Single Shot vs. Lever Action in a SHTF Rifle

[GP100]

Howdy, help me out.

I'm going to be in the market for a rifle, but I'm limiting myself to a narrow set. Because I have ammo in .357 and .38 special, I want a rifle in the same caliber. That limits me to a single shot or a lever action rifle. For a single shot, I'm looking at a Handi Rifle. For Lever Action, I'm looking at a Marlin 1894c or Henry Big Boy (or...something else...). Tough decision because of the following:

Single Shot:
Pros
Cheap ($275)
Simpler action, simple maintenance
Reliable -- no moving reload so no / less jamming
Accuracy is good with scope

Cons
The obvious: Have to open the barrel, remove, reload, close barrel, aim, fire.

Lever:
Pros
Quick follow up shot
High-ish capacity
Accuracy

Cons
Cost (600-900$)
More complicated to maintain
More likely to jam up! Perhaps at the worst moment

Help me make up my mind if you could

[Waymarker]

As a Brit I know absolutely zilch about guns (they're virtually banned over here), but in a SHTF world I'd always carry TWO guns, one a rifle slung over my shoulder and the other a holstered handgun.
Guns jam (see vid) but the chances of two jamming are very remote..

o_JDtiCvNaY

[GP100]

As a Brit I know absolutely zilch about guns (they're virtually banned over here), but in a SHTF world I'd always carry TWO guns, one a rifle slung over my shoulder and the other a holstered handgun.
Guns jam (see vid) but the chances of two jamming are very remote..

o_JDtiCvNaY


Yeah that's what I'm going for. I have a 357 revolver and now want the rifle, just a matter of which type in the caliber.

[pico]

You should seriously consider the lever action western guns out there. The ballistics of a .357 magnum from a longer barrel make the round do what most people expect of it from a handgun. It can easily take deer at ranges under 75 yards in capable hands, likely even further out than that. Having a revolver in the same caliber would allow one ammunition type to be shared between the firearms.

I have a Rossi 92 in .44 magnum, along with a Smith and Wesson 29 in this setup. The .44 magnum is a lot of power, and not all can effectively shoot the round. In a carbine setup (mine has the shorter carbine barrel), the rifle is very compact and is fairly easy to shoot. It can be improved with a rubber slip on buttpad, but this design does not lend itself to optics.

I also have a pair of 30-30 lever guns, as well as a .22lr. I had avoided these guns at first, but they are rugged and function well. I must say that these would not be my SHTF weapons of choice, as I have the H&K91 with paratrooper stock and my german optics, along with a Beretta 96. I prefer having more long range capability, with the means to take game at long range. My setup allows me to effectively hit targets out to 600 meters and beyond, and the bottstock can collapse for easier transport.

[GP100]

Yeah I'm leaning toward lever, despite the increased cost. I'll just wait a bit longer before I buy it. My priority is to keep ammo the same in case something were to happen to either gun.

[pico]

An even better option perhaps is a pair of guns that take the same magazines. The Beretta 92/96 and CX4 Storm carbine are a combo for this, but I am doubtful that either the 9mm or .40 S&W round is benefitted a hell of a lot by the increased barrel length (unlike the .357magnum). The lengthened sight plain makes for more accurate shots, and the carbine can be fitted to accept optics (mainly red dots and holo sights). I have a pair of the CX4 storms, both in .40 S&W, and they are a hell of a lot of fun to shoot.

[GP100]

I think I've got my mind made up on Marlin 1894C. Pair the ammo well with my revolver, and not a bad cost for $609 at my LGS.

[pico]

Marlins are actually the most rugged of the older style lever guns. Not a bad price either. What caliber is the one you are thinking? I have a pair of Marlin 336 lever guns, and I am thinking about rebarreling one to something like a .444, but those are not too common. Anyway, 30-30 is common enough, so perhaps I'll keep them as is.

[dwbeaufort]

I am not really up on fire arms but being born and bred country living I do have my preferences. I like every other gun owner have a 12 gauge...though its really only good for shooting at those clay thingies we throw. A .22 for plinking, a 22 mag for serious nighttime plinking, and a 30-06 for everything else.
I never liked the lever action mainly because of ammo limitations.
A singleshot 30-30 is a good rifle. you have to load your own because factory available ammo is geared for the lever and it sucks.
The 30-06 is an extremely versatile rifle and ammo is readily available from 90 grain to 180.
If you really want to destroy somthing up close the 12 gauge is fun...buy a box of slugs. With a razor knife, score the casing just past the powder and behind the load all the way around it...score it deep but not all the way through. Load it and fire it... watch what happens to the target :) (Don't use your grandfathers old wound barrel for this.)

[GP100]

Marlin 1984C will be in .357/.38. I would prefer the Marlin 336, but for SHTF purposes I'm purposefully keeping the same ammo across weapons.

I don't want to be in a position when I run out of ammo in one gun when I need it; likewise, I don't want to have one gun bust and have all its ammo rendered useless.

GP100 + Marlin 1984C should keep me protected enough.

[pico]

Yep... good combo gp100

[GP100]

Doing a bit more research, it turns out that since Remington bought Marlin the guns have been coming out terribly. I'd prefer not to spend $ on such junk, if so. Anyone familiar with Henry Big Boy rifle?

[pico]

I am unaware of any problems with the marlin lever actions. Mine are both the 336 as stated, and the design is fine and both work great. I have no experience with the Henry rifles, which is a shame as they are older and excellent designs. I would think if you could find a .45/70 rifle or carbine, that might be the ticket if you can also get your hands on a .45 colt revolver. The .45 colt can be fired in the same rifle, from my understanding, but there will be a bit of a headspace issue.

[PoorOldRobert]

Henry Rifles are great. I have some and the actions are incredibly smooth. It should be noted that they are made here in America by the Imperato family. With regard to Marlins, I find them to be just fine. The actions are not as smooth as the Henrys. In the end, both products are reliable. The Henry .22's are lots of fun for plinking.

[Marseyus]

Taurus Thunderbolt Pump-Action Rifle

You can use .357 ammo, it's pump action so jams are less likely, it's the best of both worlds between lever action and single shot. they retail for 400-600.

http://www.gunblast.com/Taurus_Thunderbolt.htm

[GP100]

Taurus Thunderbolt Pump-Action Rifle

You can use .357 ammo, it's pump action so jams are less likely, it's the best of both worlds between lever action and single shot. they retail for 400-600.

http://www.gunblast.com/Taurus_Thunderbolt.htm

Were they discontinued? According to Taurus website...I guess they were! Otherwise that would be an option.


As far as marlins go, yeah -- yikes, it's a crapshoot. Remington took them over and the QC/QA has been horrible. Marlin lovers are apparently about to move on.

[pico]

Another option is to buy a used one from the pre remington days. I think lever actions are about as reliable as lever actions. The differences are minimal, and both require a similar built action, although the pump actions are likely a bit easier to work on in the field, at least that is my experiance with pump action shotguns.

[Marseyus]

Were they discontinued? According to Taurus website...I guess they were! Otherwise that would be an option.



Just because something's discontinued doesn't mean it isn't an option. Try gunbroker.com there's always a few on sale there, or auctionarms.com also timberwolf made a pump .357 which is another viable option.

If you want a reliable .357 rifle you need pump action, your physically moving the bolt, instead of relying on a level attached to a rod. Less moving parts in a pump action.

And a single shot is a joke in a SHTF situation. Watch competition cowboy shooters using single shot, now watch how slow they are, now remember how much they practice.

[pico]

The only thing with single shots that could perhaps make them an option is that some of the rolling block designed single shots can fire huge rounds, like the 50-110 and such. That is a magnum magnum load from its day, being a blackpowder load originally. The 45-70 is also no slouch, and you can find some pre-1899 rolling block rifles in 7mm Mauser, which is a fine round. These can drop buffalo, and with practice, should be able to act as a decent round to take out targets at range.

Let's also remember the single shot .50 BMG rifles out there. You can get these in AR uppers for not too much coin. In the right hands, you could take out targets over a mile out.

Another good site depending on the state you are in is www.gunlistings.org.

[GP100]

I'll still consider a single shot in the back of my mind. It's cheaper -- more money to spend on other preps. And, I have a revolver should I need some quick firing. Single shot scoped rifle could have its purpose. Still, you don't want to ever miss with it, which could be trouble.