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.25-20
Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 9:50 pm
by redcat
Anyone here shoot a lever action .25-20 rifle?
Redcat
Re: .25-20
Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2015 9:57 am
by Sim G
Yep, I do. A 1920's vintage Marlin 1894.
A pic is in the first post here;
http://www.full-bore.co.uk/viewtopic.ph ... 90&start=0
Re: .25-20
Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2015 12:41 pm
by redcat
Nice piece. Been toying with the idea of getting one to make up the "small calibre centre fire" set. I have Ubertis in .44/40, .38/40 and .32/20 and fancied a Winchester '92. What's the availability of ammunition/components?
Redcat
Re: .25-20
Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2015 1:19 pm
by Sim G
I've certainly seen more original Winchester '92s in .25-20 than anything else. But you'll pay Winchester money for them! There are some Marlins but a lot rarer in the "First Generation" guise. You have to watch for original Marlins as well asvtheybhave a reputation for being over-bored.
Marlin did release the calibre again much more recently with their modern rifles as the 1894 CL. These have a half tube mag and were chambered in .218 Bee, .25-20 & .32-20. They are around, but again, some people think rarity equals value....
Brass and dies came straight from Henry Krank. Bullets wise, I cast my own. Wilson & Wilson once had some jacketed factory ammo but he wanted over 100 quid for a 100 rounds! Factory ammo is still made by Winchester and Remington. I was told it would be rare to find factory ammo in any great supply in the UK as most of it is shipped to Australia where it is still a very popular varmint round. Which is why it's still in production, even though quite anemic because of the old guns it could be used in.
Re: .25-20
Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2015 1:23 pm
by Sim G
redcat wrote:Nice piece. Been toying with the idea of getting one to make up the "small calibre centre fire" set. I have Ubertis in .44/40, .38/40 and .32/20 and fancied a Winchester '92. What's the availability of ammunition/components?
Redcat
Which Uberti is the .38/40 in? Because I've fancied playing with the cartridge, I almost bought an Uberti through frustration of trying to find a .38-40 Marlin! Was really taken with their 1873 Special Sporting Short Rifle. 20" Octagonal barrel, case hardened receiver and a pistol grip stock!! What's not to like? The price tag, that's what! Some good Marlin money wanted for one of those....
Re: .25-20
Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2015 3:31 pm
by redcat
Hi, Sim
Thanks for the info. I've seen that 1894 CL but don't like half tubes. My .38/40 is an 1866 carbine. The .32/20 is a '73 short rifle. I have a Henry and an Armi Sport 1892 short rifle both in .44/40. Would like an 1895 but can't really justify the money for a "fun gun". I also have an 1894 rifle in .32/40. A nice 1890 would also be acceptable but good ones are now commanding top prices.
Redcat