Am interested in hearing opinions on what are the best lever guns and the best chamberings. I am leaning towards the Marlin Model 1895GBL, or the Model 336BL. What does everyone think?

They're both great rifles, what do you plan on doing with it? If you're just deer hunting the 336 is all you need, if you're hunting elk or moose then the 45-70 might serve you better. I love the looks of the laminated stock/ big loop combo.

Ideally it would be for everything from deer to bear and elk here in AZ

444 Marlin

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/xlr/444.asp


http://www.reloadbench.com/cartridges/444m.html

Look at the Marlin version of the 308, they call it "Express" or something like that. They have a 338 Express too, I think. Can't access the marlin site from work. Anyway, assuming you are shooting up to 250 yds or so, I'd definitely go with the XLR line.

So you would go with the 308 express over the 30-30? I was planing on using the Hornady LEVERevolution rounds for hunting.

Don't overlook the Browning BLR.....it's a great lever gun

Ultimate woods rifle - Marlin 336 in 35 Rem.

I haven't heard much about the Browning. My buddy has an old 30-30 Winchester and I like the round, and really like the side ejection ports on the Marlin is why I am looking at them more heavily

i'm a big winchester 94' fan . i have owned and hunted with a bunch of them. my favorite "under 150yd." gun is my 94' bigbore in .375 win.topped with a williams peep sight. its ideal for deer size game and i would not think twice at shooting an elk with it under the right surcumstance. but the new marlin express line in 308 and 338 has me thinking of buying my first marlin.
or if you want a lever that shoots spitzer bullets and is easier and cheeper to shoot then the new marlins? look at savage 99's. 100+ years of putting meat and even some enemy soldiers on the ground has proved it to be a very fine rifle.