any experience with these? newer production? older production? im looking into getting one and not sure if its similar to marlin where people prefer the older ones, or if the new ones have ironed out kinks. anyone own one? or shot one?

I think they're beautiful BUT very pricey! IMO

The Big Horn Armory 89 is a slightly modified copy of the JM Browning designed Winchester 1886 rifle. Those guns were and still are fantastic big bore lever action rifles. I have a 1989 production Browning 86 in 45-70 that is hard to beat for accuracy and dependability! The original Winchesters were in calibers up to 50-110 Express and well as the smaller/shorter 50-70 & 50-90 and about 25 other cartridges.

If you buy one, be sure to buy the equipment to reload the cartridge and components. You need to break-in most lever guns.

John Moses Browning designed the original to be used and be used hard. One of the thing people don't do is learn to cycle the action while keeping the gun tight against your shoulder. With practice you will be able the fire accurate shots rivaling a semi-auto of similar recoil! Use the lever with authority (don't baby it!) and don't short stroke it. Thumb sized bullets will make accurate hits with amazing ease with practice.

Enjoy yourself,

Ivan

Does Bighorn offer the rapid fire Lucas McCain mod?

Attached Images

IMG_2353.jpeg (94.6 KB, 34 views)

__________________
Have Fun/Stay Safe

While filmed with a modified Winchester 92 lever action with the "Big Loop Lever", the Rifleman's weapon was actually a cosmetically modified Winchester Self Loading Rifle. I think the base rifle was called a 1906 or 06 in 351 Winchester Self Loading cartridge (351 Win SL) The sear was adapted to Full Auto fire only and the cycle rate reduced with heavy springs and light powered ammo. I was told the gun was allowed by the ATF, but only if it was destroyed after production of the TV series stopped. (Otherwise, I bet it would be in the Smithsonian!)

Ivan

Many years ago at a Pittsburgh NRA convention they had a collection of Hollywood guns, among them was one they claimed was the McCain lever action.
I having a model 71 converted to 50 Alaskan, by a well know AZ gunsmith.

__________________
Len

I had a chance 20 some years ago in Tombstone at the Film festival
to buy one of the 3 Rifleman rifles. It was a Win 1892 in .44-40 with
a 20" inch barrel, large hoop lever with a long Allen screw to trip the
trigger. The barrel was filthy from shooting 5 in 1 black powder blanks.

It also had a letter on letter head from the movie studio stating that
the rifle with corresponding s/n was one of the 3 rifles used in the TV
series. If I recall, there was another letter from Chuck Conners saying
that this was a Rifleman rifle.

I could afford the $2100 or $2500 they asked at the time, but I
asked myself do I want a famous gun to hold and have as a growing
in value as an investment or a shooter to enjoy.

I'm still looking for a pistol cartridge 1892 clone with a large hoop lever.

After blowing off a bunch of rounds, is a cameraman gonna be available to catch me looking up after I one-hand chamber the next round? Wife laughs at that every time...but she still watches him for some reason...