Lever Action Rifles Discussion

[seriousTone]

Anybody into lever actions? I’ve been rigorously researching which to get for months now.

I live in grizzly country and have settled on getting a 45-70 as I can use it not only for protection but hunting as well. Now my dilemma is do I go with the Marlin 1895gbl or the Henry h010?

Marlin pros: side gate loading, holds two more rounds, 18.5 in barrel
Marlin cons: laminate stock and fit and finish are eh looking

Henry pros: fit and finish are excellent, smoother action, has brass model
Henry cons: heavier, tube loading, holds two less rounds

Now it seems like the Marlin is the smartest choice, and maybe it is but the biggest reason I want the Henry is for the brass model. The downside to this model is that it’s a 22 in barrel - which for some reason I’m set on a shorter barrel. Henry does have an 18in barrel model but it’s just steel and if I’m going to get a just steel rifle...I might as well go with the marlin and get two extra rounds and for cheaper...but the BRASS

I can’t figure out which to get.

 

[cpk]

I worked in a gun shop from 1992-2000 or so. I bought a unfired Marlin but turned it around unfired for a profit. They are ugly but have a solid feel and nice action. The Henry's at the time were nice looking but the quality wasn't there. I say the Marlin is ugly only because I love the Brownings that were made in Japan. Beautiful stock, bluing, action and finish were spot on. They had a lot of commemoratives in .308 that were just outstanding. A pleasure to shoot. The shop I worked in was one of the highest volume sellers in the U.S. and #1 in the world for military relics. I have been out of the loop for awhile but I always go with the name brand and the smoothest action. Good luck with your choice.

 

[Buzzbomb Almighty]

You can get the Marlin with a walnut stock.

 

[cpk]

Wow those prices are crazy for them now. I would check out the Browning for the same or little more in a different caliber. Check out the reviews as I am not sure of there quality anymore.

 

[seriousTone]

Wow those prices are crazy for them now. I would check out the Browning for the same or little more in a different caliber. Check out the reviews as I am not sure of there quality anymore.

Those do look nice but I'm set on 45-70 as the caliber.

You can get the Marlin with a walnut stock.

Yeah, but still only with 4 shots which I can get with the Henry. So then it would just become a difference of side gate loading vs tube.

 

[cpk]

Then go with the Marlin with the side loading gate since it is easier to load while standing and gives you the ability to easily change to different rounds if needed. A bush gun calls for a short barrel and nice fixed sights.
The Marlin build is pretty rugged, have them take both apart so you can see the machining and the action because this will give you an idea of the quality and attention to detail by the manufacture.

 

[seriousTone]

Yeah I think Marlin is going to be the smartest way to go. Might as well too because with the money I save I can get a decent reloading kit.