Built in late '40 or early '41. It's not "mint" (nor do I care), but it shoots good and it's mine. I still want one in .44mag... ok, and one in .22 too.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I would take a Winchester 1894 in 356 Win.

 

[DS_M4]

"So what makes the Marlin 1895 better than the 336?"

The 1895 is built stronger and enlarged to accomodate the big bore rounds like .444 and 45-70, and allows for hotter loads if handloading. So if you are in the "bigger is better" camp then that's why. If you are happy with the calibers for the 336, well then maybe it's not better. My $.02 worth.

 

[Cosmoline]

Overall I'd have to say Savage 99. It can take a wide array of rounds, has a very strong bolt and receiver and at the same time it's feather light and maintains the ease of handling that a levergun should have.

 

[chez323]

Nothing beats a Marlin 336...... great gun!

 

[Legionnaire]

Marlin 336 ... if it has a straight stock.

 

[ArmedBear]

Best handling? Winchester 1892
Most versatile? Browning BLR
Best hand cannon? Marlin 1895
Easiest to clean? Marlins
If I really wanted a boltie? Finnwolf

 

[earlthegoat2]

If I really wanted a boltie? Finnwolf

I though there was something wrong with that option.

That was my first though upon seeing it in the poll as well.

 

[Lorenzo Rojo]

Winchester 1982: blazing fast action, abosultely automatic inside of 50 yards, mounts and points effortlessly.

 

[KodiakBeer]

There's simply no beating the BLR. It's a magazine fed lever gun that comes in everything from .22-250 to .300 Mag to .450 Marlin. They have take down models, lightweight aluminum frame models, long and short action models. Nothing else comes close when you're talking about pure functionality.

One might argue aesthetics or historical significance of other lever guns, but based on function, nothing else comes close.

 

[MachIVshooter]

So what makes the Marlin 1895 better than the 336?

Not necessarily better, but more flexible. You can use a .45-70 to take smaller species of game, but I sure wouldn't wanna rely on a .30-30 if my target is a half ton of snarling or charging beast that could eat, trample or gore me.

 

[Dr.Rob]

One can argue the Marlin 1895 and 336 are the same action.

 

[jmr40]

I would agree that the 1895 and 336 are in fact the same action. As is the 444.

 

[SwampWolf]

You left out the best IMO, the Winchester 71.

I love the Model 71 too, but it's essentially a Model 1886. Imo, a vote for the 1886 is a vote for the 71.

 

[XxWINxX94]

+1 Natman
My 71 is one of my favorite lever actions. I don't shoot it often though, cause .348WIN is pretty much dried up.....

 

[kenno]

My Savage 308 M-99 has the capability to shoot spitzer bullets or hollow points, in it's own unique way it is a beutiful rifle that brings to mind the covers of Sports Afield and other Classic works of art from the Post-war decades when winchesters and remingtons and savages ruled the wild lands of North America. The smell of Hoppe's #9, wood smoke and autum mornings lives in it's American walnut stock, scratched by countless journeys through the North Woods. As faithful as my dog, as beutiful as my bride, my Savage is my go to gun for deer, bear and elk.

 

[nmcollektor]

What about the Ruger #1 in 45/70?