Which one of the following lever action rifles is the best of the best in your opinion: Marlin 1895 (Sporter, Guide Gun, Cowboy, etc.)? Browning 1886 or 1892? Winchester model 86, 92, 94? Are there others that are better than these? Name them.

Kindest regards,
Boltaction

"Unless we protect the freedoms we enjoy, we will one day have no freedoms to enjoy."

Easy question IMHO: Savage model 99.

I'd go with a Browning BLR 81 in .358 Win.

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

I would also choose the Savage 99 as the best of the best in lever guns. The Marlin is, in my opinion, a close second. The 1895 Cowboy is one sweet lever action.

i liked the browning. i think it was a 1871 chambered in 348win. slickest and smoothest lever i cycled. unfortunatly it was going for $900.00

another vote for the savage 99.

I can't believe nobody has mentioned the Winchester Model 88 yet. I'm not saying it is the best.....just would be in my top 10 list.

I vote for the old Savahe as well. Many say that this rifle was 50 years ahead of its time. I agree. It had an excellent magazine design and would handle pointed buttets right from the start. It handled high preasure cartridges like the 308 with no design change. It is a crime that Savage allowed this fine rifle to slip from thier line. The Browning would be my second choice, they work prteey well. However when you take the price into account I think the Marlin is the best of the current offerings FOR THE MONEY. I have had good success with Marlins 1895 45-70 for Bears. I don,t care much for the guide gun though it is a good gun for its intended use.

Sako made a lever gun that looked similar to the Savage 99. I think it was called the FIN BEAR or the FIN WOLF. It was in 308 or 243. I saw one once and it looked very nice. With Sako's reputation for quallity firearms it was probably a good one.

Anyone own one?

Robin.

duffy..

i seen only one. it went for $900.00 seemed to be made very nicley but since it was sold within 2 hours of it being there. i did not even ask the new owner to try to cycle it.