Lever Guns

[CP]

I decided that I “need” a lever rifle because I don’t have one.  Since it is a necessity, I should get one that is useful.  Any suggestions on which one to get?  I don’t hunt deer with modern rifles anymore but I might again someday, maybe elk too.   I’ve never hunted bear but I do have bear tag and what else is there to hunt in Aug?  And I’m jealous of everyone with a spring tag out hunting while I’m not.  So it should be either a deer, elk or bear rifle, or all three, that is fairly cheap to shoot so it doesn’t end up in the back of the safe.

So far I’ve considered:
 .38/.357 -  That would be fun on the range, very cheap to shoot but I hate to end up with something that just punches holes in paper.

.35 Remington – don’t know much about this round, but it looks weak, hard to find and expensive

.30/30 – good deer round but elk or bear?  Cheap to shoot – I’m leaning toward this one.

45/70 – Should do about anything but ammo is pricey

.308 Marlin Express – don’t know much about this one either but it looks interesting

Anything else that I should be looking at?

[cascademountainhunter]

get the .444 marlin, ive shot deer with it, my dad has shot bear with it, im pretty sure it would do fine on elk too.

[Ray]

Why not get em all?

If I was to choose it would be a 30/30 or 45/70. Leaning towards 45/70 because if you aint shootin it much then the price of ammo might not be a problem  I don't have any guns that I don't shoot that much though. 

[popeshawnpaul]

The best gun/choice you didn't list...  The Browning BLR in .358 Winchester is the best lever gun and caliber in my opinion.  The gun is well made and they have stainless ones now.  A scope mounts on them nicely.

In regards to the caliber, it's similar to the .35 Remington.  The 30/30 is a little light for elk and bear if you are going to be shooting them at a distance.  It just can't take large bullets like a .358 can.  The .358 can take large bullets of 250 grains and can shoot up to 250-300 yards.  That takes us to your other choices...the 444 Marlin or 45/70.  They can't shoot past about 100 yards.  You can get 225 grain silvertips in the Winchester ammo brand and they do well.  I ordered ammo online and got some nice 225 grain Barnes ammo last year.  It dropped my moose at 225 yards...  Something I just could not have done with a 444, 45-70, or 450.

The rifle shoots like a dream, is very light, and doesn't kick much at all.  It kicks about like my .243.  The gun is in the picture.

[saylean]

I gots a 30/30 lever action, winchester....havent killed anything with it yet, but i really havent hunted too much with it. I did bring it with me while tracking my bear last year in super thick brush (iron sights)...

I love the gun, its like playing cowboys back in the day, ya know?!

[WDFW-SUX]

I really like the whomp that a 45-70 puts on a critter

[FOsteology]

The 45-70, 450 Marlin, .444 Marlin, or .358 Win would all be good choices.

My preference is the .444 Marlin loaded with 265gr. FP  Hornady Light Magnum Ammunition. It'll reach out past 200 yards and lay the smack down on Elk and Moose.

[russ]

i got a marlin 30-30. love it. wish i had a 45-70 but at the same time i wouldnt give up the 30-30 for it...either one is great. 

[jackelope]

i have a marlin 336 and a win model 94 both in 30-30. there was a hunting show on tv a while back where they took the new leverevolution ammo in 30-30 elk hunting and it proved to be an effective round.
just what i saw on the tv anyway.
killed a few deer with both of them in the hardwoods back east without any trouble, and they killed bears too from a buddie's gun no problem. IMO the 30-30's are a 100 yard caliber max.

[boneaddict]

I wanted to buy the 45-70 that was listed on here a few back.  I have the 32 winchester and hope to have the 30-30 I grew up with someday.   I'd also like to get a 25-35 so I can have the big THREE winchesters.

[CP]

Thanks everyone for the advice.  I’ve decided to go with a 30-30 based mainly on ammo cost and advances in ammo technology.  I believe in shooting a lot to become proficient with any firearm and I’ll usually spend a lot more in ammo for a weapon than I do on the weapon itself.   .30-30 ammo is cheap, proven, readily available, and it will be around long after I’m gone.

Narrowed down the selection to a Marlin 336 series, probably a 336SS because I live on the wet side but I like the classic look of the blued finish.  I’ll check out a couple of pawnshops for a good used one or if worst comes to worst Wally world carries the blued version for $353.97.  Why haven’t I bought one of these before?

[jdb]

I have a marlin 45/70 with an octagon barrel fired 5 times  for sale 450$ you wont find a nicer used rifle JB

[Sideswipe]

I've been fortunate to have taken bears w/45-70 & the 450, both in Marlin.  I stillhunt on the Wetside so a thumper is more useful than a flat shooter.  I like Marlins but their trigger pull stinks.  A wild west trigger ($ 95+!) makes it a great shooter w/Hornadys gummy tips.  I also envy a couple friends of mine who hunt deer & bear w/Savage & Browning lever guns that have a DETACHABLE CLIP-in 308 Win-I really wish Marlin had that but you can't have everything.  The 308 Win or 308 Marlin are pretty versatile rounds-although that new 308 Marlin will be spendy.  Good shot placement w/a 30-30 w/the right ammo-don't sell it short!

[MountainWalk]

there are all sorts of cool and obscure rounds for lever guns, but to me, the 45 70 is the most usefull. and contrary to popular belief,, it can and does and will keep killing game beyond 200.. ever watch shillouette matches... the hit those little rams and pigs iron sighted at ridiculous ranges..

[Sideswipe]

Right on Mtnwalker.  I have an Italian knockoff of the Remington Rollingblock in 45-70.  It has a heavy, 30" octagon barrel.  It will definately reach out & touch an animal at ranges that they think you can't see them.  It has a vernier sight-fun at the range but not in the woods.  It weighs over 12# & gets a little hvy to carry on the hunt-kinda like the BAR (I mean the origional Gov't model).

[boneaddict]

Just for reference, I bet the 30-30 has still killed more game than any other caliber. 

[washingtonmuley]

I have a  winchester 30-30 and a marlin 45-70 with a scout scope. I would go with the 45-70. That thing is a blast to shoot.

[popeshawnpaul]

I'll pass on the 30-30.  I don't shoot very much and want something with a bit more "thump" behind it.  I know the 45-70 will kill stuff out past 200 yards, but I don't want to have to range my animal and then aim 6 feet high over the back...

[boneaddict]

How about the .300 savage?   Any takers with that one?

(quite frankly I love all lever actions.  Must be th ecowboy or kid in me)

[actionshooter]

I have a Winchester 88 in.308. Thats a tough rifle to beat, .308s a good caliber and it has a detachable magazine. My wife bought it for me as a wedding gift years ago, killed my 1st bear with it too 

[Sideswipe]

Action Shooter, the M88 is a real "sleeper" in the levergun world.  Actually, I've seen a few for sale lately, getting top $ too.  Best of both worlds, a levergun w/a bolt action stock & 308 Win cartridge.  Deadly combination & a detachable magazine-doggone it!

[actionshooter]

I had one in .284 and .243 but let them go b/c I never used them.  Boy they are really getting expensive too!

[257 Wby Mag]

88's are awesome, especially this one. I've posted it before, here it is again.

[257 Wby Mag]

My old man has a 308 I'd love to get my hands on, throw a Shilen 338/08 snout on it...

[MountainWalk]

its too bad the 284 never caught on.. a heck of a round..

[Bookworm]

I've got both of my grandpa's lever guns from way back. One is a model 94 in 30/30. The other one is a model 99 in 300 savage. I shoot the Savage once in a while but seldom shoot the Winchester any more.

[fishseeker]

My first rifle was a model 88.  Bought it at a pawn shop for $135,in 72' had a split stock. Drilled and screwed and glued it togther and used it for about 5 years. Wasn't pretty but the deer didn't know that. Sold it when I bought a m77. Wanted it back within a year! Stumbled across one through a buddie about 4years ago for $325. Broke the sound barrier on the way to the bank! This one is the newer Oak Leaf stock. Mint! Been trying to find a beatup stock to use. Need to cut it down for my Daughter to use.IMHO best lever gun made. Cammed lever, short throw. Darned fast!

[Sagedawg]

Im alot like Bone in that I love all the lever guns. Currently I have a Savage M99 in 7mm/08(try finding one of these...) and a Browning BLR in 308,but the one that means the most to me is a Savage 99 takedown in 250/3000. That was my grandpas gun and when I was just a kid hed let me take it out and run it through the wringer. I have seen him make some incredible shots on deer ,javelina and coyotes. I got it when he passed away and hope to give it to my boy to hunt with in a few years. Ive been looking for a Win M88 in 284, but so far no luck. IMO this is one of the best shortaction calibers ever made.

  Sage

[Intruder]

How about the .300 savage?   Any takers with that one?

(quite frankly I love all lever actions.  Must be th ecowboy or kid in me)

I've got a 30s or 40s vintage Model 99 Savage in 300 Savage.  Killed my biggest whitetail w/ it when I was 17.  Shot quite a few critters w/ it until I got my 30/06 in college.

Just for reference, I bet the 30-30 has still killed more game than any other caliber. 

 

I wonder if that's still the case.  25 years ago I bet it was for sure.  I would guess the 30/06 may have surpassed it by now.  Pretty sure that it's still in the top 3 all time though. 

[wannahunt]

I love to carry my Marlin 336 30-30 when tryin to push blacktails around. Both my boys shoot 7mm mags now but when we decide to push clearcuts everyone wants the old marlin. Maybe i need to find a couple more. Actually I got mine. the boys better start looking around.  It is a great rifle caliber combo that has put somewhere around 20 or so deer up for our family over the years.

[pacyew]

I carried a rebored (from 40-65) 1886 45-70 around Kodiak Island for couple of years. The 28" octagon barrel steadied quickly and made the crescent butt plate pretty tolerable. It was heavy, but I always felt good carrying it as I knew it would never let me down. Another gun I should have kept ($200.00 in 1970)! The 1912 vintage Single Action Colt 45 I was offered in trade was a lot easier to pack home on the plane when I left.

The lever action carries a lot of old memories, but all the US built ones are also tough as nails and dependable as can be. Sound like hunting guns to me!

[addicted]

Great Grandpa George bought me and my cousin winchester model 94 30-30's a few years back. i never killed anything with it but i love shooting it. cousin danny put a scope on his and he got a buck with it.

[CP]

I got one.

Just brought home a brand new Marlin 336W in .30-30 from Wally World.  That was quite the experience, I’ve seen dozens of 2000 lb bombs released with less formality. 

Anyway I love it.   The stock is not walnut like the higher end models but every thing else is the same.  Even comes with a $5.00 nylon sling.  The action is smooth and the trigger is perfect, no creep and a crisp break at maybe 4lbs.  It feels just a bit heavier and more robust than the Winchester 94s that I’ve been looking at, and a lot cheaper.  I’m not sure that I like the rear sight but we will see.  I can’ wait to get this to the range.

These are a lot harder to find than I expected.  Back in Texas every store would have a dozen or more.  As best I can tell, there are three 336s in the city of Everett and one scratched up 336C at Joes in Kirkland. 

[Bigshooter]

there are all sorts of cool and obscure rounds for lever guns, but to me, the 45 70 is the most usefull. and contrary to popular belief,, it can and does and will keep killing game beyond 200.. ever watch shillouette matches... the hit those little rams and pigs iron sighted at ridiculous ranges..

Right on.


A 45-70 can only shoot a 100 yards.   

[AWS]

Big lever fan here, I've got 99's in 25-35, 250-3000, 300 Sav., 308 and 375 Win..  Plus a Marlin 94 CL in 218 Bee.

AWS

[ICEMAN]

A 218 BEE?! Very cool, show us a pic!

[Bigshooter]

I just got rid of a 94 in a .218 bee.  I didn't care for it too much.  If there was just the slightest breeze in the air it would go from half inch groups to, two and a half inch groups or bigger in a hurry.

[AWS]

Iceman it's the first one, behind it is the 250-3000 TD and all the way back is the 25-35 Model B.



AWS

[257 Wby Mag]

Nice shootin irons AWS. I would love to get my hands on a Bee one of these days, pretty stinky little round...

[WAcoueshunter]

A couple beautiful model 99's.  Man I love those...my mentors all had them, so when I was 11 and passed hunter ed, I had to have one too.  The local pawn shop had one on their rack with a cut down stock, so I saved for months to get the $$ to buy it.  Walked in there after the season and got them down to $107.50...that was 1985, but I can remember that negotiation like it was yesterday. 

[sav99col]

how about a savage 99 there cheap and good rifles

[carpsniperg2]

i have a very old 94 which is worth a lot of money that i shoot for fun every once in awhile

[Elk-aholic]

I have shot some Deer with my 444 Marlin it puts critters down in a hurry.  I also have a BLR in 7MM Mag thats a sweet shooter.

[h20hunter]

Got me a Marlin .308 express and will be taking it out this year. Good solid rifle, accurate ammo, plenty of punch for bear/elk/deer, hight cool factor, easy to shoot/pack. Runs smooth on the range but the only real problem is powder for reloading to factory specs is not available yet.

[MikeWalking]

I've had one in .44, 30-30 and 2 in 45-70. Still packing an 1895LTD III . The Marlin .308express is basicly a slightly hotter .308 but you will have very limited ammo choices, mainly Hornaday. Unless you load your own. If you reload .444 works good. Have heard a lot of bad stuff about factory .444, but that is from years ago.

Everybody should own at least one 30-30 Levrgun in their life. Get a 45-70 too, for big stuff up close  

[satchel3006]

remington is now making .308 and .338 marlin express so ammos not so limited  anymore

[jelo45110]

Browning BLR. I have one in 243 that I like a lot. The Marlin in 44 magnum would also be a good choice.
jelo45110

[Karl Blanchard]

Browning blr in 30-06, savage 99 in 300 savage and 250savage, marlin model 39A 22LR, Henry's 22mag, Winchester model 94 in 30-30.  I need a model 94 in 32 winchester special but I haven't found one in good enough shape yet.  I wouldn't mind a Goldenboy in 44mag either but the 32 has been kind of an obsession lately. 

I LOVE LEVER ACTIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ratdog68]

Yum !!!  Always wanted one... finally bought one last year.  Snagged up a Model 94 Winchester in .30WCF (.30-30) which was built in late '40 or early '41. Snagged it up for $400.00. Doesn't appear to be a safe queen, but hasn't been neglected/abused.  Took it out to the range a few months ago and it shoots flawlessly and will put the meat on the table at 100yds (first time out) with iron sights.  I couldn't be more pleased with this gun !  I'd be willing to go after deer/elk/black bear with this puppy.

I want a Henry Yellow Boy in .44magnum to have while out in the sticks with my Super Blackhawk on my side.  One round for both guns would put a grin on my mug !

Heck... if I find someone who has a nice .22 in either a Henry or a Winchester and is wanting to trade for a Remington 522 Speedmaster... we could do some talking.  I have two of 'em and would prefer to have only one. (Liked mine so much that I bought one for my late father too)

A buddy of mine has a FINE Winchester 94 in .32 Winchester Special that's not quite as old as mine, but it's been reblued and looks nearly new.  He loves it for harvesting deer.