Which one does anyone recommend?
if you're looking for the most economical option, a .22 caliber gun is the way to go.. like a Henry 22lr. Or you could consider a .357 Magnum or .38 Special. If you want something with more capability and are willing to spend $$$, then a 45-70 Marlin guide gun
@bullseye23 So, I did end up getting the Henry 22lr after doing some research. A lot of reddit subs were talking up this firearm. Haven't had it for too long, but can definitely agree that it is fun to shoot with at the range. Great quality for price
The .22 LR Ruger is a good purchase. Fun gun to use, super smooth... Also, completely American made
Henry Magnum 44 is good. I wouldn't recommend for plinking but if you're in the field it is ideal.
Pretty good price. Ammo runs a bit.
Marlin lever action 336 is my standard .30-30 cartridge has manageable recoil, making it suitable for most shooters. The .30-30 caliber is good for the deer and hogs. The maneuverability of the lever action design makes it suitable for brush hunting scenarios.
@williamshots Yes, My 336's have benefited greatly from the additions of an after-market Timney/Weaver trigger and scopes. An upgrade that I have never, but consider wood trimmed upped some.
I have used plenty of Timney triggers. Never with a Marlin….didn’t know they made one. They’re top shelf.
Hey folks,
I saw this question pop up and figured I’d chime in as someone who’s been hunting with lever actions for years. I wanted to take sometime and talk to ya about some goo decsions
One of the biggest advantages of a lever action is how fast you can cycle shots without taking your eyes off the target. That makes a huge difference in the woods, especially for quick followups. They easy to handle which is great for hunting in thick brush. A good .30-30 lever gun has probably taken more deer in North America than any other rifle, and if you need something bigger .45-70 is an absolute powerhouse for bear, moose, or elk.
Winchesters with top ejection dont play well with scopes, but Marlins, Henrys, and newer side eject Winchesters make it easier. Also ammo costs can add up with .45-70, so that’s something to keep in mind.
If you’re looking for a solid choice, the Marlin 336 in .30-30 is a classic that’s hard to beat. The Henry Big Boy in .357 or .44 Mag is a WILD WILD WEST Rifle. If you need raw power, the Marlin 1895 in .45-70 will handle just about anything. And, of course, the Winchester 94 is legendary if you want that true feel.
Bottom line, lever actions are a great choice for hunting and general use. They fast, fun, and have that classic appeal that never gets old.
@thewyomingpatriot Thank you. I see a lot of people here talking about Marlins, but I’m actually thinking of getting a Henry Big Boy. I use lever guns for hunting, so I want something reliable with a smooth action.
Tube-loading system is a pain compared to a side-loading gate. Plus, they’re heavier than a Marlin, which throws off balance for fast shooting. The action is smooth, but not as tight as a well-tuned Marlin. If you want something practical for hunting and sport, I’d stick with a Marlin or even a Winchester better handling and more versatile in the long run