SASS Rifle Suggestions in 357/38

E

EdInk

New member
I need some suggestions for lever action cowboy rifles.
I plan on checking out the Henry. What else do you suggest?
 
The Winchesters 66,73, 92 are all good. The Marlin Cowboy is also good. Also the Rossi version of the 92 is good once it is 'slicked up' since out of the box it is very stiff.I personally like the 73 just because itwas the 'gun that won the west' and it looks pretty. I shoot an original 73 Winchester in 38/40 but I also have an original 92 and a Rossi 92 clone. The 92 is about the strongest and slickest action but a little less authentic to most of the period. I have not shot a Henery or 66 but alot of people do and I beleive that the action is simular to the 73's. I had a Marlin cowboy at one time and it is also a nice gun. About the only gun that I would not suggest for pistol calibers is the the Winchester 94. I had one and it was always jamming. It was designed for the 30-30 rifle round.
 
I have a 66 in 38spc and a Browning BLR92 in 38/357. Both are great guns and reliable but the 66 is just faster to operate than the 92.
 
I would not consider any guns other than 1873, 1866 or Marlin. Depending on your taste this list can be re arrainged to suit you. The 73 is the nicer feeling of the group and can be modified the most. The 66 works well and can be short stroked if so desired. It does not have the grip safety that the 73 and Marlin have.
The current speed world record for 10 rounds from a lever gun is held by a Marlin.
The Henry, not the gun made by the present Henry Company, but a reproduction of the original 1860 rifle is a statement gun. When you shoot one you are saying, "I don't particularly care about speed, I like being a cowboy". It is not considered a good, fast main match gun but is authentic and a hoot to shoot.
The new Burgess reproductions may prove to be a winner also.
 
Thanks for the tips. I will check out what's in stock later and try to handle some others before deciding on one.
 
That's interesting Noz. I didn't think anything could outrun a short stroked 73 but I don't follow stuff as close as you and Fingers.
 
I've got a Spencer, an 1860 Henry, several 1866's, several 1873's, several 1892's, and four 1894 Marlins, but the more I shoot my Marlins, the more I like them. I love shooting my 56-50 Spencer more than about anything, but my stage times go from mid-30 seconds to 90+ seconds. :D Your best buy will be an 1892 or a Marlin.
 
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