Posted here:  http://madogre.com/?p=5479

I can admit it when I’m wrong.   I can change my opinion when new information comes to light.   And I can change my opinion when something I once thought a disgusting abomination proves to be actually useful.   Well, in this case, that Something is the Mossberg 464 SPX.   When I first saw it in photos I thought it was a joke.  When I first saw it in person at SHOT Show, I was horrified.
But over time, the Mossy 464 series has grown on me.  And the SPX version has even become less offensive to my Lever Sensibilities. Now I’m at the point that not only to I actually like them… But I actually really WANT ONE.

Here’s what I like about the 464 SPX from O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
1. It has good sights and not Buckhorns… No one likes Buckhorns, not even guys who know how to use them. And these work in lower light conditions.
2. The stock adjusts to fit different sized shooters, or the same shooter through all four seasons.
3. The muzzle end is threaded. This means you can take off the flash hider and put on a muzzle brake, or a suppressor… Or a thread protector and have nothing on it. You have options.
4. It’s a Mossberg… so while it’s not a Japanese made Winchester, or a questionably made Marlin, or Brazilian or Italian made whatever… It’s a solid, hardworking US Made rifle that’s going to get the job done.
5. The safety is actually in a logical place for a Lever Action.
6. These things actually shoot very well. 

Ugly? Indeed… But it works. And that makes it rather attractive to me.  I think if I had one I’d get the gun Cerakoted for improved corrosion resistance, put a sling on it and cover the rails…  Maybe change the stock to a lighter unit.  But that’s less important.  I’d put a Battlecomp on it first chance I got.  And then I’d call it good.   

I'd love to pull off the railed fore-end and replace it with a Keymod fore-end.

  What would Chuck Connors think?   

                 

Who cares?  Chuck Norris likes it.      I have to admit though, the saddle ring seems like something of an anachronism on a rifle with a thermoplastic adjustable stock.  Tactical considerations would seem to dictate replacing it with a carabiner.   

GeorgeHill,

You aren't the first I've heard who have changed their opinions on the Mossy 464 SPX. To me, seeing this here as a newbie to the forum, it says that the others and you have this well thought out. Personally, I don't care if I am shooting an ugly gun as long as the gun does what I ask. If the gun does more than I ask, well that is just icing.

If I may add a 7th reason without stepping on toes...Because it is a Mossberg, it will not break your bank.

 

I'll stick with my Marlin 336C with its 18" barrel and ghost ring sight.  And blued steel.  And walnut.

Oh that would be my preference as well... absolutely. 
But there is something about the SPX that is itching my PROJECT GUN portion of my Ogrish mind...

Hmm...How interesting...
I admit I had to go to Mossberg's site to find out some about this offering.

Yes, I admit, and many of you know, I am more of a "wood-n-blue" kind of guy.
To ME, the Win 94 in "thutty-thutty" is what I grew up with, and prefer. I like/prefer  the straight stock config, over the Marlin. I mean the reality is, the "thutty-thutty" be it Win, Marlin, or even H&R single shot, is a proven  caliber/firearm. It is also light, handy, easy to carry, easy to  maneuver this carbine be it for hunting ( especially in heavy brush) or for defensive uses.
Currently residing up North where I am, the "thutty-thutty" is not legal for deer.

Mossberg 464 SPX Lever Action is not really my genre. That shared, I can see a niche for this offering. Price seems right, and I can "see" where this config would fit a lot of niches, for a number of folks. I am sure some are wondering about my thoughts on niches...

Oh, and for some reason, MSM and Anti's will manage to totally screw the pooch, calling this an "assault weapon" if used for defensive reason on the farm/ranch. I sorta hope they do call it a AK or some-such. I mean even  some Anti's may question the dictionary and catch terms, used by MSM and Anti's.  My theory (and hope) has been give 'em enough rope, and they will hang themselves, with all this sensationalism. Which I could see ( and again hope) will get folks to think for themselves, and investigate and verify.

My last Lever Action was my 1895GBL... I did love that gun.  Money requirements forced me to sell it.

  Hmmm.....I hadn't paid any attention to the location of the saddle ring.....It does have a rather odd placement.

I would also have to agree. When it first came out I was not so impressed. Now after a while I am more inclined to do a project build on it to mainly see what alternatives I could do to the railed foreend. Defiantly needs a change in my opinion but I like the overall intent. I would be more inclined to carry it as a truck gun over a blued and wood lever action.

Can't wait to see what y'all can do with the project guns, after tinkering a bit.


Oh, and btw? Want!   

I'm sorry George that thing is still an abomination.  What's next rails on a revolver?

*SIGH*

Not ugly.  "Functional."

This is the Lever Action Han Solo would pack.  Hell... I might even give good ol' Peter Leskow one of these once I push him through the birthing canal of publishing.

Light polymer stock and forend, sure, why not.  Rail on top to mount optics, good.  Adjustable length of pull and comb height, great.  The ceracote keeps it all from corroding, gives you the option of different colors and keeps in the whole "tactical" theme.


But those rails and that stock are just butt ugly.

Damn it. I had all but settled on a Marlin 336BL.

But...the Mossberg is shorter, cheaper, and has much better sights. Damn. Hmm.