Help Me Decide!

[gclarkso]

If you don't reloading and want cheap, the 38 is the way to go. I personally shoot a 44 spl. There's a lot you can do with that caliber. Load it down, it shoots like a 22. There aren't many 73s out there in 44, but they're out there.

 

[RVTECH]

Including 38 Special, no problems?

As the owner of MANY lever action rifles (and a few in .357) the cycling ability with .38 Special WILL vary from rifle to rifle EVEN if the same brand, model etc.

Its a CRAP SHOOT however IF the rifle you get does have a problem with .38 Special a little polishing of the internals, ensuring all parts are smooth, no 'flashing', rough edges, burrs will normally improve .38 Special cycling.

My Henry Big Boy .357 I bought several years ago was having a problem cycling .38 until I finally took it apart and found a small 'bump' on the bolt that needed 'stoning' down. After that it cycles .38 as smooth as (and maybe smoother) than .357!

 

[gclarkso]

You haven't said what the gun's purpose is. If you're just going to punch paper, get a 22. They're fun and cheap to shoot.

 

[drstrangelove]

Don't forget that a 38spl out of a rifle is going to hit like a 357 out of a revolver. The 357 comes very close to a 30/30 in power.

I would not recommend pushing the 73 with hot loads… the toggle action can't take it. Much better off with a Winchester 92 357/44, 94 30/30, or Marlin 1894/336. Way stronger actions.

I own a Miroku Winchester 73 carbine in 45LC. I only run loads I would put through my Colt SAA.

Marlin did a 38spl only competition cowboy gun, and Winchester and it's clones offer an 1866 yellowboy in 38spl if that's the plinking route you want to take.

 

[kanak-attack]

Marlin SBL in 357, I went out yesterday and shot around 200rd of 38 special with hybrid 46. Picked up the 300rd Remington bucket a bimart for 100 bucks. No jams or anything. I had a blast and so did the boy

 

[ma96782]

If you're planning to shoot SASS with your new lever-action rifle.....I suggest that you talk to some folks at the next SASS match.

Pick their brains a little. Ask about their preferred.....platforms, bbl length, magazine capacity, caliber, etc.... You might even find that someone might be willing for you to set off a few rounds (after the match).

Aloha, Mark

PS......Do you reload? If not.....consider it.
YES, .38 special is about as cheap as you can go.

The LEE kits are available in various calibers.

An issue with cartridge feeding can sometimes be solved by adjusting your COAL slightly. Not to mention.....choosing the right bullet design.

 

[mhayd93]

Marlin 1894 all the way. I've never had a single issue shooting 38 special out of it and it'll easily handle stout 357 magnum loads.

 

[arakboss]

TLDR but my advice is, leave her.

 

[dangerranger60]

Historical calibers aren't an issue for me, I'd rather save on ammo costs. On the other hand I just came across a refinished original Winchester 92 for the same price as a new Uberti. The downside, it's in 32-20 which is the most expensive pistol ammo. I know both are just shooters and won't appreciate, but am I wrong in thinking the Winchester might hold it's value better?

32-20 is a fun caliber, but I would not buy one and not reload. I have used the Rossi 92 in 38 spl with no issues at all. Those I know that did were competing with them and short stroked them. I have also good experience with Marlin and Win 94's no issues at all. Both of those are in 45 colt.
The Win was a Trapper length and would not hold 10 rounds. [ I needed a 10 round mag to be competitive, so I added the Marlin.]

 

[PDXcollector]

Well I didn't buy a clone after all. I bought a Ruger built Marlin 1894 in 357 (I'll be shooting 38's). But before that arrived I saw this 1978 Winchester 9422M XTR in a local shop.

After sighting them in on paper, I'll just be plinking with them on BLM land.

 

[ParsonBart]

Rossi 92's (not on your list) are a crap shoot with 38spl's, the rest should be fine and with the 73 you can swap out carriers if you need to run a super short round. I picked up a Uberti Model 1873 Special Sporting Rifle in 45lc a couple years ago and love it

That is what I heard, as well. I found mine to be acceptable, even with .38 factory and handloads (130-158 grain). I couldn't leave it alone, though. I pulled it apart, removed the safety switch, trimmed the loading gate, smoothed the action, cut the magazine spring, and added a stainless follower. It is much better, but I am planning on trimming the gate more, and stoning the loading port a little… I have never had a jam, but I occasionally have trouble loading.

I take a lot of people from church shooting, of all ages and both sexes, and it is almost everyone's favorite firearm to shoot. Number 2 is my CZ75.