i want a lever to add to my gun collection. dont know anthing about them other than a like the looks of the ss or goldenboys. i do want a large caliber. thanks mike.

Depending on what you want it for, you can't go wrong with any of the Marlins out there. Anything from a 30-30 on up will kill game cleanly dependant on your skill and using the right load. If you're looking to scare the bejesus outta the guys next to you on the benches, get yourself a 45-70 Guide Gun. If you can stand the recoil on the bench, get some Buffalo Bore or Garrett ammo.

I would opt for the Marlin 1895 in what ever model you like, I have one in the 22"barrelled model but would love a stainless guide gun as well.

If you want something really big get yourself n 1886 winchesterin 45/70 and have it converted to 50-110

PC

Unless he's a complete outta control gun crank, he's probably not be interested in the 1886 as that's damn near double the price of a Marlin. If one looks around, a used 1895 Marlin can be had for slightly over $400 and change.

quote:

Originally posted by 475Guy:
PC

Unless he's a complete outta control gun crank, he's probably not be interested in the 1886 as

Must be thinking of myself

Winchester has 45/90 in the 1886 MDL lever action , I have one, no need for a .50/110

Winchester 1895 in .405Win.

Savage M99

ZM

Browning BLR in .308Win (Belgium )

I think "RLI"s first recommendation is the best--Winchester 1895 in .405Win---Teddy Roosevelt's favorite gun with a large powerful cartridge. You may want to put a recoil pad on it but it's a fine looking big caliber gun

Winchester 71, caliber .348 Winchester.

Marlin in .444Mar

45-70 guide gun in stainless...i am biased, i have one...ditto on the garrett hammerheads

Mike I have 2 marlins .45 long colt .357 mag also a 1886 Winchester 45/90 for big game hunting the 45/90 will drop anything , the other 2 rifles at short range are great , meaning out to 200 yards . concho

You know that once you start your other guns are either doomed to sale or being stuffed into the safe for a very long time. The myth and mystery of the lever action is like drugs and beautiful women. Once you begin you wil be hooked forever.
If you are looking for a strictly shooter, tough as nails hard to beat which allows a scope be added easily- Savage '99
If you want exotic, need to do your homework and then pay your dues in practice, reloading and pain- Win. '86 in 45-90
If you want an everyday gun that has the history of Cowboys, Indians, the old west and find 'em anywhere ammo go with the Winchester '94 in 30-30.
For value Marlin 336 in any caliber. I like mine in .375, 35 rem. and 444 Marlin.
For priceless beauty and getting really hard to find Winchester '71 in .348 supergrade.
For a piece of modern reproduction Henry in 22 or 44(I think)
How about the Winchester Trapper in '45 to match your Colt also in '45.
The list will go on forever. I would almost give anything to find an original Spencer I can afford. Found a Kennedy about two days late just last month.
You choices are endless and matched only by your dreams.
Frank

Start with a Savage 99 in .300 Savage. Fall in love with Savage 99's. You'll love the feel and that solid action. The magazine holds 5 + 1 with pointed tip bullets. You can't go wrong.
I'm on my 5th one now.

Both ends of the spectrum depending upon your use: Marlin 1895 in 45-70 (or the new Henry 45-70 if you can find one!) . . . or Savage M99 in 300 Savage or 250-3000. I'm a 99 fan in any caliber!

It boils down to two choices:

1. Turnbull M1886 Winchesters

and...

2. everything else

I will be posting my Turnbull in 50-110 today I hope.

Rich

I would think that after 8 years the OP would have found what he wanted or slugslinger really needed to post .

either way, it won't materially affect you...

or the rest of us.

Rich

Sorry, didn't notice the date.
I do that sometimes . . .

Yup, he might have one by now.

I enjoy lever's
but what you gonna do with it ? I have a 116 year old 30/30 that has the cool factor and can still take game, and is fun to shoot just for the hell of it !
My 45/70 is a hoot too ,factory loads are mild, for plinking , and my hand loads are powerful enough
For damn near anything,
If you want to reach out a bit farther my savage 99 in .308 is a great hunting rifle,
And my 1894 marlin 44 mag is a hoot too and its also a great camp or home defense rifle !
And there is always the old marlin take down 22s , i want one of those , ! tj3006

i know i am commenting on a very old topic, but i just have to say that my little Marlin 1894 in 357 mag is as fun to shoot as anything. loaded with 38 specials it makes a unique "pop" out of the 18" barrel and bigger holes than a 22. i can actually see the holes at 25 yards, which is good for me. very accurate as well and no recoil.

What the heck, this thread is only ten years old. Leverguns are TIMELESS! I really liked my Marlin 1894C 357/38 spec. But it got to be worth too much, so it went down the road in a rotation of stock. Got a Rossi R92 trapper with large loop and it is my new redhead gun. Cat sneeze loads 158 gr lead swc over 4.2 gr trailboss group close to an inch at 75 yds..this little gun deserves a peep sight!

I still like my old 1886 in 40-82 WCF and my almost as ancient '92 in 32-20 WCF. At one time, 2-3 decades ago, I had a pile of lever rifles. Tastes and interests change but those two were never considered to head down the road.