Lever guns

[Miles]

The other thing I like about the BLR's is that at half-cock if you bump the hammer it has a "safe mode" and will not hit the firing pin.  Not sure if the newer 94's are doing that now or not.  You want to be damn careful with some of the older 94's.

[wraithen]

Not sure the 94's fit the bill anyway. Not a fan of tube mags. I watched a belt of ammo fall 3 feet and when they hit the ground one of them went off and lodged itself in our blackhawk. I knew blowing a tube up is a rarity esp if you don't use pointed bullets, but it's more than I'm willing to risk. Funny that 2 ppl just posted good things about the blr's. Heard a lot of crap about the guys not being durable. It WAS internet crap though.

[Miles]

I  haven't had any durability problems with mine. I did wear some of the bluing off from carrying it around in my hand for several years. It still doesn't rust there (you can see the outline of 4 fingers on the one side).  The metal magazine is nice instead of having the tube.  Just pop it in and go.

[wraithen]

Judging by the difficulty in finding a used one I think they're probably a fine weapon. One day I may own some pretty safe queens but at this point I want something that works well that I can beat the everlivin outta. Seems like the BLR fits the bill.

[boneaddict]

THis gun is older than you, me and miles put together and its still kicking ass.

[wraithen]

Yes it is. I'd love to own it. I'd hate to smack it around in the woods though. I'd just keep oiling it and cleaning it and showing it off. Maybe shooting it at the range a few times a year. I think that's a sad life for a gun. I also know the cost of that bit of history can be pretty steep!

That girl looks excited and a bit wary of getting punched in the shoulder. I think its awesome seeing the little ones learning the old ways. Saw a girl at the range last weekend shooting a 22. She was as tall as the rifle was long.

[boneaddict]

It was her first time firing a big game rifle.   

[wraithen]

I'm shocked nobody said anything about the 88.... I may be in love!

[boneaddict]

Are you talking Marlin 88?

Honestly when someone says lever action I think Winchester or Henry, thats about it.   RARE occasion Savage or .444 pops into mind.

[winshooter88]

I think he is talking about the Winchester model 88 lever action rifle. It has a detachable magazine and is available in 243, 308, 358 and 284 winchester calibers. They are not produced any longer, but can still be found used. I have been shooting one for years and it is very accurate. I have taken elk out to 325 yards with no problems.

[boneaddict]

Cool.   

[high country]

Just a little heads up, I will be building a takedown lever gun here reasonably soon. If there is interest, I will post a pictorial.

[arees]

Count me as interested.  I have lever guns running from my grandfathers that spend so much time in the smoke house that it only shoots oblong holes to the one my wife got last year.

[ANDERWAGON]

I like the BLR 81 as it has a rack and pinion, locking bolt and a metal magazine. Its available in lots of different calibers and two different grips. Also there is a
new break down model for packing.

This one's a 358 Win, this bull doesn’t like it.

[44 Flattop]

I've always been a levergun fan.  From my first rifle 38 years ago to today. 

This year alone I took an antelope in Wyoming with a Marlin Cowboy in .38-55.  Then I came home and took a blacktail with my .44 Marlin Cowboy.  Then back to Wyoming and I took a dandy mulie with the same 38-55.  Then yesterday I took a calf elk with my 444 Marlin. 

Over the past 10 years I've taken 10 blacktails with leverguns, mostly with a Marlin Cowboy in .44 mag.  Every single one of them with a cast bullet I cast myself.  If I remember correctly the last 4 or 5 elk I've taken, maybe more,  have taken have been with a levergun, mostly the .38-55 and the .44 mag. 

Its pretty basic.  Leverguns put the hunting back into hunting.  If you want to take a critter at 250 yards or more, take your magnumwhizbang.  If you are worried about seeing a buck or bull and not be able to get close enough, take your magnumwhizbang.  While the ranged can be stretched a bit, like the antelope I took at 230 yards this year, it takes a LOT of overall shooting, lots of reloading and a lot of target practice.  A levergun isn't a long range rifle and shouldn't be stretched beyond its ability nor the shooters ability. 

But if you want to really hunt, not just spot and then shoot, use a levergun.  I can't overstate the fun and the satisfaction that can and will be gained from using one.  If an old feller like me can put the sneak on a Wyoming mule deer and move from a 1/2 mile away to within 75 yards in that desert country and make the kill, you young bucks can to.  Its just whether you are willing to do what it takes to be successful with a levergun. 

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