Lever Action Advice

[Revolvers4Life]

I have a lot of experience surrounding handguns (revolvers and semi-autos) and a good bit surrounding rifles with bolt or semi-auto actions, but I have no experience when it comes to lever actions. I have always wanted one, just never got around to picking one up, mostly due to a lack of knowledge around them.

I have gone through the forums and done some research online, but wanted to see everyone's thoughts here. I want something nice that will last and be reliable, can either be a modern version or an older model, mainly just don't want some discount brand or model with issues. Not looking for anything big bore like 45-70, ideally would stay in the 30 caliber range like a 38 or 30-30, but I'll listen to whatever experience you all have. Anyone have suggestions on what to start looking at? Thanks

 

[OK Corgi Rancher]

What will you use if for mainly? Just fun/plinking? I'd get a pistol caliber like a .38/.357. Or even a .22 or .22 Mag. It'll be a lot cheaper to shoot than a rifle caliber like .30-30.

It'll also depend on your budget. The older Marlins and Winchesters are gonna cost you a lot more than a newer gun. They'll also cost you a lot more than something like a Rossi M92.

For just an all around fun rifle, an M92 in .38/.357 would be a good place to start if a .22 isn't what you want.

 

[JEVapa]

what @OK Corgi Rancher said

 

[OK Corgi Rancher]

Oh, yeah... I certainly wouldn't rule out a Henry. I love Henry rifles and own several...all .22 or .22 Mag. The 'Small Game Carbine' is by far my favorite. It's a .22Mag with a 17" octagon barrel, large-loop lever, Skinner peep rear sight with brass front sight. It's surgically accurate and smooth as silk. Reasonably priced, too.

 

[O4L]

JM stamped Marlin. 'Nuff said!

 

[OK Corgi Rancher]

Yeah... I like lever guns, too.

 

[Newbie]

For reliability and "buttery smooth action" (everyone says it that's tried one) you can't beat a Henry. I bought one about 8 years ago or so and loved it so much I started getting them for Birthday presents for my kids. The 357/38 model is light enough to go deer hunting with and put 'em down too. Plus you can shoot the same ammo in your revolver. I just wish they made a 9mm version!

 

[Chaparral]

Just some thoughts. the older rifles feel better made to me. try Twisting the rifle butt and the body, test the front grip. If these are loose I would pass. Is the action smooth? Some have a bit of a stick some are buttery soft. Try Marlins, Brownings, Henry’s, Rossis, Savages, Winchesters. Each rifle will feel different. IF it were me I would be looking at 80s and earlier rifles. What calibers are your pistols? It is really nice to be able to share calibers with pistols. I used to use a .44Mag for deer, a 1976 Marlin. I shoot better with an ancient (100 year old) Savage in 30-30. if you are at 50 or 100 yards for hunting a lever is great.

 

[GnometownHero]

45 Colt loaded up to its potential in a levergun is a major league stomper and can out perform a 30-30

 

[Revolvers4Life]

Just some thoughts. the older rifles feel better made to me. try Twisting the rifle butt and the body, test the front grip. If these are loose I would pass. Is the action smooth? Some have a bit of a stick some are buttery soft. Try Marlins, Brownings, Henry’s, Rossis, Savages, Winchesters. Each rifle will feel different. IF it were me I would be looking at 80s and earlier rifles. What calibers are your pistols? It is really nice to be able to share calibers with pistols. I used to use a .44Mag for deer, a 1976 Marlin. I shoot better with an ancient (100 year old) Savage in 30-30. if you are at 50 or 100 yards for hunting a lever is great.

Thanks for the advice. I have al major revolver/pistol caliber, would definitely be nice to share a common cartridge. I was leaning towards 357/38 as the at is what I shoot most.