Lever Action Suggestions?

Question

Right now I am currently looking for a new lever action rifle with the magazine concealed within the stock, either with a box mag or a short tube mag. I would love for it to be a carbine but I would settle for a small rifle cartridge like a .243 as well. I was thinking of a Ruger 96/44M, a Savage 99 in .243, or a Winchester 88. Any comments on these guns or further suggestions would be great!

Answer 1

I have all ways liked the Savage 99, but all the ones listed are good.
It’s just some thing about that Savage 99 and the 243 is more versatile then the 44 Mag.
I really don’t care too much for the feather weight barrel on the Winchester.
I like a little more barrel weight for better accuracy.



D58


Hunting with Rifle, Pistol, Muzzle loader and Bow for over 3 decades.
Reloading Rifle, Pistol and shotgun for over 3 decades.

Answer 2

I would pick the .243 99 savage from your 3 choices. but have you checked into the new marlin in 308 express. its got the same ballistics as the 308 win in a traditional lever action, also I think it will become a collectors item & go up in value in a few years just like a .307 winchester that I bought new & still have. I can get 2 or 3 times what I paid for it now.
thats always something to consider when buying a new gun.

Answer 3

I've always been partial to Winchesters, but the Ruger and the Savage are good guns also. With the absense of Winchester from the market a Marlin is also a good choice. Another one you might consider is the Browning BLR. It comes in a wide variety of calibers (22-250, 243, 7-08, 308, 358, 279, 30-06, 7 Rem mag, 300 Win mag, 300 WSM, 270 WSM, 7mm WSM, 450 Marlin and 325 WSM). I haven't actually shot one but have heard good reports from those who do.

Answer 4

All you mentioned are good but other than the .44 Ruger the others might be hard to find. Winchester closed its doors. If Savage still carries their fine lever action rifle in their catalogues then go for it.

Marlin also makes some great leaver action rifles. If the cosmetic half-magazine tubular mag interests you, that can be done to any tubular fed rifle by a competant gunsmith. It can be shortened. I've seen plenty of customized 1894s and 1892s with the half tubular magazine, sometimes nickel plated with the barrel & received blued. The loading gate and steel butt plate can also be nickel plated for a cool two-tone look.

Good luck.

H

Answer 5

I like all lever action rifles but I would go with the Savage Mdl 99. Any caliber. They are accurate and easy to handle on the trail. Hardly ever have any thing go wrong with them. The only time I have ever had one come into my gunsmithing shop is for a re-blue. They used them so much that they wore the blue off.
Sarge

Answer 6

Winchester 88 is the best choice, it has a short action and lever has a shorter distance to travel when you need to fire more than one shot and also does not interfere with aiming when you need to take follow up shots.* Great well balanced Rifle.* I prefer the 308 caliber in it myself.*

Answer 7

Marlin makes an excellent 45/70 lever action 1895 model. The cartridge is a big one, but it is a lot of fun. The sights are excellent, and the barrel is very accurate.

Answer 8

Look into Henry rifles, as they have many different calibers and are some of the nicest lever guns on the market.

Answer 9

if you like recoil go with the 45/70. or even step it up and go with the 444 marlin. i have the 444, and it is awesome. like a 44 mag with an inch or so more powder. with my reloads i'm shooting a hard cast 300 gr lead bullet through a ten in thick oak tree. very powerful loads out there.

Answer 10

thumbs up on that Marlin 45/70.I have been eyeing one up for quite awhile,think it may soon be time to dust off my wallet.