Lever Action in 45 LC? - Page 1

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Lever Action in 45 LC?

Posted: 5/19/2017 1:11:26 AM EDT

What options are out there for a 45 LC lever action? Not really interested in high pressure ammo as I want to use the same ammo as my Colt SAA's.

Posted: 5/19/2017 1:16:52 AM EDT

[#1]

I have a Henry Big Boy in .357mag that shoots great. They also make it in .45 Colt.

Posted: 5/19/2017 1:28:23 AM EDT

[#2]

The rifle

Anyone have experience with this company/rifle?

Posted: 5/19/2017 1:34:01 AM EDT

[#3]

I personally went with a modern Winchester 1873 model, these are made in Japan and are very high quality. I got a good price from Buds Gun Shop online.

If you want to be more competitive then I would recommend the Uberti 73 with short stroke kit, the Evil Roy version is pretty sweet out of the box all tricked out for Cowboy Action Shooting.

The link you posted is an Uberti 73.

Posted: 5/19/2017 1:35:49 AM EDT

[#4]

I have a Uberti-made '73 short rifle in 45 Colt and it works great. I used it for several years in CAS as my only main match rifle It is slick and accurate. I'm sure the Taylor's is nicely put together.

I think all of the lever rifles made today are available in 45 Colt. Marlin, the various Win '73 models, Win '66, Rossi in several configurations, Henry (but not the Original Henry as that is only 44/40 for now).

What do you want to do with it? They will all work fine for casual shooting. If getting into CAS, there may be more to think about for durability and function. Otherwise, pick you favorite style, check your bank balance and then pick one!

Rob

Posted: 5/19/2017 7:50:27 AM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:

What do you want to do with it? They will all work fine for casual shooting. If getting into CAS, there may be more to think about for durability and function. Otherwise, pick you favorite style, check your bank balance and then pick one!

Rob

View Quote

It'll mostly be shooting it for fun, but if I do get one I'll probably take it with me while hog hunting.

Posted: 5/19/2017 3:04:38 PM EDT

[#6]

I had a 16" Rossi 92 in 45 Colt and it was very handy and fun to shoot.

Posted: 5/21/2017 11:11:23 PM EDT

[#7]

I am currently trying to justify this one.

I already have the .357 model.

http://www.taylorsfirearms.com/long-guns/cartridge-rifles/1892-alaskan/1892-alaskan-black-takedown-16-45lc.html

Posted: 5/22/2017 11:37:22 AM EDT

[#8]

I have both a 24" Uberti '73 Special Sporting Rifle to go along with my SAA pistol and a 19" Uberti '66 Yellowboy Carbine; all three in 45 Colt. Because of the weaker toggle link actions of the rifles, I only shoot std pressure (under 14,000psi) loads through them. While I use light, puff loads in the pistol, I use std full power loads in the leverguns. With 255grn bullets I've found that the max std charge of 9.5grns of Unique works very well in them. While the rifle length is fun to shoot and I prefer my rifle length Rossi 357mag, I actually think that the Yellowboy's shorter barrel works better with the lower powered 45 Colt loads.

The Yellowboy, shooting my std pressure loads, works very well with my carbine's nice flip rear sight as it seems to be set up perfectly with that load for 100yds (folded down). Or with it up, 200yds using the notch at the bottom of the oval, 300yds for the center of the oval, and 400yds for the v at the top. The carbine and pistol together out in the woods are great fun. I'd recommend that you consider the '66 Yellowboy.

Posted: 5/22/2017 1:38:14 PM EDT

[#9]

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I had a 16" Rossi 92 in 45 Colt and it was very handy and fun to shoot.

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this

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Posted: 5/23/2017 4:56:40 PM EDT

[#10]

The rifle in your link above wold be a dandy and will easily handle any load your Colt SA will handle. I have a very similar rifle chambered in .44 Magnum (so much for the "weak toggle link action" BS) only it's a 19" carbine and it's a great rifle that does 2" groups at 100 yds.

The octagonal barrel will add a little weight over a round barrel.

I have a '92 lever and while it is shorter and lighter the action is not nearly as smooth or as fast as a '66 or '73.

Posted: 5/24/2017 10:51:15 AM EDT

[#11]

I have a Rossi 1892 20' barrel in .45LC/.454. I mainly use .45 RNHP in it. I have had it for 6 years with no problems. I just bought an Uberti 1875 Lawman in .45 to go with it.

Posted: 5/24/2017 12:02:25 PM EDT

[#12]

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I have a Rossi 1892 20' barrel in .45LC/.454.

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Wow! What kind of velocity do you get with that 20 foot barrel??? : )

Rob

Posted: 5/25/2017 7:54:20 AM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:
The rifle in your link above wold be a dandy and will easily handle any load your Colt SA will handle. I have a very similar rifle chambered in .44 Magnum (so much for the "weak toggle link action" BS) only it's a 19" carbine and it's a great rifle that does 2" groups at 100 yds.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Uberti%2044%20Mag%20Carbine/UbertiCarbine-3_zps8d3f73e0.jpg

The octagonal barrel will add a little weight over a round barrel.

I have a '92 lever and while it is shorter and lighter the action is not nearly as smooth or as fast as a '66 or '73.

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The Uberti '73 in 44 mag has a special high strength frame and action. That's why it isn't available in a case hardened receiver. Ask the gunsmiths that work on the rifles and you'll find that a steady dose of 357mag or heavy 45 Colt will stretch the frame over time and 'oval' the pins. The action was designed originally for black powder charges of the period, not the high pressures generated by modern smokeless powders which produce bolt thrusts far in excess of the 2,500lbs max the actions were designed to.

Posted: 5/25/2017 10:21:53 AM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:
I am currently trying to justify this one.

I already have the .357 model.

http://www.taylorsfirearms.com/long-guns/cartridge-rifles/1892-alaskan/1892-alaskan-black-takedown-16-45lc.html

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There is no justifying that gun at that price you can have a Rossi 92 tuned and still have over 500 in your pocket.

Posted: 5/25/2017 11:05:40 AM EDT

[#15]

I have a Rossi 92 in 45lc and three months later they release the 92 in 454 Cassul I wise I waited to get to 454. I've fired everything from lite loads to stout handloads in the gun and it has performed flawlessly. I use this gun to track wounded game as it light to carry and fast handling. Last year one of my hunting buddies drop a big 4 pointer with it at 50yds after his scope got damage on his rifle.

The 73 is a fine gun you can have it short stroked but this sometime cause reliability issues.

Posted: 5/26/2017 10:35:54 AM EDT

[#16]

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I have a Rossi 1892 20' barrel in .45LC/.454. I mainly use .45 RNHP in it. I have had it for 6 years with no problems. I just bought an Uberti 1875 Lawman in .45 to go with it.

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The Rossi's Winchester 1892 action is significantly stronger than Uberti's Winchester 1866/1873 toggle link action. I also have 2 Rossi 357mags; a 24" rifle and a 20" carbine and they are super strong and capable, as zzr1200guy stated, of easily handling the 60,000cup 454 Casull round. That load level would destroy the '66/'73's action.

Posted: 5/29/2017 10:07:35 PM EDT

[#17]

So, my requirements of the rifle have changed, I recently acquired a Ruger Blackhawk so now that I can shoot some Ruger only loads I've been looking at the 92 model actions. What are people's preference for that?

Posted: 5/30/2017 12:30:42 PM EDT

[#18]

Me personally. I have a Rossi 92 in 45lc with the 20in octagon barrel. Thing about the rossis though is quality is all over the board. So you need to inspect the rifle personally. As for accuracy it might as well be a laser. It also shoots best with the mag tech cowboy loads.

Posted: 5/31/2017 11:31:39 AM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
I am currently trying to justify this one.

I already have the .357 model.

http://www.taylorsfirearms.com/long-guns/cartridge-rifles/1892-alaskan/1892-alaskan-black-takedown-16-45lc.html

View Quote

I have this, love it.

Posted: 6/1/2017 9:18:11 PM EDT

[#20]

I went with a Uberti Model 1873 Special Sporting Rifle with a 24.25in barrel

I' more than pleased with that rifle

Posted: 6/2/2017 9:46:48 AM EDT

[#21]

I love my 16" Rossi 92. It is a killer close range hunting gun. I load up 335 grain wfn hard casts at 1700fps.

Posted: 6/2/2017 7:16:56 PM EDT

[#22]

I have a pair of older 24" Marlin Cowboy in .45 Colt and .357. Both work very nicely. I used them in CAS, so they are very slick.

Posted: 6/2/2017 7:29:09 PM EDT

[#23]

rossi 92

Posted: 6/23/2017 11:46:12 AM EDT

[#24]

I have the 1892 Alaskan Take-Down by Taylor in .45LC, love it.

Posted: 6/26/2017 9:30:43 AM EDT

[#25]

Trying to decide between a Henry BBS Carbine in .357 or .45C and you guys sure aren't helping the decision lol.

Posted: 6/26/2017 11:02:09 AM EDT

[#26]

Posted: 6/26/2017 11:10:12 AM EDT

[#27]

I was just looking at the yellowboy's and the one in 38 SPL looks really fun to shoot. Easy on kids shoulders. Great looking guns as well but put a dent in the wallet. The good thing is ammo is fairly cheap for the 38.

Posted: 6/26/2017 11:11:44 AM EDT

[#28]

nm duplicate

Posted: 6/27/2017 9:24:04 AM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:
I was just looking at the yellowboy's and the one in 38 SPL looks really fun to shoot. Easy on kids shoulders. Great looking guns as well but put a dent in the wallet. The good thing is ammo is fairly cheap for the 38.

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As I posted above, I've got a '66 Yellowboy carbine in 45 Colt to go along with my '73 Special Sporting rifle, also in 45 Colt, and it is a lot of fun to shoot so the 38spl version should be as well. That said, having 357mag performance over 38spl in a lighter platform is a plus. It's not the difference in cost of ammo or availability of either caliber as I handload for both and both are inexpensive. It's just that while I like to take my '66 out at times and enjoy it, my Rossi carbine goes out much more often. Something about the light, compact, easy shooting Model '92 design that just feels better in my hands and at my shoulder. Further, the performance of the 357mag is better so I get a much flatter shooting, longer range capability; something nice to have when plinking or shooting small game.

Posted: 6/27/2017 9:40:55 AM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

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As I posted above, I've got a '66 Yellowboy carbine in 45 Colt to go along with my '73 Special Sporting rifle, also in 45 Colt, and it is a lot of fun to shoot so the 38spl version should be as well. That said, having 357mag performance over 38spl in a lighter platform is a plus. It's not the difference in cost of ammo or availability of either caliber as I handload for both and both are inexpensive. It's just that while I like to take my '66 out at times and enjoy it, my Rossi carbine goes out much more often. Something about the light, compact, easy shooting Model '92 design that just feels better in my hands and at my shoulder. Further, the performance of the 357mag is better so I get a much flatter shooting, longer range capability; something nice to have when plinking or shooting small game.

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Yeah, I had a Rossi Puma 92 .357/38 SPL that couldn't shoot worth crap. Never found a good bullet that would shoot consistent through it. Nothing against Rossi as I think I just got a bad barrel on mine. It happens... It was fun to shoot .357 mag but a pure joy shooting 158 GR 38 SPL loads out of it. Problem was it wouldn't feed the 38 correctly due to the ammo being shorter. That is why I'm leaning towards one strictly for the 38 SPL. The thing is like you said most are fairly heavy around 7 1/2 lbs, which isn't terrible.

Posted: 8/2/2017 3:35:33 PM EDT

[#31]

I bought a new Winchester 73 and love it. However I can't decide if I'm glad I went with 45 or if 357 would have been better. I've been eyeing Ruger Vaqueros to match it and just can't decide.

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Posted: 8/2/2017 4:18:25 PM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
Yeah, I had a Rossi Puma 92 .357/38 SPL that couldn't shoot worth crap. Never found a good bullet that would shoot consistent through it. Nothing against Rossi as I think I just got a bad barrel on mine. It happens... It was fun to shoot .357 mag but a pure joy shooting 158 GR 38 SPL loads out of it. Problem was it wouldn't feed the 38 correctly due to the ammo being shorter. That is why I'm leaning towards one strictly for the 38 SPL. The thing is like you said most are fairly heavy around 7 1/2 lbs, which isn't terrible.

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All leverguns, by their action designs are OAL sensitive so getting a load your rifle likes is important. I was lucky as both my Rossis would feed both std length 38spl (1.460" OAL) and 357mag (1.580" OAL). However, that was because I was using some RNFP plated bullets in the 38spl that they liked. I found if I handloaded 38spl a bit longer at 1.500" OAL, then every bullet type feed easily. After a while it became moot as I find that just shooting full power 357mag loads is easier than sorting 38spl vs 357mag brass so I sold my 38spl brass and only use 357mag loaded at 1.580" OAL. In addition, for some reason, my 357 mag loads were more accurate than my 38spl. Go figure????

Posted: 8/2/2017 10:26:46 PM EDT

[#33]

I'm very happy with my 16 inch Rossi 45 big loop.
I have the 357 in the 16 and 20 inch and very happy with them also.
Maybe I'm lucky but I like them more than my JM Marlin 357.

Posted: 8/4/2017 10:51:16 PM EDT

[#34]

Quote History

Quoted:
I had a 16" Rossi 92 in 45 Colt and it was very handy and fun to shoot.

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I have one as well. I think it was $550 out the door for it.

I like it because it didn't cost much and wasn't of historical value so now I can "play" with it and work on it without ruining anything expensive or significant.

I'm tuning it into a plains Indian long gun replica. It won't be exact, but it'll have "the look" and that's all I want.

Posted: 8/4/2017 10:53:25 PM EDT

[#35]

Quote History

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There is no justifying that gun at that price you can have a Rossi 92 tuned and still have over 500 in your pocket.

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Will the Rossi take down and fit in a gym bag?

Posted: 8/5/2017 8:07:20 AM EDT

[#36]

I like my 16 inch Rossi 92 so much I got the 20" too!! Still haven't shot either one!!
Unbelievable weight and balance!! I am hooked!

Posted: 9/7/2017 9:35:40 AM EDT

[#37]

Ran an American made Winchester Model 94 Trapper for about a decade

Only got rid of it as I fancied the Winchester Model 92 Trapper, what with it being a take-down model
VERY well made gun; I was familiar with the Miroku quality output as I used to work for Browning

A lot of the club shooters here are also running various Marlins in 45 Colt
Not a Marlin fan, so cannot comment further - though a couple of them are in the national gallery rifle squad using them & last Bisley shoot the Scottish Team won

Posted: 9/7/2017 10:03:46 PM EDT

[#38]

Your answer.

-Start reloading. 45LC will make you broke withstore bought ammo.

-The load is 45/255 from SNS casting and 8.0 of unique.

-You REALLY are looking for a Rossi in 45LC in 16 round or 24 inch octagon barrels.

-Steveze gun works for safety delete and action work. Seriously take it apart and dehone it with fine files and upgraded parts.

-Take it to the range and giggle every time you fire it. Saying MURICA before each shot makes it more accurate.

Posted: 9/9/2017 8:22:54 AM EDT

[#39]

Quote History

Quoted:
Your answer.

-Start reloading. 45LC will make you broke withstore bought ammo.

-The load is 45/255 from SNS casting and 8.0 of unique.

-You REALLY are looking for a Rossi in 45LC in 16 round or 24 inch octagon barrels.

-Steveze gun works for safety delete and action work. Seriously take it apart and dehone it with fine files and upgraded parts.

-Take it to the range and giggle every time you fire it. Saying MURICA before each shot makes it more accurate.

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^^^^^ This ^^^^^

Posted: 9/10/2017 9:54:57 AM EDT

[#40]

You don't need to send your rifle to Steve's Gunz, just buy his action / trigger kit for $58 (including DvD video of him showing you step by step instructions) and do it yourself. You'll get to learn about your rifle, understand how it works and how to make it perform well, and enjoy the experience. I've done 3 Rossis and all came out great with smooth actions and great triggers.

Posted: 9/10/2017 7:10:42 PM EDT

[#41]

45 Colt in a lever gun is a good setup, but I prefer 44-40. If you don't reload, don't even consider it. 44-40 is slightly bottlenecked so will seal the chamber a bit better and is the historically correct option if that matters to you.

Posted: 9/11/2017 9:48:10 AM EDT

[#42]

While the 44-40 is a traditional load for the '92 and the 45 Colt was never available in it, the 44-40 is a lower pressure rd (max 14,000psi) so you're limited to what you can do with it and how fast you can push the 200grn bullets. As the '92's action is strong enough to easily handle 45 Colt Ruger Only loads, the 45 Colt is more versatile for hunting. In fact, while the authentic 44-40 is fun to load and shoot, the modern 357mag is a much more versatile choice as it can be loaded at both lower and higher velocities than the 44-40 with both lighter and as heavy bullets.

Posted: 9/11/2017 11:45:11 AM EDT

[#43]

Gents: Any of y'all have any experience with 200gr RNFP lead bullets in .45 lever action? Was thinking that of that bullet with 6.3gr of Trail Boss- used 28gr of FFFG in my .45 Uberti Henry...but wondering where to start with TB? Any comments would be very helpful! v/r W

Posted: 9/13/2017 12:12:02 AM EDT

[#44]

Quote History

Quoted:
Gents: Any of y'all have any experience with 200gr RNFP lead bullets in .45 lever action? Was thinking that of that bullet with 6.3gr of Trail Boss- used 28gr of FFFG in my .45 Uberti Henry...but wondering where to start with TB? Any comments would be very helpful! v/r W

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Nope. I use 8.0 of unique over a 255 RNFP. The bullets themselves lately have been coming from SNS casting. And sized to .452. So far I have had zero failure to feeds or other malfunctions. And the bullets themselves have good accuracy.