Lever action rifle - fast action, western in appearance, suitable for deer hunting, in a more ubiquitous caliber, and of a quality build. Which one?

[.45Coltguy]

Many guns have a western feel, I think that the Winchester 94 has it the most. While it didn't see a lot of use in the winning of the west, it was one of the most popular guns right from its inception, and was used at the end of the west until the whole country was settled, right up until today. It was all the rage when the hot new cartridges (30-30 and 25-35) came out in 1895, and of course it had plenty of followers in it's original 2 "old reliable" cartridges, the 32-40 and 38-55. It's light and fast handling. It digests dirt and dust pretty well and is easily maintained on the trial.

The Marlin 1894 has a good amount of western feel too, this one being a Cowboy Limited model with 24" barrel chambered in 357 Magnum caliber. The original 1894s saw service in the west in limited numbers before it was officially closed, but like the Wincehster 94, remained a trusted companion as civilization crept into all the small towns and overtook the remaining wilderness.

The Winchester 92 sure feels western, but only if you drop the safety and convert it to half cock notch, like this Turnbull finished version. The 92 does have a lot of western appeal, and having a takedown version brings visions of riding on a train to reach the west.

The same that can be said about the 92 applies for newly made 1886 Winchesters, they just don't feel right with rebounding hammer and tang safeties. But chambered in 45-70, they do have a lot to offer, history wise.

I think that the gun is only half the equation, but the caliber is important too. A caliber with history is always interesting to me. 357 Magnum has plenty of it, and occasionally you find original 1892 rifles that have been converted in the caliber. This is interesting in its own right because ranchers and cowboys have always had an affinity for custom guns, and many were sent to the west and have been made since. I'd love to find an original 357 with a long-ago conversion.

I guess my vote goes for the Winchester 94 in 30-30 first, and second choice for the Marlin 1894 in 357 Magnum.

No wonder I like these lever rifles!!!

 

[Bazoo]

A pistol gripped Marlin fits me the best. .30-30 is good.
Haunt the stores and sale sites, lots of deer guns for sale now that deer season is over.

I like the feel of a pistol gripped 336 myself. They have a solid heft to them.

 

[Barnfixer]

I have a friend with a Browning BLR in .243, what a sweet rifle.

 

[Laphroaig]

To me, the holy grail of lever actions is the Model 71. Unfortunately, the .348Win is hardly ubiquitous.



My dad had one when I was a kid, but had to get rid of it to get a scoped rifle later in life. In those days, a man had 2 guns, a deer rifle and a shotgun. How I wish that he had kept it. I've sniffed around for one, but can't justify the cost for what would inevitably be a safe queen. It might set you back about $2500, but if I was the OP, I'd find a way to make it work.

 

[Ignition Override]

Woops: dreaded Doppelgänger . Help me find the stage exit....

 

[Ignition Override]

Whatever lever-actions closely resemble These in the trailer. And it's my very favorite movie theme, from a tender age 7 at a drive-in movie in Jackson MS ( "the Old 51").
Cool guns, cool security contractors.

The Magnificent Seven • Main Theme • Elmer Bernstein

Soundtrack from the 1960 John Sturges film "The Magnificent Seven" with Yul Brynner, Eli Wallach, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, Robert Vaughn, Horst Buchho...

www.youtube.com

 

[JDeere]

Early model 94s have served me well over the years. 30-30 and 38-55 have taken numerous deer. I still use my 30-30 for hog work...

 

[Miami_JBT]

Just get a Browning BLR. I have a non takedown model in .308 Winchester. Fantastic rifle.

 

[Lefty38-55]

The 92 does have a lot of western appeal, and having a takedown version brings visions of riding on a train to reach the West.

Up to you decide how much 'Western' appeal one is or what you want, but that 'train' comment reminded me of how many deer my Dad had shot with his ol' Win 55 take-down chambered in 30-30 Win.

Then again, I was on a moose hunt once in NH when the old man I was with knocked down a 1,000+ pound bull with a similar Win lever, also in 30-30, but using big roundnose 180-grain bullets. His also had a peep sight on it. The 1st shot dropped it to its knees, the 2nd shot finished it, both rounds hitting within 1-1/2" of each other ... not too bad for a 78-year old guy shootin' offhand! [FYI, the NH F&G gave me special written permission to accompany him on his hunt - no firearm - but only to carry his pack or gear due to his age. It was sooo cool, as I got to witness everything like it was my own hunt, less not pulling the trigger!].

 

[OLDE RETIRED COASTIE]

I trade for a Rossi R 92 , brand new stainless 16 inch barrel 38special/357 mag and also traded for a Rossi 20 inch barrel stainless 45 colt/454 casull, also brand new.
I reload for two out of three rounds , will also reload for the 454, but as of now do not.
Here in south Alabama, about the only things to hunt are gators, hogs, and really small white tail deer.
I have a Ruger Security Six, (still do not know why they quit building those pistols) and an Uberti EL PATRON, in 45 colt. But I have to say is much easier to aim and hit with the carbines, than the pistols.
But at 73, and no kids or friends to hunt with, I do not do much hunting anymore.

 

[d2wing]

Up to you decide how much 'Western' appeal one is or what you want, but that 'train' comment reminded me of how many deer my Dad had shot with his ol' Win 55 take-down chambered in 30-30 Win.

Then again, I was on a moose hunt once in NH when the old man I was with knocked down a 1,000+ pound bull with a similar Win lever, also in 30-30, but using big roundnose 180-grain bullets. His also had a peep sight on it. The 1st shot dropped it to its knees, the 2nd shot finished it, both rounds hitting within 1-1/2" of each other ... not too bad for a 78-year old guy shootin' offhand! [FYI, the NH F&G gave me special written permission to accompany him on his hunt - no firearm - but only to carry his pack or gear due to his age. It was sooo cool, as I got to witness everything like it was my own hunt, less not pulling the trigger!].
View attachment 1197960

Great story. That's a great idea. I am 76 and could use a gun bearer, LOL.

 

[OLDE RETIRED COASTIE]

yeah I could use a gun bearer, and a person to help tote the meat out

 

[OLDE RETIRED COASTIE]

but I am not into gator hunting, and have never done that

 

[MZ5]

Browning BLR. Love mine, they don't have the limitations inherent in tube-magazine cartridges, and are available in some of the most-ubiquitous centerfire rifle cartridges in existence (based on ammo sales data I can find):
30-06 Springfield, 308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 223 Remington. There are other chamberings, too.

Maybe a Henry Long Ranger? Don't have one, so only know what I see on their website.

 

[ThomasT]

My centerfire levers are in 357, 44 mag and 30-30. I have two 30-30s and really like shooting them. I made my first 30-30 deer kill a couple of years ago and the old round kills just fine. I am really sold on the round too.. Easy on powder and a common cup and core bullets are good enough. With the long case neck its a good round for lead bullets too. I just cast and loaded my first ever 30-30 lead bullet loads.

I have been looking to find a new Ruger made or even Henry 30-30 so I can get a 1/12 twist with regular non micro groove rifling for shooting lead bullets. I once used my Marlin 30-30 to shoot two bowling balls to giblets at 300 measured yards. It still hits hard at that range and I never missed a single shot.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

Winchester (Miroku) used to list a straight grip 16” 30-30, I think they called it the Texan.

Trapper. I have one. Easier to carry than a handgun.

 

[ThomasT]

I just got off of gunbroker looking at lever action 30-30 rifles and all the prices are crazy for them. I would really like one of the new Ruger built guns but there is no way I am going to shell out $1500-$2000 for one. And there are very few for sale. Even beater Winchesters are running $800 to $900 for guns made in the 70s and 80s. The same guns I had a standing offer for in the 80s of $100 for Winchesters and Marlins. And I bought a bunch of them too.

I never had a Marlin that was a bad shooter. Everyone one of them would group between 1.5 and 2.5 inches at 100 yards. Most time I shot them with open sights and Remington 170gr Express green box ammo. I wish I had of kept at least half of them.

I haven't heard much positive about the Rossi 30-30s. But I haven't seen one in person either so they may be better than I think. As mentioned here earlier and on a couple of other sites lever actions seem to be very popular now. Maybe people are losing their love affairs with ARs and other battler guns. Who knows.

 

[3Crows]

I just got off of gunbroker looking at lever action 30-30 rifles and all the prices are crazy for them. I would really like one of the new Ruger built guns but there is no way I am going to shell out $1500-$2000 for one. And there are very few for sale. Even beater Winchesters are running $800 to $900 for guns made in the 70s and 80s. The same guns I had a standing offer for in the 80s of $100 for Winchesters and Marlins. And I bought a bunch of them too.

I never had a Marlin that was a bad shooter. Everyone one of them would group between 1.5 and 2.5 inches at 100 yards. Most time I shot them with open sights and Remington 170gr Express green box ammo. I wish I had of kept at least half of them.

I haven't heard much positive about the Rossi 30-30s. But I haven't seen one in person either so they may be better than I think. As mentioned here earlier and on a couple of other sites lever actions seem to be very popular now. Maybe people are losing their love affairs with ARs and other battler guns. Who knows.

GunBroker is not the place to purchase a lever gun or a new Marlin at or below MSRP. A lot of the listings are by gougers, be it guns or ammo. Do not pay the pigs. I bought two new Marlins, a SBL and a GBL, and paid below MSRP for each. I am just buying a Rossi R92 and it is below MSRP also. I prefer to purchase my guns face to face, in my hands, for a look see. I am not going to pay the GB prices for resellers.

 

[ThomasT]

GunBroker is not the place to purchase a lever gun or a new Marlin at or below MSRP. A lot of the listings are by gougers, be it guns or ammo. Do not pay the pigs. I bought two new Marlins, a SBL and a GBL, and paid below MSRP for each. I am just buying a Rossi R92 and it is below MSRP also. I prefer to purchase my guns face to face, in my hands, for a look see. I am not going to pay the GB prices for resellers.

I agree. I very seldom ever buy or sell anything there. It used to be a good place to shop but its just grown too big. I still like to window shop. I signed up to be notified when Buds gets another base model Henry in stock. No case hardening and no goofy looking large loop lever. We have a local gun show coming up mid month and I may wonder over there and look around. I really like to go to those by myself so I don't feel so rushed.

I also just did an internet search for 30-30 ammo. Its widely available but you can expect to pay a minimum of $26 a box. Thats crazy. I am so glad I bought all the stuff to reload it with and have around 1200 component bullets on hand and am now casting bullets. I sized my bullets at .311 so they hopefully will shoot in my micro groove barrels. I have plenty of powder and a box of 500 once fired brass plus the brass from my loaded rounds.

 

[emb]

Whatever happened to the OP? Back when Marlin was Marlin, I bought a 450 1895 MXLR. What a great rifle (yes I know you can load a 45-70 to modern standards). It does not meet the OP's criteria in that I cannot find factory ammo or cases. Fortunately, I've always rolled my own. I know what "ubiquitous" means. I just don't understand his context.

 

[OLDE RETIRED COASTIE]

I tend to agree, the last two Rossi R 92s I traded for, straight across, no money,. One was to a local dealer, the other was at gun broker believe it or not.
I used to buy off gun broker, but after covid the guys on there went nuts, as far as prices go. And the same is happening at our local gun shows.
The last deal I got for a gun at a local gun show, was for a Ruger Security Six, 38/357 mag, for about 350. I thought was a resonable price. If you see em now they all
want about 500 for one.

 

[OLDE RETIRED COASTIE]

I have not seen a resonably priced 30-30 in years. I am not paying a new price for a gun that looks like it has been rode hard and put away wet.

 

[silicosys4]

Lets see, in the last two years I have purchased
3 pre 64 M94's, 2 in very nice shape, 1 with some finish damage but pristine bore, all for $800 each locally
1 antique Marlin 1894 in good shape in .32-20 for $650 online,
1 antique Winchester 1873 shooter in .32-20 for $600 locally
1 98% Browning 1886 SRC for $1500 online.
In the last few months I've seen several nice pre 64 94's for anywhere from $800-$1000 available online. Tempting if I didn't already have enough...for now.

I'd rather have this than anything new production for more $$$

Winchester Model 94 32 Special Carbine Lever Rifle .32 Win. Spl.

Winchester Model 94 32 Special Carbine Lever Rifle Nice original gun. Circa 1953 date Stocks have original flaking finish, should be touched up. Original thro

www.gunauction.com

How about a cool old 1894 saddle ring carbine shooter for $600? Heck, if this one is still around after the weekend I might have to scoop it up.
Edit: Too late. Sorry Y'all. I couldn't turn down a decent old SRC for $600

Listing not Found

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Or this one thats still got a lot of bluing left for $800?

WINCHESTER MODEL 94 CARBINE32 WIN SPECIAL for sale

WINCHESTER MODEL 94 CARBINE32 WIN SPECIAL for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

This one certainly has the old west vibe.

Winchester 94 Pre-64 lever Rifle .32 W.S. for sale

Winchester 94 Pre-64 lever Rifle .32 W.S. for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

They are out there

 

[OLDE RETIRED COASTIE]

I am now 73, and my two granddads, taught us at an early age (I was 10) how to shoot, load and unload Winchester and Marlin lever guns. None of those old guns had safety's.
Only what was between your ears. I was taught that was the best safety anyway

 

[OLDE RETIRED COASTIE]

you must have a very understanding wife, and a really good income. I get to buy one gun a year. Two if I am lucky