Posted on 11/07/2016 8:23:05 AM PST by w1n1
The stylish Henry Octagon in .45-70 Government is a hardworking short-range rifle with a quick and smooth action. For a cartridge introduced in 1873, the .45-70 Government has enjoyed some serious staying power. The same may be said of lever-action rifles that date back a decade further. The combination of the two, first made in 1881, logically joined two good things into something perennially popular.
Today, several companies make such rifles. Henry offers three models, with the Octagon being the most visually striking of the lot. The fit of the metal and wood is tight, and the finish is even and well applied.
A 22-inch blued octagonal barrel is installed on a brass receiver, with brass buttplate on a straight-grip stock of quality walnut completing the first impression. Weighing in at about 8 pounds, the rifle feels substantial without appearing heavy. For field carry, it comes with sling swivel studs already installed.
The magazine tube holds four cartridges and loads from a port underneath, the same as Henry's rimfire rifles. While slower than gate loading, this approach is easier on the shooter’s fingers and doesn't damage soft bullet points. And, considering the power of the .45-70 cartridge, 4+1 capacity is generally sufficient. Read the rest of the story here.
I thought this was a election selection thread. Ooopps!
Guns beats discussing the election.
I need a Winchster 92. I don’t have any Winchesters yet and the 92 is just an immaculate work of art.
That saying, the cream of the crop lever for me is the Marlin 336 in .30-30. I just love them.
Of course you can’t beat a good .44 mag lever gun, and if I ever do get around to picking up a Winchester 92, I will get one for that cartridge. I have a Marlin in .44 mag and it is just a crazy fun little shooter. So much so that I sold off my .357 mag Marlin 94. The ammo was cheaper, but that was the only thing I preferred with the .357. The .44 just goes “thump”.
Funny thing is, that .45-70 Henry looks like a clone of a Marlin 336 right down to the bolt and lever, or a Marlin 1895 with extended ammo tube.
I’m mildly looking for a .38/.357, SS carbine to compliment my S&W revolvers. Looks like 10 rounds is the max. Any out there beside Henry, Marlin, Rossi, older Winchesters?
I’ve got a Savage model 99 in .284, the rotary magazine lets it eat pointy bullets :-)
I would love and cherish a good old school winny or Marlin too though!
Miroku made (makes?) Win92 clones under license.
Fifty years ago our local hardware store owner had a rack of 1894 Marlin rifles in .33 Win, all traded in when .33 became unavailable.
A couple of years later they were all gone. He said some man came in and bought every one of them.
A few years ago I got rid of all handgun’s not using 9mm or 357/38. It makes life much simpler.
THX
True enough.
I have a Marlin and a Winchester in .44.
At the range, at a 100 yards, you can blink after you squeeze the trigger, then you hear the thump.
If I am on, that little Marlin will place ‘em within an inch, open sights.
That brass model would look good hanging over the fireplace mantle.
But my wife would skin me if I moved her “Velvet Elvis”.
I have the same 336... love it!
My Winchester Model 94 is my 2nd favorite rifle. If I had to bug out with little notice the 3 weapons I would grab are my AR-15, My Ruger P-94 9mm, and my Winchester.
I love my Mossberg 479 lever action in 30-30. A decent stand off platform after I added a Picitinny rail and a scope. I’d love to have one of those 44-70s though.
I am kind of thinking on a Walther PPQ M2 5” long slide. I wish the Kel-Tec Sub 2000 took their magazine or anything in a long gun took their magazine.
Mossberg used to make a line of lever action rifles. I own a 479 in 30-30 but there are others. I paid $250 for mine. Used but is great condition. Some looking will get you a nice one for short dough.
I have a Marlin (from 1976, pre-Remington days) in .357 and I just love shooting that gun. They are insanely accurate and out to 200 yards there is absolutely no need for any kind of optic.
Be careful. Sounds like the Gun of the Month Club is about to drive you out of your house.
Thanks
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.