Defensive Lever Gun 2 - Optics Selection

[@JR-uc5oz]

fantastic information! I now know the optic style I'm putting on my .357 Henry Big Boy X. I'm going for the low profile RDO instead of the LPVO. Cheek weld made my decision. Thank you for the easy to distinguish comparisons!

[@buildhuntxplore]

Welcome & thanks for the support!

[@fargomonkey5133]

You have the gun I've been after since the first I heard of it, but I can never find one. I want one so badly I can taste it.

[@justindey9997]

Same for me! I couldn't decide for the life of me

[@ECReeves]

I’m not gonna lie I’m going with the 45-70 you just never know if a elephant, Raptor, black brown or grizzly bear, or a skinwalker/werewolf is gonna break in…. Better have it and not need it than to need it and have a wee baby round. (Obviously each of these rounds are powerful at close range)

[@buildhuntxplore]

🤣 well said

[@CoalMiner379]

@Clint Reeves I can't argue a bit with that comment. I feel the same way, better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Anything is possible. But knowing my luck it would be the impossible like a skin walker, windigo or some kinda unbelievable thing lol lol stay safe have a great 4th!

[@johnathanhurd3561]

Facts!💯

[@pierogistacker1651]

I have mine on order I agree that you never know. With global warming at all that you never know of polar bears will show up in Detroit one day😊

[@pierogistacker1651]

Or Jaguars

[@RangerPointPrecision]

I liked Clint a lot. Great call bringing him in weight in. You got me thinking that I might need some new optics.

[@buildhuntxplore]

Thanks! He’s an awesome guy, great shooter, and a wealth of knowledge.

[@karenmarieh.j.3842]

He was very informative and has made enough of an argument for me to look at the 1894 CST. Crazy thing is that Clint had the most fixed downwards frown/smile until you mentioned the Jurassic Park reference. Then he smiled pretty much for the rest of the video.

[@presidentdwaynecamacho3797]

Hi guys, late for the party here, just got my 336 darl in 30-30 for deer hunting. Would red dot make any sense compared to a small scope? Obviously, it is closer range hunting in brush and woods I'm thinking about, up to 100 meters (or 100 yards as you call it😅) I'd prefer the look and weight of red dot, but is it practical for hunting at all? By the way, upgrading to small lever loop from rpp and take down screw for practicality. Thanks

[@dlan51]

Great info content . I went with 2x fixed optic. Small and light weight. Target acquisition is super fast since I can take aim with both eyes open. Been great out to 125-150 yards and works well in low light.

[@dlan51]

Forgot to mention: It is mounted as a Scout Scope on my Rossi R92. It has about a 10"-12" eye relief

[@CoalMiner379]

Because of this channel iv done alot of upgrading to my lever guns, yes they was perfect right outta the box without question, but now they are even more perfect, from my 336's to my 45-70's every upgrade has just raised its potential in every way. Thanks for the content and dedication to the lever actions, so glad I can go to a channel to see everything that intrest me in one spot when it comes to the weapons I love, especially when they are my home defense weapons along side my edc pistols.

[@MrQuacksmacker]

What upgrades do you think really help the lever to excel?

[@CoalMiner379]

@@MrQuacksmacker well getting the Rangerpoint Precision trigger got rid of the well known Marlin trigger flop. I changed the factory lever for the medium loop lever which made it alot easier to use wearing gloves when it's cold. Also added shims to the lever which got rid of the little bit of side to side movement of the lever. Also adding the XS Lever rail and XS sights made a little bit easier on my eyes to get on target a little faster, also replaced the mag tube follower from the factory plastic follower to a all aluminum self cleaning follower, and I replaced the stock with the ranger point stock just because I liked the way it looked and once I shot it I found that it was actually more comfortable to me as it is adjustable.

[@MrQuacksmacker]

Thanks, just picked up a trapper from a local dealer, new to the lever world, a lot of good info here. Again thanks!

[@CoalMiner379]

@@MrQuacksmacker yes sir no problem at all, glad to help out, and welcome to the lever hole lol it's a highly addictive never ending love affair lol lol I love the trapper , I got the 1895 SBL and the 1895 trapper, and they are my favorite out of all my boom sticks. Beauty, history,and badass all in one awesome package.

[@MrEsaba]

I know trijicon doesn't make one, but Burris and others make long eye relief scopes that pretty much eliminates eye box.

[@zackschmidt4381]

I have the new PA cyclops prism on my 357, works great

[@buildhuntxplore]

Awesome!

[@chadsmith3327]

Did you go with 9mm reticle or standard?

[@derek3154]

@@chadsmith3327I’d guess the 9mm Gemini reticle would match up the best

[@EMFish-gp8vn]

Good stuff, this series. I have long been a proponent of lever guns for home defense. My Rossis and Marlins in .357Mag have been my stsndard, even though they are not as short as your offerings. They are light, relatively easy to handle if you are practiced with them, and will deliver resonable stopping performance in most scenarios that might develop in the close quarters of residential or cmmercial self defense. There is a reason many cowboy action shooters use Marlins, Rossis, and Winchesters in .357.

[@truthwarrior2149]

Do you consider the probability that a 357 round out of a rifle will pass through several walls after hitting your target?

[@maxmccain8950]

Your on the right track. A 125 grain 357 will approach or exceed 2000 fps. That puts it in a whole different class than out of a hand gun. Great video, great series.

[@maxmccain8950]

@@truthwarrior2149 Any caliber will penetrate many walls. Have you seen the tests of 9mm?

[@truthwarrior2149]

@@maxmccain8950 Half of 9 mm rounds will not exit somebody's body cavity. And there's a big difference between a bullet going through three walls and 7

[@truthwarrior2149]

@@maxmccain8950 Yes, they are all over the internet. Is there any gun that is too powerful to be practical for urban home defense? Do you draw the line anywhere and if so why there?

[@tburrows357]

Great series. Reminds me of some training with some fellow LEO’s a young buck made a comment once of how we had superior firepower and in a head to head fight with someone with a manual action firearms was a “guaranteed win” 🤦‍♂️ I literally looked at him and pointed out that with my old Marlin 336 iron sights I could put all 6 rounds on steel silhouette target in under 45 seconds. Hits may not be pretty in grouping but they are all on target. He thought I was exaggerating until I showed him. Kid never touched a gun until being In service and had a false sense of confidence. Many shooters these days are not hunters or experienced with platforms like these and often judge and underestimate their effectiveness.

[@buildhuntxplore]

So true! Thanks for watching!!

[@BoognishWhoo]

I have a Vortex Venom red dot sight on my Henry Big Boy model X 44 mag.

[@M1911jln]

One important drawback of an LVPO is the weight -- a 1x6 or 1x8 LVPO weighs a great deal more than a simple red dot. I'm not getting any stronger as I get older. Weight matters. A red dot is fine out to 100 yards or more, as is more than enough for most home defense situations.

[@buildhuntxplore]

So true! It really adds a lot of weight to the platform.

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

If a person is proficient with a pump action, they can also be proficient with a lever action. Join the "Leverlution!" "Thumbs up" from this Kentucky boy. 👍

[@unounv]

Exactly what I was looking for! Thank you guys for putting all these videos together! You guys rock!

[@NomadicEE]

What brand/make is the adjustable butt stock on the Marlin 336?

[@SuperGregore]

2k plus lever guns are cool, but...... I would go 357/38 Henry BBX for home defense with a mid range red dot for in the house, if that was my choice of levers. Currently have a nice Barretta A300 12ga that requires less finesse to accomplish the same goal.

[@dedrickcly9705]

Beautiful lever rifles.🇺🇸

[@buildhuntxplore]

Thank you!!

[@robbieatvic]

Great stuff lads, possibly worth mentioning that smaller cal rounds won't go thru to many walls and possibly kill your loved ones. 👍

[@buildhuntxplore]

Thanks! Check out episode 6, our wall test 😁

[@christianolsen9781]

Would a compact suppressor be a good compromise? Taking the flash and a bit of sound without adding too much weight and length.

[@TXchadTX]

44 mag with a small reflex red dot is what I'd pick over all these

[@oscarbear7498]

44mag is very under rated nowadays basically forgotten. 44 special is pelt gun soft with suppressor. From 12" lever action you can get 1500 ft/lb in 44mag and that's not even max.

[@vincentgrippi9524]

Am I the only guy with a X model in .45 colt ? Don’t see much comment or videos on this caliber

[@e.nichols5380]

Great series, thanks!

[@buildhuntxplore]

Welcome and thank you!

[@alanwilson27]

Going to add some RPP to my Marlin, also have the .357 1892 Alaskan take down

[@donaldploger5630]

I'm Old School and struggle with RMR/ Red Dots on pistols; hence why I stay with irons on my pistols. With the Red Dot on the .357 rifle: Is there a learning curve with using a RMR on a rifle platform like a pistol?

[@buildhuntxplore]

It's not difficult at all. Once you get it zeroed, it's a breeze to use.

[@donaldploger5630]

@@buildhuntxplore is the .35 a good youth weapon? 12 y/o girl, weighs maybe about 100lbs

[@buildhuntxplore]

I think the .357 would be a great youth trainer. For starters, you can put low power .38 special loads in it and it's much quieter and has almost zero recoil. As they become more proficient, you can step up to .357 loads with ease.

[@kevincallahan1607]

@@donaldploger5630 use 38spl sub sonic.

[@Ruger44Carbine]

I have the Ruger .44 carbine Deerstalker. I was thinking the Romeo 5 red dot 🔴 I want to use it for black tail deer to! 75 yds max what do you think?

[@RickyJr46]

Lots of helpful tips here - thank you gents!

[@rodrigomalb]

Arma linda ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Parabéns. Beautiful gun ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Congratulations

[@johnshields9110]

The various red dot/holo sights are faster than a scope. As an experience shooter have always preferred a low power scope; have to think about that now. For women, I think all of dots and rifle would be too much to deal with an event happening. My wife's current defensive weapon is back to a 3" 38 revolver; prior times, a full length 45 acp Gold Cup. I love the carbine selected at the end! People not used to shouldering or seating their cheek on a rifle might not be able to do it under stress. My MIL could swing up a double barrel pretty good; her husband had been a quail hunter though.

[@gunbutter4016]

What kind of stock is on that 4570?

[@BigNast]

Would you recommend a tri lug adapter and setup (along with a 45 cal suppressor) for 357 mag Henry lever gun?

[@hikerjoe3827]

For a Henry Model X 44, what is the best way to mount a LPVO?

[@buildhuntxplore]

Get a Ranger Point precision picatinny rail, get the lowest rings possible, and then get an adjustable stock (Form, Ranger Point, Chisel) so you can get a proper cheek weld, and you're good to go 👍

[@hikerjoe3827]

@@buildhuntxplore If I use a Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 on picatinny rail, will I get enough clearance with low height rings?

[@Tir407]

In 2010 I engaged in gunfight using a lever action 45-70. As far as I know I am the last person to use a lever gun in a tactical gunfight in 20 years.

[@DS-sk9ed]

Tell us more

[@DroneHome89]

@@DS-sk9edhe won’t

[@SandW6384]

Did you get all those Trijicons on sale? How are they again Holosun?

[@buildhuntxplore]

No, these were provided by Big Daddy Unlimited for this series. I have not used Holosun. I would definitely like to get some Holosun optics to test.

[@TGD247]

What kind of leather is that on the butt stock?

[@Grand.Kanyan]

I'd be curious to hear what he'd say about a sig Romeo 5 with a magnifier combo, that's kinda the route I'm heading

[@xBaronSamedi]

What are your thoughts on putting the red dot on a rail vs the fixed Phoenix mount? Adjustability with the rail sounds nice, but the Phoenix mount looks like It’s lightweight and very low profile

[@buildhuntxplore]

I honestly didn't know about the Phoenix mount. I've drooled over their 45/70 AR, haha, but didn't know about that mount. It looks pretty cool, definitely low profile and lightweight. I don't see why it wouldn't work just fine 👍

[@kevinrollman3101]

When you have a say Marlin 1895 45-70 you have a firearm that will meet and exceed any need you have. Whether it be hunting, self defense, apocalyptic conditions whatever, you will never be underpowered or over powered if that is your desire. There are Cowboy rounds that are quite tame, and there are robust powerful rounds for bigger things!! 45-70 is the best of the best round and chambering out there today!!

[@GarrettLucasWV]

Are those quivers on the side one piece or are they multiple two-round quivers? It's hard to tell in the video. Are they Hoptic USA?

[@CoalMiner379]

They are Ranger apoint Precision quivers, I just bought a few for my lever guns, 30-30 and my 45-70's and they are very much worth the price and very durable and look great as well. You won't regret buying them either. Iv tried the hoptics quivers before and wasn't exactly crazy bout them but I swear by the RPP quivers.

[@PlugNuster]

The new Tacticool Lever Guns look amazing but, it's a bad choice for self-defense. Much rather grab a 12-gauge shotgun running 8 rounds of 00 buck, or one-ounce slugs. That's my opinion, love to hear Clint (Thunder Ranch) Smith's opinion. My bet is he would agree with me.

[@johnathanhurd3561]

Ammo choices galore! Anti material, exploding rounds, seen some dragons breath style but harder hitting that burned close to 6,000 degrees, bolo rounds two slugs attached to each other by a wire a few inches long spinning, various slugs that are never ending of all kinds of crazy shapes, various specially mixed shot loads designed for defence or big game with a mix of goodies in the shell. Rounds that have multiple spikes flying out! I'm thinking deep woods grizzly or bigfoot don't want to mess around with an AR style 12 gauge with a filled drum of a variety. Imagine hitting the supposed gigantic furry big foot with the 6,000 degree hard hitters he'd go up like a dry Christmas tree, then a couple spinning bolo rounds aimed at his third stick so to speak. I figure even if you can pick up and toss a truck 30 feet getting hit in the face with deep penetrating projectiles scattering a 6,000 degree fireball over your fury body and watching your manhood get severed off and fall to the ground has gotta take the fight out of any old dog no matter how big and strong it is!?

[@Mj-CWO4]

I wish you could do this for hunting scenarios, I like the red dot but would like to have 3-4x for 100 to 200 yards what would you recommend for 45-70 trapper?

[@simons4415]

Is this to take down big bear coming at you from short range?

[@LeonardCartersureshotfoto]

For the RMR what distance are you zeroing at?

[@buildhuntxplore]

I zeroed it at 25 yards.

[@NotStockPhoto]

Rad great video

[@buildhuntxplore]

Thanks!

[@t4texastom587]

Can you please tell me how long these rifles are, from the end of the barrel to the end of the buttstock? Thank you very much! Tom

[@oscarbear7498]

Long enough for you to prefer a revolver 😂 Honestly the best advantage for a lever is adding suppressor. If your not, just use revolver

[@sanjaysingh8559]

Hey I bought one of those Form Rifle Stocks (adjustable) about a week ago. curious on how long it takes to receive one of em if ur in the US?

[@Kavika-xh1qj]

Can’t hit a dog sized object at 100y with a red dot or irons? Did I hear that right?

[@veelink6345]

They got 4 of these and I can't get 1 going on 2 years now

[@ChristopherEDenton-ol7pv]

44 mag followed by 35 remington

[@Pawildsbigfootedition]

ACOG?

[@2GUNMASTER]

Do you tell the burglar "time out" so you can turn on your RMR?🤦‍♂️?

[@ejustic1]

Still prefer irons on the model x.

[@TryAgain-f7i]

Hmm....for the casual shooter who has a weapon for just home defense. A battery powered electronic sight is not the way to go. Batteries fail at the worst time. So, plain old iron sights are quite appropriate for those people. Adding toys doesnt necessarily make it better.

[@buildhuntxplore]

Possibly. But, take an iron sight gun out when it’s dark and tell me how quickly, and accurately, you can make a shot when your adrenaline is pumping.

[@TryAgain-f7i]

@@buildhuntxplore you have a point. But, for the casual home defender, who typically doesn't train or go to the range that often, goes wandering around in the dark with a loaded gun probably isn't wise. That's how folks get hurt and the home owner incurrs some serious liability. The casual homeowners only duty is to remain safe. So they should develop a plan and a space to go to and defend, while calling 911. Then things like what we are discussing are non issues. Besides...there are things called flashlights that outta be either attached to the firearm or sitting next to it.

[@DrFearCo]

There are a lot of holes in the ceiling of that range… what tf are people aiming at?!?!

[@AZTLANSOLDIER13]

Why is your channel name Wolfs Prairie? Just kind of ironic. Should be something like Chicken Defender. I like your channel though

[@buildhuntxplore]

LOL Wolf's Prairie is what my dad's hometown was originally named, until the mayor renamed it after himself later on.

[@peterschmidt2849]

😎🔥🇺🇸

[@buildhuntxplore]

Thanks!

[@akuiori]

Plot twist his shirt says narc not nerd, hide your dogs hes at....no cant even make that joke in good conscience...sorry...lol

[@shadowballen6463]

2k gun 1200 dollar 1-6 optic.... lol.

[@craigincali]

Instead of using a pro, maybe use a non shooter and see what they find easiest.

[@davidchrist428]

Professional shooter? Those shot groups look like something I would shoot.....

[@buildhuntxplore]

He shot for Colt for quite a while and just won the AK Masters this past Summer. In his defense, as mentioned, he’d not shot a lever gun in a LONG time. The manual of arms is far different than MSRs.

[@bsmith2947]

Just want a Cowboy gun. Not high tek

[@DeathMond.]

Like button no longer working !

[@mrfixitdon]

After spending all this money on this lever action rifle is still not any better than a standard one with buckhorn sites

[@buildhuntxplore]

You obviously can't see the forest for the trees

[@TheRealJimmyLundy]

Ok a couple of things, KZbinrs are trying to make lever actions cool. Are they, when all decked out and "tactical"? YES! BUT you are going to lose everytime in a home defense situation against even an untrained scared gang banger with a 24 round semi auto 9mm and especially if you use the red dots show here that arent ready up and you have to waste time fumbling for the red dot on button. So get one and trick it out cause its cool, but don't rely on it for home invasion applications.

[@buildhuntxplore]

Did you listen to some my early statements in the series? This is meant as a helpful guide for people in restricted states or people who can only have one gun to cover hunting and defense. My home defense guns vary, but my main go-to is a 12.5” AR.

[@TheRealJimmyLundy]

@@buildhuntxplore Most of us and most of your viewers probably aren't on prairies so the over penetration of an AR or a 45-70 is going through every wall in my and my neighbors homes. Not to mention the time and money it would take to develop enough experience with a lever action to match even a cracked out meth head with a semi auto handgun, it just isnt practical for home defense against a semi auto intruder. Do you want a better weapon than your enemy, oh yes! But in close quarters of a small home and 1/4 acre neighborhoods I suggest going with handgun or shotgun for folks in those restricted states that don't allow ARs.

[@stormprooftraining2012]

This “tactical lever action” nonsense is just another goofy fad.😂

[@buildhuntxplore]

Maybe so, but it's something that tons of people are loving.

[@CoalMiner379]

@@buildhuntxplore funny how people always watch a video of something they supposedly hate or think of as "nonsense" isn't it. Keep up the great work love the channel and content and iv set up my 336's and all 3 of my 1895 45-70's the same way yours are setup.

[@tedwright1380]

None of this is affordable on 50k, retired diva ol' lady, mortgage, auto loan, etc. Get real

[@buildhuntxplore]

It's all about priorities. Do you go to football/baseball/basketball games or pay for them on TV? Do you have subscriptions to streaming services? Do you smoke or drink at all? Do you go to the movies? Do you go out to eat a lot? If you answered yes to any of these, you can cut them back or out and easily afford it. Also, if you're wife is blowing money on garbage, then yeah, you've got your work cut out for you.

[@tedwright1380]

​@buildhuntxplore I don't do 99% of the extras you listed. All I do is push this truck down the road day in and day out. When I am home and money or the waste of is discussed. It always comes down the statement of "if you can't make enough money to pay for extras I'll find a man who does"!!!! But I do agree with your analogy overall.

[@shanesmith6941]

Flash. If you need fancy optical sights, you can't shoot for shit and you need to practice more.

[@buildhuntxplore]

🤣🤣🤣 you’ve obviously never shot in low or no light situations.

[@shanesmith6941]

@@buildhuntxplore The fuck I havent

[@1pew2pew12]

@@shanesmith6941 it’s physically impossible to see iron sights in a no light situation.

[@shanesmith6941]

@@1pew2pew12 That's not how the army trained us pal. Go back to looking through your "special sight". It's going to be ok. Remember, there isn't anything out there in the dark.

[@buildhuntxplore]

@ Shane Smith I've got to see this awesome night vision in person. Join me at the Clinton House Plantation for a fun-filled night of shooting. Pick your platform of choice. I will have a similar rifle, but with my modern crutches. I'll supply the ammo. We'll start just before dusk and shoot 3 shot groups every 15 minutes, until one of his is no longer hitting steel repeatedly. We can shoot off the bench, off-hand, kneeling, or prone (or all of them). Sound good?