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Mossberg Model 464 is a great example of a lever action rifle that can be used as a home defense rifle.
We prepare for the worst case scenario when things go sour. Part of the preparation includes grabbing your gun and then following the home-defense plan you have created. These guns are typically modern striker-fired pistols or high-tech AR rifles or tactical shotguns. These are all great options, but there are many other options. The Mossberg lever-action Model 464 is one example.
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The Mossberg Model 464 Lever Action Rifle
The classic lever-action rifle is a topic that has been brought up many times in discussions. I can tell you that a well-trained lever gun can be a great blaster to protect you and your loved ones. These rifles have been around for a long time.
I won’t pretend that the lever gun in this role is superior. It is outclassed by most pistols and ARs in magazine capacity. Despite this, the gun still has its merits, especially in terms of price. The Mossberg 464 Lever Action rifle is available in the $380 range. This makes it an affordable weapon. People like to believe that price shouldn’t affect your weapon selection, but this is absurd. Budgets are important.
The gun is priced at a reasonable price but has a decent capacity. It is comparable or better than most revolvers and shotguns. Most guns have a capacity of 6+1 when chambered with rifle calibers. Guns like the Rossi Model 92 that are chambered using.38 Special/.357 Magnum can hold 10+1. Lastly, and this is a big surprise to free America, some states have banned AR-15s as they are known. A lever gun might be an option for those who are stuck in communist strongholds.
Penetration
Perception is the most common question regarding the use of a lever gun for personal-protection purposes. Many lever-action rifles can be chambered in the.30-30 standard, which was introduced by Winchester with their Model 1894. This round has been very popular and has killed more deer in winter. It does have some mojo, however, as it launches at approximately 2,400 feet per second (fps), and dumps more than 2,000 feet-pounds of muzzle energy.
Perception is the first concern with the use a lever gun for personal protection. It may be too much depending on where you are, what your application is, and what your structure is. This is one of many great things about lever guns. You can chamber them in a variety calibers including.38 Special/.357 Magnum and.44 Special. Lever guns were among the first pistol-caliber carbines.
You’ve probably seen cowboy action shooters with lever guns run, and you know how fast they can go. We must also acknowledge that they have spent a lot of time perfecting their skills. There is no reason why anyone shouldn’t be able to learn how to use a lever gun quickly and effectively. Let’s take a look at some tips to help you get your gun firing.
Fundamentals
The same principles of rifle shooting apply to ARs as they do to lever guns. To reduce recoil, the rifle should be firmly seated in your shoulder. A cheekweld is also important. This weld should be used throughout the shooting process, even while you are working the lever. This will help you stay focused on the target and your sights.
Another important aspect is how you grip the rifle’s forend. You must hold the rifle tightly and drive it back into your shoulder. Forend hold is the most important component of grip. Next is the lever action. It is important to not be gentle with it. I once heard a retired major special forces sergeant say to me: “Put some violence onto that gun.”
Too timid when operating the action can cause malfunctions and short-stroking. Your shooting hand should be pointing down, allowing the lever to arc. Then let your trigger finger run parallel with the rifle. This will make it easier to pull the trigger quickly. To ensure that you don’t snatch the barrel down, always pull the trigger smoothly. The lever gun can be transformed from a fun range plinker to a devastating threat terminator when all these techniques are combined.
Running The Mossberg Lever Action Model 464
I decided to test my established principles by going to the range. I would test the Mossberg 464 chambered with the legendary.30-30. This round would run well in pistol calibers. The Mossberg 464 lever action rifle features a precision-machined receiver with a conveniently positioned ejection point for clear sighting when using optics. It also has a top-tang safety, blued 20 inch barrels, and a choice of three-dot adjustable fibre-optic or adjustable rifle sights.
The Mossberg 464 is lightweight and easy to use. I would create a speed range that would simulate multiple attackers at close ranges. Because we were discussing rifle rounds made of steel, I allowed myself to travel a bit further to ensure safety. This would increase my accuracy with the classic cowboy gun. I loaded the gun, and the buzzer was set to go.
Hot Range
On the beep, the rifle was brought to bear on target number 1. I moved from left-to-right on the range. Two shots and two hits. I was still on the move and engaged the second target approximately 4 feet to my left and 5 yards closer. It was easy, and the steel rang like an alarm.
I changed my direction and moved towards the third target. I then delivered two center-mass shots. I took a headshot and snapped the rifle up to simulate a failure. As the targets were cleared, the head plate was ripped off. The key to engaging quickly, accurately, and quickly was to not drop the rifle. I was already given the green light to engage because there were multiple attackers in the scenario. I watched each hit through the front sight. I also ran the action with serious intent. I never had feed problems. Although I am not a professional Cowboy Action shooter I sure gave my steel bad guys hell. As John Wayne images flashed through my mind, I found myself smiling at the end.
Training considerations
Although it is important to practice with your lever gun at the range, professional training in the handling of your rifle in a home setting is also necessary. A qualified instructor will teach you how to exit rooms, maneuver around corners, and open doors while you are armed. If necessary, the instructor will help you create a plan of attack.
You can practice with an empty chamber and you will be able to maneuver your home well with a lever-action. It is better to take a defensive position and call police. This position has many benefits. You will need to find the best route to move around your house. The best route may not be the shortest. Your instructor will help you to find the best route. You can use your lever gun in a shoothouse at many training facilities across the country. You should take the chance if you get it. There is nothing like the feeling of moving from one room to another indoors with a rifle.
There are many choices
A lever gun chambered with.357 Magnum is my personal recommendation. This gun will launch a tested round and give you slightly more magazine storage. For practice rounds, you can also use the.38 Special. This makes it a bit easier on your wallet. It all comes down to shot placement. An attacker will be alerted if a.30-30 bullet hits a non-critical spot, but it won’t stop him. This is true for all calibers. I will nag you once more to get professional training. It can make the difference between life or death.
The history of the lever gun is long and rich. In 1848, the first patent was granted and several companies were already making decent guns. In 1883, John M. Browning, a great gunsmith and inventor, began a working relationship to Winchester. A legend was born during that time.
The Model 1894, America’s best-selling rifle, was undoubtedly the Browning-designed Winchester. These guns would be cultural icons in America and become part of American history. It is not surprising that many shooters are drawn to lever-action rifles. A lever gun may be the right weapon for your home defense. You just need to be able to shoot it correctly. Mossberg.com has more information.
Mossberg Model 464 Lever-Action Rifle Specs
Caliber:.30-30 WinBarrel 20 Inches
OA Length: 38.5 inches
Weight: 6.75 pounds (empty)
Stock: Walnut (pistol grasp)
Sights: Adjustable rear, bead front
Action: Lever
Finish: Blued
Capacity: 6+1
MSRP $610
This article was originally published by Personal Defense World in the Aug/Sept 2021 issue. Subscription is available in print and digital editions at OutdoorGroupStore.com. Call 1-800-284-5668 or email [email protected]
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