From the article: Top 8 Lever Action Deer/Big Game Hunting Rifles
Lever action rifles have been popular with hunters for more than a century, and with good reason. They're usually compact and handy, easy to use, and reliable. What's your favorite lever gun for hunting deer and other big game? What makes it the best for your hunting? Do not ask a question or expect a reply! I cannot reply to you here. Please post in the forum if you have a question. What's Your Favorite?
99 For Me-All Lever Rifles are Just Cool
- My dad's 99 300 Savage went to me along with other guns when he passed away. I had always loved the way it looked as a kid, and had no idea how old it was until later on (he passed away when I was 17... er I'm 45 now). With a 2x-7x Redfield mounted low, the gun is sighted in at 100 yards. I have never missed anything, never. I did in the past go on many hunting trips as a guest of the owner of a large South Texas ranch, listened to super hunters with the latest sniper/large game gun with optics that work in moonlight tell stories of their missed shots. Guns should have connection with the shooter, mean something to them, know what it will do and verify it, sight it in right, use the same ammo, or know the difference it makes. My grandfather was a gun dealer and I started shooting at 4-5 years single shot 22 LR, back stop 10 yards out the door targets 50 yards open sights.
- —Guest bigun
Glenfield 30A
- Favorite lever rifle, any of my rifles is my 1974 Glenfield 30A in 30-30 cal. Pure pleasure to carry and shoot in thick Minnesota swamps. Year in year out, you can find venison in my freezer.
- —Guest Tom
1886 45-70 (Made in 1889)
- The oldest 45-70 and the sweetest. Hunting with a piece of history is nostalgic and rewarding. [From the editor: Hunting with history is great! The 1873 Springfield rifle actually introduced the 45-70, but it's no lever gun. - RC]
- —Guest savagebc
Rossi Rio Grande
- I like my Rossi Rio Grande in 30-30 Winchester. It handles just like a Marlin for half the price. Just mounted a 4x scope as it has a mount that's factory installed. Have yet to sight it in as it's been too cold, but when I do, it should be a nice deer hunting rifle.
- —Guest JeffN
Marlin Model 36
- My Marlin is chambered for the 32 Win Spec. It's a bit of an oddity as it was only made for about 10 years, but c'mon, you have every other Marlin lever on here!
- —Guest Mike
99shooter
- My favorite is a Savge 99 in .300 Savage. Have taken numerous deer at ranges from 30 to 312 yards with it. Next woud be the Savage 99 in .250 Savage. Have taken many deer with it at ranges of 50 to 240 yards.
- —Guest Palmer Triplett
1885 Highwall 45-70
- The best hunting rifle is the one you are comfortable with, and gets the job done. I will argue about caliber such as 35 Remington or 357 Magnum for deer size game, because most people can't refrain from taking shots beyond this caliber's efficent range (which can be less than a hundred yards). I like my Model 1885 Highwall in 45-70.
- —Guest cliff
Peep Sights on Henry 45
- The one that works best for me is the .45 cal Henry Big Boy. You're right, scopes do feel rather off, I found that out at a hog hunt in south Texas.
- —Guest p shep
Favoite Lever Action deer rifle
- My favorite lever action rifle is the Winchester model 71 348 caliber. It was my Dad's deer gun that he passed on to me for use in college in the UP of Michigan for deer season. It had plenty of knock down power also, but it just felt good to walk through the woods with this rifle. That was back in 1965 and now the gun rests in a self-made gun holder on my fireplace mantel. It brings back plenty of good memories of hunting with my Dad every time I look at it. Priceless.
- —Guest John Ahnefeldt
Glenfield Lever Action
- I have a 1974 Glenfield 30A (with micro-groove barrel) that my Grandpa gave me. Using Hornady's 160 grain LeveRevolution I can print clover leaf groups all day long at 100 yards with a 4 power Tasco scope and sand bag rest.
- —Guest Tom
Rossi Model 92 44 mag 44 S&W special
- After I had the front sight replaced with a little taller one it shoots great and drops 'em in their tracks.
- —Guest Tom
Mustang
- I shoot a 45 Colt for whitetail deer. I do my own reloads and they drop in their tracks.
- —Guest ron nichols
Marlin 1895 (45-70)
- If you want to prescribe a dirt nap to any animal in North America, go with a Marlin 45-70. One tough gun with proven stopping power.
- —Guest Derek bunch
Lever Actions
- I like a good set of peep sights on 357 & 44 Winchester 94s and Marlins. They feel a clumsy to me when scoped. Scoped Win 88 and Savage 99 in 308. I've shot many hard cast and gas checked cast bullets for fun in the Savage and Win 88. Same 200 grain cast slug shoots great out of my HK91 semi auto until the peanut butter goo gums up the action. I've tried some 115 grain 30 carbine bullets in all my lever and semi auto 308s. About 3300 fps and no recoil. 115s detonate on contact with water. Too much fun. ~Robert7980
- —Guest Robert7980
I Like Rossi
- My Rossi lever action is the best for the money. I have two that I bought from Cheaper Than Dirt, and I will buy a 44 mag Rossi when I get the chance.
- —Guest manriquezruben41@yahoo.com
1-15 of 51Next

