Where are all my Cowboy Action shooters- Question for you

[CJS3]

I've had Marlins in 357/38 and 44mag/spl. Both were very nice rifles. I've also had a winchester in 357/38 (16 in barrel). It didn't cycle as smoothly as the Marlins, but it was very accurate for a short barreled rifle.

[Gossamer]

I use a Marlin in .45LC and it works fine for me. I like the fact that I could load it with +P ammo and use it for a short range (less than 100 yards) hunting rifle as well. That being said Puma makes nice lever actions as well.

[Ron J]

I have owned a Marlin in 44 Magnum and currently own a Winchester Trapper in 44 Magnum. 

The Marlin was unbelievably accurate. Five shot groups at 25 yards were a 1” ragged hole.  Which helped the accuracy was the Williams rear sight that I had put on.  Made a serious mistake one day and went shooting with a boss I had at the time and he had to have that rifle (and a German PPK/S).  Really miss that Marlin. 

Back in 1998, I got a great deal on a new Winchester Trapper in 44 Magnum.  Had a gunsmith in AZ do an action job including putting another Williams rear sight on it.  Very smooth and simply fun to shoot.  As well, I would feel very comfortable using it for self defense.  Loaded with 44 Specials, it’s a pretty formidable weapon.  In fact, unless I was facing a platoon strength force, I would grab it before my M1A Scout. 

Between the Marlin and the Winchester, it’s a tough call. I like a lot about both. Would give the edge to the Marlin for accuracy but I really like the compact, 16” barrel on my Winchester Trapper with its case color finish.  I still may get another Marlin …. I think the 1894 Cowboy with the octagonal barrel is a very handsome rifle.   

I don’t know anything about the Puma’s other than they are imported from Brazil or Argentina.  Couple of the folks here at this forum have them and like them.  The new Mossberg lever gun looks interesting and would bet that they will make that in 357 Magnum and 44 Magnum in the near future.  Might be worth the wait.  Good luck with the choices! 

[2HOW]

You have to consider Henry rifles, I have the catalog sitting here and its burning a hole in my brain. Really great looking rifles with alot of history and reputation.

[saltydogbk]

I have a Henry in 44 mag, and a Marlin too.  Both are fine weapons and I could take to the hills with either one and not regret it. 

[Sponsor]

[Majer]

2How,
 The "Henry" rifles have Nothing to do with the original Henry Rifles made by Oliver Winchester, They just bought the rights to the name. IMHO they are overpriced, heavy and harder to load than a 66, 73, or 92 replica.There are very few Cowboy Action Shooters using them because of this. I do believe that the best choice for USSA-1 in a lever action would be a 92 replica in either .44 Mag or .454. They are hell for stout , well made guns that will handle anything from the "velociraptor" loads all the way down to light CAS loads.

[2HOW]

2How,
 The "Henry" rifles have Nothing to do with the original Henry Rifles made by Oliver Winchester, They just bought the rights to the name. IMHO they are overpriced, heavy and harder to load than a 66, 73, or 92 replica.There are very few Cowboy Action Shooters using them because of this. I do believe that the best choice for USSA-1 in a lever action would be a 92 replica in either .44 Mag or .454. They are hell for stout , well made guns that will handle anything from the "velociraptor" loads all the way down to light CAS loads.

Thanks for the heads up, I did not know that. 92 replica, Ill remember that, thanks.

[Hazcat]

Majer,

What would you buy (name some names) for a .22 lever?

[Majer]

Haz, I'll go one better, I own 2 Marlin 39's and a Winchester 9422. They're all good guns, But I prefer the older Marlin 22's, The ones made without a safety

[Hazcat]

And if you were buying new today?