gaseousclay
New member
does barrel length matter on a lever gun? I've seen them range from 18.5" to 20 and 22". Is it more to do with weight than shooting accuracy? Is there a preferred length I should go for, like a 20"?
barrel length on a lever gun
- Thread starter gaseousclay
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tynimiller
New member
length is opinion. Lever Guns are not made for sniping from long ranges, rather brush guns and are easy to manuever in and out of trees. I personally am still on the look out for a good deal on a 357 or 44magnum lever action because I absolutely love them!
Sure! Which length do you prefer? I've got a couple and mine are 18" and 20". I'd be hard pressed to tell the difference. They're both light, handy rifles. I don't really see any advantage to a longer barrel on a lever rifle, but I tend to consider them utility rifles for short range work. If I'm expecting targets of opportunity inside 100 yards, I'll grab a lever gun. If I'm expecting targets at a longer distance, I'll take the bolt gun.
I was shooting a lever this morning, as relaxation after some pretty intense pistol practice and I was wearing out the 100 yard gong on the rifle line. There's nothing quite as relaxing as shooting a lever gun until it's too hot to hold.
Barrel length is a trade off. The longer the barrel the faster the bullet, within reason. The shorter the barrel the handier the rifle.
Different rifles for different uses. Lever actions have been used in every situation that any other rifle has. While they aren't generally considered long range rifles they have been used that way.
They do shine as short range brush guns. Mostly because they balance well, are relatively light, and follow up shots are rapid.
Consider how you plan to use the gun before you decide on barrel length.
Different rifles for different uses. Lever actions have been used in every situation that any other rifle has. While they aren't generally considered long range rifles they have been used that way.
They do shine as short range brush guns. Mostly because they balance well, are relatively light, and follow up shots are rapid.
Consider how you plan to use the gun before you decide on barrel length.
BL22 - 18"
Winchester 94s in 30-30 - 20" & 26"
Winchester 94 in 30-30 - 26" -
Winchester 95 in 30-06 - 24" -
All good but the 26" one is on the heavy side - the 24" 95 is the most accurate and feels the most balanced to me - but then, it's a different rifle in different caliber - and different magazine design.
Winchester 94s in 30-30 - 20" & 26"
Winchester 94 in 30-30 - 26" -
Winchester 95 in 30-06 - 24" -
All good but the 26" one is on the heavy side - the 24" 95 is the most accurate and feels the most balanced to me - but then, it's a different rifle in different caliber - and different magazine design.
My puma 357 M92 has a 24" octagon barrel and my 1895 cowboy has a 26" octagon barrel. I prefere longer barrels dont know why, it just feels better to me. Im a stout guy so the 18" guns make me feel like Im shooting a plastic cap gun. I can handle the little bit more weight of a longer gun.
gaseousclay
New member
i'm guessing the barrel length has a lot to do with the cartridge that it's chambered in, correct? so a 30-30 might have a 20" barrel versus a 45.70 that might have a 24" barrel. I want a 30-30 so a 20" barrel looks about right for me. I want a light brush gun for deer hunting and anything above 20" looks too cumbersome