Best lever action under $800?

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  • John from MD

    American Patriot
    MDS Supporter
    May 12, 2005
    22,962
    Socialist State of Maryland
    If you are looking for accuracy, the later Rossi 92 will out shoot the Marlins and Henrys. The barrel twist will also allow you to stabilize 300 grain bullets which are great for large hogs. If you handload, you can cut clover leaf groups at 50 yards with a Rossi and 2 inch groups at 100 yards with open sights. The only drawback a model 92 has is that you need a scout mount if you want a scope. I have a 2x7 scope mount on one of mine and it is easy to get used to it.

    The Winchester has the best twist for a .44 Mag but also the highest price.

    Yes the Rossi's can be rough but you don't have to be a gunsmith to smooth it out and their customer service is very good.

    Over the years, I have owned all sorts of lever action rifles. The three I kept are a 16 inch Rossi 44 mag, a 20 Rossi 44 Mag and an 1894 Winchester 30-30. I only keep what shoots best. ;)
     

    GOG-MD

    Active Member
    Aug 23, 2017
    366
    AA County
    I'd love to get into lever guns someday. Saving my pennies - ideally a Henry Golden Boy .22LR and when budget eventually allows, a Henry Big Boy in .357. I'd be open to others, but the Henrys just look gorgeous and from what I've heard are very reliable.
     

    DetectiveWildman

    Active Member
    Feb 27, 2018
    127
    My wife's step dad has a Henry all weather in 30-30. Don't know why he picked 30-30 when he doesn't hunt, but whatever. The action is slicker than eel shit in a greasy bucket and it shoulders awesome. However, I can't get over the loading tube. Much rather have a side gate. I've also looked at the Rossi, 20" stainless in 357 is less than half the price of a mirouku winny, and yeah the action might be a little grittier but if you're just plinking and not doing cowboy action will that really matter?
     

    rog951

    Active Member
    Mar 6, 2018
    301
    Not far from Frederick
    I always hesitate to say "best" since we might not care for the same aesthetics, but I really do like the Henry Big Boy. Should come in under your budget cap. What some might consider a weakness - it's gotta be pushing 9lbs loaded - I kinda like. That extra pound or two over the Marlin for example, helps absorb some recoil. If you're packing it over distance, might be more of an issue for you. For some reason, I always liked heavier guns - probably a holdover from my youth when "heavy" meant quality.
     

    echo6mike

    Ultimate Member
    Feb 1, 2013
    1,795
    Close to DC
    Henry is definitely a contender for me in 357 - I’m looking for a mostly range gun, if I end up with a 16” model it might be a home defense option. I’m definitely not going for hunting or CAS, not sure about the OP looking for a 44, that sounds more like he’s looking at some hunting...


    Echo6mike, going mobile...
     

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