Which calibre lever action?

[jthyttin]

You did say " impossible" yes?

Yes and I did say "consistently" also. And "decent selection of conditions", like poor contrast against backstop, different lighting conditions (mainly direction of sun). We can leave wind out.

 

[Smellydog]

Yes and I did say "consistently" also. And "decent selection of conditions", like poor contrast against backstop, different lighting conditions (mainly direction of sun). We can leave wind out.

Sure but you don't have to win all the time.

 

[tackb]

Sure but you don't have to win all the time.

some people do.........

 

[Smellydog]

some people do.........

That's a shame. They must miss out on a lot of fun if they have calculated the odds against them and thus not try.

 

[tackb]

That's a shame. They must miss out on a lot of fun if they have calculated the odds against them and thus not try.

ok.

 

[HSB]

I'm tempted to get a winchester 9422 magnum for quick shots from the truck /tractor out to around 100m, anyone had one, would it be accurate enough for crows etc out to that sort of distance?

 

[Smellydog]

I'm tempted to get a winchester 9422 magnum for quick shots from the truck /tractor out to around 100m, anyone had one, would it be accurate enough for crows etc out to that sort of distance?

The 9422m is know for good accuracy but I've shot one.
I've owned a 9422 for several years and it was amazing for accuracy.

 

[gixer1]

My recommendation would be to get a Marlin in 30-30 and get leverrevolution if you intend to shoot deer with it.

The 45-70 is obnoxious to shoot and won’t make legal requirements north of the border with most ammo.

If you want one for plinking or club/gallery - go 44 mag - easier to load and has the competitive edge over a 357.

You have to love a lever gun - I’ve owned them in 30-30 (marlin 336) in .22 (marlin and Winchester) .22 mag (Winchester) .357 (marlin) and .44 (marlin)

I currently have 3 marlins (.22, 357 and 44)

Edit - just noticed you are in Scotland - even more reason to go 30-30 if it’s for deer - and if you are up in the Aberdeenshire direction and want to shoot my 3 drop me a PM and I can arrange it.

Regards,
Gixer

 

[Smellydog]

My recommendation would be to get a Marlin in 30-30 and get leverrevolution if you intend to shoot deer with it.

The 45-70 is obnoxious to shoot and won’t make legal requirements north of the border with most ammo.

If you want one for plinking or club/gallery - go 44 mag - easier to load and has the competitive edge over a 357.

You have to love a lever gun - I’ve owned them in 30-30 (marlin 336) in .22 (marlin and Winchester) .22 mag (Winchester) .357 (marlin) and .44 (marlin)

I currently have 3 marlins (.22, 357 and 44)

Edit - just noticed you are in Scotland - even more reason to go 30-30 if it’s for deer - and if you are up in the Aberdeenshire direction and want to shoot my 3 drop me a PM and I can arrange it.

Regards,
Gixer

Everything he said except the notion of being tied to lever evolution ammunition.

 

[375win]

Some more unhelpful ideas. The 7-30 Waters in a Winchester 94 is a jewel. The .356 Win shoots really well and with authority, the .307 Win is a good one to look for. I would forgo the .450 Marlins as it hurts- though the take-down model is cool and a kickeze pad works wonders. If you want something big,and can’t find a Model 71, the Model 94XTR in .375 Win is one to scan the auctions for. A Winchester 1895 in .303 is a great rifle. There are too many pistol calibre and 45-70’s around, take your time and go for something snazzy. And avoid the 30-30, it’s a great round but common.

 

[Harry mac]

Mmmm those Henry levers look interesting

The younger, prettier sister of the Browning BLR.
No way a BLR is ever gonna wear that glass slipper!

 

[reiver]

Some more unhelpful ideas. The 7-30 Waters in a Winchester 94 is a jewel. The .356 Win shoots really well and with authority, the .307 Win is a good one to look for. I would forgo the .450 Marlins as it hurts- though the take-down model is cool and a kickeze pad works wonders. If you want something big,and can’t find a Model 71, the Model 94XTR in .375 Win is one to scan the auctions for. A Winchester 1895 in .303 is a great rifle. There are too many pistol calibre and 45-70’s around, take your time and go for something snazzy. And avoid the 30-30, it’s a great round but common.

Well a 30-06 1895 or a .444 Marlin might fit the bill ?

 

[hybridfiat]

Savage 99 in .243. The only way to go.
Any bullet you want,, any load, as fast as you can work that lever.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Marlin 336 in .35Rem? I took a pronghorn at 185 paced out from my Contender 14 incher.

 

[grauerjager]

I have a marlin 336 in 3030.
I love it. Happily takes anything I can shoot at and I use the lever evolution from Hornady.
The only worry I have is getting copper rounds for it when the time comes. Ive found online that federal do make it but only on Yankee websites. Nothing in the UK yet but I imagine it will come. Or reload.
Easy to use and was relatively cheap from holts at 400 notes

Got a 6x42 Zeiss on it and it's perfect for woodland

 

[Johno2486]

I have a Winchester 94AE Regal Deluxe in .30-30, knocks deer over no problem, just a lot more skill required to get closer & once you've mastered the open sights its a joy to shoot.
I picked up a mint small Simmons Whitetail Classic scope with intention of fitting, but just haven't gotten around to it, as really enjoy the stalk into the beast.
Thinning out my cabinet in a few weeks so this stunning rifle will be available shortly.

 

[West5575]

I have three leverguns currently. I can’t tell from the thread whether your deer restrictions are fully dictating your choice or not. When it comes to levers I like traditional rifles and cartridges but have learned it is pointless and unnecessary to chase speed with such combos. 444 is on my short list and I think it might be one of the best big game cartridges ever in a lever gun. (Traditional tube fed that is). Prolly get you closest to your requirements but may push it.

Heavy bullets in leverguns are punishing to shoot when pushed fast. Not fun for me. You can count on getting less ballistic bang for your recoil buck any lever gun and cal you go with when compared to bolts.

Long winded me saying 30-30 45-70 are the two I hunt deer with. Looking to add 444, 44, and 357 marlins sooner than later. I think you will enjoy any of those within their purpose on game you can legally hunt. Too bad with your laws a 45-70 350-400 grain flat nose hammers any species of deer in the 1100-1700 fps range. I don’t go over 1600 anymore and cast at 1200 with wide meplats are plenty. Plenty tougher guys than me but I’m 6’3” 225 and anything more than that just isn’t fun.

Give a hard look at an 1894 Marlin in 357 of 44 for woodland roe hunting. And a lot more often stump shooting (or whatever yall call it over there ha).

 

[West5575]

P.S. the new ruger made marlins have gotten pretty good and offer cool rifles with 16-18 in threaded barrels for 357 and 44. Plan to buy one this spring in 357.

 

[MidlandsPaperPuncher]

I've got to say I'm very much enjoying blasting away at targets with 38/357 out of my Marlin.

As others have said, very capable for pretty much any animal in the UK too (obvious deer act issues aside) if the Americans who use them on elk and boar are to be believed.