What to buy?

[gcollins]

I am looking at buying another lever gun. Can't make up my mind. 44 special/44mag or 45LC? 1866, 1873, or a Henry that looks like a Henry.Want 24" oct. barrel.
I have a Big Boy in 357/38 made by Henry Repeating Arms, nice gun. I got to sell the Old Harley, because of the back, so I think I desire a new rifle!
I think I read somewhere that the 1873 had the smoothest factory action.
I would like to know what you all think.
Gcollins

[Tristan]

I think it's a rule in the Man Book that you gotta have a 30WCF. Or so I've heard...

Then, all the others. :)

- Tristan

[gcollins]

Tristan,
I have a 30W.C.F., it was my great grandfathers, he was a Texas Ranger, he bought the gun in the pan handle of Oklahoma, Jan.11,1901, I had it authenicated 30 years ago at the Winchester Office of Records in Wyoming, it took for ever, the man that was there then was in a wheel chair and it took him along time to look the records up, but it was worth it. I shot my first white tale with it, and still shoot it.
It is nickle steel, has spur marks in the butt stock, saddle ring, crescent butt stock, hasn't been any blue one it since I got it in 1971. I shoot a 105 grain 30 carbine bullet in it, very light 2400 powder load, FUN TO SHOOT.
But I want something in 45 LC, I think I have made my mine up on a 1873 Win.
Thanks
Greg

[Blackhawk Convertable]

I've got an Uberti 73 in 44-40...Very Nice and SMOOTH!!!
Sure would like to find one in 38-40 to keep it company.

Glad to see that you are looking for something in the 40 bores.

[Buckshot]

..............I bought a Rossi in 45 Colt from Legasy Sports. Color case, 24" oct bbl, cresent butt. Very nice rifle, and well finished.

http://www.fototime.com/7848272124A4E8F/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/95900A3C1D2F5E8/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/6095DE66E2CE882/standard.jpg

..................Buckshot

[Bullshead]

A Marlin 1894 in .45 Colt is wonderful rifle........the .45 Colt round is VERY flexible!

You can load 160 gr bullets very mild..........or 300 gr slugs loaded WILD!!!

The Marlin can be slicked up with a minimal $ investment

I've got 3 of them!! :-D

[MGySgt]

I would opt for the Henry in 45 LC. A friend of mine bought one and that thing just flat out shoots - the only 'problem' is that it is OL sensitive. As long as it fits in the slot for the magazine it is fine. Some of the longer boolits (RCBS 45 270 SAA for example) will not work.

Drew

[6pt-sika]

My suggestion would be to look around and find you an older Marlin 1894CB . One of the ones with the 24" barrel and hopefully checkered stock .

I kinda prefer the 1894CB in 44 MAG , but you can also find them in 357 , 44-40 and 45 Long Colt .

If you prefer the 20" barrel that is good and fine , as they are still made in 357 , 44 and 45 .

You may also be able to find a 1894CCL in 32-20 , 41 MAG or 44-40 with the 20" barrel .