Thoughts on lever actions

I only use SPP in 357 magnum. But these days, one would just use what is obtainable.
I think it probably doesn’t matter that much unless loading very hot which I do not.
Understand about the $$. Frankly I was shocked with the cost of the Henry big boy. I paid just under $650 out the door for my new marlin 1894 a couple of years ago at KYgun co. Interested in the Ruger Marlins but will wait a while to see how they do and review. I’m happy enough with my Marlins for now.

Lever guns are great and handy. I own two Miroku Winchester 1892’s in 45 Colt. One is a rifle with a 24” barrel and the other a carbine with a 20” barrel. The carbine has become my favorite. I use Marbles peep tang sights on both and they have good accuracy to 100 yards. Since I reload, the 45 colt is a great round for short distance. I load most for revolver and rifle using 250gr lead, but also have a worked up load using jacketed 240 gr Sierra bullets that shoots really well and is a little hotter. The 92 action is very strong and can be loaded up if one chooses to do so.

For a bigger bang, I have a Miroku Winchester 1886 deluxe in 45-70. The 45-70 is super versatile and give another 100 yards or more of solid range. My current loads include 325 gr FTX and 300 gr SP jacketed rounds at about 2100 FPS that are a hammer. The 86 action is big and smooth and sounds like slamming a vault shut. The 24” octagon barrel and case hardened receiver make a beautiful rifle, but it is a bit heavy to carry around in the woods. I have it sighted in at 200 yards and would not hesitate to take a 200 yard shot. After about 250, it begins to fade and has a lot of drop. A 92 or 94 is way more friendly to pack around.

For plinking, the 92 in 45 Colt is the best IMO, but I do reload. That 92 action is smooth as silk and the Marbles sights really help accuracy. With the peep sight, I can hit a 3” steel target offhand at 100 yards every shot. 45 Colt is really easy to reload and there are lots of options to experiment with load development.

If I were to choose for hunting, short range to 150 yards, I would choose a 94 in 30-30. I have a 1959 model Winchester that is excellent. Beyond 100 yards I would be worried about taking game with a 45 Colt cartridge unless it was loaded up to near 44 magnum level. I don’t load that strong. YMMV

Griffen said:

Beyond 100 yards I would be worried about taking game with a 45 Colt cartridge unless it was loaded up to near 44 magnum level. I don’t load that strong. YMMV

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You don't have to load it to .44 Magnum levels. A 250-255 gr. bullet at 1200 fps is easily achieved out of either of your 45 Colt lever rifles, and by loading to standard pressures. To put this into perspective, such a load and bullet would retain about the same velocity at 300 yds. as a "standard" 45 Colt load has at the muzzle when fired from a revolver.

I'm not suggesting you use your 45 Colt on game at 300 yds., just pointing out that fired from a rifle, said load would be effective well over 100 yds. In fact dealing with the trajectory would be the biggest issue.

35W

ExAgoradzo said:

Exactly.

what I like about the idea is that some farmer needed to put meat on the table, o he took his Winchester or Marlin and got something for his wife to cook. A piece of history that is in our country now, history.

And, those old guns are gorgeous!

Greg

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It isn’t history in my house......except I cook most of the meat. Carry on.

chris in va said:

Thanks guys, I have a Rossi 357 lined up, can’t wait.

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I have a Rossi....love it except for the lousy rear sight. Bought a Skinner peep sight for it. Smooth as grease thru a goose.

In so far as selling the AR, it occurs to me that it may not be replaceable in the future. If that is any concern. I get the idea of a slick little lever gun, and did exactly that some years ago liking the idea of handgun and rifle ammo compatibility. It's actually gone past that, realizing that I can pump up .45 Colt stuff to levels that exceeded the 30-30, same of course would be the .44 in rifle length barrels. I can presume that a .357 could be done similarly and be a sweet package. With the proceeds from a sale many things could be done for that perfect ' not have to settle for' levergun.