How many lever gun fans do we have here? 

I've always wanted a lever gun.  When I lived in WA, we used to hike and fish in some pretty remote areas and we had noticed all sorts of tracks.  Luckily, we were never really confronted by any, but we'd hear all sorts of stories of people encountering mountain lions, bears, etc.  I wanted to get a SAA revolver and lever action combo to take with us, but never did.  My buddy would pack his 30-30 and sometimes a handgun. 

When I was like 10, my aunty was going to give me a Winchester 94 30-30 with octagonal barrel.  She lives in VA and someone bought it for her as a ranch gun, but she never really used it.  My mom said no. . .    I think she eventually gave it away to a friend.  Damn, that was a nice gun.  Ever since then, I've always been interested in them.  I guess I never got one because I was more interested in stuff like handguns and ARs. 

Lately, I've found myself looking at lever guns in 357 mag.  I have a S&W 686 and have a case of 38 special, so at least they could share ammo.  I've looked at Winchesters, but they seem pricey.  Marlin and Rossi seem more in my price range, but I've also heard that they can be hit or miss on how well they function and how smooth the action is.  I might just have to bite the bullet and get something like a Henry or Winchester. 

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I have been researching the lever action rifle market for years. Never bought one. What I found for myself (All my opinion) is the Winchesters are very expensive but they are beautiful and quality is high. I have handled but not shot a new Winchester. I have handled and shot an original. The Henry's are very nice but can be quite heavy for whatever reason? I have handled and shot several Henry's. Love them in .22 and .22 magnum but as I said, heavy. I had a chance to handle a Rossi (I think it was at SEC). Didn't care for it. I have handled and shot a few Marlins including one in SS. I cannot get past the looks of a lever action in stainless. All of them were of good quality and about as accurate as you can expect a lever action to be. Usually they are in the 2-3 MOA range. I have shot them in .357 Mag/.38 and .45 Colt as well as 30-30 and 45-70. I think lever guns are perfect for pistol calibers. I have heard the quality issue stories about Marlins. I have also heard that they have been fixed and are back to their usual quality. But obviously, you should check it out for yourself.

One thing you didn't mention are the Italian knockoffs like Uberti and Pedersoli. Some of the best looking and firing lever action guns I have ever shot and handled were Uberti's and Pedersoli's. The quality was right up there with the new Winchester. Smooth action and nice wood including wood to metal finish. Another interesting fact is that due to the quality and price they have become quite popular with the Cowboy Action Shooters. Which means short stroke kits are available for them as well as other accessories. My feeling (for my own purchase) has been to look for a good used Uberti that has not been shot much. As a second choice I will look at used Marlins.

Why not come out to the Shooting Sports Fair thins year? We may (or may not) have a few lever guns for you to try.

Unfortunately, my limited funds have prevented me from buying one. Along with a safe that is full. Whenever I had the money I found something else I wanted and bought that something else instead.

Good luck with your search and let me know what you find.

I have been researching the lever action rifle market for years. Never bought one. What I found for myself (All my opinion) is the Winchesters are very expensive but they are beautiful and quality is high. I have handled but not shot a new Winchester. I have handled and shot an original. The Henry's are very nice but can be quite heavy for whatever reason? I have handled and shot several Henry's. Love them in .22 and .22 magnum but as I said, heavy. I had a chance to handle a Rossi (I think it was at SEC). Didn't care for it. I have handled and shot a few Marlins including one in SS. I cannot get past the looks of a lever action in stainless. All of them were of good quality and about as accurate as you can expect a lever action to be. Usually they are in the 2-3 MOA range. I have shot them in .357 Mag/.38 and .45 Colt as well as 30-30 and 45-70. I think lever guns are perfect for pistol calibers. I have heard the quality issue stories about Marlins. I have also heard that they have been fixed and are back to their usual quality. But obviously, you should check it out for yourself.

One thing you didn't mention are the Italian knockoffs like Uberti and Pedersoli. Some of the best looking and firing lever action guns I have ever shot and handled were Uberti's and Pedersoli's. The quality was right up there with the new Winchester. Smooth action and nice wood including wood to metal finish. Another interesting fact is that due to the quality and price they have become quite popular with the Cowboy Action Shooters. Which means short stroke kits are available for them as well as other accessories. My feeling (for my own purchase) has been to look for a good used Uberti that has not been shot much. As a second choice I will look at used Marlins.

Why not come out to the Shooting Sports Fair thins year? We may (or may not) have a few lever guns for you to try.

Unfortunately, my limited funds have prevented me from buying one. Along with a safe that is full. Whenever I had the money I found something else I wanted and bought that something else instead.

Good luck with your search and let me know what you find.

I too believe that .357 Mag/.38 SPL and .44 Mag/.44 SPL are a good match for lever guns.  I've shot them here and there in the 20-40ish yard range and I loved shooting them.  I've also shot Henry .22 lr lever guns and they are super fun to shoot.  If I had kids, I would get them one. 

I've heard of Uberti, but I think their shotguns.  Haven't heard of the other brand.

One of my shooting buddies has a Marlin .44 Mag lever guns and it's a fun gun to shoot and makes the .44 Mag seem very mild.  He had some problems with feeding the .44 Mag at first, but I believe he got it resolved after a trip back to the manufacturer. 

I've volunteered at the SSF the past 5 years or so.  I recall that you were on the loading tables a couple years.     HRA didn't have lever guns the past couple of years. 

Funding limitations are also the main reason why I haven't gotten a lever gun.  Well, more like the funds end up going to other things.  That and I wish we could shoot the pistol caliber lever guns on the silhouette range.  That would definitely put the lever gun higher up on the "to buy" list. 

I have a 1894C with the JM stamp in .357 mag.  and I broke down and bought a new 336SS in 30-30 win. when I couldn't find a JM one.   These new Marlins are called Remlins or Marlingtons on Marlinowners forums.  I went twice to inspect the 336 checking the sight alignment, crown, fit and finish, action smoothness and even for stripped screws etc.   Was good to me so I bought it.   After initial cleaning, polishing, and deburring, this rifle shoots good.  Best way to really get a smooth action is to shoot a lot.  I have the winged front and rear ghost ring Skinner sights on the 336.
Reading about marlin problems, seems that most were related to a part of the lever that has a snail shape hump , making a little gouge in the carrier.  Read that even some older JM 1894's had this issue.   They started selling an improved carrier which is out of stock at Brownells now, but I plan to get one just in case.
My 1894C handles nicely, no recoil with .357 mag. 158 gr. is light and easy to maneuver with.   Have a Vortex venom on a EGW receiver rail and kept the original sights on.   This is my designated HD rifle and at front center in the safe.  Of course for the zombie apocalypse this will go in the back of the semis.
If you buy a new Marlin (Remington) make sure you can inspect it in person and check it out good.   A guy was selling a Uberti here in .357 mag. but that commands some big bucks.
Marlins eject from the side where Rossi eject from the top like Winchester.  Read the forums before you buy.   There are some good new ones out there and if you're lucky you might score a good older one.  Good luck.

I too believe that .357 Mag/.38 SPL and .44 Mag/.44 SPL are a good match for lever guns.  I've shot them here and there in the 20-40ish yard range and I loved shooting them.  I've also shot Henry .22 lr lever guns and they are super fun to shoot.

The .357 mag and the .44 mag are lever action guns I hope to own someday. I don't actively seek them, maybe the right deal will pop up, that's how I ended up with a couple of my revolvers. I have a Henry 22 that I enjoy shooting... yes super fun.

Here's a 1949 Savage Model 99 chambered in .300 Savage.  Fun gun...




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Here's a thread from a couple years back 

https://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=14329.msg139680#msg139680

Here's a thread from a couple years back 

https://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=14329.msg139680#msg139680

Damn...now I might switch from "don't actively seek" to seek 

Have previously owned several lever action rifles but down to three. I've own two chambered in pistol cartridges before - a Browning M92 and a Winchester 94 Trapper. Both were in 44 Mag. Had a Marlin 39a in 22 lr. too. All the aforementioned were of very good quality. The 357 Mag is a versatile chambering to have in a lever action; a 22 lr. too. Don't know of Henry brand but owners seem to like theirs. Most of my experience with lever actions have been with pre 64 Winchesters for collecting, shooting and sometimes hunting. I prefer the older stuff because of better quality compared to current manufactured guns. For just shooting/plinking I've heard of positive feedback about Henrys and Rossis.

Love my older Marlin 336 in 30-30.


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I have a Henry 22. Lots of fun. Saw a beautiful 30-30 at a gun show a few years back, took one lap around the show, came back and it was gone 

I have a 1894C with the JM stamp in .357 mag.  and I broke down and bought a new 336SS in 30-30 win. when I couldn't find a JM one.   These new Marlins are called Remlins or Marlingtons on Marlinowners forums.  I went twice to inspect the 336 checking the sight alignment, crown, fit and finish, action smoothness and even for stripped screws etc.   Was good to me so I bought it.   After initial cleaning, polishing, and deburring, this rifle shoots good.  Best way to really get a smooth action is to shoot a lot.  I have the winged front and rear ghost ring Skinner sights on the 336.
Reading about marlin problems, seems that most were related to a part of the lever that has a snail shape hump , making a little gouge in the carrier.  Read that even some older JM 1894's had this issue.   They started selling an improved carrier which is out of stock at Brownells now, but I plan to get one just in case.
My 1894C handles nicely, no recoil with .357 mag. 158 gr. is light and easy to maneuver with.   Have a Vortex venom on a EGW receiver rail and kept the original sights on.   This is my designated HD rifle and at front center in the safe.  Of course for the zombie apocalypse this will go in the back of the semis.
If you buy a new Marlin (Remington) make sure you can inspect it in person and check it out good.   A guy was selling a Uberti here in .357 mag. but that commands some big bucks.
Marlins eject from the side where Rossi eject from the top like Winchester.  Read the forums before you buy.   There are some good new ones out there and if you're lucky you might score a good older one.  Good luck.

I have a friend that goes after estate sales and every so often I'll ask him if he picked up a used lever gun in .357 Mag, but no luck yet.  I'm just fine with a used lever gun as long as it shoots well.  I too like how lever guns handle with .357 Mag and even .44 Mag though I will likely never own a gun in .44 Mag.  Even .44 Mag in lever guns seem super mild.  Throw up a pick of your 1894C with the Vortex when ya have a chance! 

The .357 mag and the .44 mag are lever action guns I hope to own someday. I don't actively seek them, maybe the right deal will pop up, that's how I ended up with a couple of my revolvers. I have a Henry 22 that I enjoy shooting... yes super fun.

I always wanted a revolver and lever gun combo, but I've spent my gun funds on other stuff.  I've recently come to the point where I am more seriously looking at the "for fun" guns and the lever is high up on that list.  Since I got my S&W 686 about a year ago and have ammo for it, it will be a good partner for a lever gun in .357 Mag. 

Yeah.  Henry .22 lr are awesome!  I've seen them be super accurate right out of the box.  Excellent gun for younger shooters as well. 

Here's a 1949 Savage Model 99 chambered in .300 Savage.  Fun gun...

SNIP

Hunting gun?  That does look like a fun gun to shoot. 

Have previously owned several lever action rifles but down to three. I've own two chambered in pistol cartridges before - a Browning M92 and a Winchester 94 Trapper. Both were in 44 Mag. Had a Marlin 39a in 22 lr. too. All the aforementioned were of very good quality. The 357 Mag is a versatile chambering to have in a lever action; a 22 lr. too. Don't know of Henry brand but owners seem to like theirs. Most of my experience with lever actions have been with pre 64 Winchesters for collecting, shooting and sometimes hunting. I prefer the older stuff because of better quality compared to current manufactured guns. For just shooting/plinking I've heard of positive feedback about Henrys and Rossis.

I was searching the gun listings and there are some pretty expensive Winchesters listed that would be heirloom and collector type guns.  I've shot a bunch of different Henry .22 lr bolt actions and they were all very good shooters.  From the plain blued receiver to the brass receiver of the Golden Boy. 

Did some research over the weekend and seems like a Marlin in the $600 or less price range is my target.  If I can find a used Henry in that price range, it would be tempting. 

Sounds like Uberti are really nice guns as well, but in the $1000-$1200 price range for a plinker/fun gun, I don't think I could justify that.  Seems like .357 Mag and .44 Mag lever guns are in pretty high demand as well with many sites out of stock.  Too bad there are no Gander Mountain or Bass Pro Shop type stores here as they seem to have them in stock.  There or Buds looks like the best bet for a lever gun in the near future.  I've checked with a few local shops and even they said I'm better off finding something online and going the FFL route than trying to order something from their regional suppliers. 

  Too bad there are no Gander Mountain or Bass Pro Shop type stores here as they seem to have them in stock.  There or Buds looks like the best bet for a lever gun in the near future.  I've checked with a few local shops and even they said I'm better off finding something online and going the FFL route than trying to order something from their regional suppliers.

I can't speak for the stores listed above however check out Cabela's will ship rifles from their stores to your ffl here. Cabela's gun library(s) are online awesomeness example here, http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/browse/lehi-gun-library/_/N-1103678/No-40?WTz_st=GuidedNav&WTz_stype=GNP&recordsPerPage=40

Here is danger close tactical's online shopping tool, http://www.gunstores.net/items/GunSearchResults.aspx?d=T0rXQ9Joq6U=&u=&g=&z=D%20wTeDrEpnY=&manuf=Marlin&category=2&guntype=Rifle:%20Lever%20Action&model=All&caliber=All&price=0&instock=0

One from the classifieds there are more: https://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=19489.msg176602#msg176602

Good luck.


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I can't speak for the stores listed above however check out Cabella's will ship rifles from their stores to your ffl here. Cabella's gun library(s) are online awesomeness example here, http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/browse/lehi-gun-library/_/N-1103678/No-40?WTz_st=GuidedNav&WTz_stype=GNP&recordsPerPage=40

Here is danger close tactical's online shopping tool, http://www.gunstores.net/items/GunSearchResults.aspx?d=T0rXQ9Joq6U=&u=&g=&z=D%20wTeDrEpnY=&manuf=Marlin&category=2&guntype=Rifle:%20Lever%20Action&model=All&caliber=All&price=0&instock=0

One from the classifieds there are more: https://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=19489.msg176602#msg176602

Good luck.


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Thanks!  Yeah, Cabelas is another one and I think Sportsmans Warehouse that I saw lever actions in stock.  When I used to fish more, I used to order from Cabelas often, but that was when I lived on the mainland. 

Hunting gun?  That does look like a fun gun to shoot. 

Yes, it was my father's bush gun for pig.  Passed down from his father.

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I have a friend that goes after estate sales and every so often I'll ask him if he picked up a used lever gun in .357 Mag, but no luck yet.  I'm just fine with a used lever gun as long as it shoots well.  I too like how lever guns handle with .357 Mag and even .44 Mag though I will likely never own a gun in .44 Mag.  Even .44 Mag in lever guns seem super mild.  Throw up a pick of your 1894C with the Vortex when ya have a chance! 

Hope this come out o.k.   Some lever guys think it's almost a sin to put optics on a lever gun, but to me it sights in quick, better than semi buckhorn rear sights.

My bad, here's the pics.