Which lever action to buy

[Rayne]

So I have a budget of 900 and want a lever action. Are the new Marlins any what decent? They have the mail in rebate. But I'd like some opinions! Thanks in advance

[sako79]

What caliber are you looking at

[Rayne]

30-30 or 45-70 haven't decided. But the last time I shot a 45-70 I did catch the scope with my face. But mostly it'll get used for deer hunting. So with that said I guess I'd just like it to be of decent quality with enough stopping power for what I'll come across in region 3 and 8. Would a 30-30 take down a griz if necessary

[two-feet]

I would get a BLR in .308 or 30.06. Sweet rifles.

[Blainer]

I have a BLR and Marlin lever posted on here. Take the time to handle a Henry, smooth actions.

[sako79]

Gun nuts has a marlin 336xlr 30/30 JM stamped for $780 shipped

[IslandWanderer]

I've got a Marlin guide gun in 45-70- 4 power scope. Feels fantastic to carry in the bush.

[IslandWanderer]

Leave the 30-30's for the wives and girlfriends.

[Rayne]

Or the .44 Remington is also on the table. But how insanely expensive is ammo for such a caliber

[IslandWanderer]

45-70 and never look back. A classic, with a variety of factory loads.

[Rayne]

It's been a long while since I shot one. How much more kick is there than an 06?

[Rayne]

And if I'm sticking with Marlin which would you recommend ?

[RackStar]

I would use a 30-30. Way cheaper to shoot. And the chances of using it for grizz protection would be slim in reg 3 and 8. Great for deer. I had a 336 BL. It was sweet. Kinda regret selling it.

["No Choke"Lord Walsingham]

.44 mag is typically less costly to buy ammo for then most centrefire cartridges (think boxes of 50 instead of 20 for similiar money) and is a great and easy one to handload for! I recommend finding a good used one or saving up a few more shekels for something from Winchester (Miroku) or Chiappa. I am sure, as you mention .44 RM, that you have seen and perhaps are considering this beauty from HBC Site Sponsor - Wanstalls!

https://www.wanstallsonline.com/chiappa-1892-alaskan-scout-12-takedown-44mag-4564.html

I'd go with this if in your position, Rayne.

[sako79]

In my opinion if you buy a 4570 don't buy the 1895 G by the 1895gbl, abl or sbl. The square leaver I find jams on you and hurt your fingers when you shoot heavy loads

[swampthing]

The marlins you are thinking about are great rifles. I have 357, 44, 444 and 45/70 marlins. The 44 is a cool rig but your limited to not much more than 100-150 yard shots. The big 45/70 is good out to about 200, with lots of recoil. The 30/30 can be pushed to 300, ammo is cheap and everywhere. It will easily tackle a grizz as well!

[IslandWanderer]

It's been a long while since I shot one. How much more kick is there than an 06?

I like the 300 grain all copper Barnes X. It kicks a bit, but I don't notice it being that much more than a 30-06. Although admittedly it's been a long time since I shot a 30-06. If you ever happen across a grumpy grizz, the 45-70 will suddenly seem like the best choice. Arguably the best close quarter grizz protection out there.

[sako79]

Yup I have my grizzly bullet 400gr Barnes busters going 1900fps it kicks the hell of a lot but I wanted the most power for my Grizzly protection gun

[MOOSE MILK]

45-70 Marlin JM stamped if you can find one, put on a Limb Saver Pad, practice proper shooting techniques (so no scope rings on the eyebrow) 450 - 500 gr. hard cast wide flat nose and take on anything that walks this planet.

[Rayne]

Well I'd like to stick with iron sights. I like the old school cowboy style. And I never shoot deer farther than 50 yards never seem to see them any farther.

[IslandWanderer]

Well I'd like to stick with iron sights. I like the old school cowboy style. And I never shoot deer farther than 50 yards never seem to see them any farther.

There's lots to be said for iron sights. I've never practice with them(apart from my sons red Ryder BB), but I hear some people are awesome with them.

[Ferenc]

Not sure your whereabouts ... but there's a gunshow in Chilliwack this Sunday
And a lot of lever actions to be found on the tables if your not set on buying
brand new.

[Rayne]

I live in chilliwack. Haven't heard anything about a gun show out here any clue where it's at ? I don't really know enough to buy used. Don't want to get screwed and end up buying something with issues

[ryanonthevedder]

There's lots to be said for iron sights. I've never practice with them(apart from my sons red Ryder BB), but I hear some people are awesome with them.

I ve been shooting out to 200 with irons with lots of success with my savage 99. It gives me pause to think of the old army guys shooting irons at a 1000 yard target!

[Ferenc]

9291 Corbould St.... Evergreen Hall
Doors open at 8:30 till mid afternoon this Sunday

[Ferenc]

9291 Corbould St.... Evergreen Hall
Doors open at 8:30 till mid afternoon this Sunday
www.hacsbc.ca

[Rayne]

Well thanks for the information guys and ferenc I'll definitely check out the show. I think I'm going to go 30-30 maybe .308. If anyone else has a lever for sale pls pm me

[kitnayakwa77]

Savage 99 in 308 will do all you want , great gun, love mine. No new ones but some used if you look around.

[TyTy]

How about a 336 marlin in .35 remington. It is a nice middle ground caliber for a level action.

[poper]

How about a 336 marlin in .35 remington. It is a nice middle ground caliber for a level action.
I have a late 60s 336 marlin .35 rem I may part with if your interested.

[jaybe14]

I own a 45/70 Marlin and a 270 Win BLR:

It depends on a few factors - will you be brush hunting more with closer range shots? Going after moose and to use as bear defense as well? A Marlin 45/70 is superior for this. Especially if you are going to reload, ammo can be made quite cheap.

If you want a general purpose rifle where shots at 80 - 300 yards is going to be more common I highly recommend the BLR. This rifle is almost a hybrid with a bolt action, and I recommend 30/06, 270 or 308 to use.. all have cheap/readily available ammo and can take down most if not all game in BC. Avoid the long magnums as these will have too long of a lever range to cycle rounds.

After using both though, and I had a choice I would recommend a 308 BLR with a low power scope (ex. 2-7x VX2, gold ring matches gold trigger :) ) as it will be the best of both worlds and should serve to fill both needs.

Also, FYI I can shoot the BLR much faster than the Marlin - the BLR has a shorter lever throw and is much smoother. I haven't measured it but I could say I could almost shoot the BLR 1.5-2x faster.

[TexasWalker]

Go handle a marlin big loop 45/70, excellent rifles and 45/70 is an awesome deer cartridge.
Big fat heavy slow bullets through the ribs cause very little meat damage and kill very effectively.

[Iron Glove]

Well thanks for the information guys and ferenc I'll definitely check out the show. I think I'm going to go 30-30 maybe .308. If anyone else has a lever for sale pls pm me

I have Marlins in 30-30 and 44 Mag, both great rifles for what you anticipate. I'd be concerned with a 30-30 for Grizzly but as others have said, Grizzly are not common in the areas you are interested. Now, having said that, a number of years ago we walked across the river behind our Tulameen place with the dogs and came across a young grizzly. That was just after we attended a presentation that said Grizzlies had been extirpated in the area. Guess this grizzly hadn't head that. :mrgreen:
Also have 3 Henry's in various rim fire calibres, these are the slickest actions I've ever encountered, if the centre fire ones are as slick, they'd be nice.
Have a Puma in .357 which is a tiny rifle to carry, probably not a usefull calibre for what you are looking at.
The Savage 99 is a great starter, have one in .308 that sits in the safe, if you are interested PM me. We live in Hope, easy to bring it home from the cabin to show ya.
The suggestions to go to the HACS Show are dead on, good opportunity to touch and feel most of the rifles that have been suggested.
Lots of advice from knowledgeable folks there, just be prepared to bargain hard, newbies have been known to go home with a "new" gun having paid a lot. ;-)

[REMINGTON JIM]

BLR. In 308 Win. ! :wink: Too bad they never chambered the 338 Fed in it Would be perfect ! imo. RJ

[moosinaround]

There is a 444 marlin on HBC buy and sell. 265gr hornady will kill deer, moose, Grizz, easy! I shoot my 444 out to 200 yrds, dinging the gong more than not, with open sights to boot! I like all the levers mentioned here, but I went with a JM stamped Marlin XTR! Just my .002! Moosin

[brian]

Leave the 30-30's for the wives and girlfriends.

No way, I love my 30-30, I'd give my wife my 243 but I get my 30-30 hands down.


Well I'd like to stick with iron sights. I like the old school cowboy style. And I never shoot deer farther than 50 yards never seem to see them any farther.




Then why would you punish yourself with anything larger than a 30-30? Cheap ammo and a joy to shoot. I shoot my win94 with a steel butt plate and love it.


If you want a general purpose rifle where shots at 80 - 300 yards is going to be more common I highly recommend the BLR. This rifle is almost a hybrid with a bolt action
It isn't almost a hybrid, it basically is a bolt action that is cycled by a lever rather than a bolt handle. If you look at a BLR's specs you will see that they all have the exact same length and weight as the rest of Browning bolt actions with the exception that they will shave off a couple inches off the barrel to make it look a bit shorter. Their actions are all the same length. A classic tube fed marlin 336 or Win 94 will look positively diminutive next to these big rifles. That's what makes these old levers so nice to carry in the field and easy to point. They are small light and very f**kin cool! I mean i am very biased, I love my win94 with a passion that might be verging on unhealthy.

[REMINGTON JIM]

BLR rifles are the Finest levers way smoother then others -very fast to cycle ! They use a Nice fast to change magazine . I have a 358 Win and a 450 Marlin ! Good coverage for any NA Game ! Jmo. RJ

[ACE]

Well I'd like to stick with iron sights. I like the old school cowboy style. And I never shoot deer farther than 50 yards never seem to see them any farther.

Older M99 Savage for the scabbard ..... .300 Savage or .308 Winchester.

[sawmill]

Get a lever in a caliber that you can always find shells for. I have a BLR in .243 that I love, taken several good bucks and 1 elk with, one shot kills. A Browning in 30.06 would get you anything you hunt for and the BLR has by far the smoothest action of any lever gun.

[northof49]

BLR in 308 with 2x7 scope

[Rayne]

Thanks everyone for your input, options and knowledge. I ended up going to the hacs guns show after receiving some information from a member (Thanks Frank). And fell in love with a pre Remington Marlin 30-30. Can't wait to get out in the field and harvest my first animal with my new lever action.

[Singleshotneeded]

I would get a BLR in .308 or 30.06. Sweet rifles.

BLR in 30.06...sweet. Put 168 grain Barnes ttsx ammo in it and it'll take care of business...

[Singleshotneeded]

Thanks everyone for your input, options and knowledge. I ended up going to the hacs guns show after receiving some information from a member (Thanks Frank). And fell in love with a pre Remington Marlin 30-30. Can't wait to get out in the field and harvest my first animal with my new lever action.

A true Marlin, you can't go wrong with...congrats!

[ROY-alty33]

I love saddle ring carbines, but the best lever for your money is the BLR.

[Ferenc]

Good show Rayne !!! Nice Marlin..I damn near bought it was so nice !!!
Actually
I did go back at closing.... gone !!
But to a good home. : )
Good Deal !!!

[Rayne]

Thanks ferenc. I really appreciated the heads up. It's a beautiful rifle. It looks like it's right off the shelf. I had just finished sealing the deal on it and another guy walked up and asked to purchase it. Got there just in time. Took 3 minutes of holding it to make up my mind. I can't remember the gentlemans name but a very knowledgeable individual.

[4x4]

Does a lever action and bolt action deliver the same smacking power if the same grain bullet is used?

[Iron Glove]

Good show Rayne !!! Nice Marlin..I damn near bought it was so nice !!!
Actually
I did go back at closing.... gone !!
But to a good home. : )
Good Deal !!!

Thanks Ferenc for pushing Rayne to the Marlin when I had my Savage 99 all but sold to him. :lol:
Seriously, methinks Rayne got a good one, I love my Marlin, similar vintage, I'll never part with it.

[Asco]

If you were at that show you missed out on the finest lever ever made: Sako finnwolf in .308!
The action is slick as snot and the trigger is amazing!

Enjoy your marlin, I loved mine (recent pre rem. as well) it is a fine rifle and will serve you well

[Rayne]

What was that one selling for. I was only in there for all of 10 minutes. Sorry again iron glove

[Ferenc]

Thanks Ferenc for pushing Rayne to the Marlin when I had my Savage 99 all but sold to him. :lol:
Seriously, methinks Rayne got a good one, I love my Marlin, similar vintage, I'll never part with it.

Sorry my bad Iron Glove.... Rayne did indeed get one of the good ones !!!

[Fallkniven]

I have had Marlins, Mossbergs etc, but the Henry is hands down the best quality and action of any lever I have seen. A big boy steel in .44 with the new Fibre optic sights is hard to beat, fast, smooth, hard hitting and as accurate as you can shoot it!

[DeerSeer]

I've had multiple blrs. Really nice guns but they never seem to come out hunting. If you go that way stick with short action. My 300wm was a big rifle.
30-30's just never appealed to me. I've owned a marlin and a Winchester for very short periods. I think cabelas has a fantastic price on Mossberg 464 marinecoats if you're ok with the caliber.
Recently sold a Henry golden boy 44 mag. I grinned like a fool every time I pulled the trigger. Such a beauty I regret selling it but I don't think it has the range for longshots or the thump for big animals up close.
I recently picked up a 4570 marlin sbl. Not jm stamped. I haven't had any problems with it. The recoil isn't what I had expected from all the forums. Don't think I'll ever scope it though. Fiber optic dovetails and it's my go to bush gun.
If I was pushed to pick, blr 308 pistol grip would be the one. But there's always savage 99's in lots of awesome calibers (think 284 win!) on the exchange.
For a scope I always use my vx1 2-7x33. It's on my current lever, a takedown blr 7wsm. It's a sweet setup. Short, light, and not terribly kicky.

[Iron Glove]

Sorry my bad Iron Glove.... Rayne did indeed get one of the good ones !!!
No problem, Rayne seems like a real decent feller and I'm glad that he got something nice that fits his needs.
At least I can say to the Wife "See, Dear, I really am trying to sell off some rifles." :wink:

[Comerade]

I will chime in here .I am a levergun guy and it is pretty much all I use for sheep,elk etc. I also hunt horseback exclusively. I use a takedown BLR as my primary rifle and it has taken a beating and just gets better-the action smoother and trigger more crisp. I can take it down in a storm and put it in a dry pack.Also, I can bore sight mine because it carries a scout scope on it .

[boblly1]

i would look for a used 300 or 308 savage. If i had to choose a lever action but that is just my thoughts

[Pioneerman]

Does a lever action and bolt action deliver the same smacking power if the same grain bullet is used?

Using the same round it is exactly the same, But most real levers have a tube feed so they are limited to which bullets they can use. Most bolt actions have a mag that stacks ammo so more variety of bullet choices.

[two-feet]

The 99 savage simply can not be beat for balance and feel. Mine in .300 sav has fed 2 generations of my family. Not a "big" caliber, but enough to drop a 60" bull moose in its tracks.

[sawmill]

Using the same round it is exactly the same, But most real levers have a tube feed so they are limited to which bullets they can use. Most bolt actions have a mag that stacks ammo so more variety of bullet choices.
BLR has a mag, that`s why you can get `em in most high power calibres. And it IS a real lever.And one of the smoothest and slickest actions out there.

[ACE]

The M99 Savage simply can not be beat for balance and feel. Mine in .300 Savage has fed two generations of my family. Not a 'big' caliber, but enough to drop a 60" bull moose in its tracks.

Agree ..... a well engineered rifle, with more versatility than the tube feed/hammer levers.
My choice would be the M99 Savage. I own two of them, like them both. .250-3000 Savage ('54 vintage), and a .308 Winchester ('58 vintage).
The '94's are a likable rifle .... just kind'a limited.