Lever Action for Elk Hunting

[dreadi]

If it must be a lever get real elk/bear performance.   Threaded for brake.

https://www.henryusa.com/rifles/lever-action-x-model-45-70/

You mean threaded for suppressor, right? 

I facilitated a transfer of one of those last week and looked it over quite a bit because I was interested in it as well.  I was surprised that it didn't have a cross bolt safety or a safety that would require the hand lever to be pressed against the stock or lower tang such as on a model 94.  So, if you have the hammer back and something snags the trigger hard enough, BOOM.

[Jonathan_S]

.30-30 has some good “punch” and .45-70 has a good “thump”. Those are technical terms. lol

.30-30 has nothing on the .45-70 for "punch" assuming you mean penetration. Even slow moving 400 grain bullets penetrate a long darn way.

I wasn't saying that one is superior to the other.

I was! 

[Fl0und3rz]

This one.  Agree with those saying go up from .45 LC.  45-70 is ridiculously easy to load, even if you only have a Lee Handloader, and Lee dippers for powder measure.  Powder sensitivity is relatively low and we're not talking 1,000 yard rifles here.  45-70 is one of those rounds where it pays immediately to reload.

1895 GS for you Marlin 45-70 fans.  It has a WWG big loop lever and trigger and the sights are the XS ghost ring and post.

I need about 4 more.  .22 LR, .44 Mag, .357, and 30-30.

Super lightweight.  Now they have the 1895 SBL and such with full-length magazines.  While really cool-looking and I like the complete factory package including laminate stock, and while wanting one of those too, I wonder how the extra rounds would affect the handling and carryability.

IIRC, there is one in the classifieds here, well-outfitted.  I'll try to find it. Couldn't find it.  Must've sold or been removed.

You should get both a .45 LC and a 45-70 and report back.

[buckfvr]

If it must be a lever get real elk/bear performance.   Threaded for brake.

https://www.henryusa.com/rifles/lever-action-x-model-45-70/

You mean threaded for suppressor, right? 

I facilitated a transfer of one of those last week and looked it over quite a bit because I was interested in it as well.  I was surprised that it didn't have a cross bolt safety or a safety that would require the hand lever to be pressed against the stock or lower tang such as on a model 94.  So, if you have the hammer back and something snags the trigger hard enough, BOOM.

For sure something to be aware of even though there are other early models with out the cross bolt safety, to include many 30-30s.

[birddogdad]

This one.  Agree with those saying go up from .45 LC.  45-70 is ridiculously easy to load, even if you only have a Lee Handloader, and Lee dippers for powder measure.  Powder sensitivity is relatively low and we're not talking 1,000 yard rifles here.  45-70 is one of those rounds where it pays immediately to reload.

1895 GS for you Marlin 45-70 fans.  It has a WWG big loop lever and trigger and the sights are the XS ghost ring and post.

I need about 4 more.  .22 LR, .44 Mag, .357, and 30-30.

Super lightweight.  Now they have the 1895 SBL and such with full-length magazines.  While really cool-looking and I like the complete factory package including laminate stock, and while wanting one of those too, I wonder how the extra rounds would affect the handling and carryability.

IIRC, there is one in the classifieds here, well-outfitted.  I'll try to find it.

You should get both a .45 LC and a 45-70 and report back.

the 45-70 is money! i have dumped several with mine . i will say reach of rifles was an issue on early models. easily adjusted with a thick recoil pad and nylon shim plate. the newer XLR's have a good reach and they shoot very friendly when they "fit" you

[Fl0und3rz]

I bubba-added a limbsaver pad to mine, but I need to get a smith to clean it up for me.  300 grain at 2,000 fps are pretty brisk for such a light rifle.

[Dan-o]

Given your criteria, I'd go 45/70. 

They come in a variety of platforms, have Elk knockdown power and readily available ammo. 

If you get one, check the Hornady Levertion (however you spell it)
 ammo.   Seriously improved 45/70 ballistics.

[bobcat]

 

45-70 would be the way to go, unless that's more recoil than you'd like. But at a minimum at least go with the 30/30, there's no point I see in using something less powerful like the 45 Long Colt.

[Bango skank]

I wouldnt feel comfortable shooting an elk with a .45lc.  There are always the winchester 88, blr etc that use standard rifle cartridges, or if that doesnt float your boat, id go .45-70 or .444 marlin.  Both marlin and henry make threaded models.  Theyre ugly as sin, but hey, its a tool.

[Bigshooter]

I've killed elk with the 45-70 and 44 mag marlins and love them in the brush of western wa.  My dad is a big fan of the 38-55 and has killed elk with it along with his 444 and 44 mags.  My first choice would be a 45-70 and second choice would be 44 mag if easily available ammo is a concern. 

[magnanimous_j]

Somewhat related, I've been doing some reading, and apparently the new Marlin rifles are very much improved from the dreaded Remlin rifles of 10 years ago. And most of them are a few hundred less than the Henry's.

[grundy53]

I want a .444 bad

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[dreadi]

If it must be a lever get real elk/bear performance.   Threaded for brake.

https://www.henryusa.com/rifles/lever-action-x-model-45-70/

You mean threaded for suppressor, right? 

I facilitated a transfer of one of those last week and looked it over quite a bit because I was interested in it as well.  I was surprised that it didn't have a cross bolt safety or a safety that would require the hand lever to be pressed against the stock or lower tang such as on a model 94.  So, if you have the hammer back and something snags the trigger hard enough, BOOM.

For sure something to be aware of even though there are other early models with out the cross bolt safety, to include many 30-30s.

That’s what I was pointing out.

[nwmein199]

Thanks for all the replies! Lots of great input 

Pros/cons of a lever action vs. bolt action for western WA elk?

[Bob33]

There are places in Western Washington where 50 yards is a long shot, and other places where shots of 500 yards or more are possible. The lever gun works great in the first case; bolt actions work in both.