The Most Elegant Classic Lever Action

Happy New Year Everyone! Identifying America's most elegant classic lever action and examining the locking system on the 1873 Winchester.
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[@jimkimball1778]

I found a model 64 deluxe in a gun shop years ago at a great price and bought it on the spot. I wasn’t familiar with the model at the time but recognized the action as a model 94 and it was such a good looking rifle I couldn’t pass it up. Mine was manufactured somewhere in the timeframe of 1946-48 if I remember correctly. I’ve never regretted that spur of the moment decision.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Excellent decision. With gun buying my experience is : "it's now or never" ...when I hesitate...I lose. Anyway..you've got a rifle for the ages.

[@comodice905]

Bloke u really nailed it on this one korngrats shipmate

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thank you my friend. Once in awhile I get it right : )

[@bigtrev761]

🇦🇺😎👍Nice…. Beautiful firearms 🏁

[@user-gh1wk6xo4m]

I have to say the Model 71 is my pick.

[@ronlafitte6864]

Mike, I love these videos and especially the ones covering lever actions. You have really helped me get my "likes" in order! Thank you, Sir!

[@hamm6035]

I owned a 64 when I was younger, just out of the army, and regret to this day I traded it. You are right elegant is the perfect description.

[@Leverguns50]

Those are some real classic lever actions

[@johannesvanhoek9080]

As always I enjoyed your video. I see that many people are in want of a model 64 and yes they are difficult to find, when I was in the state of Maine about 20 years ago I bought a model 64 made in 1954 and I love it and it is very elegant, once again thank you for the fine video😊. Ps. Some people do not know this but they actually had two models they had a standard model and they had a model that they referred to as the deer rifle and the difference between the two rifles was the deer rifle was A deluxe model which had checkering and I believe a little bit better quality wood, but that I’m not positive of that ! 👍

[@marshallhattaway8034]

Love all you're videos! Shout out from Florida!

[@pauledwards8576]

Great video of a great rifle, thank you. This video reminds me of one of your earliest videos... working that lever action is distinctive, music to my ears.

[@davidharris7687]

You know rifles, but best. You Know Your Hunting Rifles! I have both, but for hunting, and especially where I hunt, Appalachian Mts, shots most always less than 100 but usually inside 50yds, I consider my NRA Centennial, thus basically a Mid 64a, my best all around deer hunting rifle ever made! It's the poor man's Stalking Rifle in every attribute needed, and with the long barrel, half mag, no barrel band, pistol grip, plenty accurate with a receiver sight out to 200yds, and I've proved, shots 1 thru 5, same POI when fired quickly! I've probably already commented in past? but had to commend your review!

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Great post. Everything is right. You're a rich man. Too much money makes people poor. That rifle of yours is tops. Stay safe and keep writing.

[@bosse641]

Gems indeed :-)

[@martinwatters2729]

Great review of these rifle's MIKE. The 73 is one hell of a work of art even tho it had a weak link point in the toggle. For it's time what a rifle and so far ahead of many in it's day .I really LIKE ALL THE MODEL 64'S and think of them as dressed up model 94's.

[@tjhawg]

You have a great collection. Thanks for sharing it with us. The bluing on those rifles is beautiful. I never see those of that age with the bluing still that pristine. You’ve done a great job of maintaining them.

[@brianlee6849]

That is very elegant and beautiful. It reminds me of the Winchester Model 71 which also looks very similar and I've heard several lever action guys say it's their favorite all time the 71 and it's a real heavy hitter great for moose bear any kind of big game you want to go after. I'm not really needing that big of a cartridge so the Model 64 that you have there in a 32 special would be perfect. Thanks 👍

[@johnjuiceshipper4963]

Such a beautiful finish on those receivers, wow.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Superb

[@pseudopetrus]

Thank you for the great videos and Happy New Year!

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

: )

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

That model 64 sure is a beauty. I hope you someday are able to find an original and are able to afford it when you do.

[@rvan5427]

Great presentation as always!!! Still looking for elusive model 64's myself! Happy New Year!!!

[@MegaRiffraff]

👍🏻

[@michaelbarret1147]

My favorite chanel on youtube! many thanks! good sir.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thank you Michael. I am truly humbled. I don't have the best production qualities - sometimes the sound is not the best; sometimes the camera and lighting are off. And to still be accepted and valued : means the world to me. For me - it is an honor to share what I know and to hear back from so many good and like minded people around the world - it is fantastic. I'll keep going!

[@jamestracy9043]

Michael Barret lk

[@jeffreyreardon7487]

I've said this before but, not my area of collecting but I love watching these vids of beautiful sporters

[@Canada-gs3jc]

I love my Miroku Browning BPS, a little heavy but built like a tank. It will last lifetimes.

[@richardbest6588]

Gorgeous firearms! I really enjoy your videos... thanks very much

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thanks Richard!

[@shawnwells5719]

Always considered the Model 71 as the most elegant lever gun. A refined 1886, with a modernized cartridge and stock, built like traditional Winchesters. I never warmed up to the 1894, with all the machinery that drops below the receiver upon actuation. The 1886/1892 is the epitome of Browning's lever designs.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

I know what you mean Shawn. The 71 is fantastic and a big brother to the 64.

[@jasonkoestner4630]

Hey just picked up a pedersoli 1886 sporting rifle in 45-70 26 inch round barrel redesigned action making it stronger and smoother than the original it's also case color hardend amrecan walnut hand sanded and varnished all in letting done by hand I got the last one available in the us if I hadn't got it I would of had to wait at least 6 more months because they only made 500 of that particular gun also no tang safety or rebounding hammer like the Winchester

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Brilliant rifle and glad you acted - and bought - these sell and then are so difficult to find. Stunning colors on them and useful and elegant - just fantastic. Thanks for the note.

[@ianmark5912]

Awesome video! I’ve been loving all the content you’ve been pushing out. You should do a video where you discuss some of your favorite modern bolt action rifles.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thanks Ian - good idea! I'll get them together and do that.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thanks Mark. Will do.

[@c.s.s.8422]

Was literally researching the different Winchester models yesterday...! You are absolutely epic a very professional channel that actually incorporates history and background hard to find amongst all the other tacticool channels, one thing is you should get some sort of light to shine in to that action it comes up very dark in video I was wondering if you could do a video showcasing all the currently available reproductions of the various Winchester lever action rifles, (the 76,92,94 etc. ) I'm looking to buy one but the originals are hard to find or beyond my current budget

[@markhansen8078]

The 1864 wins the elegance contest hands down. IMO there is no real comparison between the 94 and the 64. I would love to find a 64. The 94 that I like is the "sporter" model, which is similar to the 64 rifle. I like the pistol grip and the end caps instead of barrel band and straight stock.

[@fedup3582]

The earlier version had a nicer pistol grip, in my opinion.

[@Canada-gs3jc]

2160p! Someone got a camera for Christmas. Happy New Year! Great video.

[@AlexCausey]

What a wonderful collection of rifles..!

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thank you!

[@RickNethery]

USOG I agree with You Sir, The Model 64 Winchester is an absolutely beautiful rifle. I was unfamiliar with the model designation, but I have seen other rifles like it and I have always liked the way they look. Excellent video.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

I hope you get one Rick - such a fine handling and shooting rifle.

[@ashmerch2558]

Went to the local gun shop today and had a good long conversation about the .35 rem and the 94 Winchesters and Marlin 336's. I thought of you USOG about half way through. Great video again

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thanks Ash. Great rifles/carbines both. Did you buy one?

[@roscoep.coltraine6344]

How bout the 32 spcl.?

[@roscoep.coltraine6344]

How bout the 32 spcl.?

[@barrymantei7795]

I've never owned a 64 or 73 but they both appeal to me more than the 94 I'm looking forward to the Ruger made Marlin

[@Chriskelly19067]

Happy New year!

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thanks! You too. 2018 - going to be a great one.

[@stephenshoobert5930]

at .38 secs when he picks up the first rifle, the trigger wobbles. What's that about?

[@rickbattle5706]

Another great video. Lots of good info. Love lever action rifles. Thanks!

[@killersugar6816]

I inherited my great grandfather’s early model 64, and it’s the only rifle I’ve ever hunted with. I have other rifles, but they just don’t feel the same to shoot.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

That 64 is as good as it gets; maybe the most elegant lever action of all. Your great grandfather chose well!

[@RobertWilliams-ox4hz]

I still haven't owned a Winchester 94. I really need to get my hands on one. I wouldn't mind a 92.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Both excellent. For a first I'd find a 92 in .44 or .357...wonderful shooting.

[@user-qm9wd3pg1t]

I like the carbine, wish i could buy something like it in Iraq, but firearms here are like 10 times the original price, and most are Chinese copies.

[@Nick-wn1xw]

Yes it was a very classy rifle.

[@charlescho7989]

I have an 1866 in 44-40, to me the best looking Winchester ever made.

[@Me2Lancer]

Thank you again. I have a well worn Model 94 Carbine in 30-30 and the Model 92 in better condition chambered in .357/38 Special. They handle great.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

1892 in 38/357 - one of the most shootable of all time.

[@Me2Lancer]

@@UnitedStatesOfGuns Well said. Shooting it comes naturally.

[@australianmade2659]

The 1873 is my all time favourite rifle equal with the Lee Enfield no 1 mk 3.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

The 1873 is rightfully a legend; so slick and natural to shoot; many people don't remember working the lever - the bottles just burst one after another.

[@roeng1368]

Lovely rifles, the lever action never really caught on in europe for some reason.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

You're right; and for no good reason. One of these days they might though, but somehow I doubt it.

[@geraldswain3259]

Great video,you are dead right about better than the original, I've owned several Browning in. 22 semi auto, and the Miroku model is better than the FN models as good as they are. Regards from an old Limey b.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Those Miroku products are superb. I hope they release a Model 64 soon; I was told they will. Thanks for writing Gerald.

[@fedup3582]

I think the 71 is more elegant. The pre 64 is more elegant than the newer model you have there. That newer model pistol grip is definitely lacking compared to the pre 64 model 64.

[@billyshermansguitar8778]

I wonder if sometime you could do a comparison of the Winchester and Marlin lever action rifles. I’ve owned a Marlin 39a 22 lr for many years and have tended to be a Marlin fan. Your opinion wold be appreciated. Thanks for these superb videos. Bill

[@j_k_mark]

I have my grandfather's Model 64 that was manufactured in 1941. Its a great rifle. Unfortunately, it has seen a lot of use and is looking its age.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Joseph - that is okay - the wear I mean; evidence of living the life of a true hunting rifle is always good.

[@duggydo]

I love those lever Winchesters. Probably the best all around/fun guns to shoot ever! Since you are taking requests, do you happen to have any Quigley rifles in the vault? I have wanted to pick up a Sharps rifle to play with ever since I saw Tom Selleck shooting his in the movie! Uberti and Pedersoli have cloned the 1874 in a few versions, but I don't know if the build quality is as good as the old Shiloh Sharps.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

I wish I had a Quigley - been looking for awhile. Great movie. The Italian reproductions are superb - I couldn't say they are worse than Shiloh's versions.

[@aaronwilcox5673]

In my estimation the Winchester 64 and the model 71 are the two most elegant. Both share similiar lines and the shortened magazine tube and pistol grip stock. Still have some of those model 71 rifles but I let my model 64 takedown get away and I feel stupid for not keeping it.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Aaron - makes sense; the 71 is a classic and you're right - about like an 1886 action based 64. Glad you have the 71s - I foolishly sold all mine and now have .348 ammo and bullets and dies etc... very smart of me. Ha.

[@paulmoss7940]

Love those 64's. Always thought the 71 was a beaut but didn't like the caliber..

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Same here.

[@monkeyfist.348]

You don't seem to mention the model 71 very often, any plans on a video for that rifle?

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

I have to find one. Good idea. Thanks.

[@brianlee6849]

I have always loved the looks of the 1873 . Cimarron is offering a 73 in 44 mag. Do you think the 73 action is strong enough for the 44 mag? The 64 is very elegant and probably very useful. Thanks

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Brian - Should be fine - modern steels and the toggle action is not as weak as it may seem. I'd buy one.

[@brianlee6849]

@@UnitedStatesOfGuns Ok cool thanks

[@ivarara]

Are these and most other lever action rifles not descendants of the Henry lever action rifles but the design of the mechanism redesigned or perfected by Browning, but anyway the design is simply genius, specially bearing in mind that in those days the designer only had paper and a pencil and Browning was the gun designer number one.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Ivar - You're right, the Volcanic and the Henry and Spencer were a start, but not until John Browning appeared did the lever action become strong enough and reliable enough to handle modern cartridges and the pressures they generate. Although not the strongest actions of all time, Browning designed practical, attractive, reliable and accurate rifles the likes of which the world had never seen. People say he was a genius and I agree.

[@3ducs]

I think that the internal details of the '73 would have resolved better if the table top weren't white. The white causes the camera to overcompensate, stop down the lens, rendering the dark objects black and indecipherable. I see this all the time on GunBroker ads, one can't see the details of the piece, I pass over those ads.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thank you 3ducs, I wish you were here to help. I know so little; not that I should be so in-the-dark about filming/cameras/sound - I should know better. Just so little time. Anyway, I should do a better job and the changes are not that involved. I appreciate your advice.

[@TBullCajunbreadmaker]

You answered the question about what your idea of the most elegant lever action would be. I guess you think that only Winchester made elegant, functional, and effective lever action rifles, but then maybe you have never handled a Marlin lever action rifle chambered in either the old cowboy pistol cartridges or more modern smokeless rifle cartridges. I have some original models of Winchesters back to the 1873s and forward to more modern rifles also. But I would put Marlin's lever action side eject lever action rifles up against the Winchesters any day. I have found handling both that the Marlins are much smoother actions and they do not tend to have nearly the rate of feeding and extracting problems that the Winchesters have. I have an old saddle carbine in .38/40 caliber and a Winchester in the same caliber and are both about 120+ years old and are both really shooter's rifles. But the Marlin is a much slicker, faster, easier to sight carbine than the Winchester and it's also lighter and more handy. Both are still just as functional and dependable as they were when they were new rifles but they have been worn in and are really fantastic rifles that I still use today. I am not afraid to use old iron and I think rifles were much better put together the older they are. People really took a lot of care and pride in their work back in those days and the companies they worked for also demanded such quality or they would get someone else until they found the right employee. I think that was a big factor in manufacturing that has been lost also.