Love Those Lever Actions

I have always had a fondness for lever action rifles and regret ever letting my pre 64 Winchester Mdl 94 30-30 go. One advantage of getting older is that particular rifle might be worth some money some day. On the other hand, I love the Marlin lever action rifles better, especially the Model 336 in .35 Rem and the Model 1895 in 45-70. I just like the looks of the pistol grip stock, the tubular magazine, the ergonomics of the gun and the accuracy of these rifles. I have one in 45-70 that shoots a variety of loads very well. Two that are outstanding and will ground under an inch at 100 yards are the Federal 300 grain Power Shoks and the 325 grain Hornady FTX Leverevolution load. Both are more than suitable for whitetails, hogs, and black bear out to beyond 150 yards. If you want to upscale the game to Bison, Moose, Elk and yes even grizzly and brown bears, there is ammunition out there readily available to accommodate your wishes. Loads that come readily to mind are those made by CorBon, Grizzly, Garrett (especially their Hammerhead line) and also Buffalo Bore loads. Buffalo Bore makes a 350 Grain penetrator load (see my video post on 45-70 bear penetration loads) and also a 405 grain expander load that should tackle about anything you want to hunt with a 45-70.

A recent check of the latest Midway USA catalog, shows the following loads for the Marlin Model 1895 45-70: (Remember 45-70 loads are normally categorized as Trapdoor, Lever Action and Ruger #1 depending on how hot they are loaded)

• Hornady 325 grain FTX $29.99
• Grizzly 350 grain bonded Core $62.99
• Grizzly 405 grain Grizzly Punch $117.99
• Federal 300 grain Fusion $40.99
• Federal 300 grain power Shok $37.49
• CorBon 300 grain DPX Triple Shock $74.99 (excellent load)
• Corbon 350 grain bonded core SP $81.99
• Corbon 405 grain Predator FP $68.99
• Corbon 460 grain hard Cast FN $62.99
• Double Tap 300 grain Barnes triple shock X $54.99
• Double Tap 300 grain HP $41.99
• Double Tap 405 grain JSP 41.99 (Uncle Ted Nugent is a big fan of Double Tap Ammo)
• Remington 300 grain express JHP $34.99 (reported to be very accurate and enough for black bear)
• Remington 405 grain JSP $35.99
• Ultra max 405 grain lead FN $33.99
• Winchester 300 grain JHP $30.99
• Winchester 300 grain Supreme Ballistic Silvertip $33.99
• Winchester 375 grain dual bond Elite JHP $36.49

I am sure I missed a few categories, however the point is there is a LOT of 45-70 ammunition out there and interestingly enough, you can find it in remote areas in the local hardware store of small sporting goods shop.

Marlin Model 336

Marlin 336W in .30-30 Winchester
Type	Lever action carbine
Place of origin	United States
Production history
Designed	1948
Manufacturer	Marlin Firearms
Variants	currently: A, C, SS, W, RC , BL , DELUXE
Specifications
Weight	7 lbs (3.18 kg)
Length	38.25" (97 cm)
Barrel length	20" (508mm)
Cartridge	Current Offerings (Mar 1, 2009) .30-30 Winchester, .35 Remington, .308 Marlin Express, .338 Marlin Express No Longer Offered: .219 Zipper, .32 Special, .44 Magnum Model 1895 Chamberings: .45-70, .444 Marlin, .450 Marlin Model 1894 Chamberings: .38 Special/.357 Magnum, .44 Special/.44 Magnum, .45 Colt
Action	Lever action
Effective range	150–300 yards + (depending on ammunition used)
Feed system	tubular magazine (capacity varies)
Sights	iron sights, optional telescopic, integral 1913 rail on some models

Another rifle I have wanted since I was a kid and to my regret never picked up is the marlin Model 39A in .22 long rifle. I believe this gun has the longest continuous production of any rifle in America. It has been in continous production since 1891.

Marlin Model Golden 39A
This is a 39A from 1944 and thus does not have the cross-hammer safety or golden trigger seen on the current 39A.
Type	Rifle
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	1891-present
Production history
Designer	John Marlin
Designed	1891
Number built	2.2 million (1922-2007)[1]
Specifications
Weight	6.5 lbs
Length	40 in
Barrel length	24 in
Cartridge	.22 Short, .22 Long, .22 Long Rifle
Action	Lever action
Muzzle velocity	1,280 ft/s
Feed system	Tubular magazine, 26 Short, 21 Long or 19 Long Rifle Cartridges.
Sights	semi buckhorn rear sight, ramp front sight with brass bead and hood front sight

Next up is the gun I own and love for reasons stated above. It looks good, feel good, and will out shoot many off the shelf bolt action rifles.

The Classic Model 1895

The tried and true configuration of this famous 45–70 rifle. It features a 22" barrel with deep-cut Ballard-type rifling and an American black walnut pistol grip stock with cut checkering and swivel studs.


 

Caliber	45/70 Gov't. Order Online from Gallery of Guns
Capacity	4-shot tubular magazine
Action	Lever action; side ejection; solid top receiver; deeply blued metal surfaces; hammer block safety.
Stock	American black walnut pistol grip stock with fluted comb; cut checkering; rubber rifle butt pad; tough Mar-Shield® finish; swivel studs.
Barrel	22" with deep-cut Ballard-type rifling (6 grooves).
Twist Rate	1:20" r.h.
Sights	Adjustable semi-buckhorn folding rear, ramp front sight with brass bead and Wide-Scan™ hood. Solid top receiver tapped for scope mount; offset hammer spur (right or left hand) for scope use.
Overall Length	40.5"
Weight	7.5 lbs.