Mojave Lever Crew - Roll Call!

[200Apples]

Thanks wolfmann.


HEY! Jeep has a new version of their new Gladiator. Was the Rubicon was the top-trim level, and with Fox dampers, locking diffs, front-mounted camera (to see steep drop offs, etc)...

But they've just created another! And you'll NEVER GUESS what they're calling it: the Gladiator MOJAVE! lol.

****. I love my F150. Can't keep it -and- get a new Jeep. ****




https://expeditionportal.com/why-the...e-competition/

[DueceMcGurk]

The "official" vehicle of the MLC. Apples do we get copyright royalties? I will go to the dealer and ask. lol

[SanDiego619]

I want to buy a lever gun just to be part of this crew.

[splithoof]

Originally Posted by SanDiego619

I want to buy a lever gun just to be part of this crew.

You should do that. If Apples likes you, you're in.
You may however have to help polish his truck; it is one of the cleanest and most well cared for vehicles I've seen off road.

[200Apples]

If Apples likes you, you're in.

Oh, come on... and I had just happened to have warshed it last time we went shootin'!

Everyone! is welcome to join the MLC... well, save for a few douchebags found elsewhere around here. But fortunately for us they don't understand the allure of the lever carbine or rifle.

[Calif Hunter]

As far as the Jeep truck goes, I'll keep my 2002 F350 Crew Cab 4x4. It goes just about everywhere, has only gotten stuck once in 17 years where I needed help to get out and has been on many hunting trips. (It only has 85K miles on it as it is not my daily driver.) Right now, it is making regular trips to the Mojave Preserve since I retired and moved to Apple Valley. Its only drawback is its width and gas mileage compared to a Jeep or Tacoma. It has long been paid off, too - a huge factor when retired!

[200Apples]

Originally Posted by Calif Hunter

As far as the Jeep truck goes, I'll keep my 2002 F350 Crew Cab 4x4. It goes just about everywhere, has only gotten stuck once in 17 years where I needed help to get out and has been on many hunting trips. (It only has 85K miles on it as it is not my daily driver.) Right now, it is making regular trips to the Mojave Preserve since I retired and moved to Apple Valley. Its only drawback is its width and gas mileage compared to a Jeep or Tacoma. It has long been paid off, too - a huge factor when retired!

I hear that!

Now, I have a sincere question. First, though, it's been said that "4 X 4 will just get you stuck $300 farther out"... and I know that when you need torque to the front axle there's no substitute.

That said, however, and, sincerely: How many times have you had to engage the front driveline over those many years of hunting trips?

I ask because everywhere off highway I've gone I've gotten through with 2WD. Then again, I don't rock crawl or wander off with a passel of Jeeps.

[200Apples]

And please be aware that the correct reply to my query may just save me a LOT of money!

[scarville]

So how do I join? I have a few lever guns and they are the most likely to accompany me on every range trip.

Marlin 1894C (X3)
Marlin 336
Marlin 1985
Marlin 1894M
Henry Varmint Express (17HMR)
Browning Bl-22 (22 LR)
Browning BLR (308)

[200Apples]

You're in! scarville.

What're those three 1894C chambered in?

[Killer Bee]

Originally Posted by scarville

So how do I join? I have a few lever guns and they are the most likely to accompany me on every range trip.

Marlin 1894C (X3)
Marlin 336
Marlin 1985
Marlin 1894M
Henry Varmint Express (17HMR)
Browning Bl-22 (22 LR)
Browning BLR (308)

uhm, I'll need to see the BLR, specially ifin it's a pre-81 please, thank you

[scarville]

Originally Posted by 200Apples

You're in! scarville.

Thank you...

What're those three 1894C chambered in?

They are all 357 magnum.

[scarville]

Originally Posted by Killer Bee

uhm, I'll need to see the BLR, specially ifin it's a pre-81 please, thank you

Sorry, it is a Model 81. Not a post 95 "lighting" but the steel receiver model. I'll see if I can rustle up a picture.

[200Apples]

I've got one 1894CS357 and a 16" blued Rossi so chambered. I'd love another '94 in .357, just because.

[Beetle Bailey]

I've got:

Marlin 39a

Marlin 1894 .357 mag

Marlin 1894 .44 mag

Marlin 336 .30-30

I am no expert but will happily provide any info I can about them.

Note: New shooters LOVE the 1894 in .357, especially women!

[Calif Hunter]

Originally Posted by 200Apples

I hear that!

Now, I have a sincere question. First, though, it's been said that "4 X 4 will just get you stuck $300 farther out"... and I know that when you need torque to the front axle there's no substitute.

That said, however, and, sincerely: How many times have you had to engage the front driveline over those many years of hunting trips?

I ask because everywhere off highway I've gone I've gotten through with 2WD. Then again, I don't rock crawl or wander off with a passel of Jeeps.

I often engage it when I think the ground is a bit questionable and it may not have actually been required, but I hate the thought of getting stuck and having to walk miles for help in areas with no cell phone service. There have been several times that I had to engage it to get myself unstuck, mainly due to sandy/soft soil. For mud, I engage it beforehand and try not to stop or turn my wheels sharply.

I have been thinking of selling both my car and my truck to buy something I could use as a daily driver and still tow my trailer - maybe like an F-150 or Chevy 1500.... that would get better mileage.

[wolfmann]

I got a 2wd jeep,sucks bout everywhere even in snow.
Bronco 4x4 gets me everywhere,old 88 with locking hubs.
And now a Harley Sportster dont think I will be doing much off road with it.

[200Apples]

Originally Posted by Beetle Bailey

I've got:

Marlin 39a

Marlin 1894 .357 mag

Marlin 1894 .44 mag

Marlin 336 .30-30

I am no expert but will happily provide any info I can about them.

Note: New shooters LOVE the 1894 in .357, especially women!

You know why women like ,357 from a carbine? Because while it's easy to handle, they can sense it's POWER and they LIKE IT.

Beetle, we would be most proud! to have you on the MLC Roster Of Lee-ver Ho0ligans! Most proud, indeed.



Consider yourself Crew!

[200Apples]

CalHunter, thanks for your reply on the wheeling subject. Thanks, too, Wolfmann.

I got a 2wd jeep,sucks bout everywhere even in snow.

Not telling you anything you might not already know, but an appropriate tire goes a long way in very-low-traction conditions. I don't ride on highway tires, because I also drive in the dirt.

[Killer Bee]

Killer Bee checking in for the MLC off road division

Originally Posted by Killer Bee

Jawbone - and surrounding OHV areas..



Gorman - oops, didn't see that one coming



San Felipe



DOHC all aluminum V6 custom heads, computer, etc. had tons of power and ran like a swiss watch

for those that don't know, takes a few ponies to throw sand off all four wheels like that

Originally Posted by Killer Bee

sooo, sold the amigo because it hurt Mrs. Bee's ( . )( . )

that and we now have 2 kids and the amigo was a two seater, back seat removed for fuel cell..

so I bought these instead

still working on getting them both desert ready but they will be excellent trail rigs..

no high speed whoop racing for me, too difficult to avoid beer spills

71 GMC K1500 350 / 350 / np205







71 Chevy K20 350 / 350 / np205





they like hanging out together

even my '02 c1500 gmc has 6" rcd kit, 33s and Eaton posi with 4.56 gears, does alright

[wolfmann]

Very cool trucks Bee.
Yeah I have snow tires on the Jeep,still sucks balls.
Working on the Martini Cadet sporter today,they kept the original stock and did a crappy job on the forend,pretty good gap at the backend lower part the top is tight so I dont think I can fix that one,they just smeared a brown finish on it didnt even bother to make it uniform kinda funky looking,that I can fix.Nice patina on the reciever though a bit worn on markings,Re-barrel kinda even matchs the patina with the 218 bee so I wonder just how old the re-barrel is.
Still kinda cool,I mean how many falling blocks do you see with Australia CommonWealth markings and a Kangaroo on the top of the reciever?
Might do a plumb brown on the metal,not sure yet.
Also did a feed n wax on the Mauser bolt today,still cant beleive how no one wanted that rifle,thing is a easy 1200-1500 rifle today if you look at the cost of making it today,stunning tiger stripe stock,2.5 trigger,slick bolt etc.

[RayPDA]

Nice rigs bee! A few yrs back I borrowed the family’s 01’ suburban (2wd) and managed to take it from the afton side thru the main water crossings...I stopped at the slot cantons because I got worried about getting stuck in the soft sand.

Wish I had a rig like yours...one day I’ll trade up my old 4x4 ranger for a newer one or an suv.

Wolfmann, glad the martini is coming along!

For levers:

The 9422 is still at one of the local shops. Another one has no levers but does have a consigned left hand Ruger scout. I’m tempted since ive always wanted one, but unfortunately I came across another contender pistol....

But it’s a scoped super 14 in .30-30 so it counts?

Also now have a 10” .45 long colt barrel for it too...

Lol

[Kokopelli]

How did I miss this club? Where in the Mojave do you meet up? I'm in the Antelope Valley.

[200Apples]

How did I miss this club? Where in the Mojave do you meet up? I'm in the Antelope Valley.

The MLC roster has been growing steadily beyond it's OG three members for just one month. No harm, no foul.

We don't meet up because Covid. Restrictions are lifting. We don't gather to shoot in large groups because that will require an RSO and hard rules for a safe range.

What we propose, until we might get together for a BBQ and a gun show later this summer at someone's residence (undetermined location) is that you members go shoot in groups of 3 or 4 or whatever number of folks, where you like to shoot then share your Mojave shooting stories with the rest of us.

Antelope Valley? Drive north. Bingo. Mojave.

Welcome aboard, Kokopelli. You're the 41st and newest member of the Mojave Lever Crew!

[DueceMcGurk]

Nice pics Bee. Welcome Koko!

[200Apples]

Originally Posted by SanDiego619

I want to buy a lever gun just to be part of this crew.

The only published requirement for membership in the MLC is a desire to own a lever gun. Consider yourself part of the MLC, SD619.

A recently-posted parameter, however, prohibits douchebags from being added to the roll.

[SanDiego619]

Originally Posted by 200Apples

The only published requirement for membership in the MLC is a desire to own a lever gun. Consider yourself part of the MLC, SD619.

A recently-posted parameter, however, prohibits douchebags from being added to the roll.

Oh no, that second rule, I better be careful not to act like a DB!!


In an earlier post it was mentioned that large numbers cannot gather to shoot without an RSO, is that a safety rule or some sort of law or liability issue for the organizer? For instance, if 20 people went to BLM land to shoot, would there be a legal requirement for an RSO, or would it be in the name of safety having someone to keep everyone on the same page and not firing willy nilly?

Thank you for my membership! I will get a lever gun eventually, it is inevitable.

[Killer Bee]

not that it would do much good now, but I was an RSO/OIC in ncw.. of course my last letter from Pendleton expired about ten years ago when I retired but I supervised ranges for mk19, m2hb, m240, m16, m203, m79, m500, m9.. and of course line coach, marksmanship instructor, etc.. should be able to help ya'll in some way if I can make it to the event..

[DueceMcGurk]

As groups get larger and there are more shooters unfamiliar with each other, safety becomes a bigger concern. An RSO is a thankless task. You sacrifice your own enjoyment for the safety of the group. But sometimes you take one for the team. Rotating RSO is the usual compromise.
I have shot with the same guys for years and we don't feel a need for an RSO. But in a large public group, probably a good thought -- or just go to Burro and use theirs. lol

[SanDiego619]

Originally Posted by DueceMcGurk

As groups get larger and there are more shooters unfamiliar with each other, safety becomes a bigger concern. An RSO is a thankless task. You sacrifice your own enjoyment for the safety of the group. But sometimes you take on for the team. Rotating RSO is the usual compromise.
I have shot with the same guys for years and we don't feel a need for an RSO. But in a large public group, probably a good thought -- or just go to Burro and use theirs. lol

That makes sense! I've only gone in groups of 4-5 at the most, and almost all were way more experienced than me, so they kept me in line

[pennstater]

Kokopelli is one of the reasons I got into levers. He's been around for a while.
Old school and I like that. How ya doing Koko?

MLC

[Calif Hunter]

I just renewed my RSO card for 2 more years. I used to be a Pistol and Personal Protection Instructor but let those lapse years ago.

My truck is just the vehicle to get me where I want to go, usually hunting or towing my toy hauler. Pretty much stock except for air cleaner, tires and shocks. The F350 does come with some extras vs the 3/4 ton. Prior to this truck, I had a 3/4 Suburban 4x4 with a diesel. It was a beast in 4WD low - would practically climb a wall. Always slow but it made no difference if you were hauling a trailer or not.

[Beetle Bailey]

Originally Posted by 200Apples

You know why women like ,357 from a carbine? Because while it's easy to handle, they can sense it's POWER and they LIKE IT.

Beetle, we would be most proud! to have you on the MLC Roster Of Lee-ver Ho0ligans! Most proud, indeed.



Consider yourself Crew!

Thanks!

[Kokopelli]

Originally Posted by pennstater

Kokopelli is one of the reasons I got into levers. He's been around for a while.
Old school and I like that. How ya doing Koko?

MLC

Doing great my friend. Haven’t been posting a lot since I got offered a dream job and came out of retirement.

[DueceMcGurk]

Geez Koko. I thought the dream job WAS retirement. lol

[DueceMcGurk]

"Note: New shooters LOVE the 1894 in .357, especially women!" -- Beetle

My Marlin 94C in 357 always brings out my newbie, feminine side. LOL

[cannon]

Originally Posted by 200Apples

I hear that!

Now, I have a sincere question. First, though, it's been said that "4 X 4 will just get you stuck $300 farther out"... and I know that when you need torque to the front axle there's no substitute.

That said, however, and, sincerely: How many times have you had to engage the front driveline over those many years of hunting trips?

I ask because everywhere off highway I've gone I've gotten through with 2WD. Then again, I don't rock crawl or wander off with a passel of Jeeps.

It all depends on how you off road.

Style #1 is to get off the pavement. air down your tires and shift into low. Since you have used all your tools out the gate. When you get stuck you are *Insert word that rhymes with stuck*

Style #2 is to go off road and leave it in 2 high. When the trail gets rough and you can feel your vehicle hanging up on things (Or get stuck). Shift into 4 high. When you feel your truck does not have the power to get over things (or get stuck). Shift into four low. when you get stuck. AIR DOWN YOUR TIRES AND PUT IT IN REVERSE.

I have used method number 2 since the 70's. Has worked very well. Not been stuck.

Don't rock crawl but I explore down roads, trails and paths or anything that looks interesting or I have not been down.

[200Apples]

We'd like to hear about your dream job! I know a retired LEO who's a real antique picker and total gun guy back east that went to work for Cabela's Gun Library where he lives. Says that's his dream job, and I can certainly understand why...

Well, in other, ongoing MLC Roll Call News...

Thanks for posting your truck stories! Feel free to post about anything related to shooting lever guns in the Mojave.




Our esteemed colleague SplitHoof has sent me a photo of what would be a real! fun whirlenpopper: A Ruger Blackhawk .357 Conversion with it's 9 X 19 Parabellum cylinder. Talk about a ho0t!

splithoof ruger 357-9.jpg

[200Apples]

Originally Posted by cannon

It all depends on how you off road.

Style #1 is to get off the pavement. air down your tires and shift into low. Since you have used all your tools out the gate. When you get stuck you are *Insert word that rhymes with stuck*

Style #2 is to go off road and leave it in 2 high. When the trail gets rough and you can feel your vehicle hanging up on things (Or get stuck). Shift into 4 high. When you feel your truck does not have the power to get over things (or get stuck). Shift into four low. when you get stuck. AIR DOWN YOUR TIRES AND PUT IT IN REVERSE.

I have used method number 2 since the 70's. Has worked very well. Not been stuck.

Don't rock crawl but I explore down roads, trails and paths or anything that looks interesting or I have not been down.

Last time I went shooting in the Mojave, I did indeed air down using my Staun deflators (16 psi) if only to see how it might reduce NVH from the mile-long washboard heading in to our spot.

It helped a little, but when I left at 1:30 PM in the 90-degree heat of the day I had to air back up. I put the compressor (a Viair 400P) to the test in the heat for four tires.

I won't be airing down again until it's necessary, until a situation such as you have described. Thanks for your post.

[pennstater]

Originally Posted by Kokopelli

Doing great my friend. Haven’t been posting a lot since I got offered a dream job and came out of retirement.

Excellent Koko, excellent. We'll be talking. Good to see you back. Yeah!

MLC