Anyone have suggestions, I've never owned one but interested in getting one probably not hunting but western style for targets

I suggest the new Ruger Marlin model 1894 in 38 Spl/357 mag.

Win model 94- time tested. The marlin knockoff is good too.

I have a pre safety marlin in 357 mag and enjoy it. I also have a 1979 39a marlin that's fun. No idea on any of the quality in the new models.

I’m a BLR fan. I have a .300 WSM and a .308. My son has five of them. My two are at a gunsmith now, I’m finally getting the triggers cut to three pounds.

I agree the new Ruger/Marlin in 38/357 would be a good option unless you already shoot 45lc or 44mag

https://www.marlinfirearms.com/s/model_70410/

the Winchesters and Marlins started going for crazy money

if you were into hunting with it then something heavier hitting than 38spl would make sense but if you want to just have some fun and shoot 38spl will get you there and be fun and

Any comments on 45-70s

Ruger Marlin 1895 trapper would be my choice. Lots of great reviews.

it is great if your going after game or bear protection.

just for fun shooting $$ and recoil

Start with what you want to do with it , what attributes are desirable , what are undesirable

I would love to find a way to justify the Ruger/Marlin Trapper 45-70 or guide gun

I may just do it some day when I have the $$ just because but they are not cheap to shoot.

45-70 ammo starts at 2 dollars a round and 3-5 dollars a round is rather common

44mag gets you 50 rounds for about the same money as 20 rounds of 45-70
38spl will get you 100 rounds for about the same money as 20 rounds of 45-70

I have 2 .One is a model 94 win. and the other is a model 99 savage. I've been eyeballing a Henry 308 for quite some time but it's a little spendy. Oops forgot, I also have a Henry 22 that I really like it's my go to trapping gun.

I have a JM stainless 45-70 that I carry when riding my saddle mules/horses for bear protection, (we're in grizzly country here) it punishes on both ends when the trigger is dropped. That being said if you do any reloading , reduced loads can make it pleasant and more affordable to shoot.

You only said targets so why not start with a .22?

Savage 99’s

… you’ll shoot your eye out kid

The 9422M is the ticket for me. Cycle one slowly and listen to it. Also the Henry's are fun and available. and come with a complimentary eye patch.

If you're just wanting a lever action to play with and target shoot; go and buy one of those Henry .22 lever actions.
Unless you load, target shooting with any kind of center fire is going to get expensive real quick in this day and time.

45-70? Factory shells will cost you couple of bucks a piece.
IF you load and IF you have the stuff to cast your own bullets and IF you scrounge your lead for free you can load that 45 70 for 15 cents a round or so. The cost of a primer and powder.

If you don't already have all that equipment and the knowledge to use it there will be quite a cash outlay and learning curve though.

Following.

I want one too.

Already have reloading setups for 30-06 and Colt 45 but I'd be open to other calibers too.

I'm leaning towards Henry, but that's also not set in stone.

I would use it for shooting whatever needs shot, which might include deer, coyote (not worried about the fur), hogs or people,

My boy has killed quite a few deer with his Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine in .44 mag. He really likes it.

It's a beautiful looking gun and a sweet shooter in a compact version that is very handy.

I Love my Winchester 1894’s! 25-35, 30-30, 32 Spl & 38-55. I have acquired a few more since this picture was taken. All are 100 plus years old and still work like a Gatling Gun! Plus 30-30 ammo is the cheapest of all to shoot.

if you reload for 45colt then 45 is a very good way to go
holds a good number of rounds
45 will take a deer, hog , coyote or man

45 isn't a long range cartridge but inside 100 yards no problem