Help on deciding a Lever Action

P

phin11

Regular
Rating - 100%
163   0   0
Location
Airdrie Alberta
I have always wanted a lever action for a long time . Just cause they look and work cool. I would like some help/knowledge deciding what model. I will mostly be plinking targets 100 yards. I will also be reloading . I have looked around at some gun shops around the city . Winchesters are too expensive . Same for henry's . Even used winchester and henry are too expensive (800-1000). I looked a 3 models today . Rossi puma .38/357 Rossi RG 30-30 . Mossberg 464 30-30 wood pistol grip.
Honestly the mossberg had way better wood stock , slightly better sights . And $410 brand new . Anyone have experience with this rifle . I read some of the early ones (08-09) had feeding problems . newer ones better.
 
I have a Puma in .45 Colt and I love it! I also have a pre 64 Win 30-30 but I find that I use the Puma much more at the range. If plinking is all you're interested in then I agree that .357 is the way to go! Cheaper than .45 & 30-30 but still fun. Besides, if you ever get into cowboy action shooting (CAS), you can also get matching calibre revolvers. In any case, you'll love having a lever action rifle. Nothing like pretending you're John Wayne or Chuck Connors!! :)
 
I have the 464 and think its the cat's pyjamas. I reload using 160 gr FTX's and Superformance powder. I get much better accuracy out past 125-150 yards than I did with Winchester round nose. It is fun to shoot- I don't hunt with it - I've got other rifles for that. If I'd known that my son would become fascinated by cowboy shooting (We have to check out the cowboys/girls every time we hit the range) I might have looked at the .44 or .357. That been said, the Mossberg is a great gun - even my plain, old straight stained birch model. At the time I bought it, it was the right price. For my (limited ) money) you can't beat it.
 
I know they're pricy, but ill vouch for my Henry .357. The only real advice I can offer is to stay away from any new marlins. Made that mistake myself, went to a Henry
 
Can-down said:
Used Winchester 94's are more like 300-400 bucks.... Same with Marlins.
Click to expand...

I agree with Can-Down 100%. 30-30 is still by far the cheapest center fire at crappy tire or wal mart, people give brass away or it can be found everywhere, and if you hand load buy a few hundred hard cast bullets from OMA or bullet barn.
You won't go wrong with a used '94 or 336.
 
If you want 38/357 by the Rossi, have owned 5 and all have been perfect shooters. If the dirty thirty is more your liking then as above mentioned, older Winny 94 or Marlin 336. All should be possible for $500 and under.
 
I've a Mossberg 464 in 22lr, and I'm still surprised at how accurate it is. It's not the prettiest lever and all the safety features annoy me, but it's trouble-free and a good shooter.
 
The marlin 336 in 30-30 is a great choice. I've never had a problem with mine. I know it's not on your list, but its worth looking at. It's what I decided on after not wanting to shell out $1200 for a Winchester.
 
I'd say try for a marlin in either a 336 or 1894. Pistol cartridges are lots of fun, and 357/38 sp will be easier on the wallet if they are available in your area, otherwise 3030.
 
FastBobby said:
The marlin 336 in 30-30 is a great choice. I've never had a problem with mine. I know it's not on your list, but its worth looking at. It's what I decided on after not wanting to shell out $1200 for a Winchester.
Click to expand...

I was in fact looking at a new 336 30-30 marlin today. just over $400 , I really liked the type of wood on it. the flat black finish was kinda lackluster. Are the new Marlins better quality than a year or 2 back ?
 
Based on your extensive and exhaustive use of these rifles or the fact that you've had the opportunity to own/ shoot the Winchester 94 and Marlin 336? I mean, really do you think you can post on a public forum with these acclamations and not have readers question your rationale?
Mount Sweetness said:
The Rossi and Mossberg are garbage. Look for a used Win94 or Marlin 336 for around $400
Click to expand...
 
I have a Mossberg 464 and while the action works sweet once it loosens up, the iron sights are total sh*t. It would be fine if you put a scope on it.
 
I bought my 94 xtr deluxe with a belvar scope (so its from 87/88) in pristine condition at a show for $800 (a lucky find) so just the rifle should run you around $300 to $400 as mentioned above, a little less maybe if it's the plain jane version. A1 rifle, I really like it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom