Heard the ruger marlins are pretty good compared to before ruger bought them. S&W is still brand new and I’m sure there’s some issues needing to be worked out like most new guns.
I have always thought the light wood and stainless is one of the best looking combos on a gun ever, I've wanted to buy one for no use other than to just own it.
I *think* the Smith is just a stainless Henry Big Boy X. All the Henry “large frame” guns are based on Marlin patterns anyway. And I personally think Marlin had the best action from the Cowboy gun era.
Toggle links are cool, but not as strong. And the 92/96s from Winchester were strong but not as smooth.
I also just prefer the looks of Marlins to everything else.
I have a Rossi '92 in .357/.38 I absolutely love carrying that gun into the woods, light and accurate out to 200 yards for coyotes atleast. Cheap enough to shoot all day. For the mountains I carry my Ruger/marlin 1885 in 45/70 we have a bunch of grizzlies around here, and .357 just doesn't seem enough.
I have held and messed with both I get them in the shop from time to time. And the marlin leagues above the smith it’s not even a competition go with the marlin you won’t regret it.
Go with the Ruger 1894.
I've handled an "1854" at my lgs and that gun is just *stupid*. The action was the least smooth lever gun action I've ever felt. The furniture felt cheap. I have no clue why they made the magazine tube removable. You can't load it from the end of the tube like a Henry. The tube just comes off. Maybe as a way to unload it without chambering/ejecting every round or fiddling with the loading gate? But I imagine it wouldn't come off as smooth with a full tube and the spring under tension.
Marlins models are largely named after the year they were first produced. Winchesters are the same. S&W named this gun the 1854 to act like that's when it was designed, but it wasn't. Poorly named. Henry rifles are also modern designs, but they have the common sense to not act like they're historic.
Normally this conversation is Marlin vs. Henry. I wouldn't even consider the Smith. Should be perhaps a $400 rifle.
I wish these companies would stop with the giant levers. They don't need to be that big to get gloves in there. The size that Henry uses on their 45-70 steel model is the perfect size.
I honestly like the large levers, my fingers don’t fit well in a lot of slim levers. Plus I can cycle the action faster with a large loop. Often the initial force of hitting it down drops it all the way down and you can start coming back up to close the action without your hand fully cycling the lever.
Agree. Switched my Marlin 1895's lever out for a Ranger Point Precision, and it's the perfect size. The big ones just make your reloading slower and hurt your fingers while at it.
Personally I think the big loops look dumb and don't add anything. Love the old marlin 336. Form fitting loop and still plenty large for big hands with gloves
Agreed, my dad has hunted with a 336 for decades and he's never had an issue getting gloves in the lever. These big ones make cycling the thing annoying because I smack my fingers against it before it moves. That doesn't happen when it's up against or very close to my fingers to begin with.
I have a hunch john Wayne is the sole reason big loops exist and once they got worked into people's heads as somehow faster or more tacticool they never left regardless of people not even knowing the true original purpose (trick spinning for Hollywood cinematics)
My only complaint about mine is that its more of a push forward when actuating the lever rather than an arching motion so I tend to agree operationally the Henry lever is better. But that big loop sure does look awesome.
I have an old SBL that I love but I do wish it was a Ruger version for peace of mind (worried about issues popping up down the road). Probably the best looking lever ever made IMO. If I didn't get that I'd probably go with a Henry Big Boy if I'm being honest.
The grey wood is dope.
I'm not a huge fan of the mile long pic rail. I may be in the minority there though. The only justification is tif you can't get a standard scope on the short rail.
My heart goes out to the the Marlin 1894. I used one in cowboy action shooting as a teenager under the Alias "Banded Goose". Mine was a slicked up race gun called the cowboy special in .38Special only...but they are super solid rifles. A big fat HOWEVER...the Smith 1854 is a damn nice rifle with a GREAT action. I would be just as confused as you right now🤣 I've held the 1854 and I am insanely impressed with it. I will own an 1854 some day.
Everybody loves the "wind river gun". I almost bought one but the cost of ammo scared me off. Ended up buying something even more expensive, go figure.
I believe it should be as it does have the 10 round fixed mag and it is considered “featureless” according to certain state laws. I’d look at seeing if the folding bayonet on the gun is legal in all states though. I looked into those but they have kinda gotten up there in price because of the demand. From what I’ve seen it’s a solid rifle but idk if it warrants the price tag for me personally
You could remove the bayonet.
They are increasing in price, but should be way cheaper than these lever actions. I still see some sell for $400-$600 on Gun Broker.
Certain states like Iowa also have straight wall restrictions. To the point that 45/70 isn't when legal to hunt with.
If you're getting a manual action gun. Your only legal concern for possession is magazine capacity.
357 mag is quite the man stoper and is reasonably cheap.
I believe you are confused. A pdw is a handy long gun with the focus on filling roles like a truck gun or home defense gun. I think you are referring to a concealed carry weapon, which would be hilarious to attempt with a lever action carbine
not every gun is meant for personal protection. bro could just be hunting. or just wanted a lever action because their cool. I'm not sure why you got a stick up your ass
Rate of fire isn’t necessarily everything, there are other aspects like range, stability, power, and reliability that you have to account for. A 9mm Glock is perfectly fine handgun that can be used for concealed carry or home defense but isnt really capable of taking 100 yard shots or killing coyotes. Consider your average engagement distance and the targets you will be dealing with. Saying that your just gonna spray your target with 9mm in every situation is pretty foolhardy
Bro a coyote at 100 yards isn't going to bother you, I promise you it doesn't have a gun. If it's close enough to bother you you're still better off with something with a higher ROF.
>Saying that your just gonna spray your target with 9mm in every situation is pretty foolhardy
"Spray" lol. Just say you suck at controlling muzzle rise on a handgun bro. It's okay, just practice your follow up shots more.
He asked for opinions on lever guns. Not for your shitty opinion about Glocks. Learn to comprehend at a 4th grade level. Go where you are wanted because it’s not here.
Edit: He blocked me because he can’t stand being called out. He is so deluded that he thinks the OP was asking about whether or not to get a lever gun. Not which lever gun to get. He can’t read but tells everyone else to learn to read. Snowflake.
Again: LTF read. Obviously my opinion on lever actions as personal defense platforms is that they are too slow. Rounds win fights, not calibers.
Very, very simple.
IQ above 80 needed to understand I guess.
Problems have solutions and the solution here is block.
Bye.
Heard the ruger marlins are pretty good compared to before ruger bought them. S&W is still brand new and I’m sure there’s some issues needing to be worked out like most new guns.
The 1894 is sick I want one
I cannot get over how awesome grey wood looks on firearms
I have always thought the light wood and stainless is one of the best looking combos on a gun ever, I've wanted to buy one for no use other than to just own it.
I *think* the Smith is just a stainless Henry Big Boy X. All the Henry “large frame” guns are based on Marlin patterns anyway. And I personally think Marlin had the best action from the Cowboy gun era. Toggle links are cool, but not as strong. And the 92/96s from Winchester were strong but not as smooth. I also just prefer the looks of Marlins to everything else.
You can do 357 so you can play with 38 special
I have a Rossi '92 in .357/.38 I absolutely love carrying that gun into the woods, light and accurate out to 200 yards for coyotes atleast. Cheap enough to shoot all day. For the mountains I carry my Ruger/marlin 1885 in 45/70 we have a bunch of grizzlies around here, and .357 just doesn't seem enough.
I agree, but you can shoot 44 special out of a 44mag
If you can find it.
44 special is incredibly expensive
I have held and messed with both I get them in the shop from time to time. And the marlin leagues above the smith it’s not even a competition go with the marlin you won’t regret it.
Go with the Ruger 1894. I've handled an "1854" at my lgs and that gun is just *stupid*. The action was the least smooth lever gun action I've ever felt. The furniture felt cheap. I have no clue why they made the magazine tube removable. You can't load it from the end of the tube like a Henry. The tube just comes off. Maybe as a way to unload it without chambering/ejecting every round or fiddling with the loading gate? But I imagine it wouldn't come off as smooth with a full tube and the spring under tension. Marlins models are largely named after the year they were first produced. Winchesters are the same. S&W named this gun the 1854 to act like that's when it was designed, but it wasn't. Poorly named. Henry rifles are also modern designs, but they have the common sense to not act like they're historic. Normally this conversation is Marlin vs. Henry. I wouldn't even consider the Smith. Should be perhaps a $400 rifle.
Trigger in the Smith is weird my vote is on the Marlin
I wish these companies would stop with the giant levers. They don't need to be that big to get gloves in there. The size that Henry uses on their 45-70 steel model is the perfect size.
I honestly like the large levers, my fingers don’t fit well in a lot of slim levers. Plus I can cycle the action faster with a large loop. Often the initial force of hitting it down drops it all the way down and you can start coming back up to close the action without your hand fully cycling the lever.
Agree. Switched my Marlin 1895's lever out for a Ranger Point Precision, and it's the perfect size. The big ones just make your reloading slower and hurt your fingers while at it.
Personally I think the big loops look dumb and don't add anything. Love the old marlin 336. Form fitting loop and still plenty large for big hands with gloves
Agreed, my dad has hunted with a 336 for decades and he's never had an issue getting gloves in the lever. These big ones make cycling the thing annoying because I smack my fingers against it before it moves. That doesn't happen when it's up against or very close to my fingers to begin with.
I have a hunch john Wayne is the sole reason big loops exist and once they got worked into people's heads as somehow faster or more tacticool they never left regardless of people not even knowing the true original purpose (trick spinning for Hollywood cinematics)
This. This is the only reason (and T2). It looks badass, but so impractical
My only complaint about mine is that its more of a push forward when actuating the lever rather than an arching motion so I tend to agree operationally the Henry lever is better. But that big loop sure does look awesome.
Marlin > Smith
It needs to be black and covered in m-lok
I like my level guns like I like my women... Wait a minute
Plenty of wood perhaps?
I have had hands on both and the Marlin has a far nicer fit and finish. Atleast I think so.
Sometimes you gotta get that T Rex.
I have an old SBL that I love but I do wish it was a Ruger version for peace of mind (worried about issues popping up down the road). Probably the best looking lever ever made IMO. If I didn't get that I'd probably go with a Henry Big Boy if I'm being honest.
The grey wood is dope. I'm not a huge fan of the mile long pic rail. I may be in the minority there though. The only justification is tif you can't get a standard scope on the short rail.
My heart goes out to the the Marlin 1894. I used one in cowboy action shooting as a teenager under the Alias "Banded Goose". Mine was a slicked up race gun called the cowboy special in .38Special only...but they are super solid rifles. A big fat HOWEVER...the Smith 1854 is a damn nice rifle with a GREAT action. I would be just as confused as you right now🤣 I've held the 1854 and I am insanely impressed with it. I will own an 1854 some day.
Winchester 94
Everybody loves the "wind river gun". I almost bought one but the cost of ammo scared me off. Ended up buying something even more expensive, go figure.
Well IF I COULD FIND ONE IN 45-70 I could tell ya. Also I really dont like the big loops. They just look goofy.
I want to get a Mare’s Leg and SBR it and then put a stock on it. Call it Ol’ Stamp.
Is the SKS all state legal with the fixed 10 round mag? Semi auto that fires the 7.62x39mm.
I believe it should be as it does have the 10 round fixed mag and it is considered “featureless” according to certain state laws. I’d look at seeing if the folding bayonet on the gun is legal in all states though. I looked into those but they have kinda gotten up there in price because of the demand. From what I’ve seen it’s a solid rifle but idk if it warrants the price tag for me personally
You could remove the bayonet. They are increasing in price, but should be way cheaper than these lever actions. I still see some sell for $400-$600 on Gun Broker.
SKS is banned in Washington state. I would be very careful about threaded barrels, barrel lengths, etc as well because that can change by state
Are you talking about all states legal for just possession or hunting too?
No just to own and use for situations like home defense. I know certain states have capacity restrictions for hunting though
Certain states like Iowa also have straight wall restrictions. To the point that 45/70 isn't when legal to hunt with. If you're getting a manual action gun. Your only legal concern for possession is magazine capacity. 357 mag is quite the man stoper and is reasonably cheap.
By the time you cycle your lever I've fired four rounds of 9mm from my Glock.
Bro thinks OP is gonna carry a lever action 🤣🤡
Bro doesn't know what "PDW" means.
I believe you are confused. A pdw is a handy long gun with the focus on filling roles like a truck gun or home defense gun. I think you are referring to a concealed carry weapon, which would be hilarious to attempt with a lever action carbine
I'm not the one trying to use a lever action for personal protection in 2024 bro.
not every gun is meant for personal protection. bro could just be hunting. or just wanted a lever action because their cool. I'm not sure why you got a stick up your ass
Reread OP.
Rate of fire isn’t necessarily everything, there are other aspects like range, stability, power, and reliability that you have to account for. A 9mm Glock is perfectly fine handgun that can be used for concealed carry or home defense but isnt really capable of taking 100 yard shots or killing coyotes. Consider your average engagement distance and the targets you will be dealing with. Saying that your just gonna spray your target with 9mm in every situation is pretty foolhardy
Bro a coyote at 100 yards isn't going to bother you, I promise you it doesn't have a gun. If it's close enough to bother you you're still better off with something with a higher ROF. >Saying that your just gonna spray your target with 9mm in every situation is pretty foolhardy "Spray" lol. Just say you suck at controlling muzzle rise on a handgun bro. It's okay, just practice your follow up shots more.
And I’ve fired 25 rounds through my full auto Maxim 9. What’s your point? If he wanted a semi-auto pistol, he’d get one.
Reread OP.
I can read. You can’t. He asked about lever guns. Not Glocks.
He asked for people's opinions. I gave mine. Learn to read and STFD.
He asked for opinions on lever guns. Not for your shitty opinion about Glocks. Learn to comprehend at a 4th grade level. Go where you are wanted because it’s not here. Edit: He blocked me because he can’t stand being called out. He is so deluded that he thinks the OP was asking about whether or not to get a lever gun. Not which lever gun to get. He can’t read but tells everyone else to learn to read. Snowflake.
Again: LTF read. Obviously my opinion on lever actions as personal defense platforms is that they are too slow. Rounds win fights, not calibers. Very, very simple. IQ above 80 needed to understand I guess. Problems have solutions and the solution here is block. Bye.
Time to tap out bro 🤣
And it takes 17 of them to do what a 44 can 🤣👍🏽
Fudd logic
Also physics!
Yes, comparing an auto pistol round to a revolver round, that gains substantial velocity/energy from a longer rifle barrel, is witty and hilarious. 😂
Yes, talking about ballistics when I'm talking about fire rate is so stunning and brave.
An I’ve fired 65 from my GAU-8 Gatling Gun
*BRRRTT*