I expect you will enjoy whichever you choose, lever action rifles are a lot of fun, I really think they are a great first rifle option, especially a .22 for plinking. Living in a rural area, if I am just in the mood for some plinking, I grab my .22 lever, walk outside, setup a few targets and tin cans, and start working that lever action. Super fun, and super cheap to run!
Suggestions for my first lever action rifle?
- Thread starter Nibe
- Start date
I expect you will enjoy whichever you choose, lever action rifles are a lot of fun, I really think they are a great first rifle option, especially a .22 for plinking. Living in a rural area, if I am just in the mood for some plinking, I grab my .22 lever, walk outside, setup a few targets and tin cans, and start working that lever action. Super fun, and super cheap to run!
Annealing the .45 cases helps a bit on blowback, too.
I like the 92's too. Very strong, quick handling and easy carrying. A bit more complex internally to strip and reassemble, than the '73. But, easily mastered.
Nibe: If you can find a Rossi 1892 in .357...these are really fun and inexpensive little rifles. I haven't seen any new Rossi rifles on the market for a few years. But, rumour has it that the plant is up and running again. So hopefully they should start appearing again.
I agree...the long '94 action is ill suited to short, pistol length cartridges. I have yet to see one that works reliably. A '92 or '94 Marlin is a far better choice.
I like the 92's too. Very strong, quick handling and easy carrying. A bit more complex internally to strip and reassemble, than the '73. But, easily mastered.
Nibe: If you can find a Rossi 1892 in .357...these are really fun and inexpensive little rifles. I haven't seen any new Rossi rifles on the market for a few years. But, rumour has it that the plant is up and running again. So hopefully they should start appearing again.
I agree...the long '94 action is ill suited to short, pistol length cartridges. I have yet to see one that works reliably. A '92 or '94 Marlin is a far better choice.
freddyfour
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Brant County, Ontario
I will second Alex on the Rossi's. I have had 4 of them and all where great for the price. No where near as pretty as most others but the are light, reliable and a lot of fun to shoot.
freddyfour
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Brant County, Ontario
I have or have owned a few of each of these:
Uberti 1860
Uberti 1866
Uberti 1873
Rossi M92
Win 94 SRC(all pre 64)
Browning BL22
Marlin 336
Out of all of them, my Marlin 336 is by far my favorite. Partly because it is also my main hunting rifle so it gets the most practice. It took a few years to settle on the Marlin, was the last lever type I purchased of the lot. Wish I would have started there, would have saved me some money!
Uberti 1860
Uberti 1866
Uberti 1873
Rossi M92
Win 94 SRC(all pre 64)
Browning BL22
Marlin 336
Out of all of them, my Marlin 336 is by far my favorite. Partly because it is also my main hunting rifle so it gets the most practice. It took a few years to settle on the Marlin, was the last lever type I purchased of the lot. Wish I would have started there, would have saved me some money!
freddyfour
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Brant County, Ontario
I prefer the 336's for the 70's era. They have slimmer stocks and handle more like a Win 94 but a smoother action.
If you do a pre 64 Winchester 94 look for one that has two screws on the left upper side of the chassis. Then you can install a Williams Peep site - which can be adjusted for windage and elevation. I found the williams peep site produces smaller groups in comparison to the buckhorn or semi buckhorn sights. You could find this model in 30-30 or 32 Special.
The Miroku made Winchester 94 does not have a cross bolt safety like the Marlins, it has a tang mounted safety behind the hammer, also the Miroku Winchesters have gone up 30% in the last couple of years, I bought a used one for $850 three years ago, also good luck in trying to find one in 30-30 new at the present time!
I would look for a 336 for hunting. Kind of am,actually. Higher performance, a Henry in 30 cal something. Cool factor, colour case hardened oct barrel big bore with cast bullets, not sure of the brand but if $$ isn’t a problem get something that looks good and functions smooth.
- Location
- Southern Vancouver Island
I've had numerous Marlins over the years that worked just fine for hunting & target shoots, but my favorite lever guns are the model 86, 92 & 94 Winchester pattern rifles. The buggers carry and handle best for me. The Rossi 92's are easy enough to tweek and are strong actions. I should've kept my Win 94 Legacy in .357 mag that was a stellar performer for me in CAS shoots. Not a hiccup using 357 brass & 158 gr Keith type boolits.
Me 45-70 Pedersoli 86/71 and Rossi RH in .45 Colt be my favorite big lead tossers & they are rather accurate to boot.
Pity that Winchester never adopted the .35-30 wildcat from around 1900. Tis a natural replacement for .35 Rem in a Win 94 action and can launch 270 gr hardcast boolits to 1600 fps and still feed through the action. I'll gladly take a fresh Miroku Win 94 in .35-30.
Me 45-70 Pedersoli 86/71 and Rossi RH in .45 Colt be my favorite big lead tossers & they are rather accurate to boot.
Pity that Winchester never adopted the .35-30 wildcat from around 1900. Tis a natural replacement for .35 Rem in a Win 94 action and can launch 270 gr hardcast boolits to 1600 fps and still feed through the action. I'll gladly take a fresh Miroku Win 94 in .35-30.
Nibe: Of all the various rifle/carbine models currently under production, the Winchester Deluxe Sporting models(1873, 1886) will likely retain their value over the rest. Octagon or half-octagon barrel, premium wood and deep case hardening, to name some of the most attractive features. Build quality and attention to detail are excellent, with these rifles. In my view, they likely won't perform any better than other models in the line, ie: Short rifle, Sporter, Carbine, etc. But they are very attractive, and that attracts interest.
Another rifle: Henry 1860. These rifles feature excellent build quality and attention to detail. With a price commensurate with that quality. The engraved versions are very tastefully done and beautifully finished. Perhaps not the fine engraving seen on a Purdey, but surprisingly good for an American-made,custom-shop rifle. Though the Henry 1860 may appeal to a limited number of people, for those who do appreciate their classic lines, these rifles should hold their value very well. The 1860(in Uberti models, too), are a unique and fun rifle to own and shoot. Sure to attract a lot of attention, whenever brought out.
Some folks may disagree, but I believe the high-end Pedersoli 1886 Sporting Rifle and 86/71 rifle(I have one of these...excellent rifle), should also hold their value very well. Build quality and materials in these rifles is top notch.
I see the Marlin 336 has had a few mentions in previous posts. These have always been great performers. If you get the chance, take one out for a range session. See whether you like how they handle. Likewise, Marlin 1894. In .357/38, these rifles are a perennial favourite among many shooters. Also worth a look.
Can get confusing with all the choices out there. My advice: Shoot and handle as many of the different makes and models in the calibers you like. Before making a choice. You can't go wrong with any of the offerings suggested in this thread. Ultimately, it will be the one you like best.
And keep on asking those questions. There are a ton of very knowledgeable folks on this forum, willing to share their information and help you make the right decision.
Al
Another rifle: Henry 1860. These rifles feature excellent build quality and attention to detail. With a price commensurate with that quality. The engraved versions are very tastefully done and beautifully finished. Perhaps not the fine engraving seen on a Purdey, but surprisingly good for an American-made,custom-shop rifle. Though the Henry 1860 may appeal to a limited number of people, for those who do appreciate their classic lines, these rifles should hold their value very well. The 1860(in Uberti models, too), are a unique and fun rifle to own and shoot. Sure to attract a lot of attention, whenever brought out.
Some folks may disagree, but I believe the high-end Pedersoli 1886 Sporting Rifle and 86/71 rifle(I have one of these...excellent rifle), should also hold their value very well. Build quality and materials in these rifles is top notch.
I see the Marlin 336 has had a few mentions in previous posts. These have always been great performers. If you get the chance, take one out for a range session. See whether you like how they handle. Likewise, Marlin 1894. In .357/38, these rifles are a perennial favourite among many shooters. Also worth a look.
Can get confusing with all the choices out there. My advice: Shoot and handle as many of the different makes and models in the calibers you like. Before making a choice. You can't go wrong with any of the offerings suggested in this thread. Ultimately, it will be the one you like best.
And keep on asking those questions. There are a ton of very knowledgeable folks on this forum, willing to share their information and help you make the right decision.
Al
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They are hoping for mid to late 2021.
I've only got 3 lever guns, a Winchester 94 in 30-30 (pre-64), Marlin 94 in 44mag, and a Marlin 1895 in 444 marlin.
Hard to say which I like the most as they are equally fun to shoot.
But if we were only allowed to own 1, it would be the hardest to give up the 444.
Hard to say which I like the most as they are equally fun to shoot.
But if we were only allowed to own 1, it would be the hardest to give up the 444.
Stuck in the shadow of the 45-70 as it has been all these years, I've always felt that the .444 has never been given the respect it deserves. It's a potent performer as a deep woods rifle. Particularly when matched to the Marlin 1895. Great rifle. Great cartridge. To quote our friend Hickok45: "Life is good".
