Lever Guns Talk Thread

[RickOShea]

One of my favorite woods loafing rifles is a Marlin 1894CL in 25/20 with a small scope on it. Can take a squirrel without blowing it to pieces as well as much better results on a coyote than a 22.

I've been wanting one in .218 Bee myself but DAMN factory ammo is scarce and pricey. I need to start reloading.

I'm still waiting on a Marlin in .327 magnum to go along with the Ruger SP101 of the same caliber, that I inherited from my Pops.

I know Marlin used to make one in .32 mag, but it didn't have a loading gate on the receiver. Had to load it at the end of the magazine tube......DO NOT WANT!!!

[Wolfblade]

I'm a milsurp junkie, I love old lever guns but they continually seem to be priced out of my league. Its a bit of a longshot, but does anyone know of any decent .357 leverguns for under $450 or thereabout? Used is not an option, there is no decent used rifle market where I live.

[Jeriah]

OK, I'm going to ask a stupid noob question here. Short version is: "What levergun + revolver should a person buy for cowboy action shooting?" Long version follows.

Hypothetically I am considering as a long-term hobby investment, maybe someday getting a levergun and revolver so my wife and I could participate in Cowboy Action Shooting/Single Action Shooting Society/etc.

RIFLE REQUIREMENTS
Rifles or carbines used in the main and team matches must be original or replicas of lever
or slide action rifles manufactured during the period from approximately 1860 until 1899,
incorporating a tubular magazine and exposed hammer. Rifles with box magazines may not
be used. Certain shooting categories require a specific type of rifle and ammunition to be
used. Please see the shooting categories for further information
RIFLE CALIBERS
• Must be centerfire of at least .32 caliber and not larger than .45 caliber.
• Must be in a caliber commonly available in revolvers. Examples include, but are not limited
to, .32-20, .32 Magnum, .357 Magnum, .38 Special, .38-40, .44-40, .44 Special, .44Magnum, and .45 Colt. The only allowed exceptions are the .25-20 and .56-50. No rifle
calibers such as .30-30 or .38-55 are allowed.

REVOLVER REQUIREMENTS
Original single action revolvers manufactured prior to 1899, their approved replicas, and
the SASS approved single action adjustable sight revolvers are the only revolvers approved
for use in SASS main match competition. The rules relative to SASS approved revolvers
depend upon the competition category in which one participates. Sights are a major factor for
determining in which category a revolver may be used. Certain shooting categories require a
specific type of revolver and ammunition be used. Please see the shooting categories for
further information.
No more than two main match revolvers may be carried to the firing line.
REVOLVER CALIBERS
• Must be centerfire calibers of at least .32 caliber and no larger than .45 caliber or percussion
calibers of at least .36 caliber and no larger than .45 caliber.
• Must be in a caliber commonly available in revolvers. Examples include, but are not limited
to, .32-20, .32 Magnum, .357 Magnum, .38 Special, .44 Magnum, .44-40, and .45 Colt).
• Standard velocity .22 caliber rimfire ammunition is allowed within the Buckaroo Category
only.
• Although the .32 caliber revolvers and .36 caliber cap and ball revolvers are legal, they may
not be powerful enough to handle all reactive targets.

It looks like there's a long list of calibers that are legal, but the only ones I've heard of people using are .45 Colt and .38 Special. Why is this? Also I've heard .38 is the cheapest option and also easier to shoot, while .45 Colt is the only one I actually know to be period correct. Are the rest FARB? Is this looked down on?

I'm interested in specific firearm recommendations as well as calibers. And for the record, this is a crazy pie-in-the-sky dream, not something I'm doing this week, so no need to ask, "So what did you buy already?" Thanks!

[Gun_Nut_2k1]

38 special is one of the oldest cartridges and one of the first converted to smokeless powder IIRC. Way back in the day I played a little in the sport. It is not very realistic. Most people use low power loads and other gimmicks. It is fun if you like to dress up and make noise. It can even help you to shoot better if done well. I think the 38/357mag rifle revolver is the best combo but 45 colt is popular. 45 colt is also quite a bit more expensive to load and shoot. It is harder to find than is 38/357mag. The most practical combo of guns is a Ruger Revolver and a Marlin/Winchester lever gun with a 12 gauge side by side.

[sworbeyegib]

OK, I'm going to ask a stupid noob question here. Short version is: "What levergun + revolver should a person buy for cowboy action shooting?" Long version follows.

Hypothetically I am considering as a long-term hobby investment, maybe someday getting a levergun and revolver so my wife and I could participate in Cowboy Action Shooting/Single Action Shooting Society/etc.

RIFLE REQUIREMENTS
Rifles or carbines used in the main and team matches must be original or replicas of lever
or slide action rifles manufactured during the period from approximately 1860 until 1899,
incorporating a tubular magazine and exposed hammer. Rifles with box magazines may not
be used. Certain shooting categories require a specific type of rifle and ammunition to be
used. Please see the shooting categories for further information
RIFLE CALIBERS
• Must be centerfire of at least .32 caliber and not larger than .45 caliber.
• Must be in a caliber commonly available in revolvers. Examples include, but are not limited
to, .32-20, .32 Magnum, .357 Magnum, .38 Special, .38-40, .44-40, .44 Special, .44Magnum, and .45 Colt. The only allowed exceptions are the .25-20 and .56-50. No rifle
calibers such as .30-30 or .38-55 are allowed.

REVOLVER REQUIREMENTS
Original single action revolvers manufactured prior to 1899, their approved replicas, and
the SASS approved single action adjustable sight revolvers are the only revolvers approved
for use in SASS main match competition. The rules relative to SASS approved revolvers
depend upon the competition category in which one participates. Sights are a major factor for
determining in which category a revolver may be used. Certain shooting categories require a
specific type of revolver and ammunition be used. Please see the shooting categories for
further information.
No more than two main match revolvers may be carried to the firing line.
REVOLVER CALIBERS
• Must be centerfire calibers of at least .32 caliber and no larger than .45 caliber or percussion
calibers of at least .36 caliber and no larger than .45 caliber.
• Must be in a caliber commonly available in revolvers. Examples include, but are not limited
to, .32-20, .32 Magnum, .357 Magnum, .38 Special, .44 Magnum, .44-40, and .45 Colt).
• Standard velocity .22 caliber rimfire ammunition is allowed within the Buckaroo Category
only.
• Although the .32 caliber revolvers and .36 caliber cap and ball revolvers are legal, they may
not be powerful enough to handle all reactive targets.

It looks like there's a long list of calibers that are legal, but the only ones I've heard of people using are .45 Colt and .38 Special. Why is this? Also I've heard .38 is the cheapest option and also easier to shoot, while .45 Colt is the only one I actually know to be period correct. Are the rest FARB? Is this looked down on?

I'm interested in specific firearm recommendations as well as calibers. And for the record, this is a crazy pie-in-the-sky dream, not something I'm doing this week, so no need to ask, "So what did you buy already?" Thanks!

IIRC while .45colt was very popular for six shooters, it wasn't chambered in the winchster until later on. So the idea of a .45LC handgun/long gun combo being period specific is a little off. I think the proper period caliber would be a .44-40.

That being said, I know my local SASS club, and I'm sure many more all over are just fine with that slight anarchrism.

[RickOShea]

OK, I'm going to ask a stupid noob question here. Short version is: "What levergun + revolver should a person buy for cowboy action shooting?"

.38/.357 Ruger new Vaquero with reverse indexing pawl in stainless steel with 4.6" or 5.5" barrel.

.38/.357 Cimarron 1873 Short Rifle with 20" barrel and "short-throw" action job.

That is all.

[roscoe]

.38/.357 Ruger new Vaquero with reverse indexing pawl in stainless steel with 4.6" or 5.5" barrel.

.38/.357 Cimarron 1873 Short Rifle with 20" barrel and "short-throw" action job.

I think the 16" barrel 1892 is the way to go - much more compact, and 16" is pretty much getting the max from .357. Also, the 1892 is a much stronger design than the 1873, so you can fearlessly get the max from .357 (which can pack quite a wallop in heavy loads - approaching the 7.62x39 AK round, in the Buffalo Bore 125 grain load).

Added later:
Oops - just saw that this is "for cowboy action shooting", not "defeating zombie hordes on foot wearing a cowboy hat". In that case, for light loads, the 1873 makes sense since it cycles more easily.

[xLionx]

Latin for "Old Testament"

[RickOShea]

.38/.357 Ruger new Vaquero with reverse indexing pawl in stainless steel with 4.6" or 5.5" barrel.

.38/.357 Cimarron 1873 Short Rifle with 20" barrel and "short-throw" action job.

I think the 16" barrel 1892 is the way to go - much more compact, and 16" is pretty much getting the max from .357. Also, the 1892 is a much stronger design than the 1873, so you can fearlessly get the max from .357 (which can pack quite a wallop in heavy loads - approaching the 7.62x39 AK round, in the Buffalo Bore 125 grain load).

Added later:
Oops - just saw that this is "for cowboy action shooting", not "defeating zombie hordes on foot wearing a cowboy hat". In that case, for light loads, the 1873 makes sense since it cycles more easily.

Yeah, you want that 10 round capacity in a CAS rifle.

ETA: I thought my .45LC "factory tuned" Marlin Cowboy Comp rifle was "the shit"........ Until I was emasculated by a couple of little old ladies shooting repro "short-throw" 1873s.

[pahwraith]

Latin for "Old Testament"

How long is the barrel?
Love the compactness.

I like the mare's leg but I think theres are 16in Rossi 92 in my future.

[xLionx]

it's a 12 in barrel with a 24in overall length

[w3rdtoyamama]

Cant allow this to get on the second pages.

Anyone ever shot/owned a Henry Big Boy of any caliber? I know they are a bit more expensive than marlin's, but I'd prefer Henry.

[Gun_Nut_2k1]

Anyone ever shot/owned a Henry Big Boy of any caliber? I know they are a bit more expensive than marlin's, but I'd prefer Henry.

I have shot one and had to remove a live round that became stuck partially into the cartridge lifter. Not sure if the fault was in the rifle or ammo. I can say it was a major stoppage that required tools to make it go. It turned the gun into a large stick. It was a smooth gun when working that was for sure.

[Kiwi Bowhunter]

I know there's a Kiwi around here somewhere with a .357 cut to 12" and suppressed........
I'll look for the thread when I have a chance.

You mean this thread?

Damn, those are some nice levers!


My baby, Rossi M92, .357mag/.38spl, Suppressor, 13.5" Barrel, 5 round mag tube, Bushnell Trophy 2-6x32 Long Eye Relief Scope.
Shooting .38spl subs it's ridiculously quiet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvnYp7KdmiI

Cheers,
Sean.

Haha, my gun turned up again!
I took it out a wee while ago and put some S&B 158gr Flat Nosed .357mag's through her at 110yds, and my mate with his Tikka T3 in 6.5x55 Swede.

My holes are the big ones
I believe the group was 1.1", at 110yds, so I think that would be 1MOA(?).
Out of my 13.5" barrel, I'm happy hahahaha.

This was just after this:

So my shooting hand took an airbag(They actually f**king hurt!), so my hand was a bit mangled, but still happy with grouping.

Cheers,
Sean.

P.S. Build wasn't bad, I have good friends that work at the gunstore, got the Rifle brand new for $500NZD(20" 'Scout'), Bushnell 2-6x32 LER, Leupold Rings, AR15 Suppressor bored to .357" from .223", shortening of barrel and mag tube, butt pack, for like $1500 all up. Still haven't got BUIS for her, as after the crash I've had to throw all my money at my project car, 20v Turbo 4A-GE Trueno... damned thing ain't cheap lol.

[Penguin6920]

Im looking for a beater 336 to send to the right shop and have some work done
Ive got a 1895 and a 336 rightnow. Lookin to do one with a cut down tube and aimpoint T1

[0122358]

Hey what does anyone think of the newish Mossberg 464 3030s?

[smokestack]

long live the lever gun, i caught a lot of slack on this topic. have a good one brothers

[Dogan]

I know there's a Kiwi around here somewhere with a .357 cut to 12" and suppressed........
I'll look for the thread when I have a chance.

You mean this thread?

Damn, those are some nice levers!


My baby, Rossi M92, .357mag/.38spl, Suppressor, 13.5" Barrel, 5 round mag tube, Bushnell Trophy 2-6x32 Long Eye Relief Scope.
Shooting .38spl subs it's ridiculously quiet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvnYp7KdmiI

Cheers,
Sean.

Haha, my gun turned up again!
I took it out a wee while ago and put some S&B 158gr Flat Nosed .357mag's through her at 110yds, and my mate with his Tikka T3 in 6.5x55 Swede.

My holes are the big ones
I believe the group was 1.1", at 110yds, so I think that would be 1MOA(?).
Out of my 13.5" barrel, I'm happy hahahaha.

This was just after this:

So my shooting hand took an airbag(They actually f**king hurt!), so my hand was a bit mangled, but still happy with grouping.

Cheers,
Sean.

P.S. Build wasn't bad, I have good friends that work at the gunstore, got the Rifle brand new for $500NZD(20" 'Scout'), Bushnell 2-6x32 LER, Leupold Rings, AR15 Suppressor bored to .357" from .223", shortening of barrel and mag tube, butt pack, for like $1500 all up. Still haven't got BUIS for her, as after the crash I've had to throw all my money at my project car, 20v Turbo 4A-GE Trueno... damned thing ain't cheap lol.

That's one of the sexiest 357's I've ever seen. Sadly, there would be at least 6 months of waiting, and 400 dollars of tax stamps to build that here in the states. But 1MOA from a <16" barrel is awesome.

And I'm glad you were mostly unhurt by the crash.

[Kiwi Bowhunter]

Haha, cheers mate!
Got the project car out hooning around now, so gonna be selling it to get a truck soon I hope!

Thinking about trying to flick that lever, and build something similar in .454 Casull
Only difference would be with peeps only, no scope haha.

Cheers,
Sean.

[Dogan]

Haha, cheers mate!
Got the project car out hooning around now, so gonna be selling it to get a truck soon I hope!

Thinking about trying to flick that lever, and build something similar in .454 Casull
Only difference would be with peeps only, no scope haha.

Cheers,
Sean.

How are you planning to have peeps and a can? An eccentric can or raised peeps?

[Heather2084]

Anyone want I chime in on the new mossberg 464 spx zmb 30-30 lever action?
I'm interested in getting a hand on one to check it out. Haven't been able to find any you tube videos of it in action yet

[Gun_Nut_2k1]

Except for that aborted attept at a stock I love that mossy. I mean just think about the silent functionality with low vel rounds and a can!

[Kiwi Bowhunter]

Raised peeps, Dogan.
Also thinking about selling as-is and doing something similar in a big-boy caliber, like .444 or .454

@ Heather2084, personally I think the butt-stock is terrible, but the fore-end could actually be useful for mounting some lights or a holo-sight/red dot.

Cheers,
Sean.

[Wrangler]

Why does the butt stock have to look so horrible. Everything else looks good but that butt stock...I just can't love it.