Leverguns Are Back! — GMP #223

Published on March 1, 2024
Duration: 30:52

This episode of the Guns Magazine podcast discusses the resurgence of lever-action rifles, highlighting their versatility, historical significance, and appeal to both new and experienced shooters. Hosts Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington explore various models like the Marlin 336, Winchester Model 94, and Henry Big Boy, discussing their calibers, handling characteristics, and suitability for different applications, from hunting to home defense. They emphasize the practical advantages of lever guns, such as their non-intimidating appearance and ease of use, making them a compelling choice in the current firearms market.

Quick Summary

Lever-action rifles are experiencing a resurgence due to their versatility, historical appeal, and non-intimidating profile. Models like the Marlin 336 and Henry Big Boy are popular, chambered in effective calibers such as .30-30 Winchester and .357 Magnum, making them suitable for hunting, home defense, and general shooting.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction to Lever Guns
  2. 00:37Sponsor Message: Four Patriots
  3. 01:16Discussion on Lever Gun Resurgence
  4. 02:19Lever Action AR-15 Platforms
  5. 03:00Historical Lever Action Models
  6. 03:41Versatility of .30-30 Caliber
  7. 04:47Personal Anecdote: Truck Gun
  8. 06:12Modifying a Model 94 for Utility
  9. 07:12Affordability and Availability of .30-30
  10. 07:55Legal Perception of Lever Guns
  11. 08:26Lever Guns vs. Tactical Rifles
  12. 09:04Camping and BLM Land Scenarios
  13. 10:11The 'Baseball Bat' Analogy
  14. 11:04Value of Older Model 94s
  15. 11:37Capacity and Loadout
  16. 12:00Jeff Cooper and the 'Brooklyn Special'
  17. 12:26Lever Action as Original 'Assault Rifle'
  18. 12:48Model 95s in Military Service
  19. 13:13Henry Rifle in the Civil War
  20. 13:35Henry Big Boy .357 Magnum Review
  21. 14:04Henry Big Boy Loading Mechanism
  22. 15:39Marlin 336 Accuracy with Ruger
  23. 16:53Accuracy of Older Model 94s
  24. 17:37Hunting Range Considerations
  25. 18:11Rossi Lever Actions and Upgrades
  26. 18:47.38/.357 Magnum Lever Guns
  27. 19:18.44 Magnum vs. .357 Magnum Recoil
  28. 20:00Stock Drop and Recoil
  29. 20:36Feeding Issues with .38 Special
  30. 21:38Reloading Considerations
  31. 22:05Role of Gun Media in Trends
  32. 23:03Driving Trends in Print Media
  33. 24:14Sophisticated Shooters Seeking More
  34. 24:36The Happy Cycle of Gun Sales
  35. 25:02Personal First Centerfire Rifle Memory
  36. 25:55Classic Guns Magazine Covers
  37. 26:43Rich Tradition of Lever Guns
  38. 27:16Road Trip 'Get Home Gun'
  39. 28:00Lever Action .22s and Teaching
  40. 28:09.357 Magnum for Home Protection in CA
  41. 28:26California Magazine Capacity Debates
  42. 28:41Future of Lever Action AR-15s
  43. 28:48Advocating for Traditional Lever Guns
  44. 29:00The Unique Satisfaction of Lever Guns
  45. 29:27Concluding Remarks
  46. 29:58Sponsor Reminder: Four Patriots
  47. 30:20Podcast Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are lever-action rifles becoming popular again?

Lever-action rifles are experiencing a resurgence due to factors like the return of iconic brands like Marlin under Ruger, the continued popularity of Henry rifles, and their appeal as versatile, historically significant firearms that are often perceived as less threatening than modern semi-automatic rifles.

What makes the .30-30 Winchester cartridge a good choice for lever-action rifles?

The .30-30 Winchester is highly versatile. It can be loaded down with lighter bullets for plinking or practice, or loaded up with heavier bullets for hunting. This adaptability makes it suitable for a wide range of shooting applications with lever-action firearms.

Are lever-action rifles suitable for home defense?

Yes, lever-action rifles can be effective for home defense. Their non-intimidating appearance can be an advantage in certain social or legal contexts, and calibers like .30-30 or .357 Magnum offer sufficient power for close-quarters defense.

What are the advantages of the Henry Big Boy .357 Magnum lever-action rifle?

The Henry Big Boy .357 Magnum offers significant power, with high velocities achievable with 158-grain ammunition. It also features a convenient side-loading gate and a tube-fed magazine that allows for easy unloading by unscrewing the tube, a notable improvement for safety and convenience.

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