Lever gun questions

powdergun

powdergun

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So doing a lot of reading there seems to be companies like Marlin, Winchester, Uberti, Chiapa, Big horn and probably more.

Who is making the best new production quality from your personal experiences ?

Thanks in advance for all the info.
 
A thread about lever guns and nobody mentions Henry? I just picked up a Big Boy in 357 mag. It's a beautiful rifle. Function/fit/finish are all exceptional. Cycles smooth like butter.
 
Of your choices ( Marlin, Winchester, Uberti, Chiappa, Big horn ) I have owned or still own everyone except Big Horn, and the only one I would never buy again is Chiappa
 
I've got Marlin, old JM in 45/70 and newer trapper model in 357. Both great. I have a couple Winchester Miroku's in 45 Colt and a takedown in 450 marlin, both great. I have a Chiappa in 44 mag, great but doesn't feed Buffalo Bore ammo at all, it's loaded too long. I have a Henry in 30-30, great gun, and had a Henry mares leg in 44, also great gun. Just bought a BHA SpikeDriver in 454, amazing gun so far.

If I had to pick fir and finish, Winchester Miroku are really nice, but the price reflects that. Function wise I love my JM stamped Marlin stainless guide gun in 45/70, but it's been gone through by Corlanes so it's not factory fresh anymore. I have never had serious issues with any of them, but they do like some loads better than others for feeding. Bullet shape and OAL can make a difference.

They've all had their issues over the years. I'm interested to see what the Ruglins do.
 
I have old winchesters, Marlins, Savage, and Browning lever guns.......but my favorite gun to shoot is my Rossi M92 in .357 mag. It is accurate with my reloads, slick and quick and very reliable , even with .38 specials. Love my wrist-flickers!!!
 
powdergun said:
So doing a lot of reading there seems to be companies like Marlin, Winchester, Uberti, Chiapa, Big horn and probably more.

Who is making the best new production quality from your personal experiences ?

Thanks in advance for all the info.
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First question is budget!

Are you looking for best in the under $1000 range? Best under $2500, best under $4000 or do you want to talk custom $5000+

Lever guns like big game guns have a large price range some is cosmetic some is function and when you know the area/budget your looking in you can start to get a good idea of the best in the range your looking.
 
Depends what you are after? I know a few guys using Browning BLR, and they are quite happy with them. And you have the bonus to be able to use whichever bullet strikes your fancy

Browning-BLR.jpg
 
Looking for something on the higher end. As mentioned the Miroku Winchesters look nice. Just hoping they are as pretty and smooth as the pictures and write ups say. Sadly I am too far from anything to be able to fondle one. I don't really want a pistol cartridge one. For now a 45 70 interests me so was hoping Winchester makes some.
 
There are Henry’s in 45-70 floating around and honestly I don’t think you’d be disappointed.

They are well put together, all made in the USA and the customer service is EXCELLENT. The CEO personally emailed and made sure I got my rifle fixed quickly when I received one with a damaged sight. And when they found out I paid for shipping to send it for repair they reimbursed me with online store credit.
 
powdergun said:
Looking for something on the higher end. As mentioned the Miroku Winchesters look nice. Just hoping they are as pretty and smooth as the pictures and write ups say. Sadly I am too far from anything to be able to fondle one. I don't really want a pistol cartridge one. For now a 45 70 interests me so was hoping Winchester makes some.
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I've owned a couple of the late model Miroku Winchester 1886's ( tang safety + rebounding hammer ) and an older Browning 1886 ( Miroku built but no tang safety or rebounding hammer ).

I liked the Browning one better although it had plainer wood. The big 1886 action wasn't nearly as easy to cycle as my 1892 with it's shorter pistol cartridges but still not bad. I got rid of them because I found my Marlin 1895 more practical. Better trigger and easier to see sights ( I have XS sights on it ).

The odd thing about my Miroku 1886's is that they wouldn't chamber reloads with some of the more common bullets like the Speer 400gr for instance. It would if you seated them quite a bit deeper than the cannelure, but I'm not a fan of that. With that said, the Deluxe 1886's with the checkered pistol grip are really nice.

Chris.
 
powdergun said:
Looking for something on the higher end. As mentioned the Miroku Winchesters look nice. Just hoping they are as pretty and smooth as the pictures and write ups say. ... For now a 45 70 interests me so was hoping Winchester makes some.
Click to expand...

The current Miroku Winchesters are both pretty and smooth, don't worry on that front. I don't know about any current production models in 45-70 though. My gut says to go for a nice Henry if you want that cartridge. I like my Marlin Guide Gun plenty, but it's not "special".

As said above, Prophet River will steer you straight. Give them a call or an email and be prepared for excellent service.
 
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