So trying to do a lot of research this is the problem that I have. I'm looking for a lever action, but I hear that they have a lot of problems because they have so many internal moving parts and so many screws, making them unreliable. I do not want a bolt action. So I guess my question is apart from a lever action what other semi-automatic is reliable? It seems everywhere I go somebody says don't buy one of those they have nothing but problems, or, the BLR is a good choice but they don't make them anymore.Can anybody help me decide whether lever actions are okay after all or should I go with a semi. BTW, looking for a 300 or 308.
Which hunting rifle should I get?
- Thread starter bearslayer56
- Start date
I am unsure where you are getting your information from or what your intended use is but I have many lever rifles that well over 100 years old and they have never missed a beat. If your looking for that gun for protection in the upcoming apocalypse a lever might not be for you, then I am not sure what will be.
SCG
SCG
Browning still makes the BLR and you can get it in 308 and 300 win mag, although personally any magnum cartridge is best suited for a bolt action. Other lever gun brands are fine, like anything else you get a bad one every now and then, the main reason some people say they are unreliable is they short stroke it, then it either doesn't eject properly, or doesn't pick up the next round properly and it fails to feed. I have had excellent experiences with the BLR, Winchester model 88, Marlin 336, and 1895.
If you go with a semi, Browning makes the BAR, Benelli has one too however the model escapes me right now. I have never used either one, I have heard good and bad on them, just like anything else. My Dad had a Remington 7400 carbine, 30-06, we did not enjoy that rifle, it was terrible for accuracy and it would jam a lot, we only tried a couple different brands of ammo, so maybe a different brand or load and it may have behaved better. Personally between a lever and a semi, I would go lever all day long.
If you go with a semi, Browning makes the BAR, Benelli has one too however the model escapes me right now. I have never used either one, I have heard good and bad on them, just like anything else. My Dad had a Remington 7400 carbine, 30-06, we did not enjoy that rifle, it was terrible for accuracy and it would jam a lot, we only tried a couple different brands of ammo, so maybe a different brand or load and it may have behaved better. Personally between a lever and a semi, I would go lever all day long.
That is what I would suggest too. If the budget is small, look for a used Model 99 in 308. (I say 308 because if the budget is a concern, ammo cost would also be a concern. Nothing wrong with 300savage, except for availability and cost.) If the budget is bigger - say, $1000-1400 range, than a BLR is hard to argue with - they have a very good reputation for accuracy compared to most other lever actions.
- Location
- Vancouver Island, BC
browning still makes the BLR and BAR. If you get a BLR, opt for the takedown model. It makes cleaning much easier. I've never taken any of mine completely apart, and have not have any issues.
Depending on your budget and plan, there are a few other reliable semis, such as the Sauer 303 (pricey though) and the benelli R1 (ARGO). Once in a while an older H&K slb2000 will pop up (there was one in 308 recently on the EE).
The benelli soaks up a lot of recoil. The downside is it only comes in a long action, so if you get a 308 you'll still have a long action rifle, if that bothers you at all. If your end goal is to shoot for groups, the R1 may not be the rifle for you, although it is more than accurate enough for hunting.
Depending on your budget and plan, there are a few other reliable semis, such as the Sauer 303 (pricey though) and the benelli R1 (ARGO). Once in a while an older H&K slb2000 will pop up (there was one in 308 recently on the EE).
The benelli soaks up a lot of recoil. The downside is it only comes in a long action, so if you get a 308 you'll still have a long action rifle, if that bothers you at all. If your end goal is to shoot for groups, the R1 may not be the rifle for you, although it is more than accurate enough for hunting.
If you do your part a lever will easily outlast you.
Clean it, keep it oiled and if you aren’t knowledgeable about their inner workings take it to someone who is if need be.
Most problems with levers are owner created by taking them apart and putting them together wrong.
Worried about loose screws, a bit of blue loctite goes a long way.
Semi’s are really no different as far as longevity and reliability.
I think a Browning BLR or BAR would work well for you but a short action 308 BLR would be my recommendation.
The BAR has a magazine which has to clip to a floor plate then swings in which I find a PITA.
Henry might have something to fit the bill as well (longranger?) but I’ve never played with one.
Clean it, keep it oiled and if you aren’t knowledgeable about their inner workings take it to someone who is if need be.
Most problems with levers are owner created by taking them apart and putting them together wrong.
Worried about loose screws, a bit of blue loctite goes a long way.
Semi’s are really no different as far as longevity and reliability.
I think a Browning BLR or BAR would work well for you but a short action 308 BLR would be my recommendation.
The BAR has a magazine which has to clip to a floor plate then swings in which I find a PITA.
Henry might have something to fit the bill as well (longranger?) but I’ve never played with one.
sillymike
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
To me, the only downside of a lever (when the Apocalypse is upon us) would be caliber availability (unless you find one in 223/308)
- Than again, if/when we get there, I'm sure there would be more interesting battlefield-pick-up available... so that's kind of a moot point.
- Than again, if/when we get there, I'm sure there would be more interesting battlefield-pick-up available... so that's kind of a moot point.
At that point it would be defending myself and I would want something like every military or swat team has, a semi or auto.
SCG
In my line of work, I’ve seen all manner of rifles. I’ve seen all action types and most calibers from 22 to .338 Lapua Magnum. What makes the difference the most is the man behind the gun and his knowledge of firearms, the care and maintenance that goes along with them. Yes, there are horror stories about particular rifles, but for the most part it comes down to operator error. Buy what you want. Find a rifle that suits you, fits well, and in a caliber you can shoot accurately. A well-cared for firearm will last generations. Want a lever-action, get one! Want a semi-auto, get one! Good luck to you and all the best!
If you don’t want a bolt gun..get a quality lever and be done with it. You cannot get more reliable than a bolt gun.
So get want you want and stop listening to hogwash. Get the gun and caliber that fit the game and hunt your are expecting to do. Most lever are chambered in short range cartridge. Bolt..anything you want for any conditions.
So get want you want and stop listening to hogwash. Get the gun and caliber that fit the game and hunt your are expecting to do. Most lever are chambered in short range cartridge. Bolt..anything you want for any conditions.
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Yes, but you won’t see troops going into battle choosing a lever over a semi. Never.
SCG
If you buy a quality lever action it will probably out live you just look at all the original Winchester levers made before the turn of the last century still going strong.These guns at that time were used as a tool in everyday life and are still going sttong
Get a hunting rifle you like and forget about worrying about the dammed Apocalypse - otherwise just buy yourself an SkS and go hunting !
Cat
As with any tool or piece of equipment, proper care and maintenance is key to keeping it operational.
Many quality, reliable lever actions out there that have been in use for more than 100 years.
Find the one that fits and feels comfortable to you, that is on a cartridge that you desire and go forth and enjoy years of adventures!
Hard to go wrong with the 308 Win.
Plenty of rifles to choose from: Browning BLR, Savage Model 99, Winchester Model 88 and Sako Finnwolf.
Ammunition should always be readily available, almost anywhere, and in a wide variety of bullet weights (most being 150, 165 and 180 gr) to accommodate various big game species.
Many quality, reliable lever actions out there that have been in use for more than 100 years.
Find the one that fits and feels comfortable to you, that is on a cartridge that you desire and go forth and enjoy years of adventures!
Hard to go wrong with the 308 Win.
Plenty of rifles to choose from: Browning BLR, Savage Model 99, Winchester Model 88 and Sako Finnwolf.
Ammunition should always be readily available, almost anywhere, and in a wide variety of bullet weights (most being 150, 165 and 180 gr) to accommodate various big game species.
