What is the oldest levergun...

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 11:19 pm

You've ever fired? What make and model was it? What caliber?

For me it is the Winchester 1892 in .25-20, made around 1914, so 94 years old.

I hope to someday shoot an original 1886, 1876, 1873, 1866 and Henry. Even better, I hope to someday own originals of each!

Meeteetse · Post by **Meeteetse** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 11:26 pm

My Winchester 30 WCF dated 1903. I also have my great grandfathers Winchester 1897 12 ga. that dates from 1899. . .

geobru · Post by **geobru** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 11:28 pm

1886 Winchester, 40-82, made in 1887.

airedaleman · Post by **airedaleman** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 11:55 pm

An 1881 Marlin in 45-70 with double set triggers. Sold it to my best friend back in the early 60's for the princely sum of $100.00! I disremember its serial number, but it WAS low.

Gun Smith · Post by **Gun Smith** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 12:11 am

Original 1873's in 32/20 and 38/40 that I now own. I do own several calibers of different original 1873, 76, 86, 92, 94 and 95 Winchesters, no replicas. Henrys and 66's, I wish! The 76 mfg. in 1880 is the oldest. ALL are fired often!
Ysabel, it can be done. It's taken me 7 years so far, and I'm not done yet.

44LVR · Post by **44LVR** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 12:38 am

My 1886 in 45-90 made back in 1891!

44

Jaguarundi · Post by **Jaguarundi** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 1:16 am

A 1881 Marlin factory lettered to 1889 in 40-60 Marlin originally.Later on in life Relined & Chambered in 45-70 Gov.

A fellow classmate at PCC Gunsmithing school bought the fair condition Rifle in 1987 for $300.With a little elbow effort he restocked and reblued(after reline to 45-70)to like new condition.Ain't nothing like a 26" octagon barrel.

JustaJeepGuy · Post by **JustaJeepGuy** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 2:28 am

A Marlin 1894 in .44 Mag., made in 1978.....I can't be the only one!

Edited: After reading two more pages, well, maybe I am the only one....

perry owens · Post by **perry owens** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 4:27 am

1886 in 40-65, made in 1887. Four digit serial #.
A big handfull of history and my favourite rifle - shoot it as often as I can.
Perry Owens

Pop Watts · Post by **Pop Watts** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 6:33 am

My 1872 Winchester made in 1889. Complete with Australian importers markings and a buffalo barrel. Calibre is 44-40.
Also have second year of production 1892 (44-40) and 1894 (38-55) that get shot a couple of times a year.
Just great fun to shoot - and I even enjoy looking at them.
Pop.

505stevec · Post by **505stevec** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 7:26 am

Alas, the oldest I ever shot was a 1965, I believe, Winchester Antique 30-30. My own. I own several repros but that doesnt count. Like Ysable I want to own a few though.

AndyM · Post by **AndyM** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 7:28 am

I own a Winchester 1892 in 32 wcf that was made in 1903

Borregos · Post by **Borregos** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 7:32 am

My Marlin 1889 in 44-40 made in 1892, a real joy to shoot and accurate too

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 7:42 am

my 1926 model 94 src 3030
my 1926 model 92 38-40
I have an 1871 rolling block in 38 rimfire
but cant see paying 4 bucks a round to shoot it!
Kid
this is a great post!
love seeing the old iron!

jdad · Post by **jdad** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 9:13 am

I guess this qualifies. It does have a lever. Marlin Ballard #3F "Fine Gallery", 1888 DOM

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 9:20 am

I would guess its my transitition Marlin 1893 in 30-30. I think its about 90 years old. Click on the pick below for the slide show

Old Time Hunter · Post by **Old Time Hunter** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 9:36 am

Winchester '73 made in 1881, .44-40

Buffboy · Post by **Buffboy** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 9:48 am

The oldest for me is my dads Marlin 1893 (shipped in 1900). My 2 are newer (1904 & 1905). My grandpa's 1894 may be older but I don't have an age for it and my brother has it so I can't check the serial number.

rangerider7 · Post by **rangerider7** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 9:49 am

1884 Winchester 1873 SRC 44-40.

w30wcf · Post by **w30wcf** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 10:17 am

1882 '73 Winchester .44 W.C.F.

w30wcf

Post by **Old Savage** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 10:20 am

Oldest I recall is a 54' Model 99 - two actually - a 250 and a 300, same year.

longarm4146 · Post by **longarm4146** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 10:53 am

My first year 1895 Marlin in 40-65, and '86 Winchester circa 1892 also in 40-65....have also shot an original Spencer using original ammo from 1860s that belongs to a guy in our cowboy club that collects Spencers. 6 out of the 10 rds actually went off....it was a hoot!

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 11:43 am

Well, it was either my very first Winchester 1894SRC in 30 W.C.F. that I was told was made in 1906, or a Winchester 1873 in 32 W.C.F. that was originally a rifle but had been cut down to a Trapper length. I don't have the serial numbers of these to verify their DOBs.

Joe

C. Cash · Post by **C. Cash** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 11:55 am

Not a repeater, but a 1910's Australian marked BSA Cadet in 32/20(originally in 310 Cadet of course).

Hillbilly · Post by **Hillbilly** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 12:17 pm

I have a 1894 Winchester that dates to 1913 and one from 1911...

Oldest shotgun in a M12 Winchester ,1919 vintage.

Hill

KCSO · Post by **KCSO** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 12:59 pm

A friend of mine was a Civil War carbine collector so I got to hande one of everything used in the Civil war and I got to fire 1 shot from a Spencer and 1 shot from a Henry both with original rimfire ammo. I have rebuilt and fired a lot a Burnside Carbine and I owned a 73 in 38-40 for quite a while. I also get to shoot an original Pacific Ballard a lot. In the Marlin line my earliest is an original M 1889 that I am working on but I have had a M92 Marlin in 32 everything and a M93 in 32-40. In lever gun shotguns I have had M1887 and 1901 Winchesters and my friend has a Stevens shotgun. We use to have a get together every spring at a friends farm where all the local collectors brought their odd stuff to shoot. Since I had a shop i ended up making cartridges for everything from a Maynard to a 11 MM belgian pinfire revolver so I have been real lucky in shooting the old guns.

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 1:11 pm

rjohns94 wrote:I would guess its my transitition Marlin 1893 in 30-30. I think its about 90 years old. Click on the pick below for the slide show

Cool slide show!

brucew44guns · Post by **brucew44guns** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 1:23 pm

I wish you had asked the question a little differently. It could have been-----"what is the gun you have owned the longest, and not fired yet"?. I'm the worlds worst about lusting for a gun, buying it, pampering it, not firing it. But my 1936 built 71 Winchester is the oldest I own, and have shot.

Peter M. Eick · Post by **Peter M. Eick** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 4:12 pm

I handled and dryfired an original iron framed 1860 henry which must have been made about 1862 but we did not have any rimfire 44 henry to fire in it. Neat gun though it is the reason I have an Cimarron Iron Frame.

Sixgun · Post by **Sixgun** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 5:48 pm

A 4-digit first model 1873 made in 1874. It shot pretty good too, but its no longer with me. Next in line is an 1878 Sharps Borchardt, made in '1878. (pictured in my Avatar) Thats a tackdriver and I'll most likely die with it. I turned that 1873, along with a few more into a new Jeep Rubicon a few years ago.

I currently shoot many Winchesters, Marlins, and Colts made in the 1880-1910 period and beyond. Those boys in that time period were not handicapped in the accuracy department either. They just had to "know" their rifle.

As far as older non-leverguns are concerned, I have shot many original Civil War Colts, Remingtons, Springfields, Manhattens, Smith & Wessons made in the 1860's, and others I can't remember. Below is that old 1840's English muzzleloading single shot pistol I fired last month.----------Sixgun

,

Civil War Remington .44 C&B,

cas · Post by **cas** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 5:53 pm

If non repeaters count, an 1878 Sharps Borchardt, made in '1878. (pictured in Sixguns Avatar).

horsesoldier03 · Post by **horsesoldier03** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 6:36 pm

Winchester 94 30-30 dated 1905

stinkycat · Post by **stinkycat** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 6:40 pm

An 1889 Marlin made in 1892, rebarreled and rebuilt into a 25-20 used it for squirrel hunting.

KirkD · Post by **KirkD** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 7:00 pm

This thread has some real beauties. Keep those photographs a-comin' boys. The oldest levergun I have ever fired was a Winchester Model 1876, shipped in 1882, and in 45-60 caliber. This particular rifle came out to Alberta with the very first settlers. It fired a 300 grain cast bullet at 1,300 fps. Here is a photo of the old classic ....

hfcable · Post by **hfcable** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 7:07 pm

spencer 56/52 probably made in late 1860's, early 70's.
next oldest would be either my Evans 44 or my 1878 Burgess 45/70.

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 7:15 pm

The oldest repeating lever action I've shot is my 1881 Marlin made in 1881, and chambered in .45-70 Govt.

POldest gun with a lever I've shot is my first year Ballard #4 Perfection built in 1875, and also in .45-70!

model55 · Post by **model55** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 7:22 pm

My model 55 made in 1929.

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 7:26 pm

Oldest repeater is my Dad's 1886/ 45-70 ( 1891). Oldest rifle is the 1873 trapdoor also pitured on top.

Just barely beat out Grandad's '73/ 32-20 ( 1893).

jb

airedaleman · Post by **airedaleman** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 9:17 pm

marlinman93 wrote:The oldest repeating lever action I've shot is my 1881 Marlin made in 1881, and chambered in .45-70 Govt.

POldest gun with a lever I've shot is my first year Ballard #4 Perfection built in 1875, and also in .45-70!

Vall, your 1881 looks like it is in the same configuration as theifle I had. How long is the barrel on the Ballard? They are a fine-looking pair of .45-70's

Big Goose · Post by **Big Goose** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 9:40 pm

The oldest lever gun that I regularly shoot is a 1860 Spencer 56-56 Infantry model- delivered from Spencer Repeating Arms Co. in May of 1863. I built a centerfire breechblock for it and killed a nice cow bison in October 2003,(I think that the picture is on "Leverguns at Home and in the Field" forum) and a couple of whitetailed deer as well. Also shoot my great Grampa's 86 Win. 45-70, made in 1889, a model 1894 Win 30 WCF, 1903, and my Mom's 1899 vintage 1893 Marlin in 30 WCF(she'll be 80 on her next birthday and went deer hunting every day this past November. She killed a bison with her 30-30 in 2005, one shot and kerflop!
Mostly I use old singleshot cartridge rifles though, 1868 trapdoor 50-70, Rem. 1871 roller 50-70, a couple of 1873 trapdoor 45-70s, though the 50-70 is my favorite caliber. Most all of the game, large and small, that I have harvested in the last 15 or so years has been with black powder and cast bullets. I also will admit a certain fondness for flintlock rifles and even more so with flint smoothbores..
Just some ramblings, Merry Christmas to all, Big Goose

hfcable · Post by **hfcable** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 10:38 pm

Big Goose, i am with you, and i even shoot a matchlock and a wheelock....i am in to replicating the past! i just want to know how it 'felt' to use those weapons back in those days.

iceman · Post by **iceman** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 10:53 pm

My 1941 mod 94 30 wcf. Someday I might find something older.

JerryB · Post by **JerryB** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 11:47 pm

Big Goose welcome to the forum sounds like ya;ll got some fine rifles.
The oldest lever that I have owned and shot I reckon would be the 1886 45-70 Winchester that I TRADED off years ago, I was young at the time and there was alot around. I reckon my '92 32-20 from 1917 would be next and I do still have that one since I bought it in 1954.

GEOFF · Post by **GEOFF** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 2:39 am

Ykid, great thread!

The oldest rifle that I have and have fired is my 1881 Marlin .45-70 factory letter says shipped 16 June 1883. Really like this gun, bought it this past summer and plan on shooting a silhouette match with it this winter.

Also have an 1881 Marlin in .40-60, fired 1000's of rounds with it. Believe it was made in 1888 but not shipped until 1889.

Marlinman93, I didn't realize you had such an EARLY 1881. That is pretty cool! Great to see some Marlins well represented!

Geoff

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 12:27 pm

airedaleman wrote:

Vall, your 1881 looks like it is in the same configuration as theifle I had. How long is the barrel on the Ballard? They are a fine-looking pair of .45-70's

Mike,
The #4 Ballard has a 34" half octagon barrel.-Vall

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 12:30 pm

GEOFF wrote:
Marlinman93, I didn't realize you had such an EARLY 1881. That is pretty cool! Great to see some Marlins well represented!

Geoff

That's one of three 1881's in my collection that are all between serial #900 and 1500.-Vall

GEOFF · Post by **GEOFF** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 2:07 pm

Vall,

That is SO cool!!

I always like to think that maybe even my 5000 range serial number, might be early enough in production that John Marlin would've been overseeing activities and checking on quality control and might've looked at my rifle.

I'd say as early as yours are, there is a VERY good chance John Marlin would've personally checked one of your 1881's out. He had a LOT at stake with the 1881 and was just basically getting started competing with Winchester and others and would've been VERY interested in the quality of his production.

That's part of the magic that you feel when you own an old, historic firearm!

Geoff

GANJIRO · Post by **GANJIRO** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 2:25 pm

My uncle's 1886 Winchester in 45/70, if I recall correctly it was a 1889 vintage. I fired this back in 1975.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 2:46 pm

A good friend and rare poster to this august ana rotates thru oldies like a kid thru a candy shop. I can't remember the models or years, but one was a very good condition Marlin in 45-70 with double set triggers. An 1890s of some sort. Sorry

I myself would someday like an old Marlin .22 shooter of some sort and perhaps a ancient Winny in 30WCF. My love of my 1895 .405 Repro has me lusting after an orginal. So little money, so many levers

I'm so close to Portland, I've really got to go to a show where Val has his stash displayed.

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 3:38 pm

BlaineG wrote:A good friend and rare poster to this august ana rotates thru oldies like a kid thru a candy shop. I can't remember the models or years, but one was a very good condition Marlin in 45-70 with double set triggers. An 1890s of some sort. Sorry I myself would someday like an old Marlin .22 shooter of some sort and perhaps a ancient Winny in 30WCF. My love of my 1895 .405 Repro has me lusting after an orginal. So little money, so many levers

I'm so close to Portland, I've really got to go to a show where Val has his stash displayed.

Blaine,
Let me know when you're coming and we'll go out for coffee or dinner afterwards! Your friend's MArlin was most likely either a 1881 if it was a repeater, or a Ballard. Those were the only Marlins that could be ordered with double sets.