Why we love traditional levers.

Canuck Bob · Post by **Canuck Bob** » Sun Dec 25, 2011 4:35 pm

For some holiday fun let us chat about traditional levers. There are many reasons from technical to historic to like our traditional levers. I'm thinking tube mag, exposed hammer, loading gate levers. The Savages and BLR types are fine rifles but for this fun thread I'm thinking of a narrower spec but imply no disrespect to those other superb levers. Also we can chat about the modern versions and clones as well. The Rossi's and Angle Ejects are as traditional as any.

The top eject Winchesters are the ultimate left hand rifle. One can feed the rifle with the off hand not the trigger hand and the ejection port is ambidexterous.

The Marlin scopes like a dream.

The exposed hammer has always seemed the best configuration in my book.

John Wayne always carried one!

An American invention used all over our hemisphere.

How about you guys?

86er · Post by **86er** » Sun Dec 25, 2011 4:51 pm

Safe to carry with the hammer down; no magazine to loose, worry about or mis-feed; points and swings easily with open sights. Carries comfortably in hand and rides nicely in a scabbard.

Poohgyrr · Post by **Poohgyrr** » Sun Dec 25, 2011 5:10 pm

They work.

Handy, no mags to lose, handy, used in all the cowboy movies, we already them and they are paid for, history, tradition, they still work well, handy, etc....

And, if you need a higher capacity detachable mag fed rifle, well, we have those too.

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Sun Dec 25, 2011 5:34 pm

The lever gun is so good because it was designed by men who understood shooting things and spending a lot of time with your gun. While some of the blackpowder (1876,1886) rifles were not short and light, the carbines were at least short. Later guns like the 1892 and 1894 are dream guns. I am particularly fond of the 94 and the Marlin 336 because of the 30-30 cartridge. It is powerful enough to kill just about anything in the lower 48 without being overly powerful. A superb medium power round.

A 94 or 336 carbine gives you more rounds than a bolt gun, is three feet long, and weighs 6 pounds. They handle like a bird gun and while they are not long range rifles, they are good to 200 yards no problem and that will cover a lot of hunting situations.

I know a bolt gun can be had with more power and range, but toting a gun as long as a fishing pole through thickets, scrambling ditches, up in trees, all that, you start to wonder. I guess I might think differently if I lived in the desert. I do use a bolt gun for longer shots sometimes when I my freezer is empty and appreciate their efficiency, but most of the time they aren't really necessary.

I know that if you encounter a man carrying a battered lever gun in the field you have likely encountered a savvy hunter.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Sun Dec 25, 2011 6:22 pm

Truly, it's totally visceral. The attraction is below my conscious ability to articulate.

Old Ranger · Post by **Old Ranger** » Sun Dec 25, 2011 6:51 pm

Griff, I didn't understand a word you just said!

But for me, my taste in long guns has gone to all leverguns. I've had bolt, pump, auto, and singleshots, but the levergun is just my thing, and has been for sometime now. The bigboys in .45-70 and my new Browning 92 in 44 and such just look, feel, shoot, and carry well. I guess I just like 'em and that's good enough for me...

Wade

Les Staley · Post by **Les Staley** » Sun Dec 25, 2011 8:33 pm

Griff, that was pretty profound for a transportation technician (truck driver)... but I guess we have a lot of time to think if we turn off our XM radios..... Les (another transportation technician)

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Sun Dec 25, 2011 8:56 pm

Well thank you Griff, from one bulk commodities relocation expert to another we need to improve our image as often as possible.

Sarge · Post by **Sarge** » Sun Dec 25, 2011 9:28 pm

What those boys said, and this-

Merry Christmas.

KirkD · Post by **KirkD** » Sun Dec 25, 2011 9:34 pm

Griff wrote:Truly, it's totally visceral. The attraction is below my conscious ability to articulate.

+1

JerryB · Post by **JerryB** » Sun Dec 25, 2011 10:23 pm

Griff, dat sho be lotta fo dollar words from a two bit mouth. Any way if you was saying levers are the best then I'll agree 100%

pokey · Post by **pokey** » Sun Dec 25, 2011 10:29 pm

Canuck Bob wrote: the levergun is just my thing,

favorite94.JPG

Canuck Bob wrote:I'm thinking tube mag, exposed hammer, loading gate levers.The exposed hammer has always seemed the best configuration

3-94s.JPG

86er wrote:Safe to carry with the hammer down; no magazine to loose, worry about or mis-feed; points and swings easily with open sights. Carries comfortably in hand and rides nicely in a scabbard.

P9060530.JPG

Poohgyrr wrote:They work.

trapper3.JPG

Dave wrote: I am particularly fond of the 30-30 cartridge.
three feet long, and weighs 6 pounds. They handle like a bird gun.
I know that if you encounter a man carrying a battered lever gun in the field you have likely encountered a savvy hunter.

win94tkdn.jpg

Old Ranger wrote:I guess I just like 'em and that's good enough for me...

C. Cash · Post by **C. Cash** » Sun Dec 25, 2011 10:35 pm

I agree it is difficult to describe as Griff suggests. A few rough idears as why I love the 94 Winchesters:

-For a kid trained on a hammer single shot shotgun, it was a rifle that made sense ...a natural transition.
-You can feel our past when you pick it up. Later pioneers, ranchers, lawmen and Texas Rangers used 94 Winchesters and that was cool. Always thought of the 94 Winchester as a true fighting rifle and I can think of no reasons why a guy is not(still) well armed with it in 2012.
-94 Winchester feels right in the hand...has that slim and balanced feel while carrying, and comes up quick, because it is....
-ergonomically correct, light, short, trim and also very powerful all in one rifle. In 356 Win., a good bit more of the latter.
-it has enough linkages, cut outs and moving parts to make it truly interesting to ponder and wonder at. A bolt seems so simple as to be mundane. They are like half a rifle, and EBR's and similar have no personality in comparison to a classic lever.

claybob86 · Post by **claybob86** » Sun Dec 25, 2011 10:44 pm

Griff wrote:Truly, it's totally visceral. The attraction is below my conscious ability to articulate.

+2, couldn't have said it better myself!

Shrapnel · Post by **Shrapnel** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 12:10 am

I grew up as a son of an American cowboy. He had a levergun and used it as a tool. I then watched Westerns growing up and all I ever wanted was a real levergun and a Colt. When I was in second grade, I got a Mattel Shootin' Shell and for almost 50 years, it hasn't stopped. I don't know when I will get enough...

Bigahh · Post by **Bigahh** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 12:21 am

They just happen to be the perfect tool for sitting 20 feet up in a tree in Heavy Timber ! Why any of us need a whole bunch of em is a totally different story !

OJ · Post by OJ » Mon Dec 26, 2011 12:46 am

Best of all worlds - for me at least. Was raised on bolt action but never sold on it - got my first Winchester 94 at age 8 - 32 special and well used but good for many coyotes and other game . Good balance, carries easily, nearly as fast as semi-auto but, if another shot isn't needed, there is no live round in the chamber.

My favorites -
Need a 22 rimfire - Browning BL22

Winchester 94 in 30-30 - just happen to be Commemoratives - but bought to be shooters for me -

And - the queen - Winchester 95 in 30-06 - from my loving and understanding wife for our 25th anniversary seven years ago -

Shoots even better than it looks - zeroed to POA at 25 yard and 2" above POA at 100 yards - shot not with bench rest but only fist rest from table at range -

OK - so I did "help" her find it - we husbands are obligated to help our wives any way we can - and when asked what we really want for such events - be honest and helpful -

FWiedner · Post by **FWiedner** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 12:55 am

There have been but a few guns that at once display the genius of the gun-maker's art and still provide simple and practical usability.

This is the attraction of the lever-gun.

LeverBob · Post by **LeverBob** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 1:04 am

Boy Howdy....you boys just said it all.

A tube magazine levergun is the finest rifle that you can put into your hands. I don't know if I can add anything to it. Perfectly ergonomic, fast reloading on the go, fast action, shoulders like a fine shotgun (like the man said), easy carry, suficient power for anything in the lower 48' & most above, pride of ownership & the knowledge that comes with the whole package.

I guess we know what works & don't need to change...

LB

LeverBob · Post by **LeverBob** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 1:04 am

Boy Howdy....you boys just said it all.

A tube magazine levergun is the finest rifle that you can put into your hands. I don't know if I can add anything to it. Perfectly ergonomic, fast reloading on the go, fast action, shoulders like a fine shotgun (like the man said), easy carry, suficient power for anything in the lower 48' & most above, pride of ownership & the knowledge that comes with the whole package.

I guess we know what works & don't need to change...

LB

Canuck Bob · Post by **Canuck Bob** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 1:56 am

They also use cartridges as they were properly designed to be, rimmed.

Many of Canada's best trappers and hunters carried a 94 and considered themselves well armed and those folks could hunt!

I can't imagine a finer handling rifle than a peep sighted lever. My 444 is so sturdy yet handy and hard hitting, my 94 is just such a perfect carbine.

1894c · Post by **1894c** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 2:16 am

KirkD wrote:
Griff wrote:Truly, it's totally visceral. The attraction is below my conscious ability to articulate.
+1

+3 ... I recently went full circle--I started with a Win. 94AE Trapper in 30/30 back in the day--did the Marlin 336 in 30/30 & 45/70, Marlin 1894 in .44Mag, Winchester 94AE in .307 Win., Tikka .270 cal. bolt gun thing, but recently picked up a used Winchester 94AE in 30/30. Leverguns are the best...used ones have character and speak to your soul... :)

horsesoldier03 · Post by **horsesoldier03** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 2:26 am

Because the passing of a TRADITION is what it is all about!

rbertalotto · Post by **rbertalotto** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 5:40 am

Extreme ease of carry in the woods...............
My two latest Rossi (both 45LC and both octagon barrels) are amazingly accurate!...............
NOTHING "Points" like a lever gun. Simply and extension of your body.........."Point, Bang, Dead"..........
You can store a bunch of them in a small space.......very narrow.
There are millions of them on the used market so prices can be very reasonable........
Because of #4 & #5 be very careful of leveritis..........a horrible disease!

pricedo · Post by **pricedo** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 5:58 am

Anything 1895 & previous + faithful clones (Rossi, Browning, El Tigre).

I certainly would NOT include the current Miroku Japchester abominations with their tang safeties & rebounding hammers.

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 8:19 am

Preferably anything pre-64, made in the USA, including the plaid…

Old Shatterhand · Post by **Old Shatterhand** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 8:29 am

The feel of cocking the hammer before the shot, the pointability, the handling.

Pete

kimwcook · Post by **kimwcook** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 11:50 am

I don't think I can add anything that hasn't already been said.

1894 · Post by **1894** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 11:54 am

What Griff said :

Canuck Bob · Post by **Canuck Bob** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 12:52 pm

Horsesoldier nailed it, it ain't a tradition if it doesn't get passed on.

rodeo kid · Post by **rodeo kid** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 1:12 pm

+ 1 on Griff's comment. A lever just looks right and while I have bolt actions and semi-auto rifles, my levers are the most fun and just make me feel the best of all my firearms after using them. My grandson was over yesterday and I gave him a pellet gun for Christmas. It was of the spring action type where you pull the forearm down and back up to cock it. We went out to the back pasture where I have a 25yd range suited to .22's. After sighting in his pellet gun and everyone shooting it alot I brought out the 22's. First he shot my .22lr USFA 12-22. Then a Sig-Sauer semi-auto 522 in '22lr. He enjoyed both of them but the biggest smile was after he fired my Henry lever carbine in .22lr. He fired off 15 .22shorts in a row and turned around and said: Wow, that was fun, I want one of these! Enough said, I think that says it all. God Bless.

93marshooter · Post by **93marshooter** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 6:57 pm

Balanced weapons with balanced calibers. Guns that are easy to carry, shoot and reload. My favorite is 30-30 model 93 marlin. I would lik to have .444 marlin, .308 marlin, 25-35.

tomtex · Post by **tomtex** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 9:03 pm

I want a traditional lever ,with a box magazine like the 95 , and chambered for the 7.62x39, 500/sw, 460/sw, 44/sw ,6.8 Rem and so-own.

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 9:21 pm

My bear aren't big by any means but damage control is damage control !

All these with 444's from 64 to 75 except for the one scraggly buck I killed with a 2001 rifle !

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 9:25 pm

These were not all taken with 444's or cast bullets !
375 WIN , 356 WIN , and 45-70 thrown in for good measures !

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 9:28 pm

Last two are 444 cast bullet deer !
Others were 35 REM , 450 Marlin , 308 Marlin Express and I am sure something I've forgotten !

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 9:33 pm

One at the top is my largest racked buck to date and was killed with a MArlin 1895 of 1978 vintage I bought on this forum from Boge Quinn ! Used the Ranch Dog 460-350GC for him !
Also a another I used cast 444 , as well as a 356 WIN with cast and a 1895G with the Ranch Dog 460-425GC !

pricedo · Post by **pricedo** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 9:36 pm

Old Shatterhand wrote:The feel of cocking the hammer before the shot, the pointability, the handling.

Pete

The updated version:

The feel of cocking the hammer, disengaging half a dozen lawyer safeties before the shot, the pointability, the handling.

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 9:49 pm

444's !

2001 rifle

1967 rifle

1966 rifle with the boibbed barrel ! My "Retro 444P" !

1971 Medallion rifle with a 5x Marlin scope !

1965 rifle

1968 rifle with a Weaver K8

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 9:53 pm

More 444's !

1971 rifle with a Bushnell illuminated Banner 1.5-6x !

1974 rifle

Another 1966 rifle

Another 1965 rifle

Another 1970 Medallion

1969 rifle

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 10:00 pm

Like a broken record more 444's !

My first 1971 rifle

The first 1968 rifle I acquired

1972 Second Model

When I only had NINE old style 444's !

1971 T and a 1973 2nd Model I got while I was in Philippines in 2010 ! No I didn't buy them there got them thru GB and MO while I was there !

First 1970 Medallion I got ! At the moment I have 4 with medallions I believe ! Three with rounded levers like this one and another with a squared lever like the 1971 rifles !

1975 Second Model the last year for barrel band 444's !

The first 1966 rifle I got

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 10:07 pm

And still more 444's !

Here's a 1970 square lever without the medallion in the stock made for the 1971 market !

1972 444T , this is a kinda rare bird as they supposedly stopped making this style in 1971 !

1970 Medallion rifle with the squared lever like the 1971 rifles had !

Another sorta rare bird , one that seriel numbers to 1964 even though production supposedly started in 1965 ! Also check out the rollstamp on the barrel !

Well thats my present flock of 444's made from 1964 to 1975 with the one exception from 2001 !
If I remmemebr them all I believe I have 26 rifles now chambered for the 444 cartridge !

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 10:12 pm

Circa 1972 MArlin 1895 in 45-70 !

Circa 1967 Marlin 336-44 in 44 MAG !

Only other leveraction I own is a Winchester 1894 TD in 30 WCF that was made about 1903 !

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 10:21 pm

A levergun is the quintessential American firearm. It is Americana in steel and walnut. It is a symbol of the American Spirit. It has an aura that can be felt but not adequately described.

And, it makes me smile every time I pull the trigger!

93marshooter · Post by **93marshooter** » Tue Dec 27, 2011 10:12 am

6pt-sitka
I know Obsessive compulsive disorder when I see it . Or maybe a new one Marlin compulsive disorder and or Levergun compulsive disorder NOS.

Pitchy · Post by **Pitchy** » Tue Dec 27, 2011 10:36 am

Just like a fine woman, irresistible.

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Tue Dec 27, 2011 11:43 am

Pitchy wrote:Just like a fine woman, irresistible.

+1 Pitchy

C. Cash · Post by **C. Cash** » Tue Dec 27, 2011 11:57 am

casastahle wrote:
Pitchy wrote:Just like a fine woman, irresistible.
+1 Pitchy

Freud would have a field day with this group!

Mutt · Post by **Mutt** » Tue Dec 27, 2011 12:26 pm

Just want to thank all you wonderful folks for these fantastic photos .
It appears that many of you shooters live and have lived great lives.

.........Mutt

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Tue Dec 27, 2011 1:46 pm

Mutt wrote:Just want to thank all you wonderful folks for these fantastic photos .
It appears that many of you shooters live and have lived great lives.

.........Mutt

Dunno about the others !

But I've just been fortunate and LUCKY