Help me pick a lever-action...

[Beren]

Looks like I'll end up with at least two lever-guns. Maybe three or four... All of them used, if I can find samples in good condition. All of them Marlins, as well - personal preference.

Calibers I plan to purchase:

30-30
44 Mag
45-70 (someday)

Maybe another beat-up 44 to stick in the trunk, but that might be a $100 SKS instead.

 

[goon]

My own personal preferences go with the Winchester. The Marlins are good guns too, but I have found the M-94 Winchesters to generally have a smoother action than a Marlin. Try to find one if the old ones without that damned safety.
I want a Rossi M-92 357mag also. There is one at a local shop, but I am kinda cheap and I want a FAL first.
I want the 357 over the others because:
1) I already have 357 dies and casings
2) The ammo and components are cheaper to buy for a 357.
3) I already have rifles for over 100 yds.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I caught wind that Winchester is coming out with one in .410 shotshell. That's sounds pretty interesting to me.

That's the Model 9410, and it's been out for a year or two.

To answer the question asked in the original post, either a Marlin or Winchester in .30-30 or .44 Mag will serve very nicely for hunting game up through deer size, and also do very well for defense. The pistol caliber lever guns have the advantage of larger mag capacity than those in .30-30.

I used to have an Uberti replica of the Winchester '73 in .44-40, and I could lay down some serious firepower with it.

 

[12.7x99mm]

Hands down....Marlin 4570 1895GS. I also own a 3030. Its a classic

But for good all-round thumper. The 1895gs with a set of AO Ghost rings and 2-6 power scope with detachable rings scout mounted.

I’m not even using my scope these days. That rifle is accurate and what ever you hit will be down.