lever action

[rpgoings]

what would some of you recomend for a lever action for deer .
cheap one but a good one

 

[Mgderf]

what would some of you recomend for a lever action for deer .
cheap one but a good one

For Indiana, you're limited to a rifle that fires a pistol cartridge.
I found the Marlin 1894 in .44 mag does just fine. I know it's also available in .357 mag, and I believe in .41 mag too!
I gave right at $500 for my .44 new about two years ago.
You might find a deal on a used one

 

[2cool9031]

Cheap and good just don't go together very well. I have to agree the Marlin would be my choice....in fact that is what I have.
If were me I would choose .44mag, more stopping power, but if you already have a .357 and don't want to add more to your shopping cart when you buy ammo, I would go with the .357

 

[target64]

The 454 is also available as a deer hunting cartridge. I have the .357 EMF and .454 Puma/Rossi, either one is more than capable of taking deer. You can find the .357 around $400+ and the .454 will be $500+. I do not know if either fall into your realm of "cheap"

 

[Mgderf]

The 454 is also available as a deer hunting cartridge. I have the .357 EMF and .454 Puma/Rossi, either one is more than capable of taking deer. You can find the .357 around $400+ and the .454 will be $500+. I do not know if either fall into your realm of "cheap"

I heard Puma quit making the .454 Cassul
I guess you could look for a used one.

 

[target64]

Puma may no longer make the 92.....that whole Puma/Rossi/Braztech/Legacy agreements confuses me. Too hard for me to keep up with who actually makes these firearms. But that being said....The 1892 454 carbines can be purchased new locally and on-line.

 

[Mgderf]

Puma may no longer make the 92.....that whole Puma/Rossi/Braztech/Legacy agreements confuses me. Too hard for me to keep up with who actually makes these firearms. But that being said....The 1892 454 carbines can be purchased new locally and on-line.

1892 Huh? Never heard of that one. I'll have to look for that.
Where is "locally" for you target64? Or where online? I'd really like to know!
Thanks for the heads up!

 

[cosermann]

The lever actions in pistol calibers, or calibers legal in Indiana, don't seem to go for what I'd call "cheap" most of the time.

My vote goes for the .357 magnum. It will do fine for deer 100 yards or less with the right ammo, can be used for small game or plinking, and the low recoil makes it a good gun to introduce the kids to deer hunting.

Yes, the bigger calibers pack more punch, i.e. 44 mag, .45 LC, etc., and I wouldn't argue with anyone for using one, but I like the versatility of the .357 mag. The Marlin 1894C is short and handy example.

Something less expensive would be one of the single-shots, like the Handi Rifle in an Indiana-legal cartridge.

If you're not thinking Indiana specific, the lever action choices open up a lot (30-30, .35 rem, 45-70, etc.).

 

[rockydog]

The lever actions in pistol calibers, or calibers legal in Indiana, don't seem to go for what I'd call "cheap" most of the time.

My vote goes for the .357 magnum. It will do fine for deer 100 yards or less with the right ammo, can be used for small game or plinking, and the low recoil makes it a good gun to introduce the kids to deer hunting.

Yes, the bigger calibers pack more punch, i.e. 44 mag, .45 LC, etc., and I wouldn't argue with anyone for using one, but I like the versatility of the .357 mag. The Marlin 1894C is short and handy example.

Something less expensive would be one of the single-shots, like the Handi Rifle in an Indiana-legal cartridge.

If you're not thinking Indiana specific, the lever action choices open up a lot (30-30, .35 rem, 45-70, etc.).

I have to agree about the 357, i have the Puma in 44 mag and trying not to sound like a sissy, it kicks like a mule the puma 44 mag doesn't come with a pad on the stock like the 454 but it should have (i put one on mine). it also has a very narrow stock that digs in if your not geared up for cold weather. I've had three other people who were teasing my about it, try it without the pad and they were done after about 3-4 rds. I've got mine dialed in now (it was very picky about what rounds it liked as far as grouping) and i took a 8 pter with it last fall so i'm going to keep it but i've thought about adding a 357 mag because i am set up to reload those too If we have a northern "get together" i'll have to bring it along for fun I got new low light sites on it i still haven't shot yet.

 

[target64]

1892 Huh? Never heard of that one. I'll have to look for that.
Where is "locally" for you target64? Or where online? I'd really like to know!
Thanks for the heads up!

As far as on-line
Puma Rifles - Able Ammo
Puma Rifles - Ozark Guns
As far as locally they were at Gander Mountain on Indy's north side last week. They had a pair....about $549 each.

 

[kludge]

If you want cheap check out the H&R single shot, .44 Mag, .45 Colt, .500 Mag, I've seen them for $199-$249 ($349 at Gander Mtn.)

 

[jtmarine1911]

WINCHESTER!!!!

Oh, sorry, couldn't help myself!

I don't have much experience with the Rossi's, etc., but have heard of some QC issues on bore dimension consistences.

Marlin's are an excellent choice and either the 357Mag or 44Mag will definately get the job done.

If you handload 44Mag or 45Colt would be my suggestions, mainly because you have a broader bullet selection and can develop a load that is a lot more accurate than Factory ammo. Also you have the ability to load 45Colt up to 44Mag velocities and energies.

I personally use a Win. Mod. 94AE in 45Colt and will most likely never go back to a slug-gun. With a 16" barrel and a little less weight I have just as much range(if not more), enough energy to make a good clean kill, and it is a lot cheaper to shoot with my handloads. I load Hornady's 250gr XTP/HP atop 23.7gr H110 and yield 1530fps out of a 16" barrel and shoot 5-shot groups like this with iron sights.

 

[Crimson]

Puma '92 in 357 mag. Great shooter.

 

[nighthawk80]

I have a Winchester 94AE Trapper in 357mag. It seems to do the job for me. Haven't had a problem yet.

 

[Benny]

I've got a Marlin 1894s (.44) that I absolutely love (oh, and it works like a charm)

For hunting/critter control, you might want to check these out:

MidwayUSA - XS Ghost-Ring Hunting Sight Set Marlin 336, 30AS and 1894 with Integral Ramp Fits Newer .700" Hole Space Front Base Steel Blue

 

[Tin Cup]

Anyone know of any shops in Indiana that have a .357 lever in stock? I called all over last year before deer season and no one even knew what I was talking about.

 

[nighthawk80]

Anyone know of any shops in Indiana that have a .357 lever in stock? I called all over last year before deer season and no one even knew what I was talking about.

Bradis. They have both Marlin and Puma. Both great rifles. Several months ago they had one of the Marlins for the same price as the Puma's. You can get one for around $500.

 

[Tin Cup]

Where is that at, and do they have a site with hours, dir, etc?
Thanks

 

[nighthawk80]

Where is that at, and do they have a site with hours, dir, etc?
Thanks

BRADIS

6939 Kentucky Ave.Camby, Indiana 46113317-856-8880

(3mi. South of 465 on SR67 - a short drive from Indianapolis)
Open 10am-6pm Mon - Sat

YNow Open on Sunday From 12pm - 5pm

 

[bigmedicine]

Don't forget about any of the platforms out there in .45 Colt. A Marlin or Puma in .45 Colt can really put a hurt on a deer. Even though I have a .454 casull Puma, I have shot the Buffalo Bore .45 Colts out of it - it still thumps you and the deer pretty hard.