So, I was raised around lever actions for most hunting applications. My father would use his Marlin 1894 in 357 magnum to take a number of critters, which caused my love for levers to grow from there. Levers and pumps definitely have their place in the world and in my humble opinion have certain benefits (some stated above) over the normal bolt action rifle. For one the ability to chamber the next round is much faster than most can do with a bolt gun.
Now I own quite a few different lever actions that go from mild to wild, in which I would fully consider to be on par with most dangerous game contenders. For example, my 510 Kodiak Express built on a Marlin 1895, can push a 500 grn bullet to about 2150 fps, which is certainly in the realm of taking dangerous game, putting it right along with the 458 win mag and nipping on the heels of the 500 nitro express. There isn't much left out there to be desired when looking at this one.
Now there is an gentleman in Texas, Bailey Bradshaw, that is building exactly what the OP is looking for. He is building a Savage 99 type lever action, that will be chambered in 375 Ruger, 416 Ruger, and 458 Win Mag...of course one has to wonder if he couldn't squeeze a 500 Jeffery on it as well! If I was looking for the best setup for dangerous game, I'd drop Mr. Bradshaw a line and see what all he could offer.
Also, Levergun50 on YouTube might be interesting to take a look at, to see just what these levers can do. Good to see the love for levers/pumps to still be alive and well today!
Now I own quite a few different lever actions that go from mild to wild, in which I would fully consider to be on par with most dangerous game contenders. For example, my 510 Kodiak Express built on a Marlin 1895, can push a 500 grn bullet to about 2150 fps, which is certainly in the realm of taking dangerous game, putting it right along with the 458 win mag and nipping on the heels of the 500 nitro express. There isn't much left out there to be desired when looking at this one.
Now there is an gentleman in Texas, Bailey Bradshaw, that is building exactly what the OP is looking for. He is building a Savage 99 type lever action, that will be chambered in 375 Ruger, 416 Ruger, and 458 Win Mag...of course one has to wonder if he couldn't squeeze a 500 Jeffery on it as well! If I was looking for the best setup for dangerous game, I'd drop Mr. Bradshaw a line and see what all he could offer.
Also, Levergun50 on YouTube might be interesting to take a look at, to see just what these levers can do. Good to see the love for levers/pumps to still be alive and well today!
