Lever action

[alberta boy]

Thank you, that's a comprehensive answer from a man who clearly knows!

I'm leaning towards a Marlin I think, I like the look of their stock and barrel finishes (call me a tart, but it needs to make me smile as well as serve its practical purpose!), and crucially they seem to be available from a selection of retailers over here. Unfortunately "where can I get one" and "can I get ammo for it" are deciding factors for UK shooters. I will most likely want to put a scope or some kind of red dot on, so you've more or less steered me the way I was already heading.

Speaking of optics, what are your thoughts on that? A scout scope with the lowest of low rings?

I usually stick to low power variables like a Leupold 1.5 -4 or a fixed low power . I have an old Leuplod M8 3 power that has been on more rifles than I can remember . It's sitting on a Savage single shot Model 219 , chambered in 30 /30 , at the moment . I've found that I use the lower settings a lot when hunting in thick cover , sometimes , less is more . I've used a few Scout set ups over the years , they do work , but they have a fairly small field of view when compared with a receiver mounted scope . When using 45/70's , keep in mind that the more eye relief , the better . Ask me how I know lol . I hunt with two guys that use high velocity, heavy bullet loads in their 1895 SBL's , they both have intermediate eye relief , low power , scopes on their rifles to avoid the ocular cookie cutter , something to keep in mind if you intend to go that route . A stainless version in either caliber would be a good idea in the UKs humidity . A blued version is fine , but a stainless rifle is easier to maintain . They are a bit flashy though . There's a picture on here somewhere of an SBL that I ceracoted to make it a little less noticeable , important when you're shooting animals at close range . There are a lot of after market accessories available , especially for the Marlin 1895's and 336's . You can customize them to suit your taste or needs .................... and you will .

AB

 

[alberta boy]

I love my 336 and would recommend it any day.



If you do, I would strongly urge you to at least try it with irons. I couldn't get on with a scope on mine, put a Skinner on it and haven't looked back.

Anything else I might have said on the subject has already been said by people with much more relevant experience than me!

The Skinners are very good sights .

AB

 

[User00040]

 

[aboynamedjim]

I usually stick to low power variables like a Leupold 1.5 -4 or a fixed low power . I have an old Leuplod M8 3 power that has been on more rifles than I can remember . It's sitting on a Savage single shot Model 219 , chambered in 30 /30 , at the moment . I've found that I use the lower settings a lot when hunting in thick cover , sometimes , less is more . I've used a few Scout set ups over the years , they do work , but they have a fairly small field of view when compared with a receiver mounted scope . When using 45/70's , keep in mind that the more eye relief , the better . Ask me how I know lol . I hunt with two guys that use high velocity, heavy bullet loads in their 1895 SBL's , they both have intermediate eye relief , low power , scopes on their rifles to avoid the ocular cookie cutter , something to keep in mind if you intend to go that route . A stainless version in either caliber would be a good idea in the UKs humidity . A blued version is fine , but a stainless rifle is easier to maintain . They are a bit flashy though . There's a picture on here somewhere of an SBL that I ceracoted to make it a little less noticeable , important when you're shooting animals at close range . There are a lot of after market accessories available , especially for the Marlin 1895's and 336's . You can customize them to suit your taste or needs .................... and you will .

AB

I've spent way more on customised parts than I did on the marlin!

 

[scrumbag]

Scout scopes are useful in that they let you mount a scope not back over the receiver if you can’t mount a conventional scope. They have limitations in often not having the best field of view and aren’t so good in low light.

If you can mount a relatively low mag conventional scope (1-4x, 2-7 or a 3-9x40 for example) as you can on a 336 or 1895, I would.

If you are set on a scout scope, probably best bets are Burris, Leupold and Vortex.

There’s a review of “current” scout scopes here:



(There’s a part 2 as well)

One thing to think about, most lever action stocks put your eye in about the right place to use iron sights. If you’re going to use a scope, you might need a cheek pad but that’s not the end of the world.

I have a scout scope on my 44. Drop me a pm and if logistically possible we can meet up and shoot it.

Scrummy

 

[Taff]

Just been out to check zero on my latest 336 big loop before flyin in to bush on Monday after the Sika, 2 inch group at 100 yds off bonnet of truck with a 2 moa aim point, Winchester 150g , happy enough with that, not so happy when the lever came off, luckily screw was still there, now lock tightened, better now than in the bush.

 

[TringSaint]

45-70 and Marlin 1895s in particular are pretty accurate for what they are, and very capable of taking deer sized game way beyond 70 yards. I’m comfortable out to about 130y with a receiver peep (210 being my max), but with a scope and a range finder they’d have heaps more in them. It’s the user and the sights that are the limiter not the round or the rifle. Recoil when hunting is not an issue

All of that maybe so, but my super short 308 does all of that and more, hence why I ditched the lever option as soon as the round I wanted was marginal out of the gun I wanted.

No desire for any rifle of mine to have a barrel over 20” - just way too cumbersome.

 

[simgre]

From the “Big” to the “Little”…

Marlin 1895 in .45-70 and a Ruger Gunsite Scout in .223 (well actually 5.56) Both fitted with Scout Scopes and both very capable for nigh on everything in the U.K.

 

[SimpleSimon]

View attachment 303565

From the “Big” to the “Little”…

Marlin 1895 in .45-70 and a Ruger Gunsite Scout in .223 (well actually 5.56) Both fitted with Scout Scopes and both very capable for nigh on everything in the U.K.

Your 1895 looks exactly like the idea on my head of the rifle I want

 

[harrygrey382]

All of that maybe so, but my super short 308 does all of that and more, hence why I ditched the lever option as soon as the round I wanted was marginal out of the gun I wanted.

No desire for any rifle of mine to have a barrel over 20” - just way too cumbersome.

Sure, that makes sense. I was only responding to this comment, which I believe is not quite right

I have also shot a 45/70 and it’s ok but not hugely accurate (50-75 yds is acceptable but beyond that it’s a bit wayward!!)

 

[Muir]

... this comment, which I believe is not quite right

Especially the part about the accuracy of the 45-70. We have a 900 yard shoot here in Montana where 45-70 is probably the most popular cartridge. Mine are MOA capable, for sure. ~Muir

 

[Andy RV]

You’ve got to have a lever action or 3 in your life!

Here are mine from the top, A Japanese Winchester 1873 in .357, a 1965 Winchester 94 in .30-30 and a Marlin ‘Cowboy’ in 45-70.

 

[kenbro]

Another one here.
Ken.

 

[SimpleSimon]

Is anyone able to recommend a specific model, available to buy in the UK in 30-30? Google hasn't been my friend.

It doesn't look like there are any 30-30 lever actions, aside from the Marlin 336 Dark with its very short barrel and potentially non-deer-legal status. Not many used examples around either, and to be honest I'd prefer a new one.

45-70 chambered options in the Marlin 1895 are more common by the look of things. Which is a shame because the 30-30 probably is a more suitable choice.
(Prior to the reintroduction of bison, grizzly bears, sabre-toothed tigers and whatever other extinct species "they" decide, anyway...)

 

[Swedish]

Seem to be a few here:

.30-30 Lever Action Winchester Rifles for sale | Guntrader

Explore our wide range of new and used .30-30 Lever Action Winchester Rifles, suitable for all levels. Browse our listings to find the perfect gun.

www.guntrader.uk

Item Search Results

guntrader.uk is the best source of second hand guns, used shotguns and rifles for sale anywhere in the UK. Buy new and used guns or search for gun dealers and shops.

www.guntrader.uk

 

[Smellydog]

You’ve got to have a lever action or 3 in your life!

Here are mine from the top, A Japanese Winchester 1873 in .357, a 1965 Winchester 94 in .30-30 and a Marlin ‘Cowboy’ in 45-70.

I've still not tried that 73 yet

 

[Zetter]

Gaaa I am up for renewal at the end of this year and am so tempted to add one on for use at the club range! Threads like this do not help my bank balance

 

[harrygrey382]

Especially the part about the accuracy of the 45-70. We have a 900 yard shoot here in Montana where 45-70 is probably the most popular cartridge. Mine are MOA capable, for sure. ~Muir

Yeah I was trying to be polite but it’s just plain wrong.

Is anyone able to recommend a specific model, available to buy in the UK in 30-30? Google hasn't been my friend.

It doesn't look like there are any 30-30 lever actions, aside from the Marlin 336 Dark with its very short barrel and potentially non-deer-legal status. Not many used examples around either, and to be honest I'd prefer a new one.

45-70 chambered options in the Marlin 1895 are more common by the look of things. Which is a shame because the 30-30 probably is a more suitable choice.
(Prior to the reintroduction of bison, grizzly bears, sabre-toothed tigers and whatever other extinct species "they" decide, anyway...)

Have you tried inquiring with an offical Winchester or Ruger dealer (Ruger are now the owners/manufacturers of new Marlin)?

 

[scrumbag]

Don’t totally disregard Henry. They get good write ups

 

[LeftHandGuy]

This one:

.30-30 Marlin 336

www.valleyarms.co.uk

And it already has a Skinner on it.

And here is a deal, if you get it, and don't like the Skinner sight I will happily trade it for a 336 Weaver rail when I am over in the Summer

(Actually, I couldn't in all conscience do that, the weaver rail is only about $10 worth of Aluminium, and that Skinner worth a lot more! That said, if you want the rail, LMK and I will bring it when I come. I'll never need it again)