Lever Guns & Arthritis

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Mike1234567

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Howdy Folks,

I've been developing arthritis in all my joints for a long time now. It doesn't stop me from doing most things but...

I recently purchased several lever rifles. Working the levers, even just one time, has become fairly painful and very painful with just a few cyclings. I find that I prefer using the crook of my thumb instead which is somewhat slower than the conventional method.

Any ideas? Maybe I should just sell the lever rifles?:confused:
 
Would it be worth find a cowboy action type smithy and have him slick up the rifles action. Maybe a short throw lever too. I got to handle one a couple years back that moved like no lever rifle I ever felt .
 
That's a good idea but I'd probably do the polishing myself because I'm not a wealthy guy... well okay, I'm just a cheapskate.

The thing is the actions don't feel coarse at all so I don't know how much it would help. I think much of it is just the spring action especially as the hammer is cocked. Maybe some smoothing of sharp-edged contact points of the action would help??

BTW, if it makes any difference, these are pre-Remington Marlins: 336/.30-30, XL7/.30-06, and XL7/.270 Win. The 336 has seen just a little use (looks nearly new) but the other two don't appear to have ever been shot at all.

ETA: Another thing that's particularly disheartening is that I really want to buy a couple more lever rifles: 45-70 and .44 Mag but now I'm having to reconsider.
 
Grasssnake... I don't know. Other than my grandpa's antique Winchester 32-20 I've never handled any other lever rifles. I need to dig out that old Winchester and work the action a few times. Maybe that'll give me a hint of what to do.
 
Changing the geometry of the lever/hand/shoulder might help. I would try shortening the LOP by 1" or so and trying that. Also, as far as LE .22s go, the Browbing BL-22 has such a short throw that I don't even move my thumb, but simply flick my fingers. I don't know if there are any centerfire LEs with shorter than average throws...
 
Regarding shortening the throw... wouldn't that make the problem worse (for me) because the pain is in my finger joints? The process of using the backs of my fingers to push against the loop to open the action is painful. Would shortening the throw increase the pressure needed to open the action?

Please forgive my ignorance but what does the acronym "LOP" stand for?
 
While the 1873 Winchester by Uberti is not chambered for elephants, the 357 and 45 Colt is decent. Mine is shortstroked and tuned. I place the thumb on top of the stock and simply flick my fingers. Thumb stays on top. Just flick the fingers. Very little pressure needed.
I have arthritis in the base of my thumbs but after two Aleve I can get 10 rounds off in about the low 3 seconds. Really. A few years back I was clocked at port arms, and at the buzzer, hit a 16"x24" at 7 yards ten times in 2.84 seconds. Bi.....Bummer getting old.

The Winchester has a "toggle action". You cannot get a 92 or 94 that smooth. Marlin can get awful close.

Go to the nearest cowboy match, walk up to someone and ask to see the slickest '73 they got.
 
Maybe some lever guns have easier actions or, more likely, I've just lost too much strength in my hands... but I definitely can't flick my fingers to operate the actions on these Marlins.

Are you folks saying I can massage the Marlin actions to be FAR, FAR easier? If so, that makes me very happy and all I'll need is to find some detailed "how to" information.
 
Jeff... Are you saying I can install big loops on my Marlins? That sounds like it may help. Must I order them from Marlin (Remington) or are there other sources. Where's the best (cheapest) source?
 
lever actions and arthritis

Over the past two years I have experienced a quickening of the effects of arthritis in all of my joints. I think it is time for you to sell the levers and get a semiauto or a bolt. It is my experience that the arthritis will continue to advance; and, although you may now be able to use a thumb in the future you will experience pain and weakness. A bolt action may even be easier in the long run. I base my opinion on shooting models 71, 94 and 99.
 
I've been bashed a lot for saying I don't like them.
Your position has been challenged due to your unfounded hatred of leverguns, having nothing to do with any physical limitations. Don't go playing the victim now. To be honest, I'm baffled that you can even participate in a levergun thread without trashing it. Now you're an authority on them? You wrote this back in May:
"I've never owned a lever gun unless you want to count my BB gun and most likely I never will."

What Jeff really thinks about leverguns...
"I don't want to rain on your parade but I see almost no reason to buy a lever gun except nostalgia and even that has been overblown."
"I'm beginning to think "lever love" is a mental disorder."
"Personally I don't like lever guns at all."


http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=603007
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=594571
 
I appreciate the advice provided so far, guys. Thank you. How many of you folks with arthritis have tried both the standard loops and big loops... or know someone else who has? Please chime in with your experiences. Does anyone know where I can buy big loops for Marlins for less than $90?
 
Okay, I feel pretty stoopid now.

I opened the Marlin XL7's and, well, I thought they were lever guns. Of course, they're not. I'm both disappointed and relieved... if that makes any sense at all. I prefer lever action rifles over bolts but the latter are easier for me to use these days. Heh... this is one rare time that my ignorance actually worked in my favor, LOL!!

So... the .30-30 is my only lever action rifle. It's really very nice but I'll probably just sell it now that I know my hands have deteriorated this much.

Thanks everyone, for your advice. And I'm sorry for my kunfyoozhun regarding the XL7's.
 
Pick up a Remington 141 or 760 and see if the pump action is less stressful, is for me!
That's an idea. I've never tried a pump action rifle... will have to give it a try.:)

ETA: I "may" start a new thread inquiring about pump action rifles but I want to do a proper search first.
 
Henry has a 22 LR lever action that has a very light and smooth lever. I know this doesn't let you use what you own but it may be a way to still enjoy lever actions.

Another completely off the wall thought if you are talking about using your own lever actions. Have you thought about fashioning some sort of simple handle right angle tool or something you strap to your forearm than can hook the lever to open and then you can use your palm to close? Obviously assumes it's something safe that can't catch the trigger. I know it's not ideal but maybe it gets the job done.

I'm in my 40s and am starting to notice less than desirable physical changes.
 
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