I'm getting the itch for a 45 Colt Lever gun. What's offered and what's the recommendations.

I can make a more heart felt recommendation than the Marlin 1894. The guns are well built and perfectly scaled to the handgun cartridges. Some feel the larger lever guns allow them to load the 45 to higher pressures but the Marlin should suit anyone.

Have fun

First Choice Marlin 1894.

Second Choice Rossi 92 (pre-funky safety)

Navy Arms Model 92 Reproduction (spendy but nice)

The Marlin is the easiest to mound alternative sights on, but the Rossi and Navy Arms are the strongest.  

These make great, practical little compact companions.

These are only my preferences, colored by more than a little bit of personal bias!

God Bless,

Marshall

Thanks Guys;
Like any other rusted on lugnut, I posted a question then went and looked on the net.
I looked at Marlin and it's a beauty and my check writting fingers twitched. Then I remembered Navy Arms was bringing in the Mod. 92., with the case hardened reciever and I was frustrated that the guns shops were closed. My banker thought I was crazy for calling at that time of the night and asking her to cash a check. Heck I thought she'd be just as enthused as I. Guess not. She made some reference as to wishing that I was just as enthused about getting with her and buying some neat stuff, etc. Women, they have no priorities.
Any way, what's the strength of both actions?
I have a 1886 and the Mod. 92 is the little brother of the 1886.
I'm a dinosaur and believe that that  lever actions don't need scopes, a good reciever or tang sight will do just as well.
Jim

I bought a Marlin 1894 Limited in 199? I bought it new and It came with a piece of paper that said that Marlin only built 1500 that year. I put it up and never picked it up till this year again. I Love it but The factory sights and my eyes don't get along too well. (I am saving up for a set of Ghost rings for her). The rifle carries so nice and around the farm it is the handiest tool from muskrat muffin to feral dog disposal, and short range venison biscut maker.  I don't know if they still make this model but if they don't they oughta! I don't reload her too hot because I am unsure how much is too much for this model. Good luck on your search.

I've got a 92 win in 45. Replaced the stupid buttstock witha straighter one and no crescent butt. Now it shoots much better and doesn't turn my shoulder purple and green. My load is a 265 WFN with 23 grains of Lil'Gun. Don't shoot that load in anything other than my rifle otherwise I'm not going to care. Really do like the Jap 92, very smooth.

Hi boys,
The 92 is the strongest action, then the 94 Marlin and Winchester, weakest is the 66/73 toggle style.

If you are only going to shoot factory level loads, the 66 and 73 are very cool, for historical reasons.

If you want to hand load to higher levels, the 94 actions will be good for any load you will ever need. The Winchester is a little heavier and slower, but much less expensive, and about 1/2 the price if you shop around. However the Marlin Cowboy, is very cool with the octagon barrel.

Navy arms and Rossi guns are made by the same people. The navy arms guns are better finished though. I got this info direct from the folks at Navy Arms. The finish info, I got first hand. The 92 short rifle is worth a look also.

I have a Winchester 94 and love it. Lots of bang for the buck! Not as quick and slick as my Marlin though.

If I only planned on factory loads, I would buy a 66 short rifle.

Adios
Juan

Hey Moose,

Do you want to sell that butt stock?

Dear Sir; I not only almost threw it away the other day I just about threw it in the burn pile. I still have it, and will be glad to send it to you. We are in the process of moving and don't know where it is. If you can wait 3 weeks or so I will find it and email you. Regards frank

I too have rifles in 45 colt. One a navy arms 92. Case hardened receiver/lever, with 24 1/4" octagon barrel. Very smooth, strong, good looking and shoots very well.
#2 is a winchester trapper with williams foolproof peep. Another good shooter and compact.