[Gunslinger]

I know that "black rifle" are in vogue and all the rage. But the cowboy in me still clings to the original "assualt weapons"....the lever action rifle.
Currently in my collection are two Winchester Commemoratives, a Teddy Roosevelt and a Gold Spike, a Marlin 39A, a reproduction 1866 Winchester to commemorate the Indian victory over the Little Big Horn and my always "go to" rifle, a custom built little shorty Marlin 1894 chambered in .44 magnum.
There are several others I'd like to add....a shootable .44-40 in eiher an 1866 or '73, an 1894 Marlin in .41 mag, and the list goes on.

So who else is into levers?

[jsr5]

I like 'em but don't currently have any. Dad has a marlin 39 30-30 we cut down for my oldest to deer hunt with and ij'm kinda keeping my eyes open for one in 44 Mag for #2 son to start deer hunting with, (not a real priority since I have him a single shot H&R 30-30) and have played withthe idea of a 450 marlin. When I have hte spare money I'd also like a 357 for fun.

[Bubba]

Took my first deer with grandpa's 1964 Model 94 Winchester 30-30. Still have that rifle in my safe. Bought my boys their first .22s as Henry knock-offs of that same model 94. Owned a Winchester Model 94-22M as a teenager. Wish I had never sold that one. I keep thinking I will pick up a Model 94 in .357 as well. Just seem to keep finding more pistols to buy instead. :D

A couple of the big name trainers teach an urban carbine class... using the lever action. Jim Crews gives some good instruction to trainers on teaching the lever action in his book "From Behind The Line"

Bubba

[Carston]

I recently inhereted my grandfathers Savage Model 99 in .300 Savage. I just cleaned it up and put it away, hasn't been shot since I shot it 30 years ago.

Carston

[ 06-21-2001: Message edited by: Carston ]

[Gusgus]

Two Marlins from the late '70s. Model 1894 in .44 mag, and a Model 39A .22. Haven't shot them in years, but I still have them.

[Col. Mustard]

Just a Winchester Model 94 in .30-30.

On my wish list is a SA pistol/levergun set chambered for the same round. (.45 Long Colt?)

I'm also going to get a little plastic statue of James Arness for my dashboard. :rolleyes:

[Cliff C]

I don't own a lever action rifle and never have owned one.

A terrible sin of omission on my part. :(

Funny that you should post this thread, Bill. I know that I want a .30-.30 and for the past few days I've been checking out the offerings from Marlin and Winchester.

More people seem to prefer the Marlin, but I'm pretty much dead set on a Winchester Model 94.

Clueless - How do you like your Model 94? Say nice things, please. ;)

Cliff

[Col. Mustard]

Cliff -

Well, I'm not going to propose to it anytime soon, but I like it a whole lot.
we can't even go steady, 'cause my SIG will get jealous... The only gripe I have is the lever action, at the point where it actually ejects/chambers the rounds, is a little tight. Maybe there's a spot of rust or burr or something inside... I kind of inherited the gun (it belonged to the husband of the widow my Dad married after my mother died) after it had been sitting idle for about 10 years. But it shoots well, and it's such a classic.

Isn't the big difference between the Marlin and the Winchester that the Marlin ejects to the side, instead of the top? If you're not planning to 'scope the gun, go with the Winchester...

[ 06-21-2001: Message edited by: Clueless in Charlotte ]

[PreserveFreedom]

I have been putting off getting one way too long. My first will most likely be in 357 Magnum. I just wish they would start making them in 9x19mm, 40S&W, and 45ACP.

[tatters]

Henry .22 levergun. Most fun .22 I own.

[fal308]

Well,
Sitting in the safe or around the house are about half a dozen .30-30s (don't recall exactly how many), a .35 Remington (all preciously mentioned are Marlin 336s),an older Marlin 39A Golden, Marlin 1894 in .44 Mag, Savage 99 in .308 Win, an 1873 Winchester (original) in .32-20 and I think there's a Winchester 94 around here somewhere also. Almost forgot about the unfired NRA Centennial rifle (Win. 94).
Would like to acquire some of the older more exotic leverguns (for shooters mostly) such as an Evans, Spenser, older Marlins, Henry, Whitney etc. Would really like one of the Spenser replicas for CAS.

[ 06-22-2001: Message edited by: fal308 ]

[bsampsel]

I *love* to shoot leveractions...especially the .357Mag models made some years ago.

It's just something about those rifles...of course, I had a "pop-gun" that was a lever action...used it against my buddies who had "black gun" toy guns that made noise (playing guns as kids).

Man, I'm not that old and "playing guns" seems to be a lost art.

bryan

[Dutch Henry]

Keep the old west alive! I've always liked lever guns and have a few in my accumulation. I shoot them all and enjoy them very much, whether hunting or just plinking.

Browning 1886 in 45-70
Marlin 1894CL in 25-20
Marlin 1894 in 357 Magnum
Marlin 39-AS .22 RF
Rossi Model 92SRS in 357 magnum
Winchester Trapper in 30-30
Winchester 9422 .22 RF

[Grayfox]

I'm a lever lover too!
There's just sumthin' about the old cowboy rifle. :D
I've got five:
Winchester 94 .30-30
Winchester 94 Trapper .45 Colt
Winchester 9422 .22RF
Rossi 92 .357 Magnum
Browning 1886 .45-70

Carston, you really ought to shoot that Savage. It a shame to let a fine old rifle like that just sit.

[sensop]

My 9 July buy is a Marlin 336 in .35 Remington. My only lever right now is a .22 LR by Erma Werke (W. Germ).

My next lever after the .35 Remington will be a Marlin 336 Cowboy in .38-55 (I dearly hope!). Winchester doesn't show a .38-55 chambering in any model on their website.

If anyone ever comes across a Winchester 94 in 7-30 Waters ... call me collect! They don't make it any more.

The only objection I've ever had to levers is the weight. And I have always preferred the saddle stock over the pistol grip stock.

In guns, my preferences seem to run to Ruger revolvers, 1911s (Springfield), Lever rifles and Mausers.

[jim]

IMHO, 94's rule.

I'm in the process of trying to revive a 1913 model 94. My '94 shooter is an Illinois Sesquicentennial.

Anyone interested in a few of the Winchester Commemoratives, drop me a line and I'll point the to the MotherLoad.

[GI Joe]

Currently, I have the following:

Winchester:

Model 94 30-30
Model 94AE 357 Magnum
Model 94AE 45 Colt

Marlin:

Guide gun in 45-70
Guide gun in 450 Marlin
44 Magnum (can't remember which model)

I've been thinking about the guide gun in 444 Marlin, but then I see a new assault weapon that I just have to have and that's the end of that. :D

[jim]

Anyone know why the 30-30 isn't legal in CAS? It can't be because the cartridge wasn't around cause I've seen turn of the century 30-30's. Any ideas?

[wendy]

The .30-30 isn't legal in main stage competition because it's not a pistol-caliber cartridge. SASS also requires a rifle to have a maximum velocity of 1400 fps for rifles and only allows lead bullets.
It could be used in long range rifle stages, at least in local club matches, but then it most likely would be outclassed by the singlshots such as the Rolling Blocks, Sharps, Creedmores etc.

[Gunslinger]

You've been paying attention haven't you Wendy? ;)

[Old Soldier]

Jim, I had to make an Ejector for a Marlin 1881 in .38/55 cal. :) :) :)

[OU812]

Well, I do not have a lever action, yet. Among my things to get, I hope someday to acquire a Winchester 94, like a Trapper, in either .357 or .45 Colt. Not that I am worried about having a "PC" home defense longarm, AR's are in vogue around here, but, I might as well get a defensive longarm that has style. :cool:

[VictorLouis]

Well, I just found the ONE for me.:O It's a new Marlin 1894CP(?). A .357 with a ported 16" barrel. :) MAN does that little sucker mount, swing, and point JUST RIGHT. :D I'm not at all 'up' on the going prices for these toys. It was tagged at $459 list, and $399 selling price? :confused:

[Gunslinger]

That is not too bad of a price at all. I have an older 1894 Marlin in .44 mag that I customized by chopping the barrel to 16 inches and thinning the wood. You're right, they do handle like a dream. You will never regret getting it and it will be one of those guns you would never sell or trade. Once you get it it will have a home for life.
It is convenient having a handgun and a rifle chambered in the same round.

[loknload]

I have one Winchester in my collection and it was purchased from a private collection. It's a 94 Saddle Ring Carbine in .32 Special.
Did a trace on it and it was made in 1926 and was originally delivered to the midwest. That is all Winchester could tell me. How it made it to the east no one knows. The lever has 15 notches filed in it, what that means is anyones guess.Probably deer taken on the hunt? I had always wanted a Winchester and decided on this one. I'll never sell it and I still use it to go hunting, when I go ;)

[Son]

I have just one and it's my deer gun.

Marlin 1895G (Guide Gun) .45-70

[Eric of Indiana]

Originally posted by Son:
<STRONG>I have just one and it's my deer gun.

Marlin 1895G (Guide Gun) .45-70</STRONG>

Son, Just what kind of deer y'all got in Pennsylvania anyway? :eek:
Eric

[Son]

Typical whitetails

The .45-70 cartridge is one of the most flexible calibers available. You can load it up or down, jacketed or lead. You can take down deer with it and still not tear up alot of meat (Nosler Partions are nice for this). Yet, you can still hunt bear and not be under gunned.

It's definitely one of my favorite calibers.

[jsr5]

Has anyone heard even a peep that someone might make a lever gun in 454 Casull? It would seem a great addition since it would likely fire 45 LC as well and would give great ballistics with the Casull. It should move up there with the 45-70 and a short barrel would still have pretty good capacity. I know it's high pressure but I believe the Marlins would handle it and Winchester probably could with a little beefing up. Am I the only one who thinks this would be a good idea?

[Kalvan]

Isn't the big difference between the Marlin and the Winchester that the Marlin ejects to the side, instead of the top? If you're not planning to 'scope the gun, go with the Winchester...

The Winchester 94 AE (Angle Eject) models eject to the side, so you can mount a scope on it. The Marlin has a shorter throw length of the lever, so it is quicker to operate, and the Marlins just seem sturdier to me somehow. I've got a Rossi 92 in .357 for CAS. The lever-action that I've been lusting after for years is Wild West's (http://www.wildwestguns.com/CoPilot/copilot.html) Alaskan Co-Pilot take-down conversion of the Marlin .45-70. Leupold Scout Scope with ghost ring rear/fibre optic front back-up sight system; ported; chromed finish; Alaskan Magnum sling; 35" o.a. and 6.5 lbs. Fast, maneuverable and very powerful.

[Tony from Finland]

Oh yeah. I'd love to own a lever-action rifle! Unfortunately that won't happen anytime soon... :( But I'd love to have a short-barreled lever-action, say a Winchester '94 Trapper? In .357 Magnum for cheap(er) training ammo.

[jim]

Tony

Your rifle is up for auction at this very minute on Auction Arms
http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?ItemNum=1558484

[Tony from Finland]

Thanks Jim. Unfortunately that doesn't help me much... See the little box under this post? See where it says I'm from? (Real bummer too. No cross-bolt safety? I would definitely like that. Those things are just plain ugly. Plus they work the wrong way for me, too. (I'm a lefty.))

[jim]

I know Tony, but it never hurts to look. Or does it ;)

[Bear One]

Marlin 336, 30-30. Bought it used with a 4 X 16 X 48 AO scope on it. I wanted the big scope for my .308. After removing the scope, I took the 30-30 out to the back yard, spotted a starling about 50 yds. away, and tried out the iron sights. Can you possibly imagine what a 30-30 does to a starling? Great lever gun. :cool:
By the way, how do ya'll pronounce l-e-v-e-r? I call it leeeveer (long "e"). My best friend used to pronounce it the same way, but he went away to the university and came back calling it a lever (short "e"). I still laugh at his higher learning.
:D :cool:

[ 07-20-2001: Message edited by: Bear One ]

[Rob19]

ahh, my first reply...thanks for the hospitality. Anyway, I have a Browning 1886 in 45-70. This lever action carbine is fun to shoot. It does kick a little from a bench rest, but standing is not that bad. I like it. The only thing I don't like about it is the high gloss finish. Some people think it's plastic...stay safe.

[dinosaur]

The only one I ever owned was a Marlin 336C 35 Remington. That was my unscoped backup for the Remington 742. Naturally I sold both of them. :( I saw quite a few old Winchesters at the show this weekend but they weren`t cheap or worth my time.

[Gunslinger]

Howdy Rob and welcome to Triple F. I think the Browning high gloss looks like plastic and love that look. Not that I love plastic on a gun, I don't. But I love high polish job that acheives the look. To me that says quality and attention to detail.

Bear, I pronounce it with a short "e". But then Ah've been tol' Ah've have a slight Southern accent. ;)

[Miner]

Love the look and feel of a lever action. Have a Teddy Roosevelt Commemorative that I was able to get a good deal on that if I want to turn it into a shooter, I will not be hurt. Just got rid of a Marlin 45-70 guide gun. My shoulder told me that it would not put up with the combination of the short barrel and my handloads.

[Gunslinger]

Howdy Miner and welcome to Triple F. I've got a TR commemorative hanging on the wall that I practically stold at an auction some twenty years ago. :o
I would like to add a .45-70 to my collection. But I would imagine my handloads would be way on the mild side. Arthritis has convinced me to shoot things a little tame these days.
Make yourself at home and join the family. :)

[Eric of Indiana]

I came really close to getting a Marlin .30-30 lever action today. I'm not sure, but I believe it was a model 30. The guy wanted $250 for it, but I only had $217.86 on me. :( I ran to the ATM, but he had already sold it for $230. I told him I'd pay the full $250, but I guess he didn't think that I would come back. :mad:
Eric

[fal308]

Eric If it was a Model 30 then it's most likely a Glenfield. That was Marlin's promotional (discount) brand and around here $230 is a mite steep. You should be able to pick up a 336 Marlin for that kind of money.
Getting a 336 will get you better sights and Walnut stocks.

[Eric of Indiana]

Fal,
There was a 336 there as well, but it had some scratches, and worn bluing. I'm not positive it was a Model 30, but I know it wasn't a 336 or an 1894. To tell the truth, I'm not even sure it was a Marlin. He had 3 levers in .30-30, and it's possible that I've got them mixed up. I'm really still in the looking stage. Trying to figure out exactly what I want, so it's probably a good thing that I didn't bet that one.
Eric

[rogermac]

Well I guess I'm getting in on this a little late, but here goes.

Marlin 39TDS, 22LR, Williams FP
Winchester 94 Trapper, 45 Colt, Williams FP
Browning BLR81, 358 Win., Weaver V3

Sold a 94 30-30 carbine a few yaers ago, when money got tight. :mad: At least it'll be easy to replace. Also looking to pick up a 357 Mag., and I would love to find a Savage 99 in 250 Sav.

Mac

[Richard J.]

Well shoot, better late than never....

I currently have a Marlin Guide Gun in .450 Marlin. Love it, and would like to have a companion in .45-70, especially if it's had Jim West's Co-Pilot conversion done. Had a chance to shoot one of those a few years back, whatta beautiful beastie! (It belongs to someone who posts here occasionally, but I'll let him own up to it himself if he chooses.)

I've also got a Trapper 94 in .45 Colt which is my Politically Correct Cowboy Assault Rifle. I put synthetic stocks on it, and also had mounted a Williams reciever sight with a screw-out aperture which makes a nifty ghost ring sight.

I once had a Savage 99C in .308, but I was only 18, and didn't know what a real jewel I had, and let it go. :( :o Live and learn.

[T LEE]

Talk about late, but here I am.
I have, and have hunted with all my life a '94 in .32 win special made in 1922 and a '66 in 45-70 that was my great grandad's, love em both and my two kids will have to fight over which one get's what! :D

[VictorLouis]

There is life still left in this thread, so here goes. :D

Does the Marlin 1894 take-down into two halves like the Winchester .22LR?
Does the bolt remove from the rear on either of these guns to allow for cleaning the bore from the breech?


What kind of real-world accuracy can you expect from the 1894?(Assume w/scope, bench-rested, w/preferred load.)

Thanks! :)

[HiPower]

Took a pig this weekend with my model 94 30-30. Life doesn't get any better!! I did find out tho that a rifle sighted for 100 yds. shoots real high at 25 feet! :eek:

[fal308]

VL
No, the 1894 does not takedown. It has a solid frame though I'm sure someone, like Wild West Guns, could do a takedown conversion.
On the Marlin you can remove the bolt to clean from the breech. Just work the action about halfway through its arc, then unscrew the screw holding the lever onto the frame and pull out the lever. Grasp the bolt and pull to the rear. Watch out for the ejector. It's a flat spring in a groove in the receiver opposite the ejection hole.
Can't remember the Winchester offhand as I haven't had one apart in years (don't have a Win lever .22lr).

[VictorLouis]

Thanks. :)