I have a Ruger Frontier in .308 with a Leupold scout scope on it. Its a sweet, light and fast rifle for deer. I really like it, but I also like leverguns. There's no denying the possibility that the 30-30 has probably killed more deer in North America than any other caliber.
Scout Rifle....Cowboy Guns....????
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76shuvlinoff
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I have a Marlin 1894c in 357 and a Ted Williams (Winchester 94) 30-30. The Marlin was built in 77, the TW a bit later.
As far as smooth handling, feeding, and work at ranges up to 100 yards the pistol cal carbine takes the prize for me. I think the 30-30 has better penetration and carries the thump out farther but for me it's not as fast handling has higher recoil and muzzle blast.
.... and I'm a lefty too
As far as smooth handling, feeding, and work at ranges up to 100 yards the pistol cal carbine takes the prize for me. I think the 30-30 has better penetration and carries the thump out farther but for me it's not as fast handling has higher recoil and muzzle blast.
.... and I'm a lefty too
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Currently I have a 1954 94 and a 1980 model (XTR variant). Both in top shape. The 1980 model is every bit the gun the pre-64 is, and has a smoother operation than the average pre-64 I've handled (maybe a dozen total). Unless the gun is for collecting and not carrying/shooting, I'd easily recommend a post-64 on my experiences.
As to caliber, my decision was that if I was going to tote a rifle around, I was going to tote it with a rifle caliber and not compromise it's performance with a pistol caliber. The proliferation of pistol caliber guns is more to suit the competition use of the gun in re-enacting where high-volume, low price, and short distances are more important than absolute ballistic performance.
The re-issues coming for the 94 in 2010 I read about where both limited edition commemorative pieces (e.g., bling and $$ and not field guns). Barely used ones are plentiful and cheap. I have examined but not fired the new Mossberg copy (I think the "464"), but reviews have been uniformly positive. So if you want new/warranty/ease of shopping, you could grab one of those.
Cartridge performance (.308 vs. .30-30) and volume-of-fire, and at the expense of weight and ease-of-carry.
I considered the scout/squad very hard and almost bought one, but the bulk, weight, and fact the .30-30 did all I needed at considerably less price and a much more "packable" size weight made me move off of it. The .308 is more capable than the .30-30, but not "order of magnitude" better. The volume-of-fire aspect is more suited to squad tactics and not that immediately useful for a civilian shooter.
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does anyone remember the old Browning CF lever action? i seem to recall that it had a short throw and was available in .308
Shadow Man
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Must have used a box magazine then. A lever in .308 wouldn't be a bad thing, especially not with a box mag...
the BLR was box fed...i seem to remember it was chambered in .243, .308 and .358 (might be mistaken on the last...but it had 3 chamberings)
Don357
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Don't forget the old Savage Model 99. A very well built, very accurate levergun in a variety of calibers, including .308, and .300 Savage.
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
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First off, good questions.
Secondly, M1A is a propriety model designation of a type of rifle - the "M14 type".
Third, there is no configuration of M14 type that is truly a scout type, regardless of how designated - it's way too heavy.
Yes, a levergun can certainly meet the scout definition, as Col. Cooper defined it. It's light enough and meets the other requirements if properly rigged for forward-mounting the optics - all except the "reloadable by stripper clips", which IINM, was not a hard & fast requirement.
Secondly, M1A is a propriety model designation of a type of rifle - the "M14 type".
Third, there is no configuration of M14 type that is truly a scout type, regardless of how designated - it's way too heavy.
Yes, a levergun can certainly meet the scout definition, as Col. Cooper defined it. It's light enough and meets the other requirements if properly rigged for forward-mounting the optics - all except the "reloadable by stripper clips", which IINM, was not a hard & fast requirement.
ECVMatt
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Martin,
Don't overlook the Marlin 1894. They are sweet. I am an admitted Marlinoholic, but with good reason. They are so simple to disassemble for cleaning. One screw and you can clean from the breech end, three screws and you have your action apart. I would not even attempt fiddle with a Win 92 or 94. There is just too much going on in there. There is also a good support network for parts and it is far easier to mount sights, scopes, etc on the flat top Marlin receiver. You can also get an XS scout scope mount, which I don't believe is made for either of the Winchesters. The receiver and bolt also make the rifle pretty much dust/dirt proof. When the action is closed, it is sealed up.
Don't worry about the side eject, I bet you won't even notice it.
.357 is a good solid choice. Make sure you try out different ammo choices to find the load that functions best. You might look at Hornaday's Leverevolution load as well.
Matt
Don't overlook the Marlin 1894. They are sweet. I am an admitted Marlinoholic, but with good reason. They are so simple to disassemble for cleaning. One screw and you can clean from the breech end, three screws and you have your action apart. I would not even attempt fiddle with a Win 92 or 94. There is just too much going on in there. There is also a good support network for parts and it is far easier to mount sights, scopes, etc on the flat top Marlin receiver. You can also get an XS scout scope mount, which I don't believe is made for either of the Winchesters. The receiver and bolt also make the rifle pretty much dust/dirt proof. When the action is closed, it is sealed up.
Don't worry about the side eject, I bet you won't even notice it.
.357 is a good solid choice. Make sure you try out different ammo choices to find the load that functions best. You might look at Hornaday's Leverevolution load as well.
Matt
Ok.....I called some shops out on LI regarding a rifle. I was told by one place in particular that I can purchase the rifle and leave it at my folks residence out on the island even though I'm a city resident. That's until I finish the permit paperwork. Can anyone verify? Just want to have my ducks in a row.....
Here is the manufacturer of Winchesters lever guns:
http://www.browningint.com/miroku/homepage.php
Same guys who make the Browning Citori.
http://www.browningint.com/miroku/homepage.php
Same guys who make the Browning Citori.
greyling22
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I prefer my marlins to winchesters. I'm a lefty and find lever guns more lefty friendly than righty guns b/c I can load them without taking my hand off the grip, and they put the brass right at my feet in front of me. Top eject guns can throw brass all over the place. I started with a 357 marlin 1894c, then added a rossi winchester 92 clone in 357, then a marlin in stainless 44 mag with a scout scope. I don't really see any advantage to using a 44 over a 357 for what you are talking about, and 38's are comfortable and cheapish to shoot. easy to reload for as well.
new marlins are a little rough, but they are easy to slick up with a little skill using online directions. I put a leupold 2x pistol scope on the 44 (stainless) and refinished the stock of the 357 (blued)
new marlins are a little rough, but they are easy to slick up with a little skill using online directions. I put a leupold 2x pistol scope on the 44 (stainless) and refinished the stock of the 357 (blued)
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charlie505
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I use Hornaday's Leverevolution in 44mag - wow - that is some ammo - also use 45/70.
I agree - marlins are the best out there - 44mag/spl is great for protection and hunting - IMHO
I agree - marlins are the best out there - 44mag/spl is great for protection and hunting - IMHO
Interesting points Greyling, Thx.
charlie505
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Both Henry's and mossbergs get good right ups
I love mossberg 500 shotguns - have an old one and a new one - both always work.
Henrys are good looking guns - used to be made in Brooklyn - high rent just forced them to move to NJ
I love mossberg 500 shotguns - have an old one and a new one - both always work.
Henrys are good looking guns - used to be made in Brooklyn - high rent just forced them to move to NJ
Nothing wrong with that! I've used mine on elk down to ground squirrels and it puts them all on the ground!
As for a lever action .357 Mag., in my opinion you would be best served with the Marlin. Marlin designed the 1894 model specifically for pistol cartridges. Winchester did not. They played around with the longer action of the 1894 Win. rifle action used for cartridge length, and I know people who have had problems with their '94s with pistol cartridges.
I have a Marlin 1894S in .41 Mag., and my brother has the same in .44 Mag. No problems at all, and as has been mentioned, they are extremely easy to clean from the breech, and the side ejection suits me better than the top ejection of a Win. 94.
I've owned five Win. 94s,four .30-30s, two pre-'64 and two post, and one pre-64 in .32 Spec.. I presently own the above mentioned Marlin in .41 Mag., and two Marlin 336 carbines in .30-30 Win. I sold the Winchesters and kept the Marlins as I prefer them over the Winchesters.
Just my take on it. Good luck with your selection and shooting.
L.W.
A friend of mine makes a mean elk stew, a very good shot he is as well. I'm defintely going to get my hands on the Marlin's. It's going to come down to fit & feel I'm sure. If I go with the Winchester I'll probably end up in 30-30 considering the points made here about pistol cartridges.
Thanks LW,
Martin
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