lever action rifles

[Xander27z]

if i buy a used rifle, what should i look out for? if i can't test it/fire it... how can i make sure it's in working condition?
never owned one, so any and all info (in detail ) would be appreciated.

is one better then others? marlin, winchester, clones?
thnx.

 

[ID_shooting]

I don't know about where you are shopping, but my shop has a 90 day warranty on all used guns, you might check yours.

Winchesters are usually less expensive than the Marlins, but I found the marlins to be smoother and more flexible (scopes and such).

But as it is, I have a Winchester 94

If I were to be buying one for hunting, I would probably get the Marlin 30/30 with a nice 2x scope (not really needed but will increase your pointing accuracy) and a bunch of differnt type of ammo (round or flat tip) and see what shoots best.

As for what to look for, tight smooth action, see if they have some dummy cases or empties, should feed reliably and most lever guns have a nice crisp trigger. Look for well defined riflings in the bore; however, if you are planning on shooting lead bullets, don't get a Marlin w/ micro groove rifling. They are for jacked bullets only. Metal should be nice and clean, some wear or bright metal on the edges and interface points are OK. The wood shold be clean and crack free and the finish should be all there unless you wish to strip and re-finish.

Again, this is all assuming you looking for a hunting rig. If you are after a SASS rifle or a plinker, other factors may apply.

 

[MrMurphy]

Actually, Winchesters have the "collector value" and generally cost more than Marlins everywhere I've ever been.

 

[Nathanael_Greene]

First, I check the overall condition. In my experience, even a cosmetically nasty lever action can still shoot just fine--and I've never seen a good-looking one that wouldn't shoot. For example, a little surface rust is very common, will not affect function, can be easily removed, and knocks the price down. Dings in the stock are usually a sign of "experience," and don't bother me. (Cracks or chips bother me, though.)

Rifles were made to be shot, so I check the action to see how worn-in it is. (A lever action has to be pretty beat up to be worn out.)

I prefer Marlin to Winchester rifles; Winchesters rattle a lot even when new, so some looseness in the action isn't a bad sign. On Marlins, though, I think twice if it seems loose.

I generally look at the bore, to make sure it's not pitted or too dirty. (I've never seen clean bore on a used rifle, especially in pawn shops.)

Holding the hammer, I squeeze the trigger to make sure it will release properly. I also check the half-cock safety.

Overall, it's been my experience that there are few problems with lever-action rifles that can't be solved by a good cleaning.

 

[countertop]

I really like my Marlin 336, so much that I've got two one from the early 80s and another one that my father in law just got me for a birthday gift.

I find the Marlins to generally be more sturdy and henceforth reliable (though in truth, there are few things as reliable as a well maintained lever action).

As far as value - I think old (100 years+) winchesters might retain a higher value, but for modern guns, in my experience the Marlins generally seem slightly higher (of course, Marlin has more model selections at more price points than Winchester).

Also, you can mount and easily use a scope on a Marlin. Not so on a Winchester. They both will take a peep sight.

 

[ducktapehero]

is one better then others? marlin, winchester, clones?

Both Marlin and Winchester make good quality leverguns. Both have been in business for over 100 years. Go to a gunstore and see which one you like best. As far as the imports, I have heard a couple bad things(like you will with ANY gun) but as far as I can tell the vast majority of them are fine guns too.

 

[Cosmoline]

The old Winchesters, the real ones with the collector's value, are different animals from the recent production jam-o-matics that use the Winchester name. Marlin makes the best leverguns today, no question about it.

The very best are the Savage 99's, IMHO. You can still find the 99E's for $300 to $400.

 

[Swamprabbit]

I don't think I've ever come across a lever gun that was so worn out that it wouldn't still function and shoot just fine. I've had some old (well, not antique "old") M94s that rattled like a box of marbles and still would put rounds in a 2.5" circle at 100yds.

Dittos on not overlooking the Savage 99s. These can be some of the smoothest actions you see as well as let you shoot pointed nose bullets as well. Also available in a variety of calibers.

Some like the Browning BLRs. Personally, I've found that they will shoot great but I just don't like their short lever "throws" nor the rifle's general feel.

 

[Nathanael_Greene]

By the way, head over to the the levergunner forum for some more opinions...

http://leverguns.sixgunner.com/

 

[blakec3686]

i myself am looking to get a good levergun in .30-30 as a brush gun or something to hang on my horse (movin to idaho this summer yayay gettin out of cali!!!).
i want either winchester or marlin but i got a question on them (i dont mean to hijack the thread but since its here i figured id ask instaed of starting a new thread) hot do you keep a round chambered in a levergun with no external safety like the older winchesters? do you lower the hammer to half-cock or am i missing something completly? mabe dont chamber a round untill ready to shoot?
i dunno but thanks anyways
Blake

 

[countertop]

Don't chamber the round is obviously the safest way. . . . though keeping it on half cock should also work (unless there is a major malfunction).

I recently took a hunter ed class in Virginia and the instructor recommended people not use lever actions because he said they were the least safe gun because of this.

I disagree with him (the least safe gun is one in the hands of a fool) but understand his point.

 

[KarbineKrazy]

So, if I have a late '70 Marlin 45-70, and I carry if with a round chambered and the hammer down, am I being dangerous? I don't remember if the gun had a safety or not, but I remember leaving a round chambered...That was a few years ago.

Idaho, huh? Get a 99 in .308... OK, that's just a little sentimental. My great grandfather lived in Idaho for some time and his only rifle was a 99 in .308. Killed a lot of nice animals with that gun. When he died, my dead beat uncle got it and no one knows where it went now.

 

[blakec3686]

hmmm a 99 in .308 not a bad idea i was just thinkin a levergun would be good to have becuase of the capacity plus ive shot one before and really like it but i will look into a .308 , ammo i would think would be alot cheaper and better performance at longer distance.
thanks
Blake
P.S. its in buhl idaho kind desert/brush area (i will be living with my grandparents to help on thier cattle ranch so it will have to be able to take a beating of living in a rifle scabbard on horseback time to time)

 

[KarbineKrazy]

perfect, .308 is much flatter shooting and better for that area! good yote round.

 

[ID_shooting]

OK, you seem cool enough, LOL, welcome to Idaho, at least when you get here. Generally, I do not chamber my 30-30 unless I am dismounted and iether sniping a game trail and stalking one through the sage. The area you are going to will be lots of wide open desert hunting with some areas restricted to short range weapons (shotgun or muzzle loader) mainly down by the Snake River and in the fields. You are also right next door to the best 'lope country we have. Might think of a 25-06 or .270 in the near future.