Henry v. Winchester lever action rifles

I currently have: 2 1940s Marlin 36s, 1 Remlin 1895 classic, 1 JM 1895 GS, 1Henry .22mag, 1Henry Brass 30-30 Big boy, 1 Henry .44 mag big boy carbine and 1 1980ish Winchester 94AE. Here's how I feel about them. The Marlins, each and every one.....JM or not, are solid, simple and easy to strip and clean. The Henrys are basically the same Marlin design and just as easy to strip and clean although care must be taken to not scratch the shiny brass and beautiful bluing. The Henry .22 mag is a disposable little creature I my opinion due to the Zamak receiver and other internals and is more of a pain to strip than the "real" Henrys. The Winchester is the smallest and sleekest of the bunch and a nightmare to completely strip for cleaning!
As far as shooting? I prefer the Marlins. They shoulder naturally and when set up properly shoot as well as I do. The Henrys are bloody Weird! Beautiful works of art that function flawlessly but shouldering them is awkward as the receiver seems to be so far forward that the rear sight appears unnaturally far away from one's face. This brings me to the Winnie. I love the history and natural feel of this rifle. It shoulders as naturally as pointing out Justin Trudeau as the idiot in a crowd. Smaller than the others in all dimensions and a joy to shoot. My only issue with the Winchester other than needing an engineering degree to strip and clean it is the fact that I could never hit ANYTHING with it. I always thought it was me but a buddy who has 2 pre-64 Winchesters said the same thing. It must be something about the sights or possibly the light weight of the Winnies but both of us have major accuracy issues with them. I know from shooting other rifles that I do better with the heavier ones. All in all they are all great guns but if you like to really strip and clean a rifle to "as new" status.....stay away from the Winchesters!
 
That's odd, killed a deer with my pre64 a week ago... and I'd say that the 1984 has probably taken more deer than any other rifle. However, I'd say it's limitations for hunting are about 100 yards (for me)... I kinda treat it like the world's greatest crossbow :-D
 
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I wanted to buy a Winchester 30/30 this winter,,, the prices are to much for what I want to spend,,, so I'm doing a Marlin 336 since it fits my cost and I can bang it around in the sticks...

A bush rifle to use for the fun stuff,,, I'm not planning on dragging it threw the mud,,, but I won't cry if it gets lots of nicks and scuffs along the way...

I like the W's,,, but a M will fit my needs...

Cheers from the North
 
Alex McKr said:
Luckybeer: I am interested in your rationale that a JM Marlin is better than a Winchester, or Henry. Plus: why? The purpose of this forum(and thread) is to (hopefully) inform and educate others. I've either owned or shot examples of each brand, fairly extensively. I am curious, that's all. Would appreciate your take on it.
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I have owned alot of Winchester rifles and have never found one that really shot or functioned perfectly. They rattle like crazy, not really accurate and even the model 71 doesn't load that well and you really have to work the action to load the next round. Henry's are better but to me feel weak and cheap. I do have to say that the BLR's and model 99's are good guns and are probably as nice as a Marlin.. really what it comes down to is John Marlin was busy designing guns when Winchester was marketing other people's designs.. lol
 
handofzeus said:
I currently have: 2 1940s Marlin 36s, 1 Remlin 1895 classic, 1 JM 1895 GS, 1Henry .22mag, 1Henry Brass 30-30 Big boy, 1 Henry .44 mag big boy carbine and 1 1980ish Winchester 94AE. Here's how I feel about them. The Marlins, each and every one.....JM or not, are solid, simple and easy to strip and clean. The Henrys are basically the same Marlin design and just as easy to strip and clean although care must be taken to not scratch the shiny brass and beautiful bluing. The Henry .22 mag is a disposable little creature I my opinion due to the Zamak receiver and other internals and is more of a pain to strip than the "real" Henrys. The Winchester is the smallest and sleekest of the bunch and a nightmare to completely strip for cleaning!
As far as shooting? I prefer the Marlins. They shoulder naturally and when set up properly shoot as well as I do. The Henrys are bloody Weird! Beautiful works of art that function flawlessly but shouldering them is awkward as the receiver seems to be so far forward that the rear sight appears unnaturally far away from one's face. This brings me to the Winnie. I love the history and natural feel of this rifle. It shoulders as naturally as pointing out Justin Trudeau as the idiot in a crowd. Smaller than the others in all dimensions and a joy to shoot. My only issue with the Winchester other than needing an engineering degree to strip and clean it is the fact that I could never hit ANYTHING with it. I always thought it was me but a buddy who has 2 pre-64 Winchesters said the same thing. It must be something about the sights or possibly the light weight of the Winnies but both of us have major accuracy issues with them. I know from shooting other rifles that I do better with the heavier ones. All in all they are all great guns but if you like to really strip and clean a rifle to "as new" status.....stay away from the Winchesters!
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Thanks for the info.
 
Just thought I’d add my 2cents. I’ve have a few guide guns. All very good, fictional, accurate and light weight. That includes at least one remlin. Had several pre-64 94s, contrary to some all have been very accurate with great triggers. Never had a Henry, they look fine just not my cup of tea. Currently have a browning 71 and a new 1886 light weight. Both in another league, head and shoulders nicer in all respects.
 
I have not owned a Marlin or Hnery, but I gave had a few Winchester. Right now I have a Win 94 AE that was a former hunting rifle of a local MLA (conservative). I put a 1.5-4 Leupold Freedom and fired a 3 shot group at 50 yards with all holes touching. Moved out to 100 yards and had a 1" 3 shot group when I put her away. Shoots well and is very trim to carry. I had a 1976 Win 94 before with a receiver sight and it easily grouped 1" at 50 yards; need money or I would still have it.

I just got a Win Miroku 1873 short rifle in 45 Colt. The build quality is amazing! I ran rounds through it this weekend and it is so slick I could not tell when it was chambering a round or was running empty. Cannot say for accuracy as it was really cold and windy and I was getting blown around while trying to stand to shoot it.
 
COREY: If you like your new Miroku-Winchester now, wait until you've run it for a while and all the parts wear in a little. They get smooth as butter. If you plan on using the rifle in Cowboy Action competition, for example, I'd advise replacing the front sight. That tiny little bead front sight is okay for deliberate shooting. But, can be hard to acquire in the fast paced shooting scenarios often seen in the sport. Site sponsor: Rusty Wood Trading, is your go-to place, should you wish to replace the sight. By the way, these rifles are very accurate.
 
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