Hi I was looking at a 243 lever action. Some people told me that lever actions are not as accurate as a bolt action. Is that possible? I want the gun for deer and coyote hunting. Is a 243 a good caliber? I am use to hunting with a 7mm mag and I am looking forward to steping it down a little. What is a good gun that won't cost a fortune. Any info would be help. Thanks
lever vs. bolt action
- Thread starter cozyc
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winstonsmith
Member
Welcome to THR!
My lever action rifles are very accurate. Can't really tell a difference between bolt guns and lever guns.
Bolt actions are typically chambered for higher pressure cartridges and
can use spitzer type bullets that most people shun in lever actions.
Winchester and Marlin make some decent inexpensive lever guns in a variety of chamberings that may suit your needs.
Bolt actions are typically chambered for higher pressure cartridges and
can use spitzer type bullets that most people shun in lever actions.
Winchester and Marlin make some decent inexpensive lever guns in a variety of chamberings that may suit your needs.
2nd Amendment
member
Define "accurate". 
If your goal is shooting tacks at 500 yds + then a bolt gun is your best bet. For the average deer hunter at average ranges(especially around here) there's probably no meaningful difference, assuming equal initial manufacturing quality.
If your goal is shooting tacks at 500 yds + then a bolt gun is your best bet. For the average deer hunter at average ranges(especially around here) there's probably no meaningful difference, assuming equal initial manufacturing quality.The reason the Bolt actions tend to be more acurate is the bullets they fire. Spitzer (as mentioned prior)or Pointed bullets. A lever can fire them individualy. However if you load them in the tube, you'll be look'n for a chain fire incident. That is where the point of the bullet sets off the primer of the bullet in front of it and then the next and so on. Most Lever Rifle bullets are flat nose or a real wide curved surface. This is to prevent a chain fire occurance.
All my rifles are lever at this time. They are fine if you "Know your (their)limitations"....
To make your choice, you will need to decide which direction your want to go. Do you want to hunt and get into big game, only. Then a bolt. Do you want to feel like the old west, shoot cowboy, light hunting, go with the lever....
Welcome aboard....
All my rifles are lever at this time. They are fine if you "Know your (their)limitations"....
To make your choice, you will need to decide which direction your want to go. Do you want to hunt and get into big game, only. Then a bolt. Do you want to feel like the old west, shoot cowboy, light hunting, go with the lever....
Welcome aboard....
mondocomputerman
Member
I've Got a Marlin 30-30, which is plenty accurate for hunting dear at the range it was intended for (around 100 yards). Mine has an extremely rugged WWII 4X sniper scope attached, and the last deer I got with it was at 265 yards. Just couldn't pass up that 14 pointer!!
Marshall
Member
This BLR from Browning is probably one of the most accurate production lever actions made. I also have Browning bolt actions and like them. However, what your looking for a good accurate lever gun is tough to beat! The're lightweight, quick handling and fun to shoot. I enjoy mine, wouldn't trade it for any other.
It's available in .243 Win. and from .22-250 Rem. clear to .450 Marlin
Description:
* Traditional straight-grip stock for comfort and ease of handling
• '81-style straight stock gives it a classic style and look
• Lightweight lever action
• Quicker handling and perfect balancing
• '81-style straight stock makes even a long-action rifle quicker and easier to handle
• Distinctive, traditional look that a lever-action rifle should have
• Designed and built for magnum cartridges
• Aluminum receiver and rotating bolt
• Lightweight and easy to carry
Caliber 243 Win.
Magazine Capacity 5
Barrel Length 20"
Nominal Overall Length 39 3/8"
Nominal Length of Pull 13 3/4"
Nominal Drop at Comb 7/8"
Nominal Drop at Heel 1 5/16"
Nominal Weight 6 lbs. 8 oz.
Rate of Twist One Turn in 10
Site Radius 17 3/4"
Wood Finish Gloss Finish
U.S. Suggested Retail $731
Browning BLR
It's available in .243 Win. and from .22-250 Rem. clear to .450 Marlin
Description:
* Traditional straight-grip stock for comfort and ease of handling
• '81-style straight stock gives it a classic style and look
• Lightweight lever action
• Quicker handling and perfect balancing
• '81-style straight stock makes even a long-action rifle quicker and easier to handle
• Distinctive, traditional look that a lever-action rifle should have
• Designed and built for magnum cartridges
• Aluminum receiver and rotating bolt
• Lightweight and easy to carry
Caliber 243 Win.
Magazine Capacity 5
Barrel Length 20"
Nominal Overall Length 39 3/8"
Nominal Length of Pull 13 3/4"
Nominal Drop at Comb 7/8"
Nominal Drop at Heel 1 5/16"
Nominal Weight 6 lbs. 8 oz.
Rate of Twist One Turn in 10
Site Radius 17 3/4"
Wood Finish Gloss Finish
U.S. Suggested Retail $731
Browning BLR
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Bolt action advantage: free floated barrel (no magazine tube & spring beneath it to bounce around on recoil) & one piece stock = more harmonic consistency. Still, the lever action is good enough for hunting and for fun. You won't find a lever action repeater in a sniper competition though.
Here is a good article on one of my favorite lever actions.
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~hwsportsman/444Marlin.html
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~hwsportsman/444Marlin.html
Bolt guns are more accurate do to one piece stock and stiffer action. The barrels are unsprung as nothing is attached to them. Depending on the ranges you are planning to shoot this may or may not be a requirement for you.
The size of your deer will determine if the .243 Win is suitable. It will bring down any deer, but shot placement is placed at a premium on the larger bodied deer. In some places (as in my state) the .243 is the minimum caliber allowed for deer hunting.
Yotes will drop at the sound of the shot if hit right.
The size of your deer will determine if the .243 Win is suitable. It will bring down any deer, but shot placement is placed at a premium on the larger bodied deer. In some places (as in my state) the .243 is the minimum caliber allowed for deer hunting.
Yotes will drop at the sound of the shot if hit right.
BusMaster007
Member
Ever think of loading varmint bullets in 7mm Rem.Mag.?
I did!
That's why I'm not going to buy another rifle in a different caliber.
Lighter bullets are made for the 7mm already.
Your 7mm is more versatile than you might think!
I did!
That's why I'm not going to buy another rifle in a different caliber.
Lighter bullets are made for the 7mm already.
Your 7mm is more versatile than you might think!
Red Neck64
Member
Bolt or lever I just love them all.
I got a used Winchester 88 in .308 as a present for my dad, and I think that gun is the bees knees. Accurate to whatever distance, light, all the advantages of a lever action such as one-piece stock, etc., and it was around $400. You can find them on the online auctions, or pawn shops.
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