Mossberg 464?

[Deep Six]

Got the itch for another levergun. Would really like a 38-55 but was thinking a 30-30 would be a much cheaper place to start and then possibly do a rebore later. Looking at my options in the $500-ish range, I have Rossi, Mossberg 464, a new Remlin, or a used Marlin or Winchester. I'm still a little soured on Rossi (bad experience with a '92 44 mag). I hear nothing but bad things about the Remlin. A used Winchester is interesting but I'd need to find an AE model because I'd like to have the option of a scope. Also, a Winchester might be a little lightweight for a 38-55 conversion (for my tastes anyways) and also lacks a buttpad. I've also heard quality wasn't that great in the later Winnies.

Finally, it seems that I can get a brand new Mossberg for about the same price as a cheap used Marlin - and the Mossberg would have standard rifling to boot. Only problem is that I've heard next to nothing about them. Mossberg shotguns have a good reputation but does it include their levergun? Anyone got any info or first hand experience?

[richhodg66]

I've only handled them, never shot one, but liked how they look and feel. Sure wish they didn't put that big, ugly tang safety on them, though.

[C. Latch]

If I was only going to own one lever gun, I would hold out for a well-used 336 in .35 remington, and never give a moment's thought to the micro-groove barrel issue. It's simply a non-issue. Size to fit the barrel (.001" over) and shoot away.

I was really scared to go down that road myself, then I finally bought a 336 in 30-30, sized to .311 for my .3095 bore, and never looked back. SHot it at 2100' MV last week with no leading, no problems. A .35 ought to be even easier.

[Deep Six]

I did find a 336 in 35 Remington in a rack of used guns at the local dealer the other day. Price of $550 seemed high for its average condition. I would much prefer a 38-55 as I've got a thing for non-bottleneck cartridges. Was considering 30-30 cause it's an easy conversion to 38-55 since they're the same basic case.

[.45colt]

Get a used Marlin,50's,60's or 70 vintage.....receiver sights or , scope, NO problem. easy to clean. shoot lot's be Happy.

[C. Latch]

I did find a 336 in 35 Remington in a rack of used guns at the local dealer the other day. Price of $550 seemed high for its average condition. I would much prefer a 38-55 as I've got a thing for non-bottleneck cartridges. Was considering 30-30 cause it's an easy conversion to 38-55 since they're the same basic case.


I saw one in Tennessee the other day - an older gun that was rough on the outside, which doesn't bother me - for $350, and I think he would have moved some on his price.

I saw a late 70's model a few weeks ago that the guy was asking $400 for. I thought it high at the moment, but in hindsight it wasn't a bad price at all, as it was in pretty nice shape.

[Deep Six]

I haven't seen a used 336 for less than $450 around here. Hence my consideration of new guns.

[clownbear69]

Since your in Northern IL I assume your near the Cabelas in PdC, WI. About this time and closer to Thanksgiving (WI's gun deer) A lot of people trade in their Mod 94s and 336s to get primarily new bolt guns and the prices are reasonable. If you are on the side closer to Janesville and Burlington WI they have the same thing typically going on but for some reason their prices are a tad bit higher. Granted my info is slightly dated because I havent lived in Southern WI for a while.

[Deep Six]

Yeah I do need to make a gun run into Wisconsin. A couple years back I was in a shop all the way up near the U.P. border and I remember thinking that their prices on used long guns was pretty good. I just was on more of a revolver kick at the time.

[pietro]

.

Based on my experiences with several .375 Win BB94's (in which I used .38-55's as a mid-range load), I would recommend a .38-55 Win 94AE (Legacy Model), which is fairly easy on the shoulder and easy to find (Google), but can easily accommodate a recoil pad, temporary or permanent.

I disremember, but mayhaps the Legacy's were issued with a rubber buttpad like my .375 BB94's.

The Legacy should cost you less than a new Mossy 464 + a later ($250, minimum) rebore.


.

[searcher4851]

I've seen and handled a couple of the Mossberg's but never shot one, so I guess I'm not much help. From what I saw, I wasn't impressed, but wasn't disgusted either. Without having heard of any long term use by anyone, I am of little help, but being a levergun fan, I too am curious.

Speaking of curious, I was wondering what part of rural Northern Illinois you're located in. I'm in DeKalb county myself.

[Deep Six]

Based on my experiences with several .375 Win BB94's (in which I used .38-55's as a mid-range load), I would recommend a .38-55 Win 94AE (Legacy Model), which is fairly easy on the shoulder and easy to find (Google), but can easily accommodate a recoil pad, temporary or permanent.

I disremember, but mayhaps the Legacy's were issued with a rubber buttpad like my .375 BB94's.

The Legacy should cost you less than a new Mossy 464 + a later ($250, minimum) rebore.

I had never seen the BB94s before. I looked at some on gunbroker and appeared very nice. The prices seemed low compared with other big bore levers too. Maybe I'll keep my eyes peeled for one of those.

[pietro]

.

The .375's are very nice, but only the 2nd best of the Winchester BB94's - the pre-safety .356 Win BB94AE (w/o the canoe-paddle buttstock) goes to the head of the class, since it's a close ballistic twin of the rimless .358 Win.

.

[onceabull]

I recommend checking with Jesse Ocumpaugh to see if he might have a marlin 30/30 or 32 on hand waiting for conversion because now and again he will list one on GunBroker at a price that you will have to shop long and hard to find a Marlin 30/30 low enough to beat after paying for the conversion...I've had three of his conversions to 38/55 (not all marlins) and HIGHLY endorse his work..At present he is only listing some Win.94 conversion to 38/55,and those are not the angle eject models.. Good luck with your shopping... Onceabull[smilie=w:

[Deep Six]

.

The .375's are very nice, but only the 2nd best of the Winchester BB94's - the pre-safety .356 Win BB94AE (w/o the canoe-paddle buttstock) goes to the head of the class, since it's a close ballistic twin of the rimless .358 Win.

.

Yeah I know about the ballistic edge that the 356 enjoys. But like I said, I've got a thing for straight wall cartridges.

[Deep Six]

I recommend checking with Jesse Ocumpaugh to see if he might have a marlin 30/30 or 32 on hand waiting for conversion because now and again he will list one on GunBroker at a price that you will have to shop long and hard to find a Marlin 30/30 low enough to beat after paying for the conversion...I've had three of his conversions to 38/55 (not all marlins) and HIGHLY endorse his work..At present he is only listing some Win.94 conversion to 38/55,and those are not the angle eject models.. Good luck with your shopping... Onceabull[smilie=w:
Yeah I saw he has those two up there now. The regular 94 seems a little light for heavy 38-55 loads. I'd be all over a converted 336 at that price though.

[quilbilly]

I have had my 464 (wood stock) for approximately 4 years and have enjoyed it thoroughly. It has loved every CB load I have fed it so far from 130 PB boolits at 1200 FPS to 170's at 2100 FPS. With the Lee 160 RNGC at 1550 FPS it is minute-of-milkjug at 300+ yards consistently with the factory open sights and my good glasses. I got it at a steal price in a LGS figuring it would be a cheap truck rifle not expecting much and I got a lot more than I paid for. One of these days I will put skinner sights on it to really make it sing.

[Huntsman]

I bought one if these last year. The extractor broke after the 9th shot with Winchester factory 150gr PP.

[FergusonTO35]

I had one for awhile and sold it to a forum member to fund another project. I found it to be a superior rifle to the 2003 Winchester 94 that came before it. Better parts fit, tighter action, better platform for mounting a scope, the issue sights were actually pretty good too. I wouldn't hesitate to get another if I came across a good deal.