Pistol caliber lever action

Rie bread · Oct 20, 2024

I took my first deer with a 30-30 that was well over 100 years old at that time. I remember it not having to much kick due to the longer barrel and heavy weight. I shot a friends lighter more modern 30-30 and was surprised at the kick in that rifle( marlin carbine?)

Anyway I got to thinking about a pistol caliber lever gun for the thick Timber hunting I do as well as fun for the kids to one day shoot.

My question is how are .44 mag or .45 colt on game at distances to 100 yards? I have no experience taking game with these rounds.

Also anyone have experience with Rossi lever guns? Love it, hate it? Buy a marlin? Winchester? Henry?

Thanks for helping the gun buying angst

RELH · Oct 20, 2024

I had a Marlin 44 mag lever action and gave it to my grandson. Was a pleasure shooting it and took one deer at about 50 yards. The deer drop dead after taking one step. Used a 240 gr. HP Hornady.
My grandsons enjoyed shooting the rifle at our home range.
RELH

elkantlers · Oct 20, 2024

100yds and maybe a bit further for deer is very doable with either caliber you mentioned. For elk or bigger I would say 100yds would be absolute max and I would try to be well under that.

Gator · Oct 20, 2024

Any of them will work You just got to shoot alot to find the sweet hold for those rifles.

DH56 · Oct 20, 2024

44 will work Nicely, and if you want some more gun, then the 444 is the way to go. Has more range then the 45-70 and will work nicely on Big Game at 200 Yards+ as well. I have several Marlin's and prefer that gun mfg due to it's reliability and performance. Ruger makes Marlin's now and I have one of their 44 Mag Classic. I have a hand full of Original Marlin 444's and 45-70 as well.

mtmuley · Oct 20, 2024

Wanted .357 lever gun for awhile. mtmuley

Rie bread · Oct 20, 2024

Thanks for the comments! Iv shot so many deer in bow range with a rifle it got me thinking about it. Mainly The Rossi is interesting because it’s 5.5 pounds!

https://rossiusa.com/rifles/lever-action-rifles/361-r92-hardwood-44-mag-polished-stainless-16-in

feddoc · Oct 20, 2024

I've got a .45/70 and a .450 Marlin lever action.

I also have a .450 Marlin BFR.

I favor the .450 Marlin in a lever gun.

LIK2HNT · Oct 20, 2024

I have the Marlin .357. Put a Skinner peep site on it. Very fun to shoot and no kick. Main reason I purchased the rifle was for open (peep) site practice. I will work up some hand loads for it latter.

Togwotee · Oct 20, 2024

I have never understood why there is a market for an inaccurate rifle with the trajectory of a 12 gauge shotgun.

RELH · Oct 20, 2024

Maybe you do not know how to "Indian Up" on a game animal to cut the distance.
RELH

Chesterwyo · Oct 21, 2024

My 45 colt lever gun shooting a hard cast Keith style bullet is an absolute smasher.

Levergun Loads: .45 Colt Part II — Cast Bullets

In part one of this series we saw the history of .45 Colt leverguns, which turned out to be quite recent, beginning in the early 1980s.

gunsmagazine.com

Rie bread · Oct 21, 2024

RELH said:
Maybe you do not know how to "Indian Up" on a game animal to cut the distance.
RELH

That’s right RELH! I can admit I need to work on that cause I missed a nice muley at 25 yards

hence the lever gun lol ! I’m no cowboy nor indian either but I can try

RELH · Oct 21, 2024

Rie bread that comment concerning "Indian Up" was directed at Togowee for his comment. He forgot the lessons taught by his ancestors.
RELH

Rie bread · Oct 21, 2024

RELH said:
Rie bread that comment concerning "Indian Up" was directed at Togowee for his comment. He forgot the lessons taught by his ancestors.
RELH

It’s only fun exciting if I can hear the deer breathing

Togwotee · Oct 21, 2024

If my ancestors had a 28 Nosler they wouldn't have tried to get close either.

RELH · Oct 21, 2024

Tog that was darn good reply and I think you are right.
RELH

EVILNR2.0 · Oct 21, 2024

1894 .44 mag,,,love it.
Wish i had one in .357 as well.

LIK2HNT · Oct 21, 2024

Chesterwyo said:
My 45 colt lever gun shooting a hard cast Keith style bullet is an absolute smasher.

Levergun Loads: .45 Colt Part II — Cast Bullets

In part one of this series we saw the history of .45 Colt leverguns, which turned out to be quite recent, beginning in the early 1980s.

gunsmagazine.com

45 Colt sounds fun. I only bought the .357 because I already reload for it and have a lot of cast lead bullets we casted years ago.

wetmule · Oct 21, 2024

Marlin 45-70 here. Pretty dang accurate at distance & fun to shoot. Be fun to have a 44 mag or 45 Colt.

sambo3006 · Oct 21, 2024

I killed a whitetail doe at 125 yards with my peep sighted Marlin .41 mag a few years ago. 210 gr Hornady XTP through the lungs, she ran about 30 yards. Lung damage wasn't overly impressive, but it did the job and passed through the deer.