{"id":198838,"date":"2024-11-04T17:27:02","date_gmt":"2024-11-04T23:27:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=198838"},"modified":"2026-02-27T08:59:58","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T14:59:58","slug":"lever-actions-an-american-rifle-for-hunters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/lever-actions-an-american-rifle-for-hunters\/","title":{"rendered":"Lever Actions: An American Rifle For Hunters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-estimated-reading-time yoast-reading-time__wrapper\"><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-icon=\"clock\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" style=\"display:inline-block;vertical-align:-0.1em\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__spacer\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:1em\"><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__descriptive-text\">Estimated reading time: <\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__reading-time\">11<\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__time-unit\"> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the resurgence in big-bore lever guns, lever actions in general have gained popularity. Traditional <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/firearms\/rifles\/lever-action\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"lever-actions-an-american-rifle-for-hunters\" title=\"Lever Actions: An American Rifle For Hunters\">lever-action<\/a> calibers like .30-30, .35 Remington, and .45-70, as well as pistol calibers like .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt, remain popular choices. Additionally, modern lever actions now come in calibers like .308 Winchester, .243 Winchester, and even some magnums. Some calibers offer excellent versatility, while others serve specialized purposes. There are also takedown guns that can be stowed until needed and assembled within seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"433\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3916.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198848\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3916.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3916-400x169.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3916-150x63.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3916-768x325.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-a-hunter-s-rifle\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"lever-actions-an-american-rifle-for-hunters\" title=\"Lever Actions: An American Rifle For Hunters\" data-level=\"2\">A Hunter&#8217;s Rifle<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-sendero-country\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"lever-actions-an-american-rifle-for-hunters\" title=\"Lever Actions: An American Rifle For Hunters\" data-level=\"2\">Sendero Country<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-accurate\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"lever-actions-an-american-rifle-for-hunters\" title=\"Lever Actions: An American Rifle For Hunters\" data-level=\"2\">Accurate<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-rapid-fire-lever-action\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"lever-actions-an-american-rifle-for-hunters\" title=\"Lever Actions: An American Rifle For Hunters\" data-level=\"2\">Rapid Fire Lever Action<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-my-first-nontraditional-lever-action\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"lever-actions-an-american-rifle-for-hunters\" title=\"Lever Actions: An American Rifle For Hunters\" data-level=\"2\">My First Nontraditional Lever Action<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-big-bore-power\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"lever-actions-an-american-rifle-for-hunters\" title=\"Lever Actions: An American Rifle For Hunters\" data-level=\"2\">Big Bore Power<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-another-nontraditional-lever-action\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"lever-actions-an-american-rifle-for-hunters\" title=\"Lever Actions: An American Rifle For Hunters\" data-level=\"2\">Another Nontraditional Lever Action<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-medium-bore-power\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"lever-actions-an-american-rifle-for-hunters\" title=\"Lever Actions: An American Rifle For Hunters\" data-level=\"2\">Medium Bore Power<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-for-hunters\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"lever-actions-an-american-rifle-for-hunters\" title=\"Lever Actions: An American Rifle For Hunters\" data-level=\"2\">For Hunters<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"323\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3937.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198907\" style=\"width:824px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3937.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3937-400x202.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3937-150x76.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An octagon barreled vintage Winchester 94TD, with Lyman tang sight. A takedown rifle from back in a time when train travel was the norm and having a firearm in your luggage didn\u2019t require special handling.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-hunter-s-rifle\">A Hunter&#8217;s Rifle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lever actions are often presumed inaccurate or not precise enough for long-range shooting. But what defines \u201cenough\u201d accuracy or \u201clong-range\u201d shooting? I\u2019ve used World War II-era Savage 99s to take game at over 200 yards. Lever actions have also been used to take Africa\u2019s Big Six. Many hunters even customize lever actions into beautiful and effective rifles for big game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"803\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3270-1024x803.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198839\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3270-1024x803.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3270-382x300.jpeg 382w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3270-150x118.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3270-768x603.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3270.jpeg 1212w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A custom Winchester 95 in 9.3&#215;62, owned by Andy Larsson of Skinner Sights, exemplifies formidable accuracy and beauty.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For me, hunting isn\u2019t just about the shot. I enjoy every aspect, from planning the hunt and preparing, to spotting, stalking, and finally taking the shot. Even following up on game is part of the process. What I enjoy most, however, is closing the distance and making the final approach, sometimes choosing a spot to sit and wait for game to approach. Experiencing wildlife up close without their knowledge is what hunting is about for me. Short-range hunting fits my style, and lever actions suit my methods well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_0607-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_0607-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_0607-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_0607-113x150.jpeg 113w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_0607.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Marlin 1895 45-70, big power for a big crop raider that will damage no further property.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sendero-country\">Sendero Country<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>My most recent lever-action hunt took place in what is typically long-range country: deep South Texas, in sendero country. I\u2019d been invited on a hunt for a cow nilgai and feral hogs, but the ranch didn\u2019t allow handgun hunting. So, I opted for lever actions, the same as my host. He used a Rossi 92 in .454 Casull\u2014a potent, handy rifle that\u2019s proven effective for him. It fires a 300-grain bullet at over 2000 fps, outperforming even my <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=marlin%201895\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"lever-actions-an-american-rifle-for-hunters\" title=\"Lever Actions: An American Rifle For Hunters\">Marlin 1895<\/a> .45-70.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"547\" height=\"799\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3943.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-199017\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3943.jpeg 547w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3943-205x300.jpeg 205w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3943-103x150.jpeg 103w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 547px) 100vw, 547px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The compact Rossi .454 Casull delivers more power than most expect. Its 300-grain bullet at 2000+ fps suits all North American game.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I considered the terrain for my choice. Sendero country consists of thick, low scrub brush with roads and cleared paths called senderos. These open areas can range from sparse to wide open, depending on how and when they were cleared. Shots here can be from a few yards up to several hundred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"187\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3917.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198868\" style=\"width:753px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3917.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3917-400x117.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3917-150x44.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fast and nimble, this 1942 Savage 99 has ample accuracy for medium game up to 300 yards.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I chose two guns I hadn\u2019t yet used on game. For coyotes, I brought a Savage 99 in .250 Savage. For feral pigs and nilgai, I chose a vintage Marlin .444 that I\u2019d modified into a prototype trapper configuration. I used Remington Core-Lokt 100-grain ammo in the Savage and a vintage Remington 240-grain soft point in the Marlin .444.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"325\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3183.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198844\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3183.jpeg 325w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3183-152x300.jpeg 152w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3183-76x150.jpeg 76w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 325px) 100vw, 325px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An 82-year-old rifle still has years left, taking down a pig at 160 yards with a well-placed shot.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-accurate\">Accurate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While scouting the ranch, I kept the Savage handy. At one point, we drove up to a water hole where cattle rested on the shady side. As we eased through, we spotted a herd of feral pigs asleep in the mud on the opposite side. A single pig didn\u2019t wake as his herd scattered. The Savage 99 delivered a precise shot with a 100-grain Core-Lokt SP just behind the pig\u2019s right eye from 160 yards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"290\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1812.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198845\" style=\"width:511px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1812.jpeg 290w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1812-272x300.jpeg 272w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1812-136x150.jpeg 136w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 290px) 100vw, 290px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The prototype Marlin .444 Trapper accounted for this nilgai cow with two quick shots, leaving no tracking necessary.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The next day, the Marlin had its chance. A nilgai cow approached within 60 yards, and two well-placed hits secured my first nilgai. The first shot landed perfectly with her left leg forward as she walked broadside, and the second connected just as she reached the mesquite brush line. All rounds were fired within 5-6 seconds, and the recovered bullets showed excellent mushrooming and intact performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"182\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3928.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198865\" style=\"width:833px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3928.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3928-400x114.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3928-150x43.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The finished Marlin .444 Trapper has proven itself versatile, accurate, and easy to carry when power is needed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-rapid-fire-lever-action\">Rapid Fire Lever Action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lever actions offer the advantage of rapid, accurate follow-up shots. I believe in delivering additional shots while the animal is still on its feet. Admiring an initial shot without following up can sometimes lead to a long track. Both hits on the nilgai were placed accurately as she ran for cover\u2014something difficult to achieve with a <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hunt365-browning-x-bolt-2-speed-carbon-fiber-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"lever-actions-an-american-rifle-for-hunters\" title=\"Lever Actions: An American Rifle For Hunters\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"3744\">bolt action<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"190\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3934-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198894\" style=\"width:680px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3934-1.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3934-1-400x119.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3934-1-150x45.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Marlin 1894, with 10 rounds of powerful .44 Magnum, ready at the flick of a lever.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Another instance of quick shots proved valuable during a destructive animal abatement job. While riding down a road, I saw a sounder of feral pigs paralleling us. We stopped and, after exiting the side-by-side, I chose the largest lead pig. My first shot hit just behind the shoulders but didn\u2019t slow it. I quickly chambered another round, this time aiming to lead more, and brained the pig before it reached cover. The Marlin 1894 in .44 Magnum delivered two fast, accurate shots in an open area just 15 yards wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"320\" height=\"204\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3939.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-199009\" style=\"width:471px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3939.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3939-150x96.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The classic Savage 99 has always delivered reliable, unpretentious performance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-my-first-nontraditional-lever-action\">My First Nontraditional Lever Action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>My first lever action had a poor bore, so I replaced it with a Savage 99 a year later, acquired from a school friend. Chambered in .300 Savage, it became my favorite deer rifle. The 99 felt like it magically flew to my shoulder, the trigger seeming to pull itself. With numerous hits on game, it earned notches on its recoil pad. Whitetail deer, feral pigs, coyotes, and javelinas all fell to its sights. The 150-grain bullets at 2500-2600 fps performed wonderfully, with only one recovered\u2014most passed through effectively. An acquaintance has similar success with his two Savage 99s in .250-3000 and .22 Hi-Power for Arizona javelina and Coues deer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"821\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_4714-1024x821.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198843\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_4714-1024x821.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_4714-374x300.jpeg 374w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_4714-150x120.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_4714-768x616.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_4714.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A fine Texas hill country whitetail, a loyal dog, and a dependable Marlin .45-70\u2014perfect for this terrain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-big-bore-power\">Big Bore Power<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The only newer Marlin I own, a Model 1895, came with a cross-bolt safety. Purchased in the early \u201890s as a 22\u201d barrel, I soon had it shortened to 17\u201d. I\u2019ve hunted extensively with it for whitetails and pigs, and even took it to Colorado and Montana for elk, bison, and mule deer. Except for briefly using 300-grain JHPs for deer and cast 405-grain bullets for bison, I\u2019ve mostly used 350-grain Speer soft points. This setup holds a 1.5-inch group at 100 yards\u2014enough accuracy for any need. Now fitted with a 2.5x scope with a heavy duplex, it excels in low-light conditions. The Speer 350-grain leaves the barrel at 1850 fps, sufficient for anything in North America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1591.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198841\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1591.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1591-400x300.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1591-150x113.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Taken at 100 yards, the 405-grain cast bullet punched through both shoulders of this Montana bison.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Speer bullet has proven excellent for all my uses and all types of game. This rifle consistently holds three-shot groups within 1.5 inches at 100 yards, providing more than enough accuracy for its intended purpose. The Model 1895 is also well-suited for tracking moving game and delivering precise shots. Equipped with a 2.5x scope with a heavy duplex, it performs exceptionally in low-light conditions, even under a bright moon. The Speer 350-grain bullet exits the 17-inch barrel at 1850 fps, offering ample power for anything in North America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"354\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3925.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198866\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3925.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3925-400x221.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3925-150x83.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Win. 88 chambered in 308win. of 1950\u2019s vintage, delivered this whitetail buck as its first trophy for me. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-another-nontraditional-lever-action\">Another Nontraditional Lever Action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Another nontraditional lever I own is a Winchester 88 in .308 Winchester. Similar to my Savage 99 in .300 Savage, the .308 caliber is easier to find. The 88 came as a barreled action, and I bedded it in a Boyds laminated stock. Accurate and versatile, the .308 Winchester is ideal for medium game. So far, this rifle has taken Texas whitetails and feral hogs, proving itself superb for general-purpose hunting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"197\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3921.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198867\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3921.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3921-400x123.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3921-150x46.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The venerable Marlin .35 Remington offers punch without the heavy recoil of the .444 Marlin or .45-70.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-medium-bore-power\">Medium Bore Power<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This last lever action, my \u201cmini .45-70,\u201d is a <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=marlin%20336\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"lever-actions-an-american-rifle-for-hunters\" title=\"Lever Actions: An American Rifle For Hunters\">Marlin 336<\/a> in .35 Remington. Loaded with a 220-grain bullet at 2200 fps using Hodgdon Leverevolution powder, it reaches Buffalo Bore load ballistics. The Speer bullet works perfectly at this velocity, boosting the performance of the old Remington caliber to handle large black bears, elk, and moose. Zeroed at 2\u201d high at 100 yards, it\u2019s only 3.5\u201d low at 200.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>READ MORE: <a href=\"https:\/\/hunt365.gunsamerica.com\/blogs\/hunting-handgun-bullet-alternative\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"lever-actions-an-american-rifle-for-hunters\" title=\"Lever Actions: An American Rifle For Hunters\">Hunting Handgun Bullet Alternative<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"348\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3655.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198842\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3655.jpeg 348w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3655-163x300.jpeg 163w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3655-82x150.jpeg 82w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 348px) 100vw, 348px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mr. Garza took this Addax at 225 yards with factory Hornady FTX .35 Remington from a stock Marlin.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The .35 Remington\u2019s recoil is manageable, making follow-up shots quicker. In thick cover, an exit wound simplifies tracking, while the bullet\u2019s construction enables deep penetration. Although it falls behind the .45-70 in ft-lbs beyond 100 yards, its trajectory is better. I once watched a friend make a 225-yard shot on an exotic antelope in South Texas. The shot, with Hornady FTX ammo, dropped the antelope instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"173\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3931.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-198898\" style=\"width:736px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3931.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3931-400x108.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3931-150x41.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A nontraditional lever-action chambered in a flat-shooting round: the Browning BLR in .243 Winchester.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-for-hunters\">For Hunters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditional lever actions serve hunters well, offered in calibers tailored for those who hunt. Their accuracy is more than adequate for practical hunting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><em>*** <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"lever-actions-an-american-rifle-for-hunters\" title=\"Lever Actions: An American Rifle For Hunters\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica!<\/a> ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lever actions are often presumed inaccurate or not precise enough for long-range shooting. But what defines \u201cenough\u201d accuracy or \u201clong-range\u201d shooting?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":126,"featured_media":198866,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[856,37],"tags":[102,1209,1364,430],"featured":[4078,4079],"hunt365":[4089],"class_list":{"0":"post-198838","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-lever-action","8":"category-gun-reviews-rifles","9":"tag-feature-articles","10":"tag-hunt365","11":"tag-hunting-rifle","12":"tag-lever-action","13":"featured-primary","14":"featured-row1","15":"hunt365-hunting"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Lever Actions: An American Rifle For Hunters<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The traditional lever actions suit the American hunter well, they are offered in calibers suited to those that hunt.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/lever-actions-an-american-rifle-for-hunters\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Lever Actions: An American Rifle For Hunters\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Lever actions are often presumed inaccurate or not precise enough for long-range shooting. But what defines \u201cenough\u201d accuracy or \u201clong-range\u201d shooting?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/lever-actions-an-american-rifle-for-hunters\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-11-04T23:27:02+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-27T14:59:58+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3925.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"640\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"354\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Trapr Swonson\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta 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Progressed to practical shooting competitions with handgun, rifle, and shotgun, and in early long range competitions. -Have represented the USA several times in international practical shooting. -Developed the best functioning and most reliable shortened stroke or \u201cstroke timing system\u201d modification for 3 gun-type Benelli Nova\\\/SuperNova shotguns. -Have hunted from Texas north to Montana and east to Minnesota plus some international hunts. -Currently retired after 27+ years as a firefighter, medical first responder. -Started a company that specializes in \u201cdestructive animal abatement\u201d, focusing on Canine, Feline, and Swine. 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I\u2019d be called a traditionalist. I like and appreciate the latest tech, but really enjoy doing things the old ways. Experience\/Qualifications -USAF small arms instructor and competitor since the mid 1980\u2019s and continue providing small arms training to this day. -Started competing in archery and held state records, as well as part of the Texas state \u201cAll Recurve\u201d 3D team. Progressed to practical shooting competitions with handgun, rifle, and shotgun, and in early long range competitions. -Have represented the USA several times in international practical shooting. -Developed the best functioning and most reliable shortened stroke or \u201cstroke timing system\u201d modification for 3 gun-type Benelli Nova\/SuperNova shotguns. -Have hunted from Texas north to Montana and east to Minnesota plus some international hunts. -Currently retired after 27+ years as a firefighter, medical first responder. -Started a company that specializes in \u201cdestructive animal abatement\u201d, focusing on Canine, Feline, and Swine. Trapr Ltd. has been in operation since 2007.","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/author\/trapr-swonson\/"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3925-150x83.jpeg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/198838","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/126"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=198838"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/198838\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":210449,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/198838\/revisions\/210449"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/198866"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=198838"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=198838"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=198838"},{"taxonomy":"featured","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured?post=198838"},{"taxonomy":"hunt365","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hunt365?post=198838"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}