what are the very best lever rifles?

Winchester 71 improved version of 1886 with an improved ejector which prevents primer protrusion into the firing pin hole and tapered locking logs both features for improved function with higher pressure loads and the 348 is a great hard hitting cartridge. I have had many and some have been very accurate others just decent hunting accuracy from 3/4 to 2"when my eyes were about 15 years younger. It smaller brother the Mdl 64 is fine carrying and in my experience very accurate lever gun. The Model 55 and 53 also get honorable mention as does any variant of the 1886 1894 or 1892.
 
Northern Boater said:
Winchester 71 improved version of 1886 with an improved ejector which prevents primer protrusion into the firing pin hole and tapered locking logs both features for improved function with higher pressure loads and the 348 is a great hard hitting cartridge. I have had many and some have been very accurate others just decent hunting accuracy from 3/4 to 2"when my eyes were about 15 years younger. It smaller brother the Mdl 64 is fine carrying and in my experience very accurate lever gun. The Model 55 and 53 also get honorable mention as does any variant of the 1886 1894 or 1892.
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Well known as my favorite :d

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The Marlin line up gets the nod from me. Their side ejection makes mounting optics easy, they are easy to disassemble which makes for simple maintenance, they feel nicely balanced, are very nimble in hand and are accurate shooters. I prefer the 32WinSpl, 35Rem, 308MX and 444Marlin; the calibers that are in between the 30-30 and 45-70. The 375Win is a nice calibre too but due to the lack of available factory ammunition it is now a PITA to own and shoot unless you hand load.
 
Sako Finnwolf, never owned one or even held one but they are one sweet looking lever. Too bad they are as rare as hens teeth and twice as expensive
 
Jabotinsky said:
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.
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Pity they're not making Marlins too.
 
freddyfour said:
Better yet is a model 1893 Marlin in 30-30, that square bolt is a thing of beauty.
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I have one of these with an octagon barrel, but the bore was toast. Sent it off to Ron Smith to make me a 38-55 out of it.
Supposed to be on it's way home as we speak. I'll post pics once it arrives. [The 38-55 was available in this rifle, so nothing
odd about the configuration] Dave.
 
Have to say 'BLR'

I guess the original post wasn't asking for best practical lever, but best one for collection(?). One thing to say about the subject that is not personal opinion but truth: tube magazines suck. Can only remove cartridges by cycling them through the action. Can't use high performance bullets except the 1st cartridge you put in the chamber. Your soft noses are all screwed up after a week of hunting.
My deer rifle as a teenager was a Win 94 in .32 SPL, and today still own a '93 Marlin in .38-55. Gotta admit, there's something about those old boys. And the carbines with open sights are really comfortable to carry. Not enough to offset the tube magazine though, or the out-dated chamberings.
BLR, Winchester 88, Savage 99, all had convenience and safety advantage of box or rotary magazines.

(This next part is opinion and sorry to say I've never shot the 88 - I do own its sister, the auto 100, though) Best of the bunch? BLR in short action, e.g. .243, .308. Followed by BLR in long action. Perhaps the 88 belongs in there somewhere but resale value and parts/availability may not be as good as with the Browning. Love the quality and finish of the Miroku products.
Sorry Savage fans, my own experience was not positive. Maybe some were better than the '70's .308 I had...
 
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