they have enough in the tube for me ,I can fill my pockets if need be .but I'm country .

 

Agreed. For the stereotypical home defense scenario. I am thinking more towards the bug out scenario, where “something” happens and you need to grab and go, where seconds count and grabbing anything more than just the rifle is out of the question.

Totally hypothetical and unlikely, but just wanted to open up some discussion, since this is the tactical section.

I know tactical is better suited to the AR15 style platform, but to me, levers are more “my style” so adapting one for multiple tasks scenarios is intriguing.

 

If I were an apocalyptic prevention scenario and hypothetically needed to survive by only grabbing my gun to hold off the oncoming Zombies or Federali's I would make sure that the case the gun it is being stored in had boxes of ammo in a side pouch. But if the zombies actually started coming not sure I wouldn't just do myself in at that point and the extra ammo would be unnecessary. Though you could always attach a Crown Royal bag to the lever loop with 20 or 30 rounds in it. No need for over efficiency as at that point in either scenario you'd be hosed anyway, especially with only a lever gun.

 

Go out and find a 1894 (44 mag). Mine holds 10 rounds which is more than enough for any "tactical" situation I expect to be in at my age. I might even duct tape a flashlight to one side of the barrel and a laser on the other side. ;D For a higher capacity have a sling made up like a gun belt. Probably would hold another 20 rounds. Next let's put a nice military looking scope on it. Before you know it your rifle now weighs 15+ pounds.

 

I am 45, been hunting with lever guns my whole life. I love them all. I have killed many many deer and hogs with them. Never needed more than one shot. But...., if something gets serious, and I have to grab and go, AK47. Bullet proof reliable, and holds 30 rounds.

 

As much as I love lever guns I would go with a semiautomatic with high capacity mags if I ever needed more firepower.

 

This! Love the levers, but too slow and not enough ammo for a true SHTF scenario...IMHO!

 

How about this: https://gunstockcover.com/product.s...onid=8D07CB97031DD4F29795FDD94E12CEE5.p3plqscsfapp001?productId=72&categoryId=1

Or this: https://gunstockcover.com/product.s...onid=8D07CB97031DD4F29795FDD94E12CEE5.p3plqscsfapp001?productId=83&categoryId=1

I have one with loops on the cover and the sling, Its heavy when loaded with 44Mag

 

How about this: https://gunstockcover.com/product.s...onid=8D07CB97031DD4F29795FDD94E12CEE5.p3plqscsfapp001?productId=72&categoryId=1

Or this: https://gunstockcover.com/product.s...onid=8D07CB97031DD4F29795FDD94E12CEE5.p3plqscsfapp001?productId=83&categoryId=1

I have one with loops on the cover and the sling, Its heavy when loaded with 44Mag

With both of those mounted on your rifle you could almost carry a 50 round box of WW white box 44 mag.

 

Folks, I appreciate the replies and attention this thread has gotten.

However, I am not trying to start a thread about what is enough nor doomsday scenarios. I am just saying if shotguns which hold similar amounts of ammunition as levers have side saddles, why is it no one has done a side saddle for a lever gun. No one ever argues that you don’t need a side saddle on a defensive shotgun.

As for grabbing an AK or AR if SHTF, understood. But for those of us in communist states, that option is hindered. So, for those of us we have to “run what we brung”.

And this is the tactical lever gun forum, the point of which is to discuss options for lever guns in a “social” context.

I am not some arm chair gun slinger or apocalyptic doomsday thinker, but rather someone who is interested in the history of the lever in its’ purest form as well as any potential modification to the platform to conform to an individual’s needs based upon a given circumstance.

I get it that some want it just the way it is and what has always worked. But that is not the purpose of this thread.

 

Than use a shotgun instead, simply because it makes sense to use one as defensive weapon and using a lever instead does not. Making a side saddle for a lever fixes a problem that doesn't exist. No need to try and fit a round peg into a square hole.

 

Doberman - I don't think it's a bad idea. Not for a "tactical" type lever-action. Why not?

So... approach one of the companies that specializes in that sort of thing. Maybe they can put one in production?

Call it the Doberman Six (or however many it holds). That would be kinda cool.

Regards, Guy

 

Agreed and that is a great idea. Although it should be called the DobermanM700! Who should we contact M700?! Yes, I am serious.

I just think “we” get caught up in TACTICAL and think AR/AK, when millions of capable levers are out there, ready to serve those who need them. Why not increase their abilities or at least have those options for folks who want them?! It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but then again, neither is the AR/AK style rifle.

For many years people would scoff at a scope on a lever. Now, we are seeing lever’s with aim points and rails. Why not breathe new life into an old design. Nothing wrong with keeping it old school, just as there is nothing wrong with improving the versatility of a firearm. Jeff Cooper’s scout rifle is a prime example of an old school rifle design modified to add versatility. Same here.

I own a ruger GSR in 308. It is a jack of all trades type of firearm. I sort of envision the 1894 in the same light. While a great firearm as it is, by having other options for other applications available, it does nothing but extend the “brand” as well as help to keep the rifle current and add versatility. In an appropriate caliber (357 and up), there is nothing holding an 1894 type weapon back from being viewed by the populace as an all around type firearm with a skew towards defense; especially for those who are in restricted areas.

Sure the AR/AK is more purpose built for social situations, but that doesn’t mean other firearms are inadequate. So why not is my question.

So for those who live in restricted areas, the option of having a light, handy, rapid fire, low recoil firearm capable of both defeating soft armor at defensive distances as well as taking small-medium game and serving as a defensive tool while being able to accommodate defensive accessories such as spare ammunition, sounds interesting. Sure you may never need to reload, but having the peace of mind of it being available is not a bad thing.

 

Interesting thread.

I think the primary reason noone makes a side-saddle for lever guns is two-fold:

There is a limited market for them (especially with the many calibers lever action rifles are available in).
Perhaps a solid plate with elastic loops would cover a range of cartridges.
I think there just aren't enough anticipated sales to justify the costs of development, production, inventory, and distribution..

I think putting ammo on the side of the receiver would interfere with the slim design of the lever action rifle. I recently watched a hickok45 video where he made a point of talking about how handy a lever gun is and 'naturally' balances in the hand when you grasp it by the receiver. A sidesaddle would get in the way of that.

 

The levergun "side saddle" does exist in the form of a cartridge belt, bandolier, ammo wallet, sling with loops, or belt slide carrier though not "attached". The "attached" version is the buttstock ammo carrier.To clutter up a weapon is foolish IMO. Grab the gun, ammo carrier and respond. If the response is immediate, in home, a handgun or shotgun is in hand, although all three are accessible.
My shotgun has an additional ammo carrier in the form of an extended magazine.

Papalote

 

"Side-Sadle?"

 

Classic, what a waste ????????????

 

Lever guns were not designed for extensive fire fights.

Andrew

 

Sorry but I have to disagree...the lever gun was the first created that allowed extensive fire fights...see Henry 1860 and Spencer 1860. Before these 2 to 3 shots per minute, after these 20 to 25 shots per minute.
RT4

 

for the person who owns one lever for personal protection, opt for the 45-70. If you need more than 4-5 rounds of 405 gr boolits you are in too deep anyway.

 

Goldilocks should have had an 1895 !!! :biggrin:

 

OP, contact Levergun Leather, one of the business contributors of this site. He'll make whatever you want.

 

Here you go. For the ultimate in tacticool don't forget the brass catcher.

 

hey Kingstrider I knew someone would come through! are those recoil resistant rubber bands or just regular..............

 

Recoil resistant of course. Keep in mind this is only version 1.0 and some zip ties or velcro would really dress it up. Maybe the OP is onto something and I should patent this lol.

 

Does it come as a 20 rounder in black, w/tie wraps. :fisheye:

 

Love the side saddle picture!

I sense a resistance in this forum (the tactical forum nonetheless) to using a lever gun as a tactical (aka: defensive) firearm and modifying said rifle for such purposes. I am not suggesting you bling out a lever and go to war with it. I am simply asking the question why NOT have said accessories available.

Folks, I am a traditionalist but also a realist. Shotguns (tactical ones) carry 5-9 rounds. Similar to lever guns. Yet shotguns have a plethora of accessories which CAN aid in a defensive situation (an ammunition side saddle being one of them). Levers, not so much.

We can sit here and theorize that "X" number of rounds is "good enough". Again, if that is the case then why are AR standard capacity magazines at 30 rounds. There is, in reality, never enough ammunition on hand unless it impedes you from doing what needs to be done.

Lever guns, in reality, were fighting firearms first and foremost (original henry rifle for example). They are a previous century's assault rifle.

So, the natural progression or blending of things leads to this thread and other threads and tactical lever guns and the ability to adapt an older assault rifle design to more modern practices.

Not saying all levers should be tacticool. But having these options makes a ton of sense, especially for those who can not get a non-neutered AR/AK.

There term tactical is overused and is tainted by folks overloading firearms with gadgets, etc. That is not the purpose of this thread nor is it being suggested.


So, let me rephrase it.

What advantage(s) would a side (receiver) mounted ammunition saddle have over a buttstock carrier, belt carrier, sling carrier or bandolier?

Conversely, what would the DISadvantage(s) be for such a device?

What one would make the most "sense" ergonomically for reloading under stress (stress being a two way firing range)?

Thank you

 

Hey doberman

not much resistance here, we just like to have a bit of fun sometimes.

to be honest, I like my lever guns light and nimble to get on target fast. I am not depending on mine for personal protection, just hunting and plinking. Most of my deer are killed within 10-30 yds as I like to pound the ground and not sit in a tree. I don't like slings they get in the way, Scopes make them too heavy and awkward, although I do have some scoped but prefer peeps, I do use leather butt cuffs on some rifles to carry a few extra rounds as I usually hunt with one in the chamber and one in the mag tube. I would imagine adding anything to the lever gun would IMHO cause it to be clunky, and difficult to get on target fast. Plus would put the weight into a category that I would be most likely to carry a semi-auto rifle for that purpose.

I also depend on my xd-45 for personal defense, it holds 13 rounds and I am pretty darn good out to about 30 yds, can you say head shot. So if you want to consider me resistance so be it. I will watch the thread and see what ideas you can come up with but most folks would use other weapons for personal defense, but that is my opinion.

I have seen a new tacticool mossberg 590 with a 30 rd magazine which has sparked my interest as I love shotguns too. I am not much of an ar guy and still do not have any. I guess I am into the one shot one kill and not the spray and pray crowd so I practice all my rifles, shotguns, and pistols to make each and every shot count in case I need them.

 

I don't think everybody is dis-agreeing with you here.
Some of us were just having a laugh at your expense, and
I appreciate you for being a good sport.
Personally,
I myself use a 44 magnum 1894 for home defense.
I have never given all that much thought to the ammount
of ammo I may need. I keep the tube loaded, and a full box
of ammo loose in a leather pouch I can sling around my neck,
and a head lamp...All on the wall over my side of the bed.
Honestly-
I would say a cartridge belt would be the better idea.
Wouldn't take long to put it on, more ammo, and if you have a matching
wheel gun of the same cal, all the better.

 

Navajo
I bet you can top up the tube really quick with thos new lighter weight loading gates from RPP.
RT4

 

Chuck Conners used his trusty 1892 Winchester for home defense in "The Rifleman"!
That opening sequence has 'stuck with me' since I watched reruns of that show as a kid.
It's one reason I love the lever action rifle --- and you can't say "Lever-Action" without the 'Action'!

Yes, I know they aren't ARs, but for distances of less than 150 yards, I think the AR loses some of it's advantage.
The lever action rifle also has it's self-contained (no reliance on detachable magazines) simplicity and compact, streamlined form going for it.
And you CAN get 'em with ghost ring sights and rails (or you can add those later):

 

Chuck Conners used his trusty 1892 Winchester for home defense in "The Rifleman"!
That opening sequence has 'stuck with me' since I watched reruns of that show as a kid.
It's one reason I love the lever action rifle --- and you can't say "Lever-Action" without the 'Action'!

Yes, I know they aren't ARs, but for distances of less than 150 yards, I think the AR loses some of it's advantage.
The lever action rifle also has it's self-contained (no reliance on detachable magazines) simplicity and compact, streamlined form going for it.
And you CAN get 'em with ghost ring sights and rails (or you can add those later):
View attachment 729028 View attachment 729030

Hate to point out the obvious, but your rifle is the perfect platform from which to build a defensive lever gun. Plus it is drop dead beautiful.

The lack of detachable magazines and doodads, to me at least, add to the value of such a weapon for shtf use. Less stuff to lose/break and it doesn't draw too much attention.

The sights are just about perfect on your rifle for defensive use, and the large rail section just swings the door wide open to add a red dot, off set light, etc. all the while remaining compact and sleek.

Yes, you own my dream "do it all" rifle. If in 357/38, cheap plinking all the way up to hunting and defensive uses, plus it is of a classic design and lines, with modern touches that add to versatility (rail and XS sights) and durability (stainless steel and laminate stock). Just amazing. You Sir, have fine taste in firearms.

 

Here's as close as I can get to a side saddle on a levergun ... this is on a Rossi R92 in .44 mag (I have a 336 in 30-30 equipped the same way)

I also have a pic of me "side saddle" on a bareback horse in 1970 during my rodeo days, but I ain't posting that one ...


jd

 

Here's as close as I can get to a side saddle on a levergun ... this is on a Rossi R92 in .44 mag (I have a 336 in 30-30 equipped the same way)

View attachment 729070

I also have a pic of me "side saddle" on a bareback horse in 1970 during my rodeo days, but I ain't posting that one ...


jd

Duplicate post

 

Having only owned my 336 for a few months, and only have a tad over 100 rounds through, so forgive any ignorance. How many rounds would your side-saddle hold? One reload? Two? Where would it be mounted that it doesn't interfere with operation, isn’t obstructing your grip, yet allows for easy access for quick reloading? Seems to be enough real estate on the left side of the receiver, but there goes your easy access. Would hanging it further forward on the barrel or grip mess with accuracy due to the extra weight hanging there?

I kinda like the overall idea. I think it'd be a more stable platform to repeatedly draw rounds from than a sling that can move separate from the gun.

 

Good questions and I suppose the number of rounds would depend on the firearm/caliber (fit to size). Let's say for an 1894 in 357, it may be possible to get a 6 round saddle on there?!

The advantage of the side saddle would be exactly what you pointed out: a more stable platform/method for retrieving extra ammunition than say a sling/bandolier, etc.

As I have pointed out, shotguns are commonly paired with such a device, typically one which is "hard formed" (plastic or metal) and does not become weaker from repeated use.

I sort of envision a bolt-mounted accessory or like with shotguns, they have shotgun "cards" which attach using Velcro. This allows one to carry multiple "cards" and to easily replace the empty card with a fresh, fully loaded one. Of course, I would think a hybrid card would be viable as well. A hard formed card (metal or plastic) with Velcro on the back (plus a patch adhered to the receiver).

Just tossing ideas out for discussion.

 

Proof of concept?

From here: https://www.paragonpride.com/forum/threads/working-on-the-combat-lever-action-again.95/page-3

 

midwayusa has a hunter 738 bandolero .38/357 bandoleer that holds 97rds for $104. If that don't work for you nothing will. HTH

 

This is more of a 'Bear-Zombie Apocalypse' Tactical Lever-Gun in 45-70.
Definitely overkill for home defense in most States, but you get the idea.
(44magnum or 30-30 would also fit the fabric ammo carriers - I'll have to try .357 and see how snug the cartridge loops are.)

Just a few of the many ways to carry extra ammunition:

The buttstock ammo carrier is by 'Unigear' purchased on Amazon:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079GQHWJQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Priced at $10.99, I bought two! Surprisingly, even with the added weight of 12 rounds of 45-70, the rifle feels solid and handy in my hands!

The fabric Ammo wallet has two Molle straps on the back so you could wear it on a belt, or put it on a pack.
Also purchased on Amazon for $10.99: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078DKZH2M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

The MTM Ammo Wallet and the Hunter Cartridge Belt Slide are both from Midway.

Rifle slings that have ammunition loops look good in the movies, but I think the cartridges can snag on stuff so I'm not sold on them.

When I dress up as the Frito-Bandito for Halloween, I'll need two bandoliers.
But until then, I'll pass - the ones I've seen are expensive and they would be very heavy when 'loaded'.

 

This is more of a 'Bear-Zombie Apocalypse' Tactical Lever-Gun in 45-70.
Definitely overkill for home defense in most States, but you get the idea.
(44magnum or 30-30 would also fit the fabric ammo carriers - I'll have to try .357 and see how snug the cartridge loops are.)
View attachment 730783 View attachment 730785
Just a few of the many ways to carry extra ammunition:

The buttstock ammo carrier is by 'Unigear' purchased on Amazon:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079GQHWJQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Priced at $10.99, I bought two! Surprisingly, even with the added weight of 12 rounds of 45-70, the rifle feels solid and handy in my hands!

The fabric Ammo wallet has two Molle straps on the back so you could wear it on a belt, or put it on a pack.
Also purchased on Amazon for $10.99: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078DKZH2M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

The MTM Ammo Wallet and the Hunter Cartridge Belt Slide are both from Midway.

Rifle slings that have ammunition loops look good in the movies, but I think the cartridges can snag on stuff so I'm not sold on them.

When I dress up as the Frito-Bandito for Halloween, I'll need two bandoliers.
But until then, I'll pass - the ones I've seen are expensive and they would be very heavy when 'loaded'.

The buttstock cartridge carrier looks quite similar to the one I have on my GSR. I especially like the zippered pouch (mine has one) on the buttstock carrier. I put my little allen wrenches in there for sight/scope adjustment.

Have you ever tried to emergency reload from the buttstock carrier? To ME, it seems a little bit awkward having to reach back.

Given all that has been seen and discussed on this thread, if/when I get my 1894, I will likely try the same buttstock carrier on it.

Would like to add that is one nice setup you have. A Marlin 45-70 like yours is on the short list (top 3) for me.

Thank you.