Which Cowboy action rifle?

[Blu]

[quote="ovenpaa"]The finger guard certainly could do with some work, it is barely big enough to get my fingers into and the edges although not sharp are 'cleary defined'

Ovenpaa, there are aftermarket replacements available although you could probably DIY.

bigloops.jpg

Blu

[ovenpaa]

Blu, I spent a few minutes pondering over modifying the existing one however I suspect it will be easier to just buy an after market one at some point.

[Dougan]

The 100/200/300 yard gallery rifle event has people using 358 pointy rifle bullets.

I know you know what you're doing Mag; but I feel compelled to point out to anyone who may not know, that pointed bullets would need loading singly, and should not be loaded into the tube where the point will be against the primer of the round in front...

Dougan, don't know if you are aware or if you are allowed to have them but there is a pointed bullet made specifically for under lever rifles. Those would be the Hornady FTX (flexitip) bullets. My father in law uses them and they are very accurate and flat shooting, they come in all the under lever calibers.

Blu

Those are interesting (just googled them) - I was referring to FMJs, but those are a good idea, and good trajectory by the sounds of it...I'd definitely consider trying them if was looking for a longer (100/200) range round.

Can you get them on an ordinary FAC in the UK, or would they be considered 'expanding'...?

[phaedra1106]

Hornady LEVERevolution ammunition, classed as target ammo not expanding but expensive!.

http://www.hornady.com/store/leverevolution

Riflecraft sell ammunition and MidwayUK sell the bullets.

[Dougan]

Jeeess! they're 10p more than an SMK!

Still, it'd be interesting to try some longer range loads with them...it's times like this when I wish I hadn't sold my Winchester, which had a longer barrel and deeper rifling more suited to longer ranges than my Marlin, which I don't want to put copper down...

[Blu]

Hornady LEVERevolution ammunition, classed as target ammo not expanding but expensive!.

http://www.hornady.com/store/leverevolution

Riflecraft sell ammunition and MidwayUK sell the bullets.

I didn't look at prices in the UK, no doubt they are more expensive over there. They go for $20 - $30 over here depending on the caliber but they are definitely worth the money both for target and hunting. As I said earlier father in law uses them and he swears by them, they're his go to hunting bullet.

Blu

[Blu]

Jeeess! they're 10p more than an SMK!

Still, it'd be interesting to try some longer range loads with them...it's times like this when I wish I hadn't sold my Winchester, which had a longer barrel and deeper rifling more suited to longer ranges than my Marlin, which I don't want to put copper down...

Sure that's true but remember SMK's are what they say they are, FTX is both target and hunting. If they are so expensive over there I'd leave them alone, you might try them and find you love them only to hate the price.

Blu

[Dougan]

To be honest the price wouldn't worry me too much, as I wouldn't have the time (with other disciplines) to get through too many...but I've fancied a dabble at long range lever for a while...

...but then why stick to .357/44...I know someone with a .444 for sale; which could make a very accurate long range lever with the right bullet...

[Blu]

Dougan, the FTX bullets work really well in .444, the old man has a Marlin 444 that he uses for hunting hogs in Florida and a Remington .35 for deer which also loves those bullets. I've also ready some good reports in the Cowboy calibers as well. Hey give them a try just for the hell of it if you don't mind paying.

Blu

[markyw]

Our club have a selection of underpowered amongst the regular shooting members. I have a pair Ou-Marlins myself, a 2000 model 1894c in 38/357 with trigger work and gate work and a mid-90s 39a golden .22lr. Both shoot better than me and both are good fun.

Also in the in the Marlin camp I have used 45-70, 38-55 and 25-20. Winchester in 38/357 and 44 mag (1892 I think), Rossi 38/357 and a very nice modern take down Chiappa in 44-40.

Personally prefer the Marlins, which is why I have 2, but no real issues to speak of with the others.

Regards

Mark