To the original OP, more than a month later, I actually own a Mossberg 464 in 30-30.I can tell you I like it. My previous experience with lever actions includes handling a Marlin and shooting a few Winchesters that belonged to friends(more than 15 years ago). That being said I was never a lever guy until recently. When I went to shop for one I compared all the good, bad,availability and prices in my area. All this was based on my perceived personal likes and needs. I didn't feel the need to buy any brand over another so I bought the 464 because I felt it met those needs/wants.
I like the look and feel of the straight stock, it has a recoil pad installed, the receiver is drilled and taped (but right now I do not want a scope). It's lightweight with a good blue finish and tang safety ( I actually like those if the rifle is going to have a manual safety). It has an open top receiver (you can reload through the top in a quick reload drill), has an angle eject and the magazine tube can be topped off while loaded.
Some of the negatives of the rifle...While the trigger isn't bad, the pull could be a bit lighter. It has some sloppy take up, what seems like a hard pull and whats nice is a very clean break with little to no overtravel. The grip safety(I think thats what it is) dosen't bother me but I could do without. I would prefer a half cock hammer capability also. I would like a swivel stud installed on the stock and a band on the front. The loading gate is stiff and the action is finally loosening up although I want it to be smoother. One thing that became appearant is the lack of after market parts. Specifically replacement iron sights. The stock ones are ok but I want something like a XS sights they have for a marlin. No big deal though, I am in the process of looking at alternatives and saw Skinners peep sights yesterday.
Shoots good, recoil isn't bad and mine seems to do well with the cheap federal 170's from walmart. It has worked with 4 different loads, 3 brands and two weights with no problems. If you did some research you may have read that there is an extractor problem with early models. Mine is in the late 7000 serial number range and have not experienced that. Granted I have only put 40 rounds through it, but I have done hundreds of snap caps dry fires and worked the gun repeatedly, no extractor or ejection problems. Drops the case right next to your feet. The forty rounds I put through, was funtion testing, accuracy testing and rapid fire testing. No hang ups or slow downs but after 5 quick shots (thats what I loaded, it holds 6) the barrel was hot.
I bought it to be a plinker, hunter (one day) and a beleive it or not a self defense rifle. It also mates up well with a Henry .22 LR lever action I bought. Where i go shooting and the general area around here, I don't expect shots over 150 yards. What I like about it is that it is new production, it dosn't fit the assault rifle profile, I don't worry about its collectors value and its reliable so I can take it with me anywhere and shoot the heck out of it. It was a easy choice for me even with some of the negatives. Comparable Winchesters around here at the gun shops are more expensive for a beat up used rifle with someone elses problems. I don't mind the marlin and might own one someday, just dont care for the closed receiver top and pistol grip stock. Those prices for used and new ones are about the same as a new Mossberg, so no big deal there.
Hope this helps you make a decision. I am perfectly ok with mine, I don't have a name brand hang up and am an equal opportunity shooter.
