popular lever calibers

Thanks for the suggestions and I know the glass is already way more than half full. I am very lucky regarding guns. I've had a great gun life. I think after the next one I'll be done. ;)

Thanks to everyone for the great suggestions, please keep them coming. I'm not the only one reading this.
 
Ok, if 30-30 is a bit much in recoil, you need the new deluxe recoil pad from Marlin for their 336XLR.
Click to expand...

Good idea. My Winchester model 94 is pristine from 1945 so modifying it is a no no. But maybe a pre safety Marlin 30-30 is a thought and adding a recoil pad, or is that a no no as well? The problem with pre safety Marlins is they tend to go for more than I think they are worth on gunbroker.
 
Thinking back on that Krag 1895 I was surprised about the recoil. It could have just been the configuration since it had no recoil pad and a short barrel.

It's a cool rifle but I think of it as more of a hunting rifle, to be carried a lot and shot a little. I'm more of a shoot a lot and carry a little guy these days. I'm not sure what calibers the 1895 came in, most seem to be high recoil as configured.
 
I have 2 that I love, a Browning re-introduction of the 1895 in 30-06 and a newer Winchester 95 in 270.

The Winchester came with the lawyer-proof safety which I could not live with, so I removed it and fitted a steel plug into the old slot where it used to be. When it was blued you can't even see it without good light and a careful look.
The one thing the newer Winchester has that I have to approve of is the rebounding hammer. As a gunsmith, I look at those things with a critical eye, and I believe if that design had been shown to John Browning back in the 1880s he may have incorporated it into his later designs. It's excellent, which makes the tang safety irritate me even more. It's is offensive and 100% unnecessary.

But the rifles are very good shooters and I have killed a lot of game with them. Only 1 antelope and 3 deer with the 270, but I have killed 2 antelope and about 25 deer with the 30-06. I really like the 95s.
 
As far as recoil pads go, I, personally, prefer the slip-on kind.
First of all, they don't alter the rifle.
Secondly, they increase the length of pull, and that by itself decreases perceived recoil.
Lastly, you can take it off and on as the need arises. Perhaps it's perfect for light warm-weather clothing much of the year. Then maybe you find yourself hunting late in the season somewhere that requires heavy cold-weather garments and the recoil pad can be too much of a good thing, so off it goes.
They can also be switched between rifles of similar stock size.
These are the ones I like: http://www.pachmayr.com/home/slip-pads.php
 
Last edited:
A custom 1886 in 50/110

A limited production 1886 in 45/90 new gun or an antique.

The 1886 (I forget the model designation) in 348 win. Old or recent production.

Marlin in 35 Remington was a very popular classic.

Do you have any new or old model 1892 in proper 44/40? The 92 is my opinion the ultimate small action lever. Any caliber, this is a must own one.
 
Ah yea, the 405 in 1895, taken to Africa by Teddy Roosevelt. Good call, I forgot that one. The 95 was also offered in 30-06. Both, I am pretty sure, recent manufacture in Japan for either Browning or Winchester.

I dont have one, but if looked for one of each type, the 405 should be considered.

You could even look at the Wincheser 88 and Browning BLR for other hi-pressure more/less modern rounds. These are rotary bolt guns.
 
I think the OP already has a 44mag, but as long as alternative lever guns have been mentioned already, Ruger made a 44 lever. My friend had one, sold it, regrets it.
 
Some kind of 92 is a glaring omission.

Considering a Rossi 454 as I have some ammo and don't enjoy shooting it out of my Freedom revolver. I could trade or sell the revolver and come out ahead.

But I don't trust Taurus and I don't like that chintzy safety on the top. Yes, I could plug it. Do they make stainless plugs?

Maybe a real Winchester 92 but then you're limited to those old school calibers. I'd get 44-40. But why when I already have a gorgeous Uberti 73 44-40?

A .30-30 that handles recoil better than my 1945 Win94 might work, maybe longer than 20" with a semi pistol grip, maybe a recoil pad. I really like Marlin pre safety but they seem to sell for more than I think they are worth.
 
If you don't like the Henry .357 get a Rossi 92 in .357, either 16" or 20" barrel. The steel butt plate lets you feel the recoil but .357 isn't too bad out of a 5-lb rifle, and there's a wide range of power to choose from, from mild .38 wadcutters to hard cast 180-gr bear defense rounds. The 1892 design is simple and strong and every lever collection should have at least one 92.
 
leverguns that don't kick

Hmmm......well how about a 25-35 Win 32-40,7-30 waters,or a 32-20.I wouldn't feel under gunned with any except the last one for deer or hogs.
 
Savage model 99 in 300 savage. My father has one and it's a wonderful gun. My nephew just shot 2 mule deer with it this year a four point and a three point (He was hunting with my brother and had the better shot both times so he took it.)
 
What? no single shots?

You need to fill that hole right away. A nice Winchester, Stevens, or Ballard single shot breach loader.

They have levers... right?
 
It would probably be very expensive, but a Winchester 1895 in .405 Winchester might be a nice addition.

A friend hunted all over North America with a Marlin Lever Action in .444 Marlin, and dropped everything he shot at in its tracks. He said the Marlin in .45-70 only had an advantage over his rifle past 200 yards.

I've never heard of a Winchester 1886 made in .348 Winchester, but stranger things have been concocted. When I was a sophomore in college, I had a chance to buy a Winchester M71 in .348 (naturally), but decided to squander my money on frivolous things like books and tuition. To have known then what I know now...
 
I had a Ruger 96/17 that was a blast to shoot and incredibly accurate. Plus the box mags were a lot easier than some levers with tubes.
 
Stub, you are absolutely right and I lust for an 1885. I very much like the Browning repro.

How does the Marlin 36 compare to the pre 64 Win94 30-30 recoil wise? I think I've found a real nice one.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top