bolt and lever action poll against semi-auto weapons

[platoonDaddy]

However for guns to be used primarily for self defense or fighting other people I prefer an auto-loader.

When I think of "auto-loader" it is something (mechanical or grunts) loading ordnance into crew-served weapons.

[BuzzinSATX]

While I love my semi-auto rifles, there is just something cool about a nice quality lever action rifle. Old faded Levis and wrap around sunglasses cool. Comfortable, tough and trustworthy. Timeless quality and operation. If you practice...you can work a lever almost as fast as most people shoot a semi-auto.

Here in Texas, we do love our lever actions and as the owner of three Marlins, 2 Winchesters and 2 early Savage 99s....I guess I prove the point! LOL

(I still want one of those Henry Golden Boys...and I really don't know why...damn things just look cool...LOL)

-brickboy240

I have to agree...lever guns are like stick shifts in your daily driver...they are less than optimal for the daily grind, but fun to wring out in a weekend drive.

[williejc]

I agree about levers. The socially acceptable looking Marlin or Win or Henry lever gun is a handy companion. The Marlins made before the Remington takeover are sleepers. If you might want one, I urge purchasing now . They will sky rocket in price as the K frames are now doing.

The Henry center fires are heavy, which lessens their handiness. I hope to buy one soon, though.

[brickboy240]

Yep...both of my Marlin pistol caliber levers and the Model 39 are older versions...even lacking the crossbolt safety. They are well made, fast handling and surprisingly accurate for lever actions. The 44 mag 1894 is totally controllable even with hotter 44mag loads and it would make a great stopper with the many defensive loads in 44Spl or 44mag that are out there today.

I have already noticed some fairly high prices on older Marlins that lack the crossbolt safety. I have also noticed some really high prices on the Savage 99s that are older and have the round counter on the side of the receiver like mine. Savage 99s are way under rated...if you ask me.

-brickboy240

[Ttwwaack]

Just finished going through slicking up last weekends gun show find, a Winnie 94 AE Trapper in 45. This is one of two in the safe; the other being a Marlin SS 1895 Guide in 45-70.

Now to the OP's question. From my experiances, a man who shows up to a gunfight with a lever might as well have shown up with a knife. I've got my ARs and 1911s and Glocks but sometimes there is a better tool in the tool box for a specific task...

If your kicking down doors or on the battlefield I wouldn't be doing it with century old technology. I'm more comfortable and familiar with the manual of arms on an AR then a knuckle buster. Granted there are some folks in the Cowboy Action community that can make quick work of a plate rack with a lever gun or a 5 shooter using popcorn fart 60+ PF loads.

I was never much of a lever fan. I picked up the 1895 while on a job in Sitka, AK to use it as a banging around rifle while out exploring and fishing in the skiff. It packs a wallop and saves a few pounds over my hunting rigs which all go 10+.

When I got back home this year I caught my friends in a lever gun frenzy. Well with that I had to keep up with the Jones' so based on some investment advise I hit the street looking for an 92 style knuckle buster to go with a Ruger Bisley in 45. To say the least, the money burnt a hole in my pocket. If I was to do it again, I'd hold out for a Winnie 92. The honeymoon was over quickley trying to smooth out the still factory new action. The 94s are terribly oversprung, have a floppy lawyer trigger and a hammer block safety.

The Trapper functions smooothly now. The shells jump effortlessly off the shell lifter into the chamber now and the trigger break is rolling instead of stacking although a little light at 2.0 lbs for my taste. There is still a few gremlins to work out though at the kitchen table. There is still another spring coil to be cut off if need be and the hammer needs to be relieved alittle more for over cocking but I'll take it out Sunday morning and try it as is for its smile factor. That is all it is for, nothing more and nothing less.

Now, if I can use what I learned on the 94 and apply it to the 1895 and get them long cigars to jump effortlessly into the chamber as smoothly I'd be a happy camper.

[sgtrock82]

I really like old rifles. I like studying them, collecting them, loading for and shooting them, horse trading with my friends etc, purely a luxury IMO. I don't even consider my modern weapons as part of my "collection". They are tools with the specific purpose of keeping me and my loved ones safe.

Im certainly under no illusion that any of my old iron are an adequate substitute for a modern semi-auto. Would they work in a pinch? Sure as long as theyre more accurate than a thrown rock and can get me to something better.

Im sure others might be able to employ them more effectively in a crisis, but probably not with out some fore thought and keeping their handicaps in mind. Most of this requires a whole lot more shooting and experience than the average lever/bolt gunner gets in a lifetime.

[brushy bill]

This would have been nice if Winchester had kept production in the US and not retained the safety.

http://www.winchesterguns.com/produc...22C&mid=534190

[brushy bill]

I have also noticed some really high prices on the Savage 99s that are older and have the round counter on the side of the receiver like mine. Savage 99s are way under rated...if you ask me.

-brickboy240

I would like to have one of these, but have not come across a nice one at a "reasonable to me" price.

[WillBrink]

So I have a co-worker that feels he likes short Asian women over taller Nordic women. Does everyone here share the feeling or is it just his preference?
-Scouts out!

This a similar type question it would seem with similar subjective responses.

Apples and oranges.

[Mamiller]

Honestly as long as the gun in question is well made, reliable, and accurate then I like them all. From single shots to machine guns.

Each has their purpose. However for guns to be used primarily for self defense or fighting other people I prefer an auto-loader.

I agree. Faster follow up shots could make the difference in some situations.