Marlin Trapper 45-70. A classic reborn. $1349

Anyone who digs leverguns will be salivating over Ruger's new Marlin Trapper in 45-70. Not only is this arguably America's most venerable cartridge but a 16" barrel is the golden mean for a carbine for all seasons and eventualities. I know people love their black rifles but lever action rifles make me weak at the knees. Personally I don't need 30 rounds for anything nor can I afford to shoot that much of the currently overpriced ammunition available in local gun stores. Shooting for me is about pleasure: a lazy summer afternoon at the range with friends, a few tin cans, a box of bullets and a little competitiveness compelling the worst shot to spring for a round of beers later on. Maybe it's my age, but I don't need to imagine stressful combat scenarios and race to engage multiple silhouette targets to prove my tactical aptitude. Besides, in any such real-life scenario I'd probably opt for evasion, ducking and diving to get to cover rather than risk catching stray lead. No. Shooting for me is catharsis. Breathing deep. Making the best shot I can. Slow and steady. And this is where the Marlin leverguns shine especially now Sturm Ruger has introduced their cold-hammer forged barrels with ballard rifling and Skinner sights. Their improved manufacturing processes aim to create tight tolerances, resulting in a reliable, attractive longarm. Multi-layered quality control procedures, including daily function and accuracy audits plus multiple inspections, have resulted in a high-quality product. However, all these improvements come at a price - nevertheless if you were to take a previous generation Remington built Marlin for $700 and customize it as per the specs on the above-pictured Ruger-built Trapper, you'd end up at a comparable cost, so in fact it's a good deal considering you save yourself the headache of finding a competent gunsmith and all the time he'll assuredly take to complete the work. The issue will undoubtedly be availability: levergun fans are fond of Trapper length rifles so I'm certain you'll be hard-pushed to find this puppy at your local FFL anytime soon. Meantime, click here for some drool time: WEBSITE.