I have many firearm options for defense but one of my most chosen options is a 357 Magnum lever action. If I was told I had five second to grab just one gun out of my collection and run… My 1 of 50 Marlin 1894 357

A very close second choice would be one of my Winchester 9422 Magnum Trappers.

 

I can run a lever gun pretty fast, and I own 5 of them, all in .357. However, if the feces hits the fan I’m grabbing an AR-15 before I grab a lever gun. .556>.357 and 30>10, not to mention optics, reloading etc.

 

At the ranges you most likely will be shooting an AR or Lever .357 I’m not so sure the .556 is the better round as you stated - .357 158gr sofpoint coming out of my lever at 1600fps is gonna due some damage.

However ammo capacity, and reloading speed is definitely a scary black rifle advantage.

 

I actually have the Browning in the vid.

And no, it’s not for sale

 

In the backcountry, I’ll have a 30-30 or a 45-70 in a saddle scabbard. That’s in addition to a 44 or 357 revolver on my body somewhere, usually in a chest or belt holster.

Admittedly, they are for defense against attacks by four-legged varmints but I suppose they’d be just fine if pressed into service against homicidal “pill-billies” or “meth-necks”. 😉

 

Lever guns are very effective in the hands of someone who practices.

Harris may win, but only Congress can pass a ban. An executive order related to the 2A is going to be met with a lot of resistance. And non compliance by citizens. I dont think law enforcement, barring big city police chiefs on the Dem payroll, are going to enforce a ban or buyback or whatever they call it. I do believe that a Clintonesque ban like in 94 may be possible. But grabbing the guns already in circulation? I don't think they have the stones to try that. It could trigger a lot of violence.

 

I agree but then again, we’ve all seen Congress-critters of every persuasion (attempt to) do dumber things.

 

Seems like in the last few years there has been sort of a resurgence of lever action rifles.

Go to a Boy Scout shoot - if they have a variety of gun types on the firing line, it is impressive to see the kids walk past the AR style rifles and go to the lever actions. I see it again and again, I think it is pretty cool.

As to defense.... sure, lever actions are fine. But what about keeping them loaded all the time? I don't keep my levers loaded. Just kinda seems weird to have the rounds sitting tip to tail under spring pressure for extended periods.

Yea, yea, I know everything will be fine. Heck, they carry loaded levers in horse scabbards while riding and never have issues.

So as usual I have an issue with something that literally is not an issue... lol !

 

Seems like in the last few years there has been sort of a resurgence of lever action rifles.

Go to a Boy Scout shoot - if they have a variety of gun types on the firing line, it is impressive to see the kids walk past the AR style rifles and go the lever actions. I see it again and again, I think it is pretty cool.

As to defense.... sure, lever actions are fine. But what about keeping them loaded all the time? I don't keep my levers loaded. Just kinda seems weird to have the rounds sitting tip to tail under spring pressure for extended periods.

Yea, yea, I know everything will be fine. Heck, they carry loaded levers in horse scabbards while riding and never have issues.

So as usual I have an issue with something that literally is not an issue... lol !

Along with safe handling, it’s less of a problem with modern rifles and ammunition, especially ammo designed for lever guns. Still conceivable, I suppose.

ETA: For me, it’s more a matter of familiarity than effectiveness.
My first rifle (for my 7th birthday) was a Marlin 39A and my first “deer rifle” was a Marlin 336, so lever guns are second nature.

I own and train with ARs (and the benefits of autoloaders are well-known). I just like lever actions, too.

 

If they won, you could just ignore it and keep what you have already? Problem solved! I believe this will be the most popular choice.

 

So you keep the modern semiautomatic rifle and use it for defense. The police are on their way, your choices become 1) Go to prison. 2) Become a fleeing fugitive. 3) Suicide by cop.

 

Buy one because they are fun to shoot. Almost anygun will work for self defense if you know what you are doing.

 

Nice thing about a level action it that its simple and not much can go wrong with it.

 

Yup 👍🏻
I have well over half a century experience shooting them in all different calibers and models, off the top of my head I cannot think of a single time I ever had an issue. The only times I can recall seeing of anyone having an issue was with modified guns or oddball calibers.

I’ve seen folks both inexperienced as well as highly experienced short stroke pump action rifles and shotguns, especially when under pressure. But with the way lever guns operate that seems to be a nonissue with them. At least in my experience anyway.

 

I agree.

If you have a feeding problem and jerk on the lever the firing pin can overcome the spring and give you an OOBD. I’ve seen this a few times in person and it’s not pleasant.

If you have a split case a round will feed partially out of the tube and jam the carrier. For that reason most cowboy shooters carry screw knives.

Those are the two most common problems I see and both are rare.

 

I certainly don't have the experience that many here have, but, I have been shooting/owned lever-actions since 1972

I own somewhere around 30 lever-action rifles

4 - .357's

3 - .44's

1 - .22LR

The rest are rifle calibers, mainly .30-.30's

I CAN tell you that while I would have no hesitation in using one of my .357's for SD, if it was all that I had available, it most certainly would NOT be my first choice

My first choice would likely be one of my Mossberg 590's/500's

Followed by one of my AR's

I will say that I have never competed with any of my lever-actions

Mine are used for hunting/recreational shooting

But that's just me

 

I already have plenty of guns. There's nothing wrong with a lever action for self-defense, but a pump shotgun is better. My semi-auto rifles are for fighting something bigger than a burglar.

 

Now for those concerned about cyclic rate I offer

 

That has nothing whatsoever to do with “defense”, or a real gunfight. There’s a preoccupation with firing fast in this thread that isn’t wholly applicable. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, just that it’s not as important as some folks seem to think.

 

Something to consider as I sense that Democrats are going to win this election. Those buying a new gun will have very limited options.

You can buy AR's and semi-auto's right now. No reason to preemptively buy a lever gun for a role that is better suited by current options. Let's get even more AR's in homes before liberals try to change anything.

 

My little Cowboy family.

 

I've been through enough elections that I'm about all panicked out.

Shoot, they couldn't even get cheap toys like bump stocks and pistol braces to go away permanently.

 

they do sell those lever ar's now, for those who desire 5.56

 

Bond Arms | LVRB™ (Coming Soon)

www.bondarms.com

 

For a lever action as a home defense gun I might would go with the 45 colt. Big slow round with a lot of thump sort of like the 1911 of rifles. Also will hold more rounds in the tube when compared to a rifle round.

 

I love my Marlins, truly. But they aren't high on the list of firearms I'd reach for self defense. Not because they aren't adequate to the task (many deer will tell you otherwise), but because I think there are better options in my safe. FOR ME.

 

You mean how the current Dem administration passed SWEEPING gun control legislation affecting guns you can buy?

Or the 2 Obama administrations before that?

(Hint: They didn't)

Chill on the paranoia.

And let's not forget that the last president to actually get a major rule change enacted (bump stocks) was Trump. And since someone gave him an ear owie with an AR15, my guess is HE'D be the one to go after them if elected.

 

I wouldn't mind a nice 30-30. Traded mine for a bass guitar back in the 70's.

 

A good plastic and aluminum 9mm carbine is probably a much better choice. Pistol mags in and out quick, shooting position is less compromised with each shot, really a PCC or AR is just better.
If all you have is a lever action though, it will get the job done!

 

Yea, Lever action if it was 1860.

 

What's good for me ain't necessarily good for the weak minded.