Suggestions for a lever action?

[MoeFaux]

I've got a Brownchester model 92 in .357 mag, and I absolutely love carrying it in the woods. It's short and light and effortless to carry. I replaced the original semi-buckhorn sight with a peep, and now it's quick and fun for short shots. I don't bother trying to stretch those iron sights very far, but when you can't see any farther than 60 yards in the woods, it's just perfect.

 

[MT_Fin]

if you’re choices, I would go with 44mag.

I’m getting my Henry X 357 set up to shoot something this year! In hindsight, I wish I would have gone with a 44.

 

[Drg]

Hello, I post quite a bit here, but that has a lot to do with the wealth of knowledge on here. In the world of tikkas and trijicons there are also lever guns.

I was wanting to get a lever gun to chase whitetails and black bears in the mountains next to my house in Kentucky. Shots are 100-125 (imagine Appalachian mountains) and in, maybe even less depending on where I’m hunting, but I cannot decide on caliber. I have a Winchester model 94ae 30-30 I bought at a pawn shop years back, but I’m wanting something new.

I’ve decided on Marlin Sbl series due to the weather resistant stainless, laminate, tritium sights and threaded barrel for a suppresser. Now I just need to decide on a caliber.

357
30-30
44 mag
45-70 Gov

I understand they all have their advantages. The 357 and 44 mag is lighter, shorter, and holds more rounds, but can be limited by range. I know a lot of people are not fans of pistol cartridges in rifles. I could also pair it with a revolver at some point because why not? The 30-30 shoots flatter, but that’s not a huge deal. A 30 caliber bullet has a higher chance of deflecting if it hits a twig. The gun is also heavier and longer as it’s built off the same action as the 45-70. Holds less rounds also. If I'm some where I think a long shot may be present I’ll grab the tikka or model 70. The 45-70 is a thumper, has the cool factor, shoots a little flatter than the pistol calibers, but the gun weights 30% more and ammo costs roughly 30% more as well. Also kicks like a son of a gun, and I’m just curious if that’s necessary if moose, elk, and no big bears are a concern.

What’s everyone’s opinion?

45-70 is my choice, especially since you already have a 30-30. The lighter 45-70 loads don’t kick much. Just pad yourself when shooting from the bench. And set up your sandbags so that you are sitting up straight and can roll with the recoil.

 

[OftenOutdoors]

Your 94 is probably all you need… but… I personally think the 336 is a nicer carry gun. I vote 336 in 35 Rem. Or find a lever gun in 38-55!

The 336 in 35 REM is a great answer.

 

[Hoghead]

I have 357, 44, 45lc, 375 win, 45-70 and 500 jrh
357 is funfest to shoot. 44 and 45lc are most versatile with available factory loads, I would say 45-70 is versatile too with cowboy loads and hot loads available. 500 is best for hogs with my dogs up close.

 

[Wmmichael20]

Don't know if anyone recommend it or not I'm a lever gun guy aswell, so far sporting,44mag,45/70,444marlin and 308marlin express, one i find intriguing now is the 360 buckhammer in the henry rifles, and I will have a Browning blr in something like 30/06 or if henry ever offers something bigger than 308 or more interesting than 6.5 creedmore in their long ranger.

 

[Bluefish]

45-70 especially if you reload. I have downloaded to run 400-500g subs which are pretty low recoil and quiet with a can. Great out to 100 ish yards. After that drop has to be taken into consideration.

If you want sonic, then load on the light end of bullet weight. A 444 Marlin will outrun the 45-70 in the lighter weights, but doesn’t quite have the versatility of you ever want to run the heavies.

I too want a 360 bh, but really want a Marlin, not a Henry, so still waiting. Not that Henry makes a bad rifle, just like my marlins better.

 

[lil' bear]

Henry model x in 360 hammer. Ranger point furniture, and trigger. APA muzzle break a and barrel tuner. Athlon ares 1-10x lpvo. Shoots factory 180gr tipped corelokts. 5 round groups will hold an inch.

 

[Taudisio]

Op, it’s been a few months and I don’t know if you made a selection yet, but I ordered a 357 lever gun to go with my 30-30 and 45-70. I have done all kinds of load workups and I can get factory 8” pistol muzzle velocities out past 150 yards. My plan is to sight it in at 125 yards for a 6” MPBR out to 150 yards. Not saying I intend to use it that far, but it will cover my needs for a woods walking gun with a fun range gun to boot.