|
|
Post by grasshopper on Jan 27, 2024 11:05:58 GMT -7
Just recently saw where Smith and Wesson has begun to manufacture lever action rifles. The ones that I saw from the story about Shot Show 2024 looked like they were really nice rifles. They are supposed to be available in both blue and stainless steel. The article didn’t specifically say but I attribute their decision to start making these rifles to the increased popularity of lever actions in recent years. I didn’t hear a projected date for the rifles to be on dealers shelves but I doubt it will be very long. I just thought this news would be of interest to anyone here that had not already seen the rifles or were not aware Smith and Wesson was making a new rifle.
|
|
|
|
Post by missionary on Jan 27, 2024 15:21:45 GMT -7
And the suggested retail price is going to be somewhere in the mid above 1.4K area.
I would have a great introductory price and very good product inspection to form a good customer feedback.
If they think their name is going to make an instant success in the lever gun nitch I do not see it happening.
A good smattering of unique calibers would be another good pattern to set up. 41 mag, 44 Special, all the Supermags, 480 Ruger and 475 Linebaugh would get very interesting.
|
|
|
|
Post by Junior on Jan 27, 2024 20:50:22 GMT -7
I remember reading something awhile back about a gentleman’s agreement and handshake way back in the day between smith and Wesson and Winchester stating that smith would never build rifles. And Winchester would never build handguns.
So much for honor and a man’s word.
|
|
|
|
Post by missionary on Jan 28, 2024 3:42:55 GMT -7
Profit is about the only handshake I see going on.
Yes that is what free enterprise is all about. The American Dream of working for ourselves and making our own way.
Turning out a good, reliable product. Paying a fare wage to those who work and produce for us if we start a business.
I was born before Korea exploded and the American Dream was already dying on the branches.
But yet there are still a few residual roots in good soil raising up good fruit.
|
|
|
|
Post by todddoyka on Jan 29, 2024 11:51:32 GMT -7
as much as i like the lever rifles, i don't see it happening either. a cheap bolt action/cheap scope is the way to go.
i despise the "cheap" guns and i got rid of them. it's wood and blued steel for me. Tupperware stocks, plastic magazines and plastic parts aren't fer me.
|
|
|
|
Post by missionary on Jan 29, 2024 16:41:38 GMT -7
You should be looking at Brownings !
|
|
|
|
Post by todddoyka on Jan 29, 2024 19:37:23 GMT -7
i've never owned one.
|
|
|
|
Post by eddiesouthgate on Jan 30, 2024 15:28:18 GMT -7
They are homely as Whoopi Goldberg. Unless you want to spend well over $3000.00 you get a plastic stock with holes for light mounting , stainless steel, Henry clone front load magazine , threaded barrel and the stock is kinda clunky . I'm giving it a hard pass , just not into tactical lever actions.
|
|
|
|
Post by Junior on Jan 30, 2024 16:12:13 GMT -7
I believe the limited edition wood stock is the only one with the 3000+ price tag. I believe the plastic stocked ones will be in the 1000-1200 price range.
Threaded barrels jsut seem to be the way of the future. Pretty much all the new lever guns have them. I agree they make the rifle look like crap, but it is what it is I suppose.
|
|
|
|
Post by Junior on Apr 7, 2024 16:13:16 GMT -7
Alrighty, well I saw one of these rifles in the store a week ago, and I was impressed enough that I bought it. Ive handled 4 of them now and they are all very nice.
It's basicly a Marlin 336/1895 shortened down to pistol caliber length. I think the action will be a good deal stronger than the 1894 marlin. Mine is absolutely smooth as butter, the fit and finish are excellent, the XS sights are on point, and balance is right where it should be. Mine is acceptably accurate, and will feed even 44 special full wad cutters or empty cases.
It may actually become my favorite lever rifle. I have two Marlin 44 mags, well 3 actually because I also have a 336 in 44 mag, as well as a new Ruger built Marlin 357 magnum, and I like this smith better than any of them.
Price here in Alaska was $1250 so its right in there with the Marlins or Henrys.
|
|
|
|
Post by missionary on Apr 8, 2024 3:41:57 GMT -7
That is good to read. I will await your 100 yard accuracy tests with interest.
Only 44 lever rifles we have owned are the dash types made long before most of us. Except for a lowly 444 we got out of that caliber as the 45's and 41's seem to take care of our needs.
|
|
|
|
Post by Junior on Apr 10, 2024 16:47:18 GMT -7
Accuracy is pretty dang good. It will stabilize and shoot even the 340gn 44 mag bullets, and is quite accurate. No problems at 200 yards consistently hitting a 12” steel plate. I’m
Very impressed.
|
|
