Need help narrowing down Lever Actions

[ExAgoradzo]

Nobody has said anything about the Marlin 1895 Guide Gun. Shoot it with the Hornady Leverevolution 325s. Everything you've ever wanted. I also bought some Corbon 460HC then did the math and the 325s come with more hittin' power: lighter load faster travel.
They shoot wonderfully and though they push harder than the cowboy loads (which are more expensive) they don't push as hard as the HC.
The fit on my Marlington is not what by earlier Marlins have or certainly my 2 Brownings, but it is fine for what it is.

 

[Malamute]

I don't know what the Ubertis sell for, but if you like the 1886 action, there's a Browning 86 carbine on the leverguns forum, new in the box for $1050. The Brownings are head and shoulders above any other version of the 1886's, in fit, finish, and have no crossbolt or rebound hammer safeties, just the half cock, like they originally came with from 1886 to 1935.

http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=42285&sid=6e60c7c308b636f202584f7294dff001

 

[razorback2003]

Look at the Marlin. You can clean it from the back. The winchester you have to clean from the front. The marlin is a good rifle and easier to take care of. Winchesters are great too but are more delicate. I own a Winchester lever rifle, and not a Marlin, so take that for what it is worth.

 

[snake284]

I am very interested in a lever action rifle that fires the 45-70 round. I so far know of the marlin stp trapper but are there any others that I'm missing? Thanks for the help!

For lever guns, though they aren't usually quite as accurate, I prefer the Winchester 94. However, for a 45-70 I'd go for a Marlin Stainless Guide Gun. The reasons I love Winchesters are mainly asthetic. But the Marlin is one tough, accurate rifle. I don't yet own one, but I will someday.

 

[Malamute]

I find the discussion regarding cleaning from the back vs cleaning from the muzzle interesting. It's often mentioned as a drawback regarding Winchesters, but I don't recall it ever being brought up as a drawback regarding M1 Garands, M1-A's, M1 Carbines, Mini-14's, AK's, SKS's, Savage 99's and likely some others I'm forgetting, all of which must be cleaned from the muzzle end.

Interesting.

Also nobody mentions if it isn't taken apart, there aren't small parts to lose.

 

[wlewisiii]

If you haven't seen this beauty, well, if you have the budget this is probably the nicest 1886 out there right now:

http://turnbullmfg.com/store.asp?pid=34270

 

[dagger dog]

Henry is producing a 45-70 now.

 

[AABEN]

Marlin 336

 

[CraigC]

The Marlins are certainly more affordable and plentiful. The Winchester 1886 is more robust, more refined, smoother and without doubt the strongest available but also usually more expensive. Although I do remember a very nice 1886 Extra Light that was only about $100 more than a new 1895 Cowboy at the time. I found a Browning saddle ring carbine last year for $700.

The cleaning issue always seems to come up but to me it's a non-issue. I've never sat and looked at one of my Winchesters thinking, "man, I love this rifle but just wish it was easier to take apart". Because I can't remember the last time I needed to.

To me the Marlins are stronger...

Sorry but this just isn't true.

 

[SwampWolf]

Model 1886 Extra Light Rifle.

This would be my pick and I love the one I have (Browning repo). Every bit as strong as the most robust Marlin ever made and, in my experience, the action is smoother than the usual Marlin. I'm not knocking the Marlin (they are very well-made and accurate rifles); I just prefer the feel and butter-smooth action evidenced by the typical Winchester Model 1886 (and its ilk).

 

[AKwater]

Avoid Rossi 45-70 Rio Grand

I do not recommend the Rossi Rio Grand. It is very similar to the Marlin but has a lighter barrel. Here is what happened when I bought one this year.
When I moved to Alaska this year I saved up my money to buy a good all around rifle for bear safety and hunting moose and caribou. I thought the Rossi 45-70 Rio Grand would fit the bill well and bought one on May 1. After putting one round through it I discovered it was defective and wouldn’t feed. Since the rifle had a lifetime warranty I sent it in to get fixed. After about 6 weeks I began to contact the Rossi customer service. This is the only gun I have for bear protection and by this time bear season was in full swing. I was told it should be done 6-8 weeks after it was received. I thought this was a bit excessive but couldn’t do much about it. I continued to call the customer service every few weeks. After they had the rifle for 10 weeks a gunsmith finally looked at it. Apparently they decided to replace the barrel which has nothing to do with shells not releasing from the magazine. By this time hunting season is creeping up and my only rifle is still not back. Now I have been calling them every week and get the same response they are waiting for the barrel to arrive from Brazil. This week I found out the barrel is being shipped by boat and they still have no idea when they will get it. Last week I went on a caribou hunt and had no rifle which seems ridiculous seeing I bought this Rossi brand new on May1. I think this has got to the point of being unreasonable. I expect I will get back the rifle sometime after hunting season is over and it still won’t work.