Lever Action?

[Phil3]

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

[WHH]

As far as new production goes, I’d get one of the stainless Marlin 1894s for the use you are describing, probably in 357 mag. They come with a rail that would simplify optic mounting.

[BillyMays]

I can only give an opinion on #1 and #2.

If you are considering .357 or .44 you are really shooting a magnum handgun round from a rifle. As such, the recoil is manageable. IMO .44 is more recoil than .223 perhaps but certainly nothing like a large rifle round so the recoil pad isn't necessary. If you wanted one you have the option to install one aftermarket in most cases.

Home defense... over penetration may be an issue, cocking in tight spaces may be an issue. Other than that I don't see any problems. Personally I would take a HD shotgun over a lever action.

[Tommy Gun]

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.

[Squidward]

I'd use mine for SD/HD. Either of the calibers that you listed would do the job. They are in the seven pound range and swing well; quick to shoulder and point.

Accuracy is more dependent upon the shooter than the manufacturer but plenty good enough for SD/HD accuracy. Recoil isn't an issue at all in 38/357. 44 isn't punishing. If you already own a handgun in your listed calibers, that's what I would go with.

The Henrys and Marlins are side eject, meaning you can easily mount an optic on the top of the receiver. The Winchesters are top eject so no optic can be easily mounted on top of the receiver. Other options are available however.

The big lever action debate is tube fed (Henry) vs loading gate (Marlin and Winchester). And, Marlin's quality control. Henry now offers a gate fed lever in a couple of calibers.

Henry's fit/finish, wide selection and lifetime warranty are exceptional. If you like "mechanical" things, the Winchester is a work of art.

[Charlie50]

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.

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.

[terry4130]

[BOBGBA]

...BTW Henry now makes side gate loader...

The Henry side gate loaders also include the removable tube magazine for easy unloading.

Unfortunately, the side gate is currently limited to 3 calibers (30-30 Win, .38-55 Win & .35 Rem). Can't wait for them to add it to a .38/.357 version.

https://www.henryusa.com/rifles/side-gate-lever-action/

[terry4130]

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.

https://www.range365.com/henry-releases-new-side-gate-rifles/

[Ora Serrata]

I’ve got 16” Rossi 92 levers in both .357 and .44. The .357 is my wife’s favourite rifle.

The .44 gives considerably more kick than the .357. And shooting 38’s out of it feels like a pop gun. Plus .44 means more chance of over penetrating. I don’t use either as HD guns myself but if I was going to use a lever I’d take the .357 loaded with 38’s.

[Garv]

You need to practice a bit for speedier shooting.

[Kyle1886]

I'm interested in the Henry Long Ranger model in 223/5.56 since that is the ammo I have the most of.

https://www.henryusa.com/rifles/the-long-ranger/

I'd hate to start with a new caliber under today's ammo laws, etc.

Good luck on your quest.

Respectfully
Kyle

[RNE228]

I've had opportunity to try Browning BLR's in 223 a few times; they were a lot of fun to shoot.

They use a box magazine which is a lot faster than a tube or side gate style.

I'm interested in the Henry Long Ranger model in 223/5.56 since that is the ammo I have the most of.

Respectfully
Kyle

[pennstater]

I have two Henry's. One in .357, 20" octagon barrel, other a .45 Colt, 20" round barrel. Tube fed. They take a little getting used to, but, who hasn't loaded a tube fed .22 rifle? No time flat, its second nature. The Henry Big Boy Steel come in .357/38spl, .41 mag, .44 mag/44spl, .45 Colt and .327.
Lots to choose from.

[mikeyr]

my fav rifle is my Chiappa imported by Taylors, its a '92 takedown copy of the Winchester with octagonal barrel in .45Colt. By far my favorite rifle, I do own a Henry also in .45Colt but I have not shot it since I got the '92