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Bryant Ridge's Analysis: Winchester wanted to make the ultimate lever-action, big game hunting rifle, and in the minds of many, they did just that with the Model 71. The 71 was based on the Model 1886's action, but along with a host of new features and small changes, was considered an "improved" version. One of the so-called improvements was a new stock design, already being incorporated on Winchester's Model 65. The Model 71 was also made out of "Winchester Proof Steel", a stronger steel than t …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Winchester Model 1894, also known as the Model 94, is a legendary lever-action repeating rifle designed by John Browning and introduced in 1894. Originally chambered for two black powder cartridges, the .32-40 Winchester and .38-55 Winchester, the Model 1894 made history in 1895 by becoming the first rifle to chamber a smokeless powder round, the .30 WCF (Winchester Center Fire), later known as the iconic .30-30 Winchester. Additionally, the Model 1894 was produced i …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Marlin Model 336 is a lever-action rifle and carbine made by Marlin Firearms. Since its introduction in 1948, it has been offered in a number of different calibers and barrel lengths, but is commonly chambered in .30-30 Winchester or .35 Remington, using a 20- or 24-inch barrel. Currently, the model with a 24-inch barrel is only available in .30-30 Winchester. The Model 336 is currently not in production. An evolution of the Model 36 rifle, the Model 336 is easily di …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: Built in the tradition of one of Marlin’s oldest and most revered lever-action designs, the Model 1894 is an exceptionally elegant carbine chambered for pistol calibers, specifically the powerful 44 Remington Magnum and 44 Special. This chambering provides remarkable knockdown power, making it ideal for a variety of shooting applications. The carbine’s compact, well-balanced size is complemented by a quick-pointing, straight-grip stock design that enhances ha …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Winchester Model 1894 rifle (also known as the Winchester 94 or Model 94) is a lever-action repeating rifle that became one of the most famous and popular hunting rifles of all time. It was designed by John Browning in 1894 and originally chambered to fire two metallic black powder cartridges, the .32-40 Winchester and .38-55 Winchester. It was the first rifle to chamber the smokeless powder round, the .30 WCF (.30 Winchester Center Fire, in time becoming known as th …