what are the very best lever rifles?

It's hard to beat a Savage 99 they feed so well from the rotary mags and shoot very well, the lighter models are very handy and accurate.
They have the ability to shoot spitzers and mount a scope low over the reciever.
BB
 
Like others, I have a collection I'm pretty happy with:

- 1940 Winchester 94 30 WCF
- Browning BLR .308
- 1940's Savage 99 in 250/3000
- Browning BL-22

Next up will be a Marlin JM stamped .45/70 and then I'll have my top 5 favorite levers. Just don't ask me to pick a favorite.
 
bigbull said:
It's hard to beat a Savage 99 they feed so well from the rotary mags and shoot very well, the lighter models are very handy and accurate.
They have the ability to shoot spitzers and mount a scope low over the reciever.
BB
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I've had the likes of a couple of 99 Savages and Winchester 88's, but to my eye, a lever gun doesn't 'look good' unless it has a hammer showing. Nothing really 'against' those' fore mentioned Savage and Winchester models, just that I prefer the look of the exposed hammer on lever guns.
 
Model 64 30/30 and Model 86 lightweight 45/70.
For those wanting to go more modern, a Model 336A 30/30 and a mid-seventies vintage 1895 45/70.
 
Mr. Friendly said:
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.
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IMO,...I would go for a Browning BLR model 81 chambered in .358win. The 81 has some-what of a traditional appearance and the 358 Winchester has some nostalgia to it, and is a very effective killer for any animals you will hunt in Canada. The only problem with the 358win is ammunition availability if you don't reload. A BLR 81 in 308 or 7mm-08 may be better for those who shoot factory ammo only. If you want the thump of a big bore the BLR 81 also comes chambered in 450 Marlin, but again 450 ammo is not too common.
You asked "what are the very best lever rifles",.. so IMO it is a short action BLR 81... weighs 6.8lb,...40" long,...detachable magazine,...action as smooth as butter,...and comes in a wide array of calibers.
I have a BLR Pistol Grip model in 358win, and a Model 81 in 284win and like them both very well, they are MOA accurate, and I have had zero issues with either,..I like the way the 81 handles a bit better than the PG.

,,,,.....well, there ya have it, my 2 cents worth,..lol.
 
May i introduce you to the Stainless Browing BLR takedown in .308. Handy, magazine fed hence quick and easy to load / unload, easy to pack.....Topped off with a Leupold 2.5x IER scope. If you want a little more oooopphhh, get it in .358 - or one of the other many calibers available. Short action calibers are best in the BLR; shorter receiver, more balanced.

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Mr. Friendly said:
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.
Click to expand...


The Henry's are very nice. I own both calibers of one. Also had a Jm stamped 45/70. Sorry I sold it
 
Just bought a 1895SBL after looking at every lever under $1500.

Love everything about it and the Barnes VOR-TX Ammunition 45-70 Government 300 Grain Triple-Shock X Bullet Flat Nose are amazing ammo for it

Total blasphemy moment as I pull my red dot sighted copper bullet shooting lever out LOL
 
I have just skimmed through this, but I don't think anyone has posted my thought on it.
The OP asked what are the very best lever rifles.
My short answer is lever action rifles in calibres that produce a maximum of 40,000 pounds of pressure.
The rifles that created the great love affair for lever actions are all in the 30-30 class. Even the once famous 405 Winchester comes within the category of a maximum of 40,000 pounds.
I know, there are a great many people who think the 308 W calibre in Browning levers and the 88 Winchester, etc., are the clear cats meow, but they are certainly not my favourites.
It was this type of cartridge in levers, and some auto loaders, that cause the need for small base dies.
The lower pressure cartridges don't expand the brass enough to cause any trouble, thus they feed and work flawlessly in good lever actions.
 
I have to agree with H4831 take on things. The lever mystique, if such even exists, are for the traditional collectable Winchesters. These are rifles that are tube fed, exposed hammer, and are special models or options. A nice 66 with a long barrel and good finish is expensive and most would not hunt it due to its value. The big bores will kick some indeed. The 30-30 class are down right fun and the 32-20 types are more fun than a 22LR for an afternoon of plinking. My Miroku 92 long rifle takedown is a sweetheart but I doubt it will ever be collectable. If you handload you don't need advice from me. If not pick cartridges that are common 30-30, 45-70, 44 mag, 357 mag.

If planning to use the rifle for the best hunter I would suggest a nice pre-64 94, Browning repro, or early 336 carbine in 30-30 and a receiver sight. For moose and deer a Marlin big bore in 45/70 or 444 works. If scoping go for a JM Marlin.
 
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