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Posted: 3/7/2025 10:05:22 PM EDT
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Situation: My old man just retired and has never owned a lever action. I’ve been bringing him shooting more now that he has the time. We used to watch John Wayne movies together as a kid and I know he’ll do the same with my kids. Twist- just found out that our second kid will be another boy. First son is 9 months old and boy could use a first gun. I’d like to get all of us matching guns, 22lr for the kids and .357s for dad and I and bring them out this father’s day. My question is what brand? I personally own a few Marlins and love them but would like something different. The Rossi’s I’ve handled have felt cheap and I’d like these to be US made and semi-collectible for everyone. My front runner is Henry Frontiers and case hardened Big Boys- what say the hive? |
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I know you said no Marlin's but still going to make the obligatory JM marked Marlin recommendation. I prefer the straight grips as I think they have a more classical look and are un-Marlin like in appearance. I have a 336 Cowboy in 30-30 that is a beautiful gun but mostly a safe queen and a 1894 .357 in stainless that I shoot a lot. Both of those are pretty uncommon guns. I am lusting after a 39M take down and 1895 45-70 Cowboy just because everyone needs a 45-70 and a 22 lr lever gun. |
It’s better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt.
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Based on your criteria IMHO it’s Henry or Marlin. I own three Henrys and one Marlin. Henry Big Boy All Weather Side Gate 44 Magnum Henry Big Boy Classic 44 Magnum Henry Model X 357 Magnum Marlin 39a  The Henrys are smooth. They feel solid and well built. I am a reloader so a picky gun is a non-starter for me. As long as you keep the COAL to 1.61” all three of mine have fed anything I’ve thrown at them. My early Classic was purchased used and it was manufactured in 2008. It had the early 1/38 twist barrel and I experienced keyholing issues. It also didn’t consistently eject. I contacted Henry and they had me ship it to them. Henry replaced the barrel (new 1/20 twist), magazine, magazine tube, and bolt. Now it runs spotlessly and I don’t have stabilization issues even with 300 grain hardcast. Warranty repair on a 15+ year old gun purchased used. Sure can’t argue about that! I was at one of my favorite LGS yesterday where I’ve bought all my Henrys. She’s way out in the country and kinda specializes in levers. I asked about Rossi as I’ve been thinking about another 357. She had two new Rossis, a 357 16” and a 20” 44. The 357 honestly felt like a toy. Light and cheap. I liked the “light” part, but it just didn’t feel well built. It wasn’t that much less expensive than a Henry either. For another $100 or so I’d rather have something domestic. I have zero experience with Henry 22’s, but the Marlin 39 is basically the Cadillac of 22 lever guns. Buy once, cry once. |
"He had the right hand of the devil strapped tightly to his side."-The Last Cowboy
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Originally Posted By AngryCaveman: Situation: Twist- just found out that our second kid will be another boy. First son is 9 months old and boy could use a first gun. Dude! Give your wife a break! Sounds like the best muzzle attachment for you is a condom. |
"Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result." - Winston Churchill
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Attached File Originally Posted By TontoGoldstein: Dude! Give your wife a break! Sounds like the best muzzle attachment for you is a condom. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By AngryCaveman: Situation: My old man just retired and has never owned a lever action. I’ve been bringing him shooting more now that he has the time. We used to watch John Wayne movies together as a kid and I know he’ll do the same with my kids. Twist- just found out that our second kid will be another boy. First son is 9 months old and boy could use a first gun. I’d like to get all of us matching guns, 22lr for the kids and .357s for dad and I and bring them out this father’s day. My question is what brand? I personally own a few Marlins and love them but would like something different. The Rossi’s I’ve handled have felt cheap and I’d like these to be US made and semi-collectible for everyone. My front runner is Henry Frontiers and case hardened Big Boys- what say the hive? Surely, you understand that daughters can and often do shoot just as much as sons???? I have both. |
NorCal_LEO Issued Call Sign / FORTY FIVE
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Ruger/Marlins for the adults and Browning BL-22's for the kids. Not a fan of Henry 22's, and Browning's are quality that will last. |
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**Parler Name, @Progun1911**
George Washington
**Parler Name, @Progun1911**
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Originally Posted By AngryCaveman: Thanks for the responses all (especially the condom one  )Going with Henry’s for the 357’s and Brownings for the kids Nice call. You won’t be disappointed. Also, congratulations! |
"He had the right hand of the devil strapped tightly to his side."-The Last Cowboy
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Originally Posted By JTMcC: Surely, you understand that daughters can and often do shoot just as much as sons???? I have both. Originally Posted By JTMcC: Originally Posted By AngryCaveman: Situation: My old man just retired and has never owned a lever action. I’ve been bringing him shooting more now that he has the time. We used to watch John Wayne movies together as a kid and I know he’ll do the same with my kids. Twist- just found out that our second kid will be another boy. First son is 9 months old and boy could use a first gun. I’d like to get all of us matching guns, 22lr for the kids and .357s for dad and I and bring them out this father’s day. My question is what brand? I personally own a few Marlins and love them but would like something different. The Rossi’s I’ve handled have felt cheap and I’d like these to be US made and semi-collectible for everyone. My front runner is Henry Frontiers and case hardened Big Boys- what say the hive? Surely, you understand that daughters can and often do shoot just as much as sons???? I have both. My daughters out shoot my boys with rifles. Shotguns or handguns the boys win. |
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