Reasons To Like Lever Action Rifles
BY Herschel Smith
4 years, 11 months ago
So before watching this I have to say a few things.
I don’t think the 9mm is a “wimpier” cartridge than the 10mm. I think they serve different roles and functions, some of which overlap (think Venn diagram). I could say that the 10mm is a wimp compared to my 450 SMC cartridges, and that would be technically correct since I can put 230 grains downrange as fast as a 10mm round, and I’ll take 230 gr. any day.
But that would be missing the point, just like those folks who criticize others for carrying a 9mm gun rather than the “mighty” 10mm gun. I can shoot my 1911 with 450 SMC for a while, but my hand is going to take a pounding. The 450 SMC isn’t for range shooting except for getting good enough with it to defend yourself in the bush from predators. It’s not a good cartridge for anything else, and besides, it’s much more expensive to buy than standard .45 ACP. He’s being cute, but he almost shoots his own argument.
As for the tools that can handle most everything (he’s exaggerating the case again here to make a point), the AR-15 and Glock is of course not the answer, since the 5.56mm/.223 round wouldn’t be the preferred round for deer or hog (or big game), and I don’t happen to like the 22° grip angle of the Glock, and much prefer the 11° for the 1911. John Moses Browning understood ergonomics before anyone else did in the firearms world.
As for his reasons for liking lever action rifles, I agree with all of them. Recall that we’ve had this discussion with Matt Bracken on having a rifle and revolver chambered in the same round.
I would prefer to wait until Henry Repeating Arms comes out with a side gate loader for .357 magnum. I sent a note to Mr. Anthony Imperato and he responded to me that they have things in the works, but won’t announce until the firearms are on the shelves ready to ship. Specifically, “We will expand the H024 Side Gate line, so stay tuned. We will keep you posted. We do not announce new calibers, models, variations etc until they are on the shelf ready to ship.”
I would like to think that rather than getting all twisted about this like some bloggers and gun writers do, i.e., “If you don’t like me and what I like and believe everything I believe you’re just an ignorant poser and have no right to an opinion,” we can be the rainbow coalition of shooters. Like what you like, do what you want to do, carry how you want to carry.
That’s the most libertarian-minded way to be, right?
On December 15, 2019 at 10:35 pm, George 1 said:
Hard to argue the logic. Especially for the 357 mag guns. Out of a rifle the 357 mag is, until about 80 to 90 yards, very close to 30-30 performance. The round is small enough that you can carry a lot of ammo as well.
If a Henry side loading gate rifle becomes available you could pair that with something like a Ruger SP101 as a small back up gun. The rifle would probably weigh about 6 or so pounds and a small red dot would add minimal weight. The SP 101 is sturdy enough to shoot the strongest loads. It won’t be pleasant to shoot but you won’t hurt the gun.
I still believe in more modern firearms for defense but in ban states it is hard to beat a good lever gun and wheel gun combo.
On December 16, 2019 at 12:50 am, BRVTVS said:
Marlin, Mossberg, Rossi, Winchester, Uberti, And Chiappa all make lever action rifles with side loading gates today. I think it’d be fine if Henry comes out with a side loading gate model, but there are plenty of options in today’s market.
On December 16, 2019 at 9:21 am, Ned2 said:
R-92Rossi sideloader in 454 Casull, paired with a Ruger Super Redhawk in same caliber.
On December 16, 2019 at 10:23 am, BRVTVS said:
@ Ned2
Does Rossi still make the R92 in 454? I had heard it was discontinued.
On December 16, 2019 at 10:53 am, BRVTVS said:
Here’s a comparison by Paul Harrell of the 44 mag vs the 30-30 from lever action rifles. https://youtu.be/PNiDwprzoo4
On December 16, 2019 at 10:58 am, Herschel Smith said:
The only thing is that Rossi is made in Brazil, Winchester is made in Japan, and neither looks like nor has the quality of a Henry.
On December 16, 2019 at 11:58 am, BRVTVS said:
Certainly, “Made in Brazil” is not a confidence inspiring phrase, but most of what I’ve seen about the new Rossi is that Beretta ownership has greatly improved quality control. The Miroku made Winchester is by most accounts of higher quality than anything they made in the US post 1964, but the actions have been modified with lawyer inspired safety features that keep them from running as smooth as the old time Winchesters. Marlin is still US made, although a lot of the mistrust of Marlin quality control after Freedom Group took over will take years to dissipate. I think the most attractive options to my taste are the Uberti and Chiappa offerings. The Chiappa 1892 seems to have well chosen twist rates to stabilize heavier bullets (a big shortcoming of Marlin) and offers take-down models. Having had a recent chance to look over a few Uberti 1866 and 1873 replicas in a gun store, I think they are truly more beautiful than any Henry made firearm that I’ve seen.
On December 17, 2019 at 7:17 am, SGT.BAG said:
Marlin 1895…….. Need i say more.
On December 17, 2019 at 7:50 pm, Sanders said:
I’m sure envious of my brother-in-law’s Marlin 1891 Cowboy lever action in .357 mag. They are practically unobtanium, anymore. Especially with the 24″ barrel he has on his. A 20″ barrel is more common. His shoots like a laser beam out to 200 yards. If you get your sights on a target, and do your part, you will hit it.
If Henry comes out with a side loading gate model, I’ll be all over it – but only if it has a 20″ barrel at least. I have a Henry .22 with the octagon barrel, and it is a very smooth cycling rifle, and very accurate. I just need to put a Skinner peep sight on it to make it just about perfect. http://www.skinnersights.com/henry_rifles_18.html