The current issue of Guns Of The Old West tested and reviewed several lever guns.
The Winchester model '92 in caliber 45 Colt, with the 20 inch round barrel, holds 10 rounds in the magazine and has a saddle ring on the side. Price tag is $1070.00. I think this is made in Japan. (Maroku?).
The Chiappa model 1886 Kodiak Trapper in caliber 45-70, with 18.5 inch octagon barrel and magazine capacity of 6 rounds and a price tag of $1295.00.
The Puma model 1886 also in caliber 45-70 with a 26 inch octagon barrel, magazine capacity of 8 rounds and a price tag of $1347.00.
The Cimarron model 1873 in caliber 357 magnum with 16 inch round barrel, magazine capacity of 10 rounds and a price tag of $427.00.
Though not really a rifle, they also tested and evaluated the Rossi Ranch Hand in caliber 45 Colt with it's 12 inch barrel and 6 round magazine capacity and large loop lever at a price of $536.00, mentioning that the price is around half the price of the same type of Mare's Leg guns offered by J.D. Custom and the Chiappa version sold by Legacy Sports. I'm assuming the J.D. and Legacy versions are of higher quality.
I'm not really interested in owning a Mare's Leg but do find it an interesting weapon all the same. I've always been a big fan of Steve McQueen. The GOW article does mention that it is a difficult weapon to shoot, not having a pistol type grip and being too short to shoot like a rifle. I might end up buying one some day when funds permit me to. Time will tell.
I am, however, very interested in owning a lever action rifle in caliber 45-70. I would prefer the longer barrel on such a gun like the Puma mentioned above. I think the prices on all of the 45-70 rifles are a bit high but what's a cowboy to do.
I guess I'll have come up with the bucks or see if I can find a slightly used one for a little less money, like I did when I bought my '73 which is a 38-40.
Author
