New long gun suggestion

[larkja]

Turning to the community to help narrow down a purchase. Looking for a long gun as a range toy and home defense. Where I am:

Have a .357 handgun and considering a lever (Henry or Marlin) to complement. Have a bunch of .38 special plinking ammo so could go for a while. However, I have had levers before, and shooting from a bench is a bit of a pain.

Have a 16 gauge Browning A5 Sweet 16 from the '50s that has been in the family since new. Have around 300 rounds of shot and 100 slugs. This gun never gets shot but is in working condition. Pretty much a safe queen.

Considerations:
1. Do I pick up a lever in .357/.38 to go with the revolver?
2. Do I pick up another 16 gauge shotgun since I already have the ammo? Was looking at one of the new Browning 16 gauge offerings.
3. Do I pick up something like a Winchester SXP or Remington 870 in 20 gauge and start purchasing shot since it's available and not too expensive yet. If I go this route, I would purchase a bird and rifled slug barrel so I could have some fun at the range. But by the time I purchase an extra barrel, and ammo, I'll be close to the price of the 16 gauge Browning.

Presently, I have been enjoying range time with my .22LR rifles since I have the ammo and they're fun to shoot. The long gun I am looking to purchase would, probably, not get a lot of range use since I have a couple 22lr rifles.

Budget:
No more than $2,000 all-in.

Thanks

[Jimi Jah]

Henry Steel side gate. Easy answer. I saved you $1000.

[FNGGlock]

Another option is an AR with a 22 conversion, so you can shoot 22/223/556. I got a M&P 15 Sport II and was surprised how accurate it is.

I still have a Henry Model X 357 on my list for next year. Like the compact nature and options to fit a red dot, light, etc later.

[larkja]

Henry Steel side gate. Easy answer. I saved you $1000.

That's the lever I'm looking at.

[larkja]

Another option is an AR with a 22 conversion, so you can shoot 22/223/556. I got a M&P 15 Sport II and was surprised how accurate it is.

Have had many ARs, but have sold them all and wasn't considering purchasing another until I move out of state. I hate the hoops CA requires.

Never considered the 22 conversion.

[BillyMays]

400 rounds of shotgun ammo is not much in my book. No way I would consider another 16g just because you "have ammo". The ammo will run out some day and you'll need more and 16g is kind of a pain. Worth keeping your family heirloom though.

Between the other two options my vote is the lever action. They are endless fun. Don't bother shooting from a bench. You wouldn't shoot your shotguns from a bench either so get up, move around and have some fun!

[Wordupmybrotha]

Rossi 92 (357 lever)
Works as HD and fun gun.

[Garv]

Lever

[MARKFP]

Of the options you are leaning towards I would go with the lever, I have a few and they are fairly compact also. On the fun side but kinda rare and pricey would be an Timber Wolf pump.

[larkja]

Thanks all.

The lever search is on!!!

[003]

Take a serious look at the new Ruger 9 mm carbine. While not a lever action, it does meet your requirement as a solid range toy and perfect for home defense,

https://ruger.com/products/pcCarbine/models.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_Police_Carbine

[harbormaster]

The Henry is your best bet in the topic of your post; to me anyway. I can't limit myself like you do on calibers. I'd give up depending on 16 gauge and put it in the back of the safe as a back up to the 12 gauge ad - its affordable to add 12 gauge, more realistic in defense, and even for large birds. I love my 16's too but its not realistic to depend on them unless you reload the caliber?

[pohorsky]

I'm a fan of Marlin levers, but that love is based on JM Marlins. You might also think about the Ruger 77/357. You can shoot the 38/357 but it works better on the bench.

[skyline]

I would say a henry lever action as well but I'm waiting for them to make a side gate loading in 357 mag
So far the ones they currently make are other Calibers
That are side loading

Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk

[Horsewright]

Lever, lever, lever and get the lever! Did I mention lever?

I shoot my Mod 95 from the bench and it has a longer and bigger lever throw than Henry's and Marlins. Not that big a PIA.



Lot more lever on that 95 (bottom rifle), lots of metal comes out the bottom of that thing:



A side loading Henry in .38/.357 would be an ideal range toy/home defense weapon. There was a specific time when I choose a lever over an AR for a home defense situation and for specific reasons. You might find this interesting. This wasn't one of those what if things, this was for real:

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1585989