Best Lever Guns for Hunting - Recommendations Needed!

Hunting with Firearms
1

I’m looking to get into hunting and have been reading a lot about lever-action rifles, but I’m not sure which ones are the best for various game out there. Lever guns seem to have a rich history and are quite popular, but I want to know about their effectiveness in the field.

What I’m Looking For

  • Specific Models: Any recommendations for particular lever guns that are highly regarded for hunting deer or larger game?
  • Cartridges: What cartridges are commonly used with these rifles for hunting? Are there certain calibers that perform better than others?
  • Personal Experiences: I would love to hear about your personal experiences using lever guns. What do you like or dislike about them when out in the field?

A Few Things to Consider

  • I’m interested in both performance and reliability, so any insights on how these rifles hold up during hunting trips would be great.
  • If you have any tips on what features to look for when choosing a lever-action rifle, I’d really appreciate that as well!

I’m excited to hear your thoughts and recommendations. Thanks in advance for your help!

2

I’m a big fan of the Marlin 336 for deer hunting. It’s reliable, lightweight, and packs a punch with the .30-30 caliber. Plus, it has a nice magazine capacity!

3

I agree! The .30-30 is perfect for deer. However, for elk, I’ve had great success with a .44 Magnum lever gun. It hits hard and has that nice balance.

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4

If you’re looking for something for smaller predators, the Henry .22 lever action is a blast! It’s super lightweight and perfect for those quick shots at coyotes.

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5

I’ve heard great things about Henry. How does it perform in terms of accuracy and range? Would it hold up for larger game?

6

For bigger game like elk, I use the Winchester 1895 in .30-40 Krag. It’s a bit heavier but extremely effective. Just make sure you practice with it!

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7

That’s solid advice! I think practice makes a huge difference, especially with heavy calibers. What do you think about the capacity of these rifles though?

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8

I find that a 7-round capacity is often enough for most situations. It’s more important to focus on shot placement than just firepower.

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9

Absolutely true! I often joke that I’d aim for a bull’s eye with my lever gun, if my shots were as reliable as my jokes!

10

Haha, practice makes perfect! Now, do you guys have recommendations on ammo types for these lever guns?

11

I usually stick with solid lead for hunting. It’s reliable and has good stopping power. Make sure to check your local regulations on ammo though!

12

Very true! It’s easy to overlook but essential. I think the .357 Magnum is also a great all-around choice for various game types!

13

I always recommend cleaning your lever gun after every use. Use a good bore cleaner and a soft brush to keep the barrel in top shape. A clean firearm is a reliable firearm!

14

Absolutely agree! I like to use CLP for both cleaning and lubrication. It keeps the moving parts running smoothly.

15

Don’t forget about the wood! A good coat of oil on the stock not only protects it but also enhances its beauty. Just be sure to avoid oiling too close to the action.

16

Great point about the stock care! I also store mine in a soft case to prevent scratches. Anyone have tips on safe storage?

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17

When it comes to storage, a climate-controlled area is essential. I use silica gel packets to keep moisture at bay. You never want rust ruining your rifle!

18

Silica gel is a great idea! I also double-check the action regularly to ensure it’s not getting sticky.

19

I prefer flat-nose bullets for my lever action. They feed better and are great for hunting! Speaking of which, how often do you folks clean the action?

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20

I like to clean the action after every outing too. It’s where most of the grime accumulates!