I really like my Marlin 94 in 45 Colt. Plenty strong enough for plus p's and pretty accurate out to 200 yards. It's my ranch gun and real good for coyotes.

If you're only going ot own one lever action...Winchester is what you want. Pre 64 or the current Miroku is what I would buy. I have owed a numerous pre 64 and still have a mint 1957 in the safe but I would really like to own a new Winchester from Japan. The Miroku is a work of art.

Thank you for the kind words. I really enjoy sharing what I've managed to learn over the years. I'm just an enthusiastic hobbyist with a keen interest in older guns.

Great little rifles. I have a Cowboy Limited in .45 Colt. True to form, though, mine shoots great with 250-ish grain cast bullets, but really doesn't like my 300 grain loads. The Marlins in .44 and .45 caliber revolver chamberings have the same slow twist as the Winchesters. It's a holdover from the '73's and their stubby bullets; the .44-40 shoots a 200 grain bullet, and the .38-40 shoots a 180 grain. The .38-40 is, by the way, really a .40 caliber.

Funny, after all these years of horse trading, buying, and selling, I find myself "Winchesterless in Seattle". All of my current lever guns are Marlins and Savages. Most of my bolt guns are Model 70's, however. Never fear, though, my buddy at his local gun shop has had a new Miroku '71 in .348 on the shelf for far too long. Might have to help him out...

Mr Higgins, if you could have only one lever Winchester type what would it be? Imagine it to be used for hunting, zombies and general showin' off at the tin can range.

I look forward to this answer as well...

Probably an 1886 Extra Light in .45-70, either original or one of the new Mirokus. These have a half magazine, a 22" round barrel, and a straight grip. Don't let the term "extra light" fool you, though, these weigh all of eight pounds. They are just lighter than the full size rifle or the "short rifle".

I like the M71 also Jeff. I have been thinking about one for decades!
Troy

I had one many moons ago and just could not get it to shoot. It may have been the jacketed bullets available at the time, it may have been the rifle. Who knows. I bet I can get that new Miroku to shoot, though. There are a lot more bullets available these days and, if worse comes to worse, I can always shoot cast bullets. I can always get those to work, with the added flexibility they offer as far as sizing to a specific rifle. .348 velocities are a bit high for cast bullets of standard weight with standard loads, so I would probably have to tone it down a bit to get them to work. Sounds like a fun challenge, though.

Man I wish you would quit talking about the Miroku's. ;)
Stoking the fire of serious Want!!

I have been very happy with my Henry lever action.