what are the very best lever rifles?

Mr. Friendly

Mr. Friendly

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I'm thinking 30-30 and .45-70.

Also, the very best out there. that doesn't exclude those that tune an existing platform to make it better.

I know the BLR is the bees knees if you want something fast. I am considering their new take down as it's a sweet looking rifle.

I'm reducing my collection to a few finer arms rather than a lot of mediocrity.
 
Second choice for the 30-30 would be a JM built Marlin 336. In my experience, these will outshoot
the Winchesters.
Also much easier to mount optics if your eyes are tired [like mine, lol]
Regards, Dave.
 
In my honest opinion the Winchester's made by Miroku in Japan are the best mass produced firearms on the market today. The fit and finish and blueing are superb. They are expensive but worth every penny.

To me they are a true heirloom firearm. Should you acquire one I don't think you would be disappointed at all.
 
In .30-30, a Model 64 is the high water mark in my opinion. .45-70, a Turnbull would be the nicest followed by Browning repro or current Miroku. If you wear spectacles, then you need a Marlin, JM marked with no silly cross bolt safety.
 
A savage 1899 is really tough to beat in a 30-30 for what you can load, how it handles and accuracy.

And agreed, turnbulls 1886s are the best 45-70 lever currently made.
 
Any lever rifle, other than the Winchester model 1894, is a better choice in a lever gun. The new Miroku 1894s, while of superior build quality to any rifle in their class, are still a glorified 1894. Complicated, awkward, prehistoric firearms. Give me a Marlin 336, especially an older JM barrel stamped model, any day. Better design, easy to disassemble/reassemble, scope mountable, and more accurate in my experience with both rifles. JMHO.
 
woodlotowner said:
Any lever rifle, other than the Winchester model 1894, is a better choice in a lever gun. The new Miroku 1894s, while of superior build quality to any rifle in their class, are still a glorified 1894. Complicated, awkward, prehistoric firearms. Give me a Marlin 336, especially an older JM barrel stamped model, any day. Better design, easy to disassemble/reassemble, scope mountable, and more accurate in my experience with both rifles. JMHO.
Click to expand...

Some of the modern Marlins are so good thy can disassemble themselves without owner intervention!
 
Say what you will about design, accuracy, etc. But if there is a lever rifle that feels better in my hands than a pre-64 Model 94 I would like to know what it is.
 
Browning BLR's are truly beautiful rifles. As far as .45-70's and .30-30's go today, take a look at the Henry's. Their new .45-70 all weather (or whatever they are calling it) is pretty cool and their all blued version looks like a gem. The tube loading like a good ole .22 is kinda novel too. The old Marlins are becoming the holy grails and if you can find a nice one - SNAP IT UP. An old Marlin .444 or .45-70 is about the best for the money. Old Winchester 1886's are sweet. Save your pennies. I have always wanted a Winchester 1895 in .30-06 and .405 too, but I am not about to sell one of my children in order to buy one either.

Have fun picking out your new lever.
 
I have a miroku 1886 and it's a really nice rifle. The only complaint is the factory sights. The rifle that has my attention now is the new all weather Henry in 45/70 may have to pick one up when the wife and funds allow.
 
Pre-64 M94 .30/30... with all due respect to the Marlin-huggers...

Ahhhhh, we'll throw them a bone and say; "go with a Marlin 1895 for the .45/70... JMO stamped of course."
 
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