Reasons To Like Lever Action Rifles
BY Herschel Smith
So before watching this I have to say a few things.
I don’t think the 9mm is a “wimpier” cartridge than the 10mm. I think they serve different roles and functions, some of which overlap (think Venn diagram). I could say that the 10mm is a wimp compared to my 450 SMC cartridges, and that would be technically correct since I can put 230 grains downrange as fast as a 10mm round, and I’ll take 230 gr. any day.
But that would be missing the point, just like those folks who criticize others for carrying a 9mm gun rather than the “mighty” 10mm gun. I can shoot my 1911 with 450 SMC for a while, but my hand is going to take a pounding. The 450 SMC isn’t for range shooting except for getting good enough with it to defend yourself in the bush from predators. It’s not a good cartridge for anything else, and besides, it’s much more expensive to buy than standard .45 ACP. He’s being cute, but he almost shoots his own argument.
As for the tools that can handle most everything (he’s exaggerating the case again here to make a point), the AR-15 and Glock is of course not the answer, since the 5.56mm/.223 round wouldn’t be the preferred round for deer or hog (or big game), and I don’t happen to like the 22° grip angle of the Glock, and much prefer the 11° for the 1911. John Moses Browning understood ergonomics before anyone else did in the firearms world.
As for his reasons for liking lever action rifles, I agree with all of them. Recall that we’ve had this discussion with Matt Bracken on having a rifle and revolver chambered in the same round.
I would prefer to wait until Henry Repeating Arms comes out with a side gate loader for .357 magnum. I sent a note to Mr. Anthony Imperato and he responded to me that they have things in the works, but won’t announce until the firearms are on the shelves ready to ship. Specifically, “We will expand the H024 Side Gate line, so stay tuned. We will keep you posted. We do not announce new calibers, models, variations etc until they are on the shelf ready to ship.”
I would like to think that rather than getting all twisted about this like some bloggers and gun writers do, i.e., “If you don’t like me and what I like and believe everything I believe you’re just an ignorant poser and have no right to an opinion,” we can be the rainbow coalition of shooters. Like what you like, do what you want to do, carry how you want to carry.
That’s the most libertarian-minded way to be, right?