Lever guns for defense

[GunnyGene]

Curiosity strikes. The subject of using a lever gun for home/personal defense often comes up in discussions. But I've never heard any reference to formal training in those. Usually such discussions are big on "why use a lever, when you can use an AR, etc.", and go downhill from there. So a little searching and found there are a few training options, notably Gunsite Academy- https://www.gunsite.com/classes/defensi ... -revolver/ . And of course some videos & articles which are less than informative, imho.

So, my question is: Have any of y'all had the opportunity to take such training and did it meet your expectations? Did you find it useful, or not, and why?

[fortyshooter]

No training here but a lever rifle would work against one or two home intruders IF you have it handy and loaded and a short carbine the best.
I might go with my High Point .45 Carbine though with the 20 round mag.

[Hatchdog]

I have not personally taken a defense class using lever rifles but you question reminded my that I just read a magazine article mentioning this exact topic. It’s an article in the August NRA magazine Shooting Illustrated about the Marlin Dark rifles and the author actually teaches the course at Gunsight. His name is Ed Head and if you get the chance to read his piece it’s very good. Not much info on the course in the article but it does get a mention.

[fortyshooter]

Now this little fella loaded up with some hot .45 Colt might stop some bad intentions!

[John E Davies]

Now this little fella loaded up with some hot .45 Colt might stop some bad intentions!

Are you actually able to hit anything with it? Every video I have watched .... it looks just plain awkward. How steep is the learning curve? I actually considered buying a .44 Mag Mares Leg for bear defense until I thought about it rationally.

My X carbine has a rail and I would attach a tactical light there if I thought I might need it, while camping in bear country. But most often it would be a bipod.For defense against two legged predators, it would be the very last gun I would grab.

Thanks.

John Davies
Spokane WA

[GunnyGene]

Here's one of the many articles I've read about lever guns for home/personal defense. But, like every other one I've read there is no mention of training opportunities with the exception of Gunsite, which is really expensive ($1700+) . It seems to me that the training industry is missing an opportunity here, given the growing market for lever guns, including the Henry X models. There are several States that heavily restrict semi-auto's and people are catching on to the lever gun as a viable alternative. Plus the fact that you are less likely to be crucified in a court case if you used an "old fashioned lever gun" for defense than a AR or similar "evil black gun". EBG's commonly become the sole focus of the media and the lawyers, while "hunting" arms do not. Witness the recent hoopla over the McClatchy business....If they had stepped out with a lever gun and revolver I doubt it would have even made the 6 O'clock news.

https://www.gunsandammo.com/editorial/l ... nse/247641

[Vaquero]

Now this little fella loaded up with some hot .45 Colt might stop some bad intentions!

Just as soon have a revolver, same amount of rounds and I think would be quicker.

RP

[GunnyGene]

Now this little fella loaded up with some hot .45 Colt might stop some bad intentions!

Just as soon have a revolver, same amount of rounds and I think would be quicker.

RP

Perhaps with the mare's leg, but not necessarily quicker for accurate shot-to-shot than a carbine or rifle, given the recoil of the different platforms. And the carbine will hold 8+1. As with every firearm tho, there are advantages and disadvantages. My point in starting this thread was to inquire about lever gun training that would assist a owner in recognizing the disadvantages, and using it's advantages to best effect. Same as with any other firearm, including MSR's. The old cliche' applies: "Beware the man with only one gun, because he probably knows how to use it."

[fortyshooter]

Now this little fella loaded up with some hot .45 Colt might stop some bad intentions!

Are you actually able to hit anything with it? Every video I have watched .... it looks just plain awkward. How steep is the learning curve? I actually considered buying a .44 Mag Mares Leg for bear defense until I thought about it rationally.

My X carbine has a rail and I would attach a tactical light there if I thought I might need it, while camping in bear country. But most often it would be a bipod.For defense against two legged predators, it would be the very last gun I would grab.

Thanks.

John Davies
Spokane WA

You are absolutely right! I can't hit side of a barn with it and might just throw it in the burn barrel!
https://youtu.be/KY-_F5Om1Jg

[RanchRoper]

Might take out some fine china and a few knick knacks swinging my Henry around but pretty sure I could get the job done.

[Vaquero]

Now this little fella loaded up with some hot .45 Colt might stop some bad intentions!

Just as soon have a revolver, same amount of rounds and I think would be quicker.

RP

Perhaps with the mare's leg, but not necessarily quicker for accurate shot-to-shot than a carbine or rifle, given the recoil of the different platforms. And the carbine will hold 8+1. As with every firearm tho, there are advantages and disadvantages. My point in starting this thread was to inquire about lever gun training that would assist a owner in recognizing the disadvantages, and using it's advantages to best effect. Same as with any other firearm, including MSR's. The old cliche' applies: "Beware the man with only one gun, because he probably knows how to use it."

Gunny, I was only referring to the mares leg, as it holds no more than a revolver.
And I think would be way slower than the revolver in that situation.

RP

[fortyshooter]

Now I don't keep the Mare's leg by the bedside but do have my Springfield XDE .45 right there and the 20 ga. Shockwave with light.
The reason I mentioned the Rossi Ranchhand is that it is short and easy to handle and the post was about lever rifles/guns.
Have no issues with hitting a target with it. Most home defense use is within 20-30 ft.
https://youtu.be/yU84i_N4N8A

[Rifletom]

Dang forty! That little Rossi was more accurate than I thought it would be. Good shooting!

[Vaquero]

Nice video forty, I wasn't trying to bad mouth the Ranch hand or the mares leg, earlier.
Actually wanted one or the other for a while, but with only a 6 rd capacity.
It has no real advantage to me, over a long barreled revolver.

I've gotten past the want

RP