Any big bore lever gun guys here ??

[Nessmuck]

I already have a piece of Americana (30-30 ..early 94 Win ) and now got a hankering for a Marlin 308 Express w/scope. Just like to hear from anyone that ownes one...and how they group at 100,200 and 300 yards...or is there another type lever gun to look at ??? Thanks

[BrewsterII]

I was going to comment on my Winchester Trapper in .44 Magnum, but it doesn't "group" at 300 yards ........ let alone 200, LOL.

I'd love to pick up a nice OLD Marlin lever though!

[Ivan the Butcher]

Have a Browning BLR-81 in 308, when I bought it,I scoped it and got 3/4" , 5 shot @ 100 yards, and haven't shot it since. I really like the Browning 1886 in 45-70, it shoots very well also. I got an iron sight, offhand, 8 shot group of 2 1/4" @ 75 yards in a speed rifle match (3.74 seconds) with a target load. My Marlin Guide gun got a 2 3/4", 5 shot group @ 50 yards with very hot hunting loads, offhand, as fast as I could (about 4 seconds). I dought I'll ever get a 50-110, but I can dream! Ivan

[wildenout]

I love my father-in-law's Browning BLR 308, it's accurate and not that heavy. I dunno if I'd trust a Marlin, I haven't heard good things from them in the last few years. I want a Henry personally!

[flundertaker]

I'm confused, are we talking big bore lever guns or .30 cal lever guns?

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[Mr. Wonderful]

I have a Browning BLR in .358 Win, but I've never shot it beyond 100 yards... and that was several years ago. I do not have a scope mounted, but it was very accurate with the open sights. (Sorry, no specific group size data available.)

[SW_TopBreak]

I have a Henry Big Boy lever action rifle chambered for 357 magnum that is probably the most fun gun I've ever shot. I don't have a scope for it, but even with the iron sights it'll put all 10 rounds right through the same hole at 50 and 100 feet. I don't think my bare eyes can see the target any further than that without enhanced optics. Also a lot of fun to shoot 38 special out of as well.

[Donn]

Does my Marlin 45-70 qualify?

[Marine24]

Have a Rossi 92 in 454 Casull that was customized by Steve's Gunz and Marlin 1895 Guide Gun

Guide gun kept is under 1.5" at 100 shooting Garrett's Hammerhead ammo.

[BearBio]

I've had a re-issue 1886 in 45-90 and an original in 45-70. I currently have a 71 in 348 (of course). Have had Marlins in 45-70 and 444. Have a Sharps repro in 45-70 and an 1885 Winnie in 405 Winchester.

Also a Savage 99 in 300 and a Winchester 94 in 32 Win. A 45 Urberti (73) and a Marlin Cowboy in 38 special. Oh, a 95 Winnie in 30-40. Like to get another big (over 40 cal) lever, again.

[Nessmuck]

Originally Posted by Donn

Does my Marlin 45-70 qualify?

Does it hit hard?? LOL...yer in !!!

[scott1970]

I love the big bore lever guns. Here is my Marlin trapper in .45-70.



Here is a group of .45-70 rifles that were at my range two summers ago. A couple are mine, and the rest belong to friends.

[koz5614]

Always wanted a .45-70 lever, but got stuck with a .348 Winchester 71 and .358 Winchester 88.

[Cal44]

I figure "big bore" means .375 and up.

Here is another Marlin 45-70.



Here is my Marlin 45 Colt - Cowboy with octagonal barrel

[rbrbrb6]

Marlin cowboy in 41 Mag that is getting worked over by Ben Forkin.

[Vulcan Bob]

If we are talking mid bore .30 cal and classic American I would suggest a Savage 99 in .300 Savage or 308 Winchester. I do shoot a large bore Marlin 1895 Cowboy in .45-70, and would recommend one.

[BearBio]

Originally Posted by koz5614

Always wanted a .45-70 lever, but got stuck with a .348 Winchester 71 and .358 Winchester 88.

"STUCK"??

What do you mean "Stuck"? I'd face anything in North America (except big bears or a moose, if they are charging)

[ibewbull]

.45-70 Marlin and a .35 Marlin
The bore is .30 but I love my 99 Savage.300 it fits me perfectly.

[gunnut44]

Marlin 1895 in 45-70. 18" barrel with full length tube. Stainless with wood stock and big loop. What a beautiful rifle with some serious kick its one of my favorites

[BruMatt]

+1 on the Browning BLR in .308. Very fond of mine.

[Donn]

Originally Posted by Nessmuck

Does it hit hard?? LOL...yer in !!!

Does it hit hard? It's the most miserable rifle I've ever put up to my shoulder. That said, if I ever find myself in moose and grizzly country, the Marlin's coming with.

[johnnyflake]

I have a Rossi M92 in .454 Casull, with a 20" barrel. With the sights it came with, which I have a very hard time with, my son can put 5 out of 5, on a white 9" paper plate at 100 yards.

I will be putting some style of rear peep sight on it this winter and up grade the front sight to some form of Fire Sight. I expect that will close the group up into the 4"/5" range, hopefully, even better. That would not be too bad without a scope.

Within 50 yards, a .454 Casull can take anything in the lower 48.

[Cal44]

Here is my Browning in 308 win.

Not a big bore, but still packs a punch.

[ralph7]

Originally Posted by johnnyflake

I have a Rossi M92 in .454 Casull, with a 20" barrel. With the sights it came with, which I have a very hard time with, my son can put 5 out of 5, on a white 9" paper plate at 100 yards.

I will be putting some style of rear peep sight on it this winter and up grade the front sight to some form of Fire Sight. I expect that will close the group up into the 4"/5" range, hopefully, even better. That would not be too bad without a scope.

Within 50 yards, a .454 Casull can take anything in the lower 48.

I know a .44 mag in a lever action can get your attention, how does the Casull kick in that gun?

[Ham Slamma]

Here is my 45/70 GBL Hog Hamma!!!

The light is bad asss!

[moosedog]

Bought a Marlin 45/70 Guide gun back in 1973 with a 4X Weaver on it, brass, dies and bullets from a friend for $100. Gun was and still is like new. Although I have rifles in many other calibers, it is always my "go to" gun for hunting.

[hkcavalier]

Originally Posted by Marine24

Have a Rossi 92 in 454 Casull that was customized by Steve's Gunz and Marlin 1895 Guide Gun

Guide gun kept is under 1.5" at 100 shooting Garrett's Hammerhead ammo.

I waited 9 months for my LGS to source a Rossi 92 in .454. Stainless, 20" barrel. When elk season approached I got my deposit back and bought this:



The Marlin 1895 .45/70 is an awesome woods rifle, and the red dot makes it easy to pick up in low light. Mine is a laser beam with the 325gr Leverevolution stuff. Still want the Rossi, although I'd probably take either a 16" or 20" gun by now. I have a scope mount for one in a box, like an idiot I bought accessories for a gun I didn't have yet!

[Marine24]

Good choice. Picked up the 454 Rossi as a companion to my Ruger Alaskan. Only draw back to the Rossi is OAL limitation. Nothing higher that 335gr LFNGC bullets.


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[johnnyflake]

Originally Posted by ralph7

I know a .44 mag in a lever action can get your attention, how does the Casull kick in that gun?

I had a Marlin Lever Gun in .44 Mag back in the day, 20+ years ago, so I can honestly say the .454 Casull kicks about double the .44 Mag. It's very stout!

[johnnyflake]

Originally Posted by Marine24

Good choice. Picked up the 454 Rossi as a companion to my Ruger Alaskan. Only draw back to the Rossi is OAL limitation. Nothing higher that 335gr LFNGC bullets.

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You don't really need to go any bigger/heavier than that. In fact, I find that a 300gr JSP will do everything you could want!

[charlies]

50-110 Winchester 1886 is my preferred big bore.

[Marine24]

Originally Posted by johnnyflake

You don't really need to go any bigger/heavier than that. In fact, I find that a 300gr JSP will do everything you could want!

True but there is something special about firing a 400gr hard cast bullet in either the Alaskan or Rossi. At least the first time.

The work that Steve does reshaping the stock so heavy recoil is more manageable and recoil pad takes the sting out as well.

Admittedly there are quite a few 45 Colt loads mixed in as well.

I carry mine primarily as a camp rifle but used my 45-70 deer hunting in North Carolina. More gun than you need but you aren't having to chase them in the swamp either.


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[Sprefix]

Nah............'cept for .22, .45 Colt, .30-.30, .32 WS, .45-70. The '92 takedown in .45 Colt gets saddlebag-time on my Streetglide........I can outrun 'em and outgun 'em........

[Mike, SC Hunter]

45/70, 444, 30/06(Win1895), 45LC, 44 mag lever guns...........And an 1887 lever action 12 ga.

[gubowner]

Hi guys! fairly new to forum. Shot my new to me Browning 1886 in 45/70. Very impressive gun. Bought it from the second owner with his friend the original owner standing next to him at a LGS. Less than 30 rounds fired and it's condition confirms it!I fired it twice that much on the Friday after Thanksgiving.My other levers are, Winchester saddle ring 94AE in .44 Mag, Rossi in .45 Colt,Rossi in .357 Mag, Marlin 336 pre safety in 30/30 and the little ones, Henry Golden Boy in .22Mag and one of favorites(and one my first guns) Iver Johnson in.22LR,.22L,.22Short.Levers Rule!!!

[Nessmuck]

Originally Posted by flundertaker

I'm confused, are we talking big bore lever guns or .30 cal lever guns?

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Talking 30 cal lever guns...but nice to see what's out there..and there are a lot of nice lever guns !!! Just looking for that 200 yard lever gun that won't beat you up.

[OLDNAVYMCPO]

Never was a big fan of lever guns, thought they were too anemic for the kind of long range shooting required for big game hunting in the West. Bought a Henry Big Boy for Cowboy Action Shooting in .45 Colt. One hole group at 50 yards all day long, most fun I've had with a rifle in a long time. I shoot only full house loads for CAS, no mouse farts in either my rifle or revolvers. The Henry is really slick and I would highly recommend it.

[David Sinko]

I have a very nice Rossi M92 .44 Magnum. I can't understand how every M92 I have seen is such high quality but their revolvers are junk.

Dave Sinko

[greenmachine]

I have a few lever guns. The standard Marlin 39 .22 (a basic requirement), M94 Carbine in .25-35, M64 Carbine in the venerable .30-30, M88 in .308, M94 in .32-40, M64 in .32 Win, M71 in .348 Win, and a M92 SRC in .44-40. The Marlin obviously doesn't qualify, but I didn't know where to draw the 'big bore' line so I just listed all of them. The .25-35 doesn't kick much, in case you were wondering. Oops, almost forgot the Browning M92 in .44 Mag.

[shocker]

1894 Marlin, fresh out of the oven.

[Harkrader]

I have a .45-70 Marlin 1895 with 22” bbl I got in the ‘90s for backpacking in the Idaho back country.

My concern was for grizzly bears, but also for the cougars. Happily, I never had to fire a round in defense.

I hand-loaded 405-gr jacketed flat nose bullets and hard cast gas check lead ones to 2,000 fps. I was not concerned about groups at a distance, believing I would likely be shooting any threat only out to about 50 yards. Firing from standing I could hold a group of 4” at that distance with ghost ring sights, shooting rapidly but not hurrying. From the bench I could hold under 2”. I don’t remember what the muzzle energy was from those loads, but it was substantial.

I later loaded the rifle with Garrett and Buffalo Bore cartridges.

Somebody told me, tongue firmly in cheek, that to hit a target at 300 yards, aim at the Moon.

[Highhawk1948]

I shoot a JM Marlin 45-70, and like most of my guns it shoots better than I do.

[Drm50]

I have several original Wins. & Marlins. When you look at these
rifle you notice the"flow" of the wood to metal fit. This is what
makes these rifles nice to carry. They just seem to float in your
hands. I took a 1895 Marlin, manf. In the early 70s. They were
a bit more beefy than I liked. I worked the fore end and the stock
down to these lines. Gun looks really nice, but I lost close to 25%
of my butt surface. With 300 hp/ 58 gr. of IMR 3031 you have
no doubt what your touching off.

[Muley Gil]

Originally Posted by moosedog

Bought a Marlin 45/70 Guide gun back in 1973 with a 4X Weaver on it, brass, dies and bullets from a friend for $100. Gun was and still is like new. Although I have rifles in many other calibers, it is always my "go to" gun for hunting.

I doubt you bought a "Guide Gun" in 1973. I bought the standard 1895 the same year and it had the straight grip, a hard plastic buttplate and a 22" barrel.

Guide Guns have 18 1/2" barrels and recoil pads and weren't introduced until the mid '90s (IIRC).

[Drm50]

Muley Gil, you are right on the 1895 Marlin, I caught it to. My
95 is same as yours. I got it on trade, but looked up serial. I bought a new 95 with octagon barrel back in 70s or early 80s.
Wish I had that one back. Ruger also made Lyman special back
in 80s, had one of those to. Never even shot it before selling.
Can't keep 'em all. I have special "broker" that tells me which
ones to sell, so I don't end up in a higher tax bracket.

[Fishinfool]

OP- Might want to think about the Marlin in 308 express, as that ammo might be hard to find; I don't think it really caught on.

If you like levers, the Browning BLR is a nice rifle, and is available in several long range cartridges that will work at 300 yards and beyond.

I have owned several, and all have been accurate shooters ( 1 1/2 inch or sometimes less). Plenty good for hunting rifles. A lot of rifles shoot 1/2 inch on the internet...

Pictured is my old BLR in .358 Winchester. A solid 300 yard gun with the right loads.

Larry

[BigBill]

I have a marlin 444S in 444 marlin. It's my brush rifle.

[Sprefix]

Originally Posted by Harkrader

I have a .45-70 Marlin 1895 with 22” bbl I got in the ‘90s for backpacking in the Idaho back country.

My concern was for grizzly bears, but also for the cougars. Happily, I never had to fire a round in defense.

I hand-loaded 405-gr jacketed flat nose bullets and hard cast gas check lead ones to 2,000 fps. I was not concerned about groups at a distance, believing I would likely be shooting any threat only out to about 50 yards. Firing from standing I could hold a group of 4” at that distance with ghost ring sights, shooting rapidly but not hurrying. From the bench I could hold under 2”. I don’t remember what the muzzle energy was from those loads, but it was substantial.

I later loaded the rifle with Garrett and Buffalo Bore cartridges.

Somebody told me, tongue firmly in cheek, that to hit a target at 300 yards, aim at the Moon.

I run 405's at the same speed you do out of my 20" Browning 1886 SRC. I consistently shoot at a steel plate at 300yds and it shoots flatter than you would think. I'd prefer closer ranges for the cleanest "stopping shot" on an animal. I use Cor-Bon and Buffalo Bore, but haven't stepped into any Garrett Hammerheads yet. I've heard of 530(535?) grain Garretts' doing some very impressive penetrating on large game. What a versatile cartridge......300 grain to over 500 grain and 1100 fps to 2200 or 2300FPS.

[RIDE-RED 350r]

I used to own a 1954 model 94 in 32spl. My brother now owns that rifle. Im not going to go into the details of the hows and whys that I no longer own it...

But recently I have been bitten by the lever rifle bug and am having regrets about the aforementioned 32spl.

I was a the LGS picking up my sons Christmas present, an old Win model 69a, and noticed a nice looking '94 on the rack that wasnt there before. It is an unfired '94 Big Bore carbine (20"bbl) chambered in 375 Win. Price tag of $750. Came home and did a little digging as I was not familiar with the 375 Win and I am smitten. Wish I could go scoop it up right now, but I just can't do it right now..

I think my next lever rifle will be one of those!

[BigBill]

I was in central vt bear hunting when the old farmer seen my 444 bullets on my belt. He said son we don't have elephants up here. I turned to him and said I'm not built for running nor speed and I don't climb trees. He just laughed.

I would like to get a 50/120 or a 50/140 if they came in a lever action.