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We are in the market for a new (gnu) gun. We have a couple 12 gauge shotties and a .22 caliber rifle, but the wife says we need a handgun for protection. She is prepared for pretty much anything already, freeze dried foods, gallons of water, a generator. It might not seem too impressive for a rural home, but we live in the city of Los Angeles. Now we are thinking of a 9mm. Just to keep the zombies at bay. Be prepared is a good motto Boy Scout or not.

You could start a big 'ol argument with that question. Most likely a matter of preference. Though there were a number of fine choices like the Spencer .56, Ballard, Winchester High Wall, Sharps and others, nothing says 'western' like a lever gun. John Browning is credited with the invention of the lever action rifle and variations were produced by Winchester, Marlin and Henry (as well as a few other less notables). The earlier models were produced in revolver calibers enabling a cowboy to match his rifle and revolver ammunition (excepting the Henry and Winchester 66 'Yellowboy' which were chambered for the .44 Henry rimfire). The Winchester '73 may have been the most widely used and respected rifle in the west. It came chambered in such calibers as .32-20, .38-40 and .44-40 but oddly enough never chambered in the venerable .45 Colt. The Winchester 86 was probably the first 'express rifle' and could be had in the powerful .45-70 chambering. The Winchester 92 was basically a scaled down version of the 86 and featured, as with the 86, an extremely strong locking lug reciever. The Winchester 94 was introduced in .32-40 Winchester, .38-55 Winchester, .25-35 Winchester, .30-30 Winchester, and .32 Winchester Special and along with the model 92, was the most widely used lever action rifle in western movies. The .30-30 Winchester is the most popular deer rifle in history. In fact if you were to say "I've got this .30-30..." most folks would just naturally assume it's a Winchester 94. The Model 95 was a lever action but with a 5 round box magazine and was (I believe) the first lever action available in .30-06. My favorites? Well...I own, among others, a Winchester 94 in .30-30. I'm also lucky enough to own one of the few Rossi stainless (imported by Navy Arms for just 1 year) model 92's in .357 Mag. One of my favorites is my Marlin 336CB in .38-55 and with Buffalo Bore rounds it reaches way out to touch something. So... there you have it from my perspective. I guess the best western rifle is the best one for you. By the way, I also own a matched pair of sequentially numbered Ruger old style Vaqueros.

I'd love to have a Winchester 94, but not at the price they are going for today. I have several Marlins, my favorite being an 1894 CB in .357 mag. This is a great fun gun and amazingly accurate. Good for plinking and small game with .38s, and deer with .357 hunting loads. It's more accurate than my .30-30 or .45-70. And it goes with my Ruger .357 Blackhawks, .38 Colt Open Top, or any of my S&W DA revolvers in .38 or .357.

You'll have to be more specific, McLintock. Best rifle when? Pre-Civil War, Post Civil War, Early 1900s, Modern Times, Smokeless or Black powder? Muzzle or Breech loaded?? Single shot or repeater??

Winchester 92 and sequentially numbered Ruger Vaqueros, 5.5" barrell...all shootin .45 colt

Marlin Cowboy Competition 45 long colt

Winchester '73 (but there were lots of other great models too!)

I am not familiar with a winchester revalver??? but i figure a winchester 94 would win the vote. One in any caliber or configuration really, so long as its matched to the job. If we were discussing hunting in the west, I'd choose a scoped, straight shootin bolt gun. Chambered for 308/30-06/300 mag not only for reach on the plains, but for oomph at bears and elk. But as far as western "style" an old marlin, shiloh, or henry wouldnt be far behind the winchester. They all make fine wall decoration, and invoke an adventurous spirit.

I would have to say any winchester revalver since they are still used today. They are light weight and can easily be carried.

Glad to see others that stand by the old 94. For an all round rifle I don't think they can be beat. I just wish I knew someway of weakining the loder tube spring where it would hold more shells. I have a lever action Henry .22 that is almost a perfect match for the 94.

Since the subject line is western guns not cowboy guns I'll say that I'm kinda fond of my 16" Bushmaster H-BAR. Good little rifle for what it is, besides I carried one for many years back when I rode for Uncle Sugar. So it's real familiar and works for me. I also like the Springfield SOCOM 16 and Scout rifle but I don't have one of them...YET.

I also am a fan of ruger six shooters.

I have several in several calibers and love them all.

since I have gotten old and decrepit and have Arthritis in my hands I don't shoot the big caliber ones much any more but still have the 44 mag on the nightstand for insurance.

for long guns I was raised in shotgun country so have an assortment of shotguns.

for rifles i prefer scoped babies that allow me to reach out and touch something. Have a savage 223 for varmits and a 270 for larger stuff.

The Barrett M107CQ 50 Caliber Sniper Rifle

Winchester 94 in 30-30 instead of the 92 or 73 because of the better caliber. I have got a Marlin "Texan" saddle ring carbine in 30-30 that is just probably my new favorite because of it's looks, accuracy, and because it just makes me look so dang man-pretty when I shoot it or carry it.

Ruger sixguns for me all the way too! Vaqueros/ Blackhawks/ and the double action "six" models and Redhawks.

Since pre 64 Winchesters are getting more spendy and folks are holding on to them,the current Marlin 1894 Cowboy's are excellent western rifles. Marlin's have been around for a long time but never achieved the famed status of Winchester. For a saddle gun though the Winchester 94 Trapper is a handy carbine. Mine is in .45 LC.

Winchester model 94 pre "64 vintage. Still had machined receiver, and solid pins vs newer with cast receivers and hollow pins. Great weapon for close brush hunting and fit my scabbard like it was made for it. Light and easy to clean and handle. Rugged and dependable!

Both my dad and my grandpa have a Winchester 94. They're a great little 30-30. Great for hunting in thick brush. They have plenty of knock down power. They also fit quite nicely in your saddle scabbard and they're not big and awkward.

I guess that would be depending on what you want to use it for.

Myself, I have always had a love affair with the Winchester, though there is nothing wrong with the other American made rifles from the old west days.