Home Forums Lever Action Central Big Bore Levers Got the urge for a new lever gun

So, I currently have a scoped Marlin 444 but thinking about an open sighted lever for other days hunting. I don't think you can beat a peep sighted lever but due to antler restriction here in PA a scope is needed for the days when pressure is on and the deer are more nervous.
Winchester 1886 in 33 WCF. I would need reloading set-up. I had one before and the cartridge did great on deer but supplies are problematic and add to overall cost.
Browning 71 in 348. Already have the full set-up.
Winchester 1886 Lightweight (new model) in 45-70. Already have the set up.

So are you asking which of those rifles, or other chambering options?

If it's the latter, 38-55 or 375 Win are solid options, but bullet supply can be spotty, aside from cast. There's a variety of rifles available in either cartridge.

Win 1895 in 35 Win would be a heavy hitter, but both the rifles and brass are pretty uncommon these days.

If you really wanna get weird, maybe a Marlin in 480 Ruger? They did catalog those for a couple years. 🤷‍♂️

You're right about the antler restrictions. I am a bowhunter and antler restrictions are no problem. But a few years ago I didn't get a buck with my bow and was out with my 243 with a 3x9 scope. Spotted a buck at 80 or 90 yards through open woods. I could not be sure even with the scope turned up to 9x. So I had to pass on that deer and didn't see another buck that season.

The Winchester 1886 is one of the "new" guns that has the tang safety. Doesn't bother me and I actually prefer a safety for lowering the hammer after loading and unloading.

If you decide to go with the 33wcf - I just moved mine down the road and have all the rcbs reloading dies, rcbs forming / trim dies rcbs 33200 bullet mold that is new old stock, about 30 formed Starline brass and several boxes of the 338 Ftx bullets that are sitting here.

I consolidated to my savage 99 in 358.

And yes - new here but saw the post and being as scarce as some of that is to find thought it may be helpful

I will keep this thread in case I go back to a 33 WCF.

33wcf stuff is no longer available - wasn’t able to edit post.

I found a nice Winchester 1895 in 30-06 at a pawn shop several weeks ago. Nice wood but my old eyes don't do well with iron sights so left it.

Henry 357 mag.

That last example of the Rossi (stainless, laminate) lever I handled was really nice.

If you need a scope then a Marlin in 35 Rem or 356 Win would be useful options.

If you can use binos for antler ID, then a top eject Win BB in 375 Win would a good option.

I just decked out an marlin1894 44 mag with a 2-7 scout scope and it is seeming like a great setup, I’m in PA with antler restrictions also. I also have a 336 in 35 that I like to use but this scout setup seems like it’s gonna work well for thick cover.

Something about a peep sighted lever....
I have a 1894SS in 44 mag with a straight 4X and a 444 Marlin with a Bushnell 1.5-4.5x that is going to be swapped out for a Redfield 2-7x. Clearly not a need for another gun, but...

It would be cool to cut down a Win 86 to a 16-18 inch trapper configuration and chamber it in 500 Linebaugh. Shoot 380 gr up through 530 gr projectiles loaded to around 35Kpsi-40Kpsi. 8 or so rounds on a full barrel length magazine would make a nice handling deterrent for carry in the back country.

Problem is there are very few lever gun specialists left to work with. 30 years ago there were several located around the entire country that could trick out, slick up, rebarrel, modify and strengthen lever guns for large bore use.

Just picked up a slightly used m71 carbine with 20" barrel with some ammo and loading supplies. Wasn't cheap but for 1200 I didn't think I could do better nice wood and bluing shades of retro this 71 sure looks like how they used to make guns. I have 200 gr hornady's is there a better bullet out there.? Mb

Rossimp, sounds like you're describing a Big Horn 89 .500 S&W. I've always been tempted by one of those but the cost has held me back

Sounds like you got a pretty good deal there Mb. Most Browning 71s go for more than that sans any ammo and gear.

I thought I did ok too. Going to turn a unneeded 9mm pilot for my Lyman trimmer so I can get some brass in shape to load today. Mb

Have you ever thought about a Rossi in 454, I want one bad, Buds has them, 20” stainless, 454 casull ammo is not hard to find.

Sorry, I can't warm up to Rossi or Henry. Definately not looking to start with 454.