Im looking for a classic looking lever action in a multipurpose caliber like .243 that wont wreck my shoulder?

Question

I would like a little more range/speed than a 30-30 (around 250 yards), with the classic look of a winchester.

Any ideas?

Answer 1

Browning BLR may be the only game in town as far as a ,243 lever goes. Be warned...not a cheap rifle.

You may be able to find a Winchester 1895 in .243. Davidsons may have had a few made up the last go around...worth a look. If you want a little more pop than 30-30 those 95's are around in -06...look into handloads or one ot those light recoil factory loads that are around today. the 95 is around in .270 also.

.243 is a pretty low recoil round... lots of youngsters and smaller people like it for the low recoil

Answer 2

Marlin's 308MX is about as close as you'll get to the look. That may be more cartridge than you're looking for.

Answer 3

If you want traditional styling, and long-range capability, it ain't gonna be gentle on the shoulder.

The only currently manufactured lever-gun chambered for .243 Win is the great Browning BLR.  They are outstandingly accurate, but they do have the disadvantage of that super shiny Browning stock finish, and  the disadvantage/advantage (depending on your point of view) of a detachable box magazine.

I have traditionally styled lever-guns and I have a Browning BLR, I like both of them, but my Browning BLR in .358 Winchester gets more hunting use.

In traditionally styled lever-guns, there is the new .308 Marlin Express rifle offered on the M-336 action.  The cartridge comes close to duplicating .308 Winchester performance in a handy lever-gun.

Another option you might want to try, if you don't reload, is the new Hornady Leverevoltion ammo.  I've not tried it, but folks tell me that it is a great improvement over standard .30-30 factory ammo.

Doc

Answer 4

Look for a Savage Model 99

Answer 5

Buy a good used Savage Model 99 in 300 caliber.* Great Rifle.*

Answer 6

The Browning BLR Lever Gun might interest you..... They make a model chambered in .243.....

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog...

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog...

Answer 7

Browning BLR. I'm not sure if its offered in 243, but I know it is in 25WSM and 7mm-08 Rem. The only thing that sets it apart from the classic Model 94 Win. is the box magazine, which is what enables it to shoot more powerful rounds than the 3030.

Answer 8

I don't know for sure if Winchester ever made such a gun. Savage made lever actions in this caliber as well as several others. Marlin is similar in look to a Winchester and there 336 that is still made was offered in .243, and various other calibers. I would recommend the Marlin if your looking for the look. Winchester only chamber common calibers for lever-guns like pistols and big round rifle bullets. There is also the Browning BLR that is a sharp looking gun and can be had in all kinds of rounds.