Rifle choices for a lever action enthralled beginner

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Loreweaver

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I have had my eyes set on a couple rifles to begin my life with guns. I have only shot bb guns and a 410 shotgun (very unsuccessfully). My question is what do you think a beginner shooter should choose and how should I?? Please offer some advice anything is helpful.
 
I like Marlins. The 1894 C in 38/357 is a great shooter. Ammo is cheap, it accurate, it shoots the same ammo as your revolvers.

44s and 45s are good too, but for plinking and small game the they cost a bit more to shoot.

However, it depends on what you shoot. If you are a deer (or simular game) hunter I"d recommend the old stand by 30-30.

Don't sell these little rifles short. We all have seen Midway's Wednesday Night at the Range--- Impossible Shoots.

I'm one of those guys you don't tell "don't try this at home", thats a sure way to get me to try it.

So I've been practicing shooting the edge of playing cards with my Little Marlin in 38 SWC. At seven yards I've gotten where I can cut the card one out of three times. A bit more practice and I'll move to 15 yards. Its fun, it cheek, and it keeps me out of bars and of golf courses. These little lever actions will do it.
 
It depends on what you want to do with the gun. The least expensive rifle to start with would probably be a Marlin 336 in .30-30 as I see those selling new at Wal-Mart for under $400. If you want the one with the least expensive ammo, then one of the .22 Rimfires would be a good choice as would one of the .357 Magnum offerings from Marlin or Rossi. If the cost of ammo isn't a big deal or if you're willing to take up handloading, a Marlin M1895 in .45-70 isn't a bad choice either as you can taylor the cartridge anywhere from mild 300grn JHP's for whitetail all the way up to grizzly-thumping 500grn hardcast bullets.
 
You won't go wrong with the old standby Marlin 336 in 30-30 as a first lever gun...It's one you'll never sell or trade.
 
The good ol' Henry H001 in .22LR is a great starter rifle. Put a scope on it, and it wil impress you with its accuracy. Stock sights are kinda course for great accuracy.
 
"...how should I..." Decide how much money you want to spend first. Then what you plan on doing with the rifle.
Personally, I dislike .30-30's. At least Model 94 Winchesters. Too much felt recoil for the power of the cartridge. Has to do with the weight of the rifle and the relatively narrow butt stock. Marlin 336's aren't like that.
 
I would consider a used marlin 336 or winchester 94 in .30-30. I have experience with both and they are so sweet. It's hard to explain but they are well balanced and aim naturaly, you really have to try it to appreciate it. The reason I suggest to consider used is the older marlins are said to be of better quality than the current ones (anything before remington took over in the early 2000's), and you can find good deals on used winchester 94's which are awesome IMO as you can see by my signature. I suggest the .30-30 because well it's a .30-30 whats not to like? It needs no explanation. www.gunbroker.com is a neat place to browse for used guns.
 
You need a .22.

.22's are absurdly cheap to shoot, and the low noise and recoil makes it easier to learn the basics.

When you feel ready, you can move up to something bigger.
 
quote: I have had my eyes set on a couple rifles to begin my life with guns. I have

With your limited experience I suggest you start with a rifle in 22 rimfire. They are cheap to shoot, no recoil, and low noise.

Since you want a lever action, my suggestion would be Marlin 39A (look for a used one as the new ones look like they have plastic stocks and appear to be cheaply made. Alternatives in lever action are the Browning BLR and the Henry's. Master the small caliber before you move on to the centerfires where you will have to contend with more recoil and muzzle blast.
 
yep on the henry, no on the scope. It is just my opinion, but I hate scopes on lever action guns; it ain't cowboy LOL. If you really want to shoot well right out of the gate, try a savage, bolt action, .22lr. It is the cheapest gun suggested so far(if I missed a cheaper suggestion:o) and they are super accurate even w/o the scope; plus they look really cool with a scope. Again it is just my opinion, and I ain't no hardcore shooter, but to me looks are as important as anything else, cept reliabilty. Course it can't just look good, it's gotta shoot straight too. My .22 henry model hoo1 is a hoot to shoot and looks great too. My friend Shorty is a new shooter and he was tearing up the range with my henry.
 
As others have already said, it depends on what you plan to do with the rifle but for just learning to shoot, there is nothing better than a 22. Very little recoil, very little muzzle blast and best of all, you can afford to shoot it a lot.
 
Marlin 39a .22 would be my choice as a first rifle if it had to be lever action. Great gun and cheap to feed.

I'm a Win. 94 loyalist, but for most folks the Marlin 336 is probably a better .30-30.

There are a lot of different lever actions out there to choose from. Go to all the gun shops in your area and try some out for size.
 
I have Marlins, rimfire and centerfire, and I find them to be excellent. I would recommend them without reservation. However, that is not to say that the others mentioned are in any way inferior to the Marlin.
 
Choices, choices, choices, it is never easy, but if you ever plan on going hunting you can not go wrong with a Marlin 336c either in 30-30 or like mine in 35 Remington.

Jim

This one's in 35 Remington.

SAM_0319.jpg
 
Look around for a used .22 I picked my win 250 for 125 bucks on the used gun rack at the local shop. Its a great shooter and ammo is cheap. If it turns out u like shooting then move up to the .357/38s. Then go tho a 30/30 then up to the .45/70!!!
 
1st levergun

As a fan of all things that shoot, I find the allure of lever action carbines and rifles to be particularly strong! I have about 12 lever guns, from .22 lr to .308 caliber. Of them all, the ones that are the most fun to shoot and most versatile are my .357 mag carbines: Marlin and Rossi. You can shoot very mild and very inexpensive .38 special rounds or heavier and hot loaded .357 159 grain bullets that can effectively take white tail deer up to 100 yds away. And a decent home defense arm, too. Loof in reputable gun shops for one, or you can use one of the online auction sites, e.g., Gunbroker.com; GunsAmerica.com or AuctionArms.com. All three are honest and reliable places to meet sellers and purchase guns. Just take the time to read the rules for each site.
Good luck with your search!
 
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