Mossberg 464 Lever Action Rifle
Mossberg have released a new lever action rifle, the 464. It comes in a rimfire (.22LR) and a centerfire (.30-30) model.
* Quality queues – Features a button-rifled barrel, recessed muzzle crown, top-tang safety, recoil softening rubber buttpad and a smooth, robust lever-action.
* Special Features – Precision machined receiver provides the 464 Lever-Action with positive lockup for consistent accuracy and long-lived reliability; ejection port developed and positioned specially to ensure proper scope clearance of spent cartridges.
* Drilled & Tapped – Centefire model includes factory drilled and tapped receiver for quick, easy optics installation.
* Capacity – Tubular magazine offers 6+1 capacity (centerfire) and 13+1 capacity (rimfire).
* Every 464 rifle includes a free gun lock and 2- year limited warranty.
The price for the centerfire will be around $473, no price available for the rimfire model.
“Mossberg have released a new level (sic) action rifle,”
Spell check.
thanks.
I’ve never had the opportunity to fire a lever action rifle. What is the advantage of a lever action vs bolt action?
DoubleTapper
DoubleTapper@gmail.com
http://doubletapper.blogspot.com
They are faster to cycle than a standard bolt action. The lever is pushed forward and pulled back rather than a twist up, pull back, push forward, twist down of a bolt.
I am particularly excited about this new rifle and am looking forward to examining it. From what I gather, the 464 is an updated version of John Browning’s calssic Winchester 94. Notable differences include a round rather than square bolt (similar to the Marlin 336) and a “bridge” above the locking block mortise on the rear of the reciever which will make a much steadier perch for mounting a scope or reciever sight. The new rifle should have a real world retail price of around $300 or so, making it very price competitive.
I own one of the last Winchester 94’s made, circa 2003. It has accounted for several deer and is a good working hunting rifle. However the wood to metal fit and the looseness of the parts inside the reciever is clearly substandard and is a constant reminder that the rifle was built to fulfill a low price point. I am planning to get the rifle restocked soon which means I should have spent extra money on one of the better models in the first place. If Mossberg can produce this rifle with the good fit and finish that we used to expect from Winchester then it will be a winner.
FergusonTO35, if you get a chance to handle one please let us know how it compares to your 94.
Another advantage is that you can “top up” the magazine while the rifle is on your shoulder in a ready condition through the loading port on the side plate. A lever action is also much easier to shoot and cycle from a horse, although that is rarely needed these days. They are also much better than a bolt action for follow up shots on moving targets, and less susceptible to “short-stroking” than a pump action.
There are some disadvantages which prevented lever actions from being adapted as military arms. Firstly, they aren’t as robust as bolt actions and can’t be easily field stripped. They are must more vulnerable to dirt and abuse and can’t take sustained firing for long periods without tightening the screws every 50-100 rounds. They having more moving parts, some of them quite delicate. As rounds move down the magazine tube, the balance changes and so does the sight zero (slightly). Also, they are not very adaptable to fire from a prone position. The travel of the lever forces the firer to lift the gun and his head up a few inches while ejecting and cycling.
Marc-
You are right on all points, the levergun is great for a hunter and is also dandy for home protection for all the reasons you mention. I own a Marlin 1894 (357 magnum), Marlin 1895 (45-70 Gov’t), and Winchester 94 (30-30 ) and love ‘em. There is one key difference between the 94 and the Marlins I think I should mention. You can top off the magazine of the Marlins any time you like, but the magazine of the Winchester 94 will not accept more shells after the last one has been pushed completely into the magazine. This is because once a shell is pushed completely through the loading gate on the 94, pressure from the magazine spring pushes it behind the gate onto the cartridge lifter, blocking more shells from being inserted until there are no more in the magazine. The Marlins have a small metal “finger” in front of the loading gate which keeps the shells all the way inside the magazine tube until the action is cycled. I wonder how the new Mossberg deals with this, if it can accept more shells in a partially filled magazine?
Happy shooting, Lance.
Sorry for the basic ? here, but I’m a newbie AND a lefty…Is there a model that ejects on the left side?
I have not heard of a left model. Try calling or emailing mossberg.
I own a Marlin 336 and can say I do like it better than the model 94 I owned prior to selling it in 2006…with one exception, the model 94 was more accurate then the 336, at least initailly. Since I’ve gotten the 336 broken-in with a couple hundred rounds it seems to shoot groups just as well as my model 94 used to…about 2.5 inches at 115 yeards on a three shot group from a cold barrel (on my own slice of BLM range out here in New Mexico). The Marlin weighs a little more and just has a better feel to it than the thin, and very fast-handling 94. My 94 also required a side mounted scope, so I just used a peep sight on it until I sold it…and I suspect that’s one reason why the groups were a little large…my Marlin 336 now shoots 1.5 inch groups from sandbags at the same distance with a 4x scope. I think I’ll buy a Mossberg 464 and see how the button rifled barrel does with the LeverEvolution loads from Hornady…both with the iron sights and a 2-7x scope I have my eye on.
I saw and handled my first Mossie 464 at L.L. Cote’s in Errol, NH today. I was honestly surprised to see one in stock (actually, they had at least two there, possibly more…they had them scattered all over the store for no apparent reason -_-) so soon after the rifle was announced; I haven’t seen one in any of the other local stores yet. The fit and finish of the gun seems to be pretty good, definitely a cut above the the late, lamented “Wal-Martized” Winchester 94s and not too far off the Marlin rifles. Bluing quality seems to be excellent, and the wood-metal fit is quite good also (I did note a slight space gap on the left-hand side where the pistol grip portion of the stock meets the action). The stock itself looks just like pictures show-for once-reddish colored, with minimal figure and straight graining. There was no checkering on any part of the stock, and it was capped off with a well-fitted red rubber butt pad. The sights provide a precise aiming picture, but the rear was set too high on this one; cheek weld was poor using it correctly, but it has a good amount of elevation adjustment, so sliding it down would be no problem. The front sight is a very nice brass bead. With the rear sight folded down, it would probably work very well with an aperture/peep rear of some sort. The trigger pull won’t win any awards I’m sure, but was crisp and relatively smooth if not altogether light. It reminded me of the trigger action found on the Stevens 200 and H&R Handi Rifle-not spectacular, but good enough. Perhaps, like those rifles, the Mossberg’s trigger can be made better with a bit of home tuning. The action of the rifle seems to be a dead copy of the ‘94; relatively short and fast, but very stiff and hard on the operating hand. It is definitely rougher and heavier than that of a comparable Marlin, and cannot compare in any way to the buttery smoothness of Henry rifle. Still, it works, and with a little use and some Gunslick, should smooth up well enough. The safety is relatively unimpressive as well. As there is no half-cock, the sliding tang bar is all you have. It is neither smooth nor quite to operate, but it is not automatic in any way thank heavens. It is readily put on “Safe” with a quick pull of the firing thumb to the rear, but required almost half the length of said thumb and a good push to get to the forward “Fire” position. Again, a bit of use might help that somewhat. One last note; I could not tell if the barrel band was synthetic or metal, but I would guess the latter. It is finished in a matte style manner at any rate and seemed quite solid. The current MSRP on the 464 is $473; the dealer wanted $399 for his. If one could be had in the $350 range, I think it would be a good value. Still, it faces strong competition from the Marlin 336 line at that price, and I don’t see anything about it to warrant a higher price than that. Early reports seem to indicate it shoots well, so, with any luck, Mossberg will sell a bunch of ‘em. I hope they do personally. I may look into one myself if I can find one for the right price; have to comparison shop with the Marlins first
Hi Nate, thanks very much for your review!
You’re welcome Steve. I humbly apologize for the length of my post and the ramblings therein lol. Hopefully, my info has provided a little more insight into the basics of this neat rifle; it is obviously not perfect, but I think it has potential. My biggest grip is that damn tang safety…it’s such a b*tch to operate, at least ‘as new’ and it would be entirely unnecessary if they just used a good old half-cock device, like everything used to (and Henry rifles still do). I was hoping the action would be smoother out of the box, but I was not honestly expecting it to be better than a ‘94. Ferguson brought up an interesting point regarding the ‘topping-off’ capabilities of Marlin and Winchester rifles; I honestly did not know there was a difference. It does make me wonder how the Mossberg works in this regard. If I get the chance to try one, I’ll make a note to check it out. My bet right now is that, given how similar most other aspects of the 464 are to the ‘94, it’ll operate very similarly, if not 100% the same.
Kind Regards,
~Nate~
Thanks Nate for sharing your observations concerning Mossberg’s new 30-30 Lever Action rifle. I was not turned off by your observations by any means. As a matter of fact as soon as I get my “bank together” I’ll purchase one. I’m a Lever Action enthusiast and make good use of my Henry 22 mag. Although I really like Henry’s ultra smooth action their 30-30 Lever Action is priced above me and is on the hefty side. I like the idea of a “modern 94″ in a 30-30. I can adjust to the tang safety and don’t have a problem breaking-in my rifle. To me perfection is being able to bag game out to 100-150 yards with one shot. In order to stay honed in on that level or any level of perfection one has to practice. I’m keen on Mossberg’s new approach to the Lever Action itself. It appears to me that their action is an improvement. Okay, so much for theory. When I make the purchase and enter into the final degree of certainty i.e., actually handling and shooting the weapon I’d be more than happy to write about my findings here.
Im looking into buying a 30-30 lever action rifle but i dont really know what my best bet would be with the model 94 or the Mossberg 464?? I was wondering if anyone can help point me into the right direction??
Thanks
SugarBear
Well…I was able to purchase a Mossberg 464 .30-30 lever action this week end. Of all the gun stores within a three states reach, which is on my beaten path Gander Mountain was the only one who had one in stock. I paid a dealer price of $399 plus tax and I wasn’t unhappy about it. From my visual “look see” of this rifle I consider it to be a “plain Jane” that will turn heads only because it looks like a Winchester 94. The fit-up between wood-to-metal and metal-to-metal was tight. This “plan Jane” is light in weight (6.7 lbs) and handles nicely. I hope to zero it in this coming week end but I’ve been working the action and I gotta tell yeah…it is strong…puts me in the mind of a bolt action. I’m trying to reserve further judgment until we come together with some range time. That’s my impression thus far.
how maney bullets does Mossberg 464 Lever Action Rifle hold?
Dylan,
* Capacity – Tubular magazine offers 6+1 capacity (centerfire) and 13+1 capacity (rimfire).
Does anyone have an answer to the “topping off” comments made earlier?
I bought a Marlin 336 before Remington bought Marlin, and the price was still $347 at Wal-Mart (last year). I also own an old Marlin Mountie 39A lever action 22. One of the best reasons to own a Marlin is the safety of the half-cock, which holds the hammer away from the firing pin. Very reassuring, especially in the thicket on a hog hunt. You’re also less likely to get your keester shot off, if you accidently drop it from your tree stand with the safety off. The old 39A does not have an additional safety, although the 336 has a button safety on the receiver, and it is easy and fast to use. Marlin has enough history that it has a big aftermarket, and lots of upgrades (stocks, sights, levers, etc.) are available. Field stripping is done by removing the lever screw and sliding the bolt out of the receiver..again, fast and easy. For the relatively small difference in price, I’d stay with the 336. If you want good hunting accuracy, shoot up the factory rounds at the range, keep the brass, and reload them yourself. Good hunting!
Visited a gun store, small town type, with my economic stimulus money hot in hand.
Focused on two levers…one a 1974 Win 94, the other the new Mossie.
Difference of $30…and the world.
I hope the Mossie owners enjoy their rifles. I think it is a nicely-done rifle.
I bought the 1974 Winchester. Thirty four years is nothing to that rifle.
YMMV.
Be safe.
Kis
Say what you will, opinions vary. Personalize your gun, should be as comfortable as your favorite hat, or lazy boy. I cannot stand Marlin rifles, I’ve had em all, shot most everything outhere with retired servicemen as grandparents on both sides, lol, I shot alot. For a fast action, comfortable shooting, and damn accurate I give the 464 an A. I used one this year and took down an elk w/ no problem at 147yds.
I just purchased a new Mossberg model 464 and it seems like I’ve had it for years. It’s that comfortable out of the box! Every American should have a 30-30 lever action rifle to call his or her own. This gun is accurate with the iron sights and the white diamond rear sight is very visible even in low light. The lever action is smooth as glass. The craftsmanship is superb. It looks great, feels great and shoots great! It’s iconic appearance looks much better than it’s Marlin counterpart in my opinion. I can’t keep my eyes off of it! You should go get one for yourself. You’ll be completely satisfied!
That dang tang safety, it is a down turn to this rifle. it should be redesigned in 2009 to have a half cock to it, for safety reasons. Also, this gun seems to prefer 170gr. ammo. I broke my weapon in using factory ammo, then used Hornadys Evolution with superb results.
Please excuse my ignorance as, though I love, firearms, I am in no way a tech-ie or mechanically inclined. But – re: topping off, as this is a “6+1,” doesn’t that indicate you would load 6, cycle 1 into the chamber and then load one more for the total of seven? And if that is possible, doesn’t it follow that you could add to a partially loaded gun at any point?
I am ashamed to admit that I type this having already purchased the gun but have yet to fire it!
Can anyone comment on the best ammo for the Mossberg 464?
This is what I was thinking:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0024241215342a&_requestid=115192
Thanks
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your review. Picked up the 464 30-30 from my local dealer. Your assessment seems right on the mark. Seems reasonably solid, good metal to wood fit. I personally have no problem with the safety. Still, the half-cock is probably a good idea. I have large hands and better than average dexterity. Trigger could be tweaked a little. Worked well with remington 170g with the open sight. Haven’t gotten a scope yet. I don’t think the rifle will win any awards, but it seems to be a decent basic firearm. Time will tell.
Haven’t tried the top-off. Will try it next time.
Chris
Gentlemen:
I’ve followed this thread throughout the year. Thanks for your collective insights. Excellent thread.
Anyone have comments on the .308 Marlin Express? Is this caliber capable of stopping bear? I like the reach and smaller caliber. Can you all comment on shoulder impact for the various calibers you’ve mentioned?
Much Obliged,
doccrow
I bought the Mossberg 464 in Oct 2008, it had manufacturing issues such as failure to eject. I sent the POS back to the dealer, beware when buying, its to bad that Mossberg has gone to heck, I left several messages on the Techline and never got a call back,
I will pay the price and get a real 30-30, nobody needs a Mossberg that wont eject and feed another round when a deer is in the sight picture, it may be good for plinking but it is not a deer rifle, btw I used the Hornady LeverAction 30-30 round, the round that American Rifleman said was made or designed for the Mossberg 464
Correction on ammo for my post, it is “LeveRevolution” not LeverAction as I stated above, and in all fairness to Mossberg, the 464 is very accurate, despite the shortcomings my 464 30-30 had.
MarkS
Purchased the Mossberg 464 recently after heavy research and sampling. The professional reviews are on the mark “..an updated classic”. you can also see their accuracy reports, which are excellent (and much better than I can produce). Great lines and feel, with real improvements to lever action function. Nice shooting, and the lever action improving as I break it in. It’s a timeless rifle begun by Winchester and brought back to life by Mossberg…thanks Mossberg! All you Winchester and Marlin die hards should not overlook this one.
Don’t have the dough for a new 30-30 levergun right now, was considering the Mossberg, but I think I would like the Marlin better. I’ve been using a 1905 Winchester 94 deluxe with a 26-inch octagon (marked 1 of 1000), since it was handed to me by my grandfather in 1962. It has a nice checkering job and a Lyman receiver sight. No, it’s not for sale at any price!I’ve just haven’t found another one that shoots as well as it does.
Are there peep sights available for this rifle?Any help would be appreciated.
just purchased the 464 wanted a rifle with no scope for the woods.Could only fire it at a 100 yards range. The first shot was at 6′0clock in the bottom of the black. Being satisfied with that and not wanting to waste ammo i left it at that and will get over to a 50 yard range and work with it till it zero’s at 50 yards. As far as the action i recommend a dremel buffing wheel to smoth out the curved bottom of the back of the bolt as it was sticking when it comes into contact with the top of the block. You can also smooth out the top of the block to allow for a smother contact with the curved surface face of the bolt and a much smoother action.
I’ve owned a 464 30-30 since early Dec and really love to shoot this rifle. Action is smooth; some people have reported it to be stiff but that hasn’t been my experience. To those who have been asking about the possibility of topping off the 464 (like a Marlin): ssorry, but it loads like a 94 (last round is pushed past the loading plate by the spring) so it needs to be emptied before you can reload. To the other person who asked about “6+1″ that means loading a round in the chamber manually and then loading the magazine (no topping off). I also own a 94 carbine in 32WS (1927) and I like the action of the 464 better.
Second time out with the 454 today…liking it more and more.
On the top-off question…I was able to top it off without a hitch. Loaded 4 in the magazine, chambered and fired once, and with a little push on the loading plate, was able to load another round. Didn’t seem like a fluke. I tried this out today because of this thread.
As far as overall lever-gun comparisons, I think Stan on Oct 28th said it all…about what feels right for you. Some like the Win 94 light feel, others prefer the Marlin substance, and some love the Henry “butterness”. I guess nothing replaces familiarity and feel for ultimate performace.
I bought the new 464 and loved it at first. after the 1st 5 rounds the gun began to jam about 80 % of the time. BUMMER. it still jammed until I sent it back to mossberg via the repair center in Texas. I have not gotten it back yet. Mossie said the had had several others do this even with different ammo than I was trying.
HOPEFUL—Larry
Probably the main reason why lever action rifles have not been adapted for modern military usage is their single-shot design. Add to that, the fact that you can’t use ballistic bullets in a tubular magazine (not more than once, anyway) without risking a chain reaction explosion of your rounds. Read your manual and always use the recommended ammo.
However, the 30-30 round itself is so versatile, that the Ruskies copied it, in a rimless version, for their 7.62×39 AK round. For that matter, they did the same thing with the 7.62×54, copying it from the 30-06. Regardless of your rifle choice (Winchester, Marlin, or Mossberg), you have a tack-driver in your hands, if you practice with it and get to know it well.
The classics get that way for a reason.
JoelM,
The russkie 7.62×54r actually predates our 30.06 by about 15 years. The Russians introduced that round in 1891 and of course we introduced the 30.06 in 1906. Both are classic’s and will do anything you need of them in North America.
saw 464 at local sporting goods store. looked good,but im hopeing they make a 45 long colt version soon.
I bought a 464 right after they were availible, I have about 100 rounds through it, I put a 3×9 scope on it. I had just purchased a Winchester 94 before they quit production, what a piece of shit. I tried to mount a scope on it, if you placed the scope on the rear mount it would not even touch on the front mount. It was full of cast parts and rattled like a baby rattle. I thought I’d like to have one of the last ones built, Hell no, that piece of crap, last Winchester I will ever buy. This Mossberg is twice the gun the new 94 was. Damn shame. Oh and you can top off the mag anytime, I just did it to make sure.
I recently purchased a 464 and am so far tickled pink by it’s simplicity and design. It will be used as my deer and close range bear rifle this season here in Oregon and will fit amongst my favorite bolt action magnums quite nicely in my gun safe. It’s accuracy is quite good for a lever action and it’s sights allow for quick target acquisition. One thing that especially impresses me is the quality of the stock. The wood is shaped quite well and has a great durable finish to it. Bluing is top notch as well and appears to be perfect. I only have 2 issues with this rifle. The first is on the top receiver near the ejector port. There are obvious marks from the milling process. This will not effect the rifle’s performance but does effect appearance. The other issue is the lever is quite stiff and requires extra strength to operate. Otherwise this is a top drawer rifle that I would recommend to the beginner or veteran hunter or shooter.
I just bought it last month, tested on shooting range for 100 rounds
The first 3 rounds went to lala land, but the 4th one hit the target at 50 yards and grouped 2-3in in bull eye, very accurate compare to my marlin336.
I second to all the comments here.
Quality is better than my Winchester94
Accurate than my marlin336
One thing I don’t like is the safety tang, my thunb wrapped on top, the first shot’s recoil scratched my thumb’s skin.
Thanks for your inputs that made me purchase a very nice rifle to add into my lever action collection
Regards
Quinlan
i had bought the mossberg 464 brand new with scope mounts for 403 out the door took it to the range fired winchester 150gr hp at 100 yds almost put three in the same hole all touched very impressed with this rifle i also have win m94 i used to love this rifle till i shot the 464 only problem i have with it is if you rapid feed my shells hang up in chamber slide i think it just needs a few more rounds through it to wear down a bit over all i have to give this gun a 9 of 10 i highly recomend it accurate smooth lighter than the m94
I’ve been going back and forth over whether to get the mossberg at about $425.00 or the marlin for is a bit more. The cost is not the issue, I hate buying a “name”. Seems like both both guns have thier good points and bad, like everything else. I like comments from regular shooters, no commercial hype. Stay safe all.
I can only speak as a Marlin 30-30 owner. I grew up shooting an old Marlin 39A .22 lever action, and still have it. I can tell you that their 30-30 is rugged, reliable and accurate, good looking and easy to clean. I’m sure that the same things can be said about the Mossberg. The real test is when you shoulder a rifle, and see which feels better to you, because everyone is different. Later, you may decide to customize your rifle (many people do) with a new stock, etc. Now is the time, before you buy, to see what is available for your rifle from aftermarket suppliers. The old Marlin 30-30 has been around long enough that you can find lots of choices. Also, check places like Numrich online to see if common repair parts are available from their schematics. Aftermarket suppliers take a “wait and see” approach before they commit money to inventory. If they feel that Mossberg will keep this model in production, they will want to profit from that. Regardless though, if the Mossberg has the feel and balance that you like best, and for less bucks to boot, then you may want to take it home and just enjoy it. It sure is a fine looking rifle.
I Bought a 464 from Bass Pro Shop two weeks ago. I love the feal of the little rifle and the way it handles.The only problem I am having is it will hang up 8 out of 10 times working the action , the bullet will jame up going into the barrel I am using the standard flat noise bullets in 150 grain. It will hang up up every time if you work the action fast . You have to work the action very slow to get it to work 8 out of 10 times.It is hunting season now and Bass Pro says I will have to send it to Mossburg for repairs. This is very up setting to me.
All rifles, and pistols for that matter, have preferences in ammo. Have you tried Remington Core-Lokt round nose? It seems to be the best all-around for smooth cycling and for stopping game. It also has good accuracy. I use it and reload the brass with more of the same bullets. A good gunsmith can buff out the feed ramp for you also, and that way you don’t lose a season of deer hunting.
What is the difference between the Mossberg 454 and the 464?
I just bought a 464, and am thinking about taking it back. loading cartridges (flat nose 15o g federal) jam on the way in, and the second cartridge cannot push the first in. you have to push the second against the gate spring to get the first to slide. the cases show heavy scratches, and the nose shows dents. i do not see how it will ever be an easy one hand operation.
then, cycling 6 shells, sometimes the shell catches before it is lifted to the chamber and the lever locks. i dont know what to make of it.
also, you can wiggle the lever and trigger from side to side, maybe a 1/16 of an inch, way more than i would expect from good machining. this is with the lever in the closed position, and it is the lever mechanism, not just the lever, moving.
sometimes the lever catches in the first quarter of the cycle, both coming and going. it is a hard halt, you have to wiggle it to get it moving.
acquired mossberg 464 at wally world, 350. i expected to leave the store in handcuffs, the female sales staff was so alarmed by selling a RIFLE omg.
action was balky and loose. dry cycled 6 rounds several times.. has to be done quickly and smoothly or it will hang up at 1/4 swing or just before the shell lines up with the chamber, jamming in the loader.
fit and finish seem ok.
one alarming outcome, there were several shells with tiny dimples in the primer.
from banging the bolt home, i am sure, safety was on. and i put the hammer down manually every time.
the instruction book makes you want to puke, fully half the verbaige is lawyer written warnings they might as well instruct, bang 30 caliber steel plugs in both ends of the barrel before touching the trigger.
sighting down the barrel, the iron sights look good. I need the weaver 48107 #403 mounts to put on my scope. shells dribble out to the right, wont likely impinge the scope.
not going to take it back, just learn to deal with it…the PC gang wont let me buy another, i am sure
Have model 464.
The lever hangs up when cocked fast making impossible to chamber a round quickly.
Having fired a few rounds, i am feeling better about the 464. the factory iron sights were maybe a foot high at 100 feet, but centered left and right. I removed the sighting leaf , turned it over for the u shape, and lowered it a bit. I also dabbed some white paint on the front sight so i could see it better.
the action did not hang up but i was careful to smoothly lever it.
a friend who had used another model 3030 hunting pointed out many injuries from dropping the gun over the fence.. hence the squeeze lever then trigger safety, which i found annoying, but maybe acceptable.