Which first lever action?

Sigchaser · Post by **Sigchaser** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:07 am

Hi everyone, I have finally made the decision that I need a lever action. I have shot a few before, and liked the general handeling of them. I am not new to firearms and have a small collection including an old model Ruger Vaquero in 45 Colt. The rifle will be used mostly for range fun, but would also see some use as a trail gun, and possibly as a truck/car gun with self defense in mind. I would like it to be carbine length and to be of sufficient caliber to handle the duties that I described. So what do you guys suggest? I was looking mostly at Marlin 1895's and reproduction Winchester 1892's, but I am open to others as well if you can tell me why its better. Thanks for any help you give me.

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:30 am

Sigchaser wrote:Hi everyone, I have finally made the decision that I need a lever action. I have shot a few before, and liked the general handeling of them. I am not new to firearms and have a small collection including an old model Ruger Vaquero in 45 Colt. The rifle will be used mostly for range fun, but would also see some use as a trail gun, and possibly as a truck/car gun with self defense in mind. I would like it to be carbine length and to be of sufficient caliber to handle the duties that I described. So what do you guys suggest? I was looking mostly at Marlin 1895's and reproduction Winchester 1892's, but I am open to others as well if you can tell me why its better. Thanks for any help you give me.

Sigchaser,
Welcome to the forum.

Since you are somewhat familiar with lever actions I'll suggest a pre angle eject Mdl 94 Win in 30-30.
Why? Because I am prejudiced for that model. They are simple, durable, accurate, easy to carry, and will do everything you mentioned. Also the ammunition can be had every where.

Joe

Post by **Old Savage** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:37 am

Marlin, Winchester or Rossi in 45 Colt. Check out StevesGunz

shawn_c992001 · Post by **shawn_c992001** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:41 am

May I suggest a Marlin 94 Cowboy also in 45 Colt to go along with the Vaquero. Simple ammo interchangability.

Sigchaser · Post by **Sigchaser** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:42 am

Old Savage wrote:Marlin, Winchester or Rossi in 45 Colt. Check out StevesGunz

Actually one of the guns I tried was a Rossi 45 Colt, I likie it but the safety seems out of place. Can you get them without the safety? Or with a different one?

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:52 am

Old Savage wrote:Marlin, Winchester or Rossi in 45 Colt. Check out StevesGunz

Welcome!!

I agree with OS, a Steve's Guns Rossi in .45 Colt!

shawn_c992001 · Post by **shawn_c992001** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:55 am

Some one makes a plug to do away with the safety.

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:58 am

Sigchaser wrote:
Old Savage wrote:Marlin, Winchester or Rossi in 45 Colt. Check out StevesGunz
Actually one of the guns I tried was a Rossi 45 Colt, I likie it but the safety seems out of place. Can you get them without the safety? Or with a different one?

The early Winchester 94AE had only the rebounding hammer action. They added the cross bolt safety in 92 I think. Then the tang safety in ''04.

Marlin added their CB safety in the 80s so all their 45 Colts are so equipped.

The most recent Rossi's or LSI and all other brands made by that company now have the safety widget on the top of the bolt. You have to go back several years to find them without the safety.

The least offensive safety is Marlins CB safety. It's easy to ignore, and can be easily replaced with the Clyde Ludwig replacement kit.

One comment on the .45 Colt chambered lever guns. They can be VERY picky about ammo. And they can be VERY VERY picky about feeding different bullet shapes.
From my experiences, the Winchester 94AE and the Marlin 1894s are the least finicky about feeding. My one Rossi was no good lemon that had to go back to the factory repair center to be overhauled just so it would feed factory ammo.

The 30-30 chambered lever guns are much less picky. That's why I suggested it.

Joe

Sigchaser · Post by **Sigchaser** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 11:11 am

I don't mind safeties in general I just found the Rossi safety particularly ugly. The two calibers that I was looking at the most happend to be the 45 colt for as you guys said a common caliber, and the 30-30 because I have heard good things about it.

Post by **Old Savage** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 11:33 am

Sideways to my initial suggestion is a 357 in any of the above. Gives you another cartidge option - ammo is cheaper. Just a thought to compare.

O.S.O.K. · Post by **O.S.O.K.** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 11:56 am

Check this out - only 3 hours left on this auction but it's what I'd recommend given your parameters:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =104315790

Price is good for this model IMHO.

Here is another excellent option: (6 days left)

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =104629855

I'm not endorsing these auctions - just pointing out examples of what I'd recommend for you.

Lefty Dude · Post by **Lefty Dude** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 11:57 am

Buy a 92 from Steve's Guns, have him slick it up and do away with the ugly safety. The gun has the half-cock safety as the original. Get one in 44 mag., ammo always available, or 45 LC.
This is one of the best truck guns out there, outside of a 30-30 trapper.

If you get the 30-30, try and find a trapper.

Post by **Old Savage** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 12:10 pm

The presafety 357 in Nanticoke is a good option, I will watch that one since I have one like it. That one is a very good buy right now but I will be interested to see what it goes for.

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 12:18 pm

Top Gun

= .30-30 Trapper

Post by **Old Savage** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 12:24 pm

30-30 Trappers come with hen's teeth these days - I have seen one in the last 10 years and the gun shop owner's son kept that one.

GonnePhishin · Post by **GonnePhishin** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 6:44 pm

30-30 Trappers come with hen's teeth these days - I have seen one in the last 10 years and the gun shop owner's son kept that one.

Old Savage- Can you clarify just what does "comes with hen's teeth these days" mean?

UncleBuck

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 7:00 pm

UncleBuck wrote:30-30 Trappers come with hen's teeth these days - I have seen one in the last 10 years and the gun shop owner's son kept that one.

Old Savage- Can you clarify just what does "comes with hen's teeth these days" mean?

UncleBuck

You can purchase the 30-30 Trappers as often as you can hen's teeth.

Hens do not have teeth.

"As rare as hen's teeth" is, or used to be, a common colloquialism.

Post by **Old Savage** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 7:15 pm

A take off on just what you said. A humorous twist if you will.

Post by **Old Savage** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 7:17 pm

Tycer, if you are not going to get my humor I am just going to go back to putting attractive women in my posts.

don't know this one though.

angryman · Post by **angryman** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 7:21 pm

I got no problem with that!

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 7:28 pm

Welcome to the fire!

If you want a lever-action that shares a common round with a revolver, I'd go with a '92 or clone in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum or 45 Colt. Just depends on what round you like, may already have a handgun in, or want to get a handgun in. All will do just about anything you'd want of a handgun round, and perform even better in a carbine or rifle-length longarm. All are also great platforms for reloading.

The issue has been hashed out here frequently, but the common consensus is that the Winchester 1892 action is the stongest one available (compared to the Marlin action - but this will too handle these rounds with ease).

If you want a rifle caliber, or matching it to a handgun is not important, go with the .30-30 WCF. The .30-30 WCF round in a levergun, namely the Winchester model 94, has taken more deer in North America than any other rifle/round combination. Hard to go wrong there!

Good luck - let us know what you get!

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 8:14 pm

Old Savage wrote:Tycer, if you are not going to get my humor I am just going to go back to putting attractive women in my posts.
.

Now wait aminnit, I got the humor, I was trying to enlighten Uncle Buck.

AN I GOT A PROBLEM WITH THOSE GIRLIE PIX.......keep yer finger offin the dang trigger 'til yer sights are on target!

Post by **Old Savage** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 8:29 pm

Now that one I don't get, to big a leap for me.

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 9:37 pm

Old Savage wrote:30-30 Trappers come with hen's teeth these days - I have seen one in the last 10 years and the gun shop owner's son kept that one.

I see one every time I look in the closet .......

Joe

JerryB · Post by **JerryB** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 9:50 pm

Welcome to the forum and I'll go with the Rossi 92, I have one in .357 and a .45 Colt, also an old Winchester 1892 32-20. Check Steve's guns and see what he has,give him a call he is great to talk to, alot of real help.

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:25 pm

I'm old school. If you already reload .45 Colt, then go with that. IMO a STAINLESS NKJ Tuned Rossi would be teh shizzle... and a mondo/nearly indestructable truck gun.

After you've shot that for a bit, you can jump to other calibers.

Post by **Old Savage** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 10:32 pm

Joe you lucky fellow - now send it to me!!

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 7:01 am

Tycer wrote: AN I GOT A PROBLEM WITH THOSE GIRLIE PIX.......keep yer finger offin the dang trigger 'til yer sights are on target!

She was holding a gun? And had her finger on the trigger? I didn't see that - let me check again. Nope, still don't see it - something else in the picture is taking all of my attention!

Sigchaser - we're not all this bad - just most of us!!!

I have a Puma '92 in .45 Colt that I had Steve Young slick up. It is hands down the nicest lever action - action standpoint - that I own. Since you already have a .45 Colt revolver, this does seem like a natural fit or pairing. Then again, if you want to branch out, no one here will argue with you (we all do it ourselves)!!!

Noah Zark · Post by **Noah Zark** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 7:29 am

Welcome aboard, Sigchaser!

I'll side with the others and recommend a Marlin, Winchester, or a slicked Puma/Rossi in 45 Colt, preferably with a 16" or 18" barrel, and not longer than a 20" given what you indicated you want to do with the gun.

16" so-called "trapper" models are quite popular and do not last long on store racks and auction sites. But they are EXTREMELY handy, lightweight, easy to carry and a joy to shoot. Even with a 16" tube you can get around eight cartridges +/- one in a magazine, depending on who made the gun.

If you get a Puma/Rossi, do send it to Steve (aka Nate Kiowa Jones) for tweaking; you will not be disappointed.

Noah

Noah Zark · Post by **Noah Zark** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 7:33 am

Someone here is very fortunate, and I mean that in the most respectfully complimentary way.

To me, this young lady is significantly more attractive than the silicone-augmented glammed-up tart holding the semiautomatic pistol in the earlier post.

Noah

GonnePhishin · Post by **GonnePhishin** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:38 am

Old Savage,

I was the one who did not get the "hens teeth" humor,
I guess it comes with just being a dumb city boy

UncleBuck

ps They look real to me

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:57 am

Sigchaser: I would like to welcome you to the fire.

As for your choice, well they certainly are varied. I chose a NKJ slicked up '92 stainless (two tone) with 20inch barrel and in .357. I load .357 and .45lc and chose this caliber because of the cheaper ammo for plinking, has more than enough power for deer, varmits and such, and goes along well with my 3" smith in the same caliber. I was fortunate to have other rifles to fill more specific needs, like a lever in 45-70 and .45lc and .22lr. If I had to keep one? well, I'm just glad I don't have to. The one I would ditch first though is the .45lc and would have to get rid of the .22lr before the .357. As for 30-30, well history has written that footnote, you can't go wrong with that choice.

Sigchaser · Post by **Sigchaser** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 11:10 am

You are all pretty much in line with my original thoughts, I was leaning in the direction of the 45 Colt chambering. I was only kicking around the 30-30 because of cartridge availability and balistics. But as you said the 45 Colt will do pretty much anything that I described. Will the Rossi handle the heavier loads? Like the +P rounds.

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 11:33 am

Sigchaser wrote:You are all pretty much in line with my original thoughts, I was leaning in the direction of the 45 Colt chambering. I was only kicking around the 30-30 because of cartridge availability and balistics. But as you said the 45 Colt will do pretty much anything that I described. Will the Rossi handle the heavier loads? Like the +P rounds.

That same gun is available in .454 Casull.

That answer your question?

Sigchaser · Post by **Sigchaser** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 2:46 pm

Old Ironsights wrote:
Sigchaser wrote:You are all pretty much in line with my original thoughts, I was leaning in the direction of the 45 Colt chambering. I was only kicking around the 30-30 because of cartridge availability and balistics. But as you said the 45 Colt will do pretty much anything that I described. Will the Rossi handle the heavier loads? Like the +P rounds.
That same gun is available in .454 Casull.

That answer your question?

That it does my friend, that it does

Post by **Old Savage** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:52 pm

Noah, she is sweet gal, a friend of mine. I'll pass the compliment along. She can look quite a bit like Kim Bassinger with her hair pulled back.

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 6:28 am

Sigchaser wrote:You are all pretty much in line with my original thoughts, I was leaning in the direction of the 45 Colt chambering. I was only kicking around the 30-30 because of cartridge availability and balistics. But as you said the 45 Colt will do pretty much anything that I described. Will the Rossi handle the heavier loads? Like the +P rounds.

454 Casull is one of the chamberings. Plenty strong.

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 11:29 am

Old Savage wrote:Tycer, if you are not going to get my humor I am just going to go back to putting attractive women in my posts.

don't know this one though.

WHOA....
Armed and dangerous
with a pair of 44s

Sigchaser · Post by **Sigchaser** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 12:56 pm

Ok so I have pretty much settled on a Rossi in 45 Colt. Now some questions. Is the Puma M92 a Rossi? I believe that it is but don't want to make a mistake. Second should I get the blued or stainless model? I know its pretty much personal preference but I would like you opinions. Right now I am leaning towards the blued with a 16" barrel length which will give me a capacity of 8 in the tube.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 3:46 pm

Yep, Rossi is the manufacturer, Puma is what LSI calls theirs. EMF calls theirs The Hartford Model. I got an EMF "Short Rifle", pre-safety in a colorcased 20" octagon bbl. I LIKE it. While I licked mine up myself, several forum members got theirs done by Nate Kiowa Jones (Steve) @ Steve's Gunz.

tman · Post by **tman** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 3:59 pm

nobody gets your humor

. guess we'll have to suffer. i lke a 92 .357 src. ; versatile, cheap to shoot, good self defense, you can always pick up a handgun in that caliber to compliment it.