Lever Action?

[oddjob]

I have a Browning 92 in .357. Although I don't use it as a defense gun I would think it would be a decent one.

I would go for the .357 version of a lever gun. Couple that with a .357 revolver and you would be set!

The .44 is nice, but pricey to shoot. I had a Browning 92 in 44 mag too. Sold it.

[alpha_romeo_XV]

44mag noticably more recoil than a 357 in lever carbine. I have Marlin 1894c in 357 and 1894p (ported barrel and factory recoil pad) in 44.
If you reload you can load rifle loads hotter than factory revolver ammo. I was happily amazed that 44mag with the right rifle load out of a 18" barrel carbine could punch through a 1/4" thick cold steel plate at 100 yards.

[maggie06]

Go with a side gate loader. Rather cumbersome and stupid design loading a rifle by unscrewing a tube at the front of the barrel. That nixes Henry's.

Not necessarily.

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[Mr. Meeseeks]

Years ago I bought a minty 357 Marlin 1894 carbine built in the 80's from another calgunner. Still got it, only lever I own.

It's great with 357 but it doesn't feed 38spl reliably. From what I've read it's the dreaded "Marlin Jam." Pretty nasty, I have to take it apart to get the round out.

I'm with those that suggest going with a loading gate model, tube loading gets annoying fast.

Midwest and XS make some cool rails for Marlins if you want to properly modernize one.

[vino68]

Considering the application OP has proposed, anyone use a HD round in their lever?
Like Critical Defense or Underwood?

[pennstater]

Considering the application OP has proposed, anyone use a HD round in their lever?
Like Critical Defense or Underwood?

Can't say as I have. But, nobody wants a .45 Colt from a rifle coming at 'em.
That is a fact. Or a .357 for that matter.

[mikeyr]

Considering the application OP has proposed, anyone use a HD round in their lever?
Like Critical Defense or Underwood?

Yes, didn't seem drastically different from plinking loads. Both Critical Defense and Barnes 225gr XPB lead free from Buffalo bore. The Buffalo bore lead free seemed to feed a little better/easier. Recoil wise it was not much different than a warm plinking load for my SAA, I have also shot the +P option from Buffalo bore in my '92 but of course not in my SAA. My normal plinking load with Trail Boss is really nice in the '92.

[golfish]

I am considering picking up a lever action rifle. Always rather liked these, but a few questions, which are no doubt somewhat naive...

1) Opinions on home self defense weapon? Seems like the compact size, decent mag capacity (varies), rapid cocking, and wide range of cartridges available could make it fairly formidable. I don't know about potential jamming, but perhaps less chance of that vs a semi-auto? Also, it is not compromised in any way (so far) vs an AR type, under CA laws.

2) The gun appears lightweight, with no cushioned butt pad on many lever actions I see, so expect recoil to be heavy (depending on cartridge). Comments welcome.

3) When it comes to accuracy who makes the best? Marlin, Henry, etc..? Does anyone make aftermarket octagonal barrels? Can they be changed out by a gunsmith?

4) Is the lever design inherently accurate? Some have hammers, some do not...as I understand it. Pros and cons.

I was thinking of something using a 357/38 Special round or 44 Mag/44 Special. Probably with some sort of optics as my eyesight is no longer great.

Thanks,

Phil

1) yeah, As long as there aren't any cycling issues it should be good for HD

2) 38/357 loads are okay. 44 mag wasn't fun for me. Now that I reload I wish I still had my little 44 R92

3) I have a few Winchesters, a couple Rossi's and a Marlin. They all shoot better than me. My Rossi's are both octagon barrel. I think Uberti, Marlin, Henry, Taylor's and Winchester offer octagon barrel's. Probably a few others

4) Very fun guns to shoot. Its hard to beat the Henry and Marlin guns.

[golfish]

Go with a side gate loader. Rather cumbersome and stupid design loading a rifle by unscrewing a tube at the front of the barrel. That nixes Henry's.

For somebody who wants to have a fun range gun, its hard to beat a Henry top loader. Loading gates are old school cool but not fun if your loading a bunch of rounds at the range. Unloading a top loader seems safer compared to unloading a side loader.

Now that Henry is making a side gate, its the best of both worlds. I just hope they continue to make thier guns with both loading systems.

[Bisley]

Here we go... simply a preference. Side loading gates are a PITA! slow. The tube type magazine works flawlessly. Also tube type much easier to unload. BTW Henry now makes side gate loader.

Yes, but the side gate loading lever gun is still ready to fire ALWAYS, EVEN WHILE IT IS BEING LOADED. You can not say the same thing about a tube feed only rifle. Having a firearm ready at ALL times is a major selling point to me. Especially for something like HD or pig or bear hunting.

[200Apples]

I own five revolver-caliber lever carbines; two in .44 Magnum, one in .41 Magnum and two in .357
They are my favorite long gun to shoot recreationally.

All are indeed fast-handling, light weight and accurate.

For HD I use a blued 16” Rossi 92 in .357 but have it stoked with Federal .38 Special +P hollerpoints, stashed with 8 in the tube and an empty chamber. I can lever a round into the chamber as I bring the gun to bear.

[pennstater]

Yes, but the side gate loading lever gun is still ready to fire ALWAYS, EVEN WHILE IT IS BEING LOADED. You can not say the same thing about a tube feed only rifle. Having a firearm ready at ALL times is a major selling point to me. Especially for something like HD or pig or bear hunting.

Hmm. Ok, I'll go with that. But, in a hunting or a HD/SD situation, if you cannot neutralize the situation with what you should already have in the tube, well.....
Not being a wise**s here, just practice with what you may be using.

[Tommy Gun]

No matter what a side gate will be better in any situation, plinking or whatever, than having to unscrew and pull out the entire length of tube and then reload it, then hope the tube doesn't catch the rim on the brass impeding the travel then tighten the tube screw. Loading tube is the bullet button of the lever action genre.

Lever gun would not be a first choice however for HD or hunting, no matter what people say for HD its shotgun, handgun and semi auto rifle. In a pinch sure whatever works, it is a firearm.

As for your questions.

Lever action is a cool choice as it's a tried and true rifle. I never thought I'd ever get a Revolver or Lever action but damn how your tastes change over the years. I bought my 686 specifically because I also wanted to get a Marlin Lever in .357 mag. Can mount whatever scope on it you want really, I'm going to put a red dot sight on it because handgun cartridge calibers dont need magnification really, you ain't going to shoot it 300+ yards.

[DueceMcGurk]

OP,
You will find a wide range of opinions on the "best lever" for whatever application. At the end of the day, it is personal preference. So, shoot as many levers as you can and pick the one you like best.

The good news is the first one doesn't matter. It will only be the first of many levers you eventually own. LOL

[golfish]

No matter what a side gate will be better in any situation, plinking or whatever, than having to unscrew and pull out the entire length of tube and then reload it, then hope the tube doesn't catch the rim on the brass impeding the travel then tighten the tube screw. Loading tube is the bullet button of the lever action genre.
.

Your entitled to your opinion but it sounds like you don't really know what your talking about.