Entry level lever action rifle....

[Synner]

Looking to broaden my horizons and pick up a lever action rifle. I know nothing about them. Anyone have a suggestion for a good starter rifle? Figure it will be used for shooting paper....

Thanks to all in advance!

[E]

Henry usually get the best accolades for both their quality and customer support.

[Happy Camper]

Find a used Marlin.

[iceburg]

Love the lever action guns, I have a Rossi 30-30 Rio grand and a Henry 17 HMR.. The Rossi is a nice gun, But the Henry hands down is a great American made lever action in any caliber. .Do it right the first time, Henry in my opinion. ..

[C6NY]

I was in the same boat a couple months ago. After a good deal of research and talking to folks I decided on a Marlin 336. Got one of new Remlin versions for basically two different reasons. One, I didn't want to buy a JM marked 336 sight unseen because used Marlins aren't readily available at LGS's and ordering online sight unseen I wouldn't know the actual quality of the rifle I was getting and don't know enough of all the many different special models the company made to make an educated purchase and I didn't want to get stuck with an overpriced dud.
Two, I understand that the new Remington made guns have been leaving the factory as very nice arms. There was a big teething problem that lasted for some years but my rifle is testsment( to me anyway) that they finally got it right.
That said, I would recommend either an older Marlin, Ct made one or a new production one.

[T.J.]

Nothing like a nice lever action.... I only have 2 right now. A Henry .22lr and a Rossi 30-30 Rio Grande also. Love both.
Most of the 'major' companies that produce them make a good, reliable product, in a wide range of calibers.
Just beware of the cost of ammo for some of them. If you're looking for a rifle to mainly take to the range and go through a lot of rounds, some can get very pricey.
For just plinking and popping holes in paper, Henry makes a very good .22lr in many different models.

[HyFiveGuns]

I bought a Marlin 1894 in .44 magnum. I am also only doing target shooting and like the idea of the crossover with pistol caliber ammo, e.g., you can also shoot .44 specials with it. It's a pretty fun gun because with the .44 magnum loads, it definitely goes boom. When I was looking, I would have preferred the 1894C which is chambered in .357 magnum and can also shoot .38 specials but they were almost non-existent at the time and severely backordered at Marlin; don't know if that's changed but if so, definitely worth a look.

[Dan 0351]

Entry level and for shooting paper....either a Henry .22 or maybe a Rossi .38/357.

[pequa1]

We bought a second .22 Henry in the "Frontier" model as I can never get the first one out of my wife's hands if she joins me at the range. Both are more accurate than the 10/22 I sold and the equal of the Marlin 60 in accuracy. I did look for a used Marlin 39A for a bit but was concerned about buying one used and decided against it. I compared the first Henry .22 to a Winchester 9422 (admittedly made in Japan) and the action of the Henry was much smoother and the Henry was about fifty bucks cheaper. I have a Marlin 336 in .35 Remington but rarely shoot it. (All of my hunting has been by shotgun.)

[anothersteve]

I'm also a fan boy of the Henry .22. Love shooting mine!
(Love those pics Terry)
Later, Steve

[MSA77]

My first step up from .22 LR, as a teenager was a Winchester 94A in .30-30. Don't have it anymore, long story, but more or less my parents got divorced, and my father wouldn't let me have it. Awesome lever action gun, if I wasn't blowing all my money on Sigs, I would have replaced it already.

[CaptMike]

Marlin 336, I have one in 45-70, little pricey to shoot though.

[AmericanDragon]

Nothing like a nice lever action.... I only have 2 right now. A Henry .22lr and a Rossi 30-30 Rio Grande also. Love both.
Most of the 'major' companies that produce them make a good, reliable product, in a wide range of calibers.
Just beware of the cost of ammo for some of them. If you're looking for a rifle to mainly take to the range and go through a lot of rounds, some can get very pricey.
For just plinking and popping holes in paper, Henry makes a very good .22lr in many different models.

Both beauties! Where did you pick up the leather?

[T.J.]

Both beauties! Where did you pick up the leather?

Thanks...
The cheek rest for the Rossi I bought from Cabelas a couple of years ago.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Triple-K-Leather-Cheek-Pad/706669.uts

For the Henry, I decided to try my hand at doing myself.
Picked up some bulk leather and a few basic tools from a company in Connecticut called Tandy Leather, and wrapped the stock and foregrip.
Had a good time making them, and was very happy with the results. Kind of created another hobby for myself. and now have a few more leather projects lined up.

https://www.longislandgunclub.com/forum/all-things-firearms-related/open-firearm-discussions/5152-anyone-into-leather

https://www.tandyleather.com/en/

[AmericanDragon]

You did a nice job on the Henry, it looks great! I might have to try my hand at "leatherizing" my Henry! 😀. Thanks much for the info and best of luck with your new hobby!!