Just read the sept. issue in RS and caught a brief article on this lever gun. Anyone have this or shot one? Its been out for a year so a member surely has had some experience and comments. thanks

I have one, this will be my second year using it in the field. The best way to describe my use of this rifle is "a fishing rifle", "berry picking rifle", "camp rifle", etc.

It is lighter, smaller, thinner, etc. than the Marlin. It packs, carries, handles extremely well and is very fast to deploy. I shoot 350gr Northforks that give me recoil near 50ft-lbs due to the rifles light weight. Even though it kicks fairly hard, it is quick on follow-up shots.

My only problems were sight regulation w/ the oddball Winchester engineered XS sights. I bypassed Winchester and went straight to XS to get the proper height rear sight and front blade to zero the rifle. I don't know how Winchester engineered this model to use the standard sized 94 reciever (thin and small), but it is holding together so far. I have two custom Marlin Guide Guns that have served me well for several years but have since put them away in favor of this Winchester.

The only thing I can add to the above; I feel the Winchester is best used w/ fixed sights and you would lose its advantage if you scoped it. If you wish to mount a traditional receiver scope or scout rig, or have trouble handling the recoil w/ such a small package; I'd opt for a Marlin or BLR.

Gary

GaryVA, Having two Marlin GG's says alot to me, as I have one as well. The "comfortable" and handy feel of a Winch. lever is like havin a friend with you or to me anyways. I see the 6lb. weight is the factor in recoil not saying Marlin .45-70 with "heavy" loads is no easy thing for a fast follow up either. I want to buy my wonderful other half a cal. in the .45-70 but the handiness she is accustom too, is her little 94 .30-30AI and this new big bore by Winchester may "fit" the bill. If I can "download" a 425grn WLNGC to 1700fps the recoil should be more tolerable and will penetrate deeper than at 1900fps if I am not mistaken. Sights are always a factor for me as well, such factory "designed sights" generally leave the door open for aftermarket replacement. I have not studied or loaded for this 450cal. so downloading it is in question-any tidbits on that? I think Winchester has something here. Thanks for the feedback and glad to hear your positive comments on your rifle.