There's more to it than simply the cartridge. The type of action is a factor, as is the weight of the firearm.



Functionally inferior is not the case. If anything I'd say that it's the opposite. Though they are apples and oranges. Think in terms of moving parts. One has parts (mass) moving when the gun is fired; that [can] impact one's ability to shoot it as well as [versus] the other that has no moving parts. Also, with the AR there is more opportunity for failure - relatively speaking it's a complex system compared to the lever action. Also, consider that in what I've written I could just as easily replaced "lever action" with "bolt action" and the statements still stand. Meaning, a bolt and a lever are the "same".

Lastly, not all "lever actions" are the same. A chief example is the Browning BLR. It sure looks like a lever action. Do you know how it differs? Could one make a case that it's bolt action that just happens to have the "user interface" (to cycle the action) in the form of a lever underneath vs the traditional bolt action that has the user interface in the form of a little knob/handle/bar/stick/whatever you want to call sticking out of the side?

I never saw a need for a 357 rifle until I bought one. I grew up shooting hammer guns.....Remington double, Stevens SS, Ithaca 22, Marlins, and Ruger single actions. I carry a Marlin 357 or 45 Colt much of the time while checking fences, working on feeders, etc. They cost little to shoot especially if one casts and reloads. Both are accurate enough to break clays at 110 yards off the bench. I don't have to worry about banging up a scope. Downside? Open sights in low light.
I keep a levergun in the blind as well as a bolt gun. If conditions are good I'll use it. Killed a bunch of axis with the 45 Colt, couple of wtd with 357 and 38-55. Turkeys with the 45 and 38-55 at 75 yards or so.
Slow to operate? Usually need only 1 shot.
I own more leverguns than bolt actions. Personal preference I guess.

Has anyone mentioned the fixed/non detachable "high capacity" tube magazine?
Here's a pic with a recently added medium loop lever from RPP.
IMHO Marlin should've put something like this on them from the factory, to me it just looks right.

This seems to summarize most of the answers above. Makes sense. I was just curious.

I enjoy looking at the pics above. Lever guns are gorgeous and I'd still like a 22. I may get a recoil pad for my 30-30. Dang thing is light and kicks like a mule. Maybe I'd like it more if it wasn't such a literal pain to shoot.

You guys ever load lower power loads of 30-30 for your lever guns?

10 grains Unique under a Ranch Dog cast lead bullet.


I will never own a "medium" or large loop. They look silly to me. I would also never wrap the lever in anything. Once again, looks silly to me and and hurts. To each his own. Pretty sure Marlin did make rifles with giant loops, after the era I care about (which ended around 2000).

RPP does sell a very nice fitting dovetail filler for those of us who have tracked down and installed a vintage steel Redfield peep sight. I have one on my Peanut and one on my Waffle Top.

Here's one of my Marlin Model 39's...., this one's a 39TDS just as it left the factory in 1988 (first year for this version). They're all "take downs" but this one has a 16.5" bbl. I like them all!

Low power yes. Took my 2 bucks last year with 357, 6 grs Unique, 125 RF and 30-30, 10.6 grs Unique, 165 Ranch Dog.
Low report, plenty power for neck shooting.

Lots of nice lever guns in this thread.

Seems like most of the new lever action rifles you see nowadays are the "Tactical" Lever Action Rifles that come from the factory like somebody is trying to turn a lever action rifle into an AR. I am not a fan of those. The traditional wood/steel construction is what makes lever guns cool.

Yep, sounds very similar.

Another "plinker" load for .30-30 is 8-9 grains of Unique (or a little less of Bullseye) and a lightweight .30 carbine style jacketed bullet.

45 Colt

45 Colt , 255 RF, and max unique is quite a thumper. IIRC, I have taken 8? Axis with this load. 45 Colt in a levergun is awesome.

Marlin .22s

I like my Bond Arms Derringer, and I like that they're coming out with a lever action - just not sold on their look. Though their design is very intriguing.

https://www.bondarms.com/Bond-Arms-Lever-Action-Coming-Soon-P8583.aspx

I can't help but respect a person or company that is not afraid to take the narrow path. It looks like Bond Arms thought this thru pretty well. Not nuts about the looks but it does grow on me. Hope the design allows the use of something larger than a 223.

I hear ya.



Seems likely...

"5.56 (initial release)
9mm (planned)
.300 Blackout (planned)
.450 Bushmaster (in testing)
12.7x42 (in testing)"

https://www.bondarms.com/Bond-Arms-Lever-Action-Coming-Soon-P8583.aspx

To each his own.

LOL, if it was a snake it would have jumped out and bit ya, kelvinator.

I have a 1950 Winchester '94 that almost looks as good as the day it was made. I shoot it pretty good out to 75 yards, iron sites only.
I use it about once a year for a few does.

The first deer I killed this past season was with a Marlin 336 in 35 Remington that my Dad bought 70 years ago. It still works.

I too have a Marlin 35 Rem mine was made in 1966 plus a Remington model 8 and a model 81 all in 35 Remington caliber. The Remington model 8 was the first commercially successful semi auto rifle.

I'd like a 336 in .35 REM from 1951 since that's the born year for my .30-30 WIN and 39A.

Love these two!

Blue, very cool. I'd like to find a Remington model 8 or 81 in .35 Rem someday.

One of my favorites Marlin 1894LTDSS 357 Mag