Which lever action?

toehanus · Nov 28, 2015

I am in the market for a lever action rifle. I want either a 16" or 18" barrel. I am torn between .44 magnum and .357. I have a .44 revolver already so I am leaning towards that. I like the Henry big boy with the 16" barrel and the Rossi doesn't look bad either. I have been looking at uberti as well. I have no real intended purpose for the gun other than I want something fun to shoot. I am not opposed to other brands. Thanks for your input.

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dennishoddy · Nov 28, 2015

Any of your choices are good. Since you already have the .44, that's the caliber to go with IMHO.

O4L · Nov 28, 2015

Older JM stamped Marlin.

You won't be sorry.

mugsy · Nov 28, 2015

I have owned both the Marlin and Henry in .357 magnum. Pleased with both - Henry had a smooth as butter action, Marlin was better out of the box for mounting optics, both shot well.

aviator41 · Nov 28, 2015

The Rossi is going to be OAL sensitive especially in 357. They have a tendency to eject live rounds when cycled quickly or when using shorter rounds.
I am partial to the Uberti or Winchester 1873's as that's what I compete with. They are both very well put together and finished quite nicely. They are fun to shoot and look great doing it. They are also very accurate and there are lots of aftermarket goodies for them (short stroke kits, sights, lever wraps but covers etc). But they are a throwback to the old 73 design.
I would put the older Marlins (and the newer cowboy competition) in the same group. Well made and fun to shoot. I feel they lack in the "style" department but that's personal preference.
I would avoid the Rossi if you can afford one of the other models.
Uberti also makes a reproduction 1866 brass frame that is just as accurate and very beautiful. I really enjoy shooting the 45 Colt version I have.

For rifle caliber, the pre-64 92 is a great choice, the Marlin 336 is nice and, I feel, well built. For a platform for optics, it's hard to beat for the price.

I own 4 model 73's in 357 and a 66 in 45 Colt. I wouldn't trade any of them.

zghorner · Nov 29, 2015

I prefer marlin to Winchester just because of the lever safety. That lever has to be squeezed pretty dang hard with your strong hand for the block to lift allowing the trigger to be pulled...it hurts my accuracy but may not yours. The Winchester is a smaller, more sleek gun while the marlin looks like a tank. Ive only owned a few of both and both have been 100% reliable.

The lever safety can be removed on the Wins but I would just rather buy a marlin than monkey with it.

264killer · Nov 29, 2015

I have a Rossi 92 stainless 16 inch barrel 44 mag . Works very well.

zghorner · Nov 29, 2015

44 mag marlin pre safety for sale right now on one of the facebook gun pages.

aviator41 · Nov 29, 2015

zghorner said:
I prefer marlin to Winchester just because of the lever safety. That lever has to be squeezed pretty dang hard with your strong hand for the block to lift allowing the trigger to be pulled...it hurts my accuracy but may not yours. The Winchester is a smaller, more sleek gun while the marlin looks like a tank. Ive only owned a few of both and both have been 100% reliable.

The lever safety can be removed on the Wins but I would just rather buy a marlin than monkey with it.

Wolf makes a lighter coil spring for the winchester lever safety that makes it so light you don't know it's there, but allows it to engage as inteded. No squeezing needed.

ASP785 · Nov 29, 2015

zghorner said:
44 mag marlin pre safety for sale right now on one of the facebook gun pages.

How much are they asking?

Which lever action?

toehanus

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dennishoddy

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O4L

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