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  #1  
Old 09-21-2009, 01:42 AM
phalyn phalyn is offline
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Default Looking to buy a Lever action gun, need advice.

I'm looking to buy a rifle and decided on a lever action one.
Now I'm wondering what brand I should go with. My friend (and my instinct) told me to go with a 30-06 Winchester.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Primary uses of the rifle would be target shooting and hunting.
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  #2  
Old 09-21-2009, 02:24 AM
Nyles Nyles is offline
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Well, unless you find an old model 1895 (and don't expect that to be cheap!) there's no such thing as a .30-06 Winchester lever action). You're probably thinking of a .30-30 Winchester 1894, which would be what I would suggest. Issue being they don't make them anymore, but you should be able to find a good deal on a used one.

Your other options would be a Marlin 336 or a Mossberg 464. The nice thing about them is they both come drilled and tapped to mount a scope. The Mossberg is a great price, but the issue you'll find is the trigger sucks, and there's not much possibility for improvement. The Marlin is a good rifle, but it's a little bulkier. I personally don't like them that much.
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Old 09-21-2009, 02:32 AM
phalyn phalyn is offline
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So Marlin is a good gun?
Not too interested in placing a scope on them, more interested in the ladder sights. I'm odd that way.
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Old 09-21-2009, 03:00 AM
Nyles Nyles is offline
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All three of them are good guns, they all have their pluses and minuses. I'd personally go with a Winchester if I could get a good one, but you'd be very well served by a Marlin.
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  #5  
Old 09-21-2009, 03:12 AM
Kinzer Kinzer is offline
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I personally own a Marlin 336W and it's lasted for 30 years and still shoots great. And it wasn't kept in a gun safe for those 30 years, it was and is a hunting rifle. It is a little heavy, but not much. I think it's a good gun, but in all honesty I can't compare it too very much.
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  #6  
Old 09-21-2009, 04:25 AM
Jcordell Jcordell is offline
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Winchester manufactured 10,000 Model 1895's in 30-06 in 1996. 5,000 were field grade and 5,000 were high-grade (German silver, gold engraving etc.). I own one of the high-grade models. It's beautiful and it spend most of it's time in my safe.

In 97 - 98 Winchester manufactued 10,000 Model 1895's in .270. Again 5,000 in field grade and 5,000 in high-grade.

Approximately five years ago Winchester produced a limited run of the Model 1895 carbine in 30-06.

Winchester is currently producing the Winchester Model 1895 in .405 Winchester.

All the above described new 1895's are going to set you back a significant amount of money. And while I love the 1895 I'll let you in on a secret. The rifle's ergonomics are from the late 19th century. That includes the new ones. They aren't a very comfortable rifle to shoot. Not the best design for target shooting. Especially if you plan on shooting a significant number of rounds during a session.

Try looking for a Savage Model 99 in .308, .303 Savage, 300 Savage or .243. You might be able to find a Winchester Model 88 in .243 or .308 as well. However those rifles have been out fo production for awhile so you'll pay for them. They're getting harder to find and prices reflect that fact.

I also own a Marlin Model 1894CS carbine in .357 magnum. It's a bit light for hunting but the 1894 can also be purchased in 44 magnum. The 44 magnum has some pretty impressive ballistics out of an 18" barrel.

Plus the .357 magnum will shoot 38 special and the 44 magnum will shoot 44 special.

Have fun. I really like the lever action design. One of my favorites.

Last edited by Jcordell; 09-21-2009 at 04:29 AM.
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  #7  
Old 09-21-2009, 05:42 AM
Nyles Nyles is offline
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Actually, I gotta chime in on the Savage 99 - back in the day they were extremely popular up here in Canada (in fact the whole .303 Savage chambering was meant to capitalize on the popularity of the .303 British in Canada). They are excellent rifles, and the .300 Savage round, if not as cheap as .30-30s, is better. If you can find one in the States they're great - don't let the admittedly unsual looks throw you off.
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Old 09-21-2009, 08:28 AM
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Excalibur Excalibur is offline
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I was at my local gun store last week and was looking at their collection of level actions. I was surprised to fine a used Winchester 1887.
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  #9  
Old 09-21-2009, 08:58 AM
phalyn phalyn is offline
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I think one of the local shops has a Marlin, I'll keep my eyes on it.
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  #10  
Old 09-21-2009, 12:47 PM
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k9870 k9870 is offline
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I love Marlins, the winchesters okay but felt a little sloppy and the cheapo plasticy stocks threw me off, the mossberg gets bad review, QC is horrible and the lawyer triggers.....
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