Lever action questions

mimmo

mimmo

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I hope this is in the right spot.
I would like to buy a lever action for deer hunting shots in and around 150 yards mostly wooded area's and have a couple of questions.
1) which lever action?
2) what caliber?

any imput whould be appriciated. thanks :confused:
__________________
 
Hi there, this is a very very broad question and there is really no one answer. A Winchester 94 or Marlin 336 in 30.30 is definitely something to consider. If you are looking to spend a little more, the Browning BLR is a good choice. Personally, I think a BLR in .308 or .358 sounds right up your alley. I like the Winchester 88 in .308 alot but it's not for everybody. Don't rule out the Savage 99 either. These are pretty common levers and would all suit your needs and then some. Go to your local dealer and shoulder some levers and see what feels good to you. If I had to pick one, I'd pick a BLR 81 in .308. Read other threads on these guns in the Hunting and Sporting Arms forum by searching them. There should be plenty of threads on these guns and more levers. Check out the "lever action ####" thread to for lots of lever pics. At the end of the day, you can't go too far wrong here.
 
Winchester 88 in .308, mine has gone from me to my oldest boy and now my 17 year old is using it. I never liked the safety on it but my kids say they have no problem. Well built and worth the money.
 
Well, you have to ask yourself why you want a lever action. For me I needed to buy a few that had "the look". I like the tube magazine and two piece stock. So for me, nothing other than a Marlin or Winchester 94 would do.
If you want a lever action for the fast handling package, and a more modern style appeals to you then the BLR in a more modern calibre is a good option to consider.
Personally, I think scopes are kind of goofy looking on lever actions. So i stick to the more classic styles in classic calibres such as 30-30, 38-55, 45-70
Good luck. Lever guns are great.
 
I have a Marlin 336 XLR stainless grey laminate in .30/30 and a Browning BLR lightweight in .308 Win.... while I agree that the Browning is a better gun from a fit and finish perspective, and .308 is a better caliber than .30/30... there is something about the Marlin that I like alot... in the bush, which is where I use it, it comes to my shoulder so perfectly and points so effortlessly... I keep hauling it out of the safe and waving adios to the BLR... go figure???
 
I had lots, 1 Win 94 30/30, 3 Marlin 336 30/30's, 2 Marlin 444's, Savage 99 in 308 Win, Win 88 in 308 Win and two Browning BLR 81's in 284 Win and 358 Win. I only have the Brownings now. I like them alot :D

The 358 get the nod when hunting ;)
 
The 94 terdy terdy that was slightly older than me got sold when the Marlin 336 in the
same caliber showed up. Nicer shooting, easier action and far better trigger. I figure
she was a life time keeper.
Then I stumbled across a BLR 81 in 358 and almost didn't bite. I preferred the
pistol grip rear wood and this one was the straight shank. This gal takes the spot.
Slick, easy/short lever throw, decent trigger and accurate. If funds come shy, the Marlin
will be sold first.
Remarkable, the Marlin with the 2x7x33 Redfield feels like it weighs the same as the
BLR 81 in 358win. May have to take both out in the bush, load them up and scale them.
Bet they are with in a few ounces.
The older Marlins are great rifles to give credit where it's due. Slightly cheaper if $$
are a concern.
If shooting past the couple hundred yard/meter, go with the bigger chambering.
 
I have and use both the 30-30 and the 308 when deer hunting.
If I am doing a lot of walking it's my model 94 30-30 or 44 mag. if I am at a watch for the day I like the BLR 308. Its a catch 22 situation, what sights do you like to use?
257Roberts
 
Some great choices listed here. A marlin in 35 remington would work too! Lets not forget about the 32 winchester special! Marlins look better with a scope than a 94 Winchester does. Personally unless your an excellent shot get a scope if your looking to shoot 150 yards.
 
Thanks for all the imput. I went and looked at the Marlin guide gun fits nice only comes in 45-70 so is that a good caliber? easy to find? So many choices so little money lol
 
mimmo said:
Thanks for all the imput. I went and looked at the Marlin guide gun fits nice only comes in 45-70 so is that a good caliber? easy to find? So many choices so little money lol
Click to expand...

Yes, the guide gun is a good choice. 45-70 is an excellent caliber as well. It's got some recoil though. Personally, if I was going to take the Marlin route I would just go with the Marlin 30.30.
 
Jmack1980 said:
Some great choices listed here. A marlin in 35 remington would work too! Lets not forget about the 32 winchester special! Marlins look better with a scope than a 94 Winchester does. Personally unless your an excellent shot get a scope if your looking to shoot 150 yards.
Click to expand...

A Winchester 94 in .32 Special was my first deer gun... I loved that gun, and had alot of success with it on whitetails... but like a "bonehead" I sold it to fund other gun projects... THREE YEARS before Winchester tanked the line! It tripled in value almost over night (it was mint)... I really regret selling that weapon (my son does too). :(
 
If you want to save money I would look at used levers. There are lots of used Marlins or other levers out there and better workmanship than the newer Remlins in my opinion.
 
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