Big Bore

S

Steel

New member
I've noticed that there is a resurgence in popularity of the big bore levers in 45 calibers (45-70 Govt / .444 Marlin / .450 Marlin), along with some really dang powerful loads being sold for this platform (especially compared to the original pressures shot through the old 95's & 94's).

I've always loved lever models and find it exciting when new rounds are introduced for pistol and rifle. There are plenty of rifle experts seeing this. What do you see as the next evolution to be offered in the lever action arena? .50 cal versions? Perhaps, no big changes in ammo, but rather, to the rifles?

p.s. what company actually introduced the first lever action? What are they worth today?
 
I believe the oldest lever action rifle would have to be the Hunt Repeating Rifle, a.k.a. the 'Volition Repeater', created by Walter Hunt. He was granted U.S. Patent No. 6663 on August 21, 1849. There is only one example known to exist of this rifle which is kept at the Winchester Museum. The forerunner for Henry & Winchester actions, it would probably be considered priceless. Just my guess.

Steve Mace
 
I think its called the "Volcanic"

Pretty interesting name for a gun.

What do you do to improve? I don't know. It's a sound, proven concept to shoot big, fat, chunks of lead out the barrel of a lever action. What cracked me up is that for about 6-8 months, every time I picked up a gunrag, there were endless articles about the latest and greatest big-bore lever action. They treated it like it was some kind of brand new idea instead of a 100 year old design. I guess they've got to write about something.

I don't know where these rifles go from here. Marlin could (and maybe should have) have gone to the 45-90 instead of creating the .450 Marlin. I don't see much advantage to going up to .50 cal though.
 
Payette Jack. I like the idea of a Marlin in 45-90. The only problem is the cartridge is too long for the 336 action. Bummer, huh? Actually, a hot loaded 45-70 will do just about anything the .450 Marlin will, and with easier ammo availability.
Paul B.
 
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