Well...I also have a couple lever actions that are great fun. I'd been owning and shooting guns for about 25-30 years (I got a late start compared to most of you...my Mom was not in favor of my Dad teaching me about guns, so my first exposure was AF Basic Training. Even then...I never really got "the bug" until I was about 24), but I'd never had a lever action. Finally picked up a Win. 94 Trapper in 44 Mag. on the old AZS. Liked it more than I thought I would, so when I spotted a Marlin 1894 Cowboy Limited with 24" Octagonal bbl. in .357, I scooped it up, as well. What a great gun...if not a tad heavy for a .357.
BUT...as much as I enjoy both of those, I can't say that either would be my favorite. One of the first rifles I bought, way back in 1984 or '85...was a Colt AR-15, 16", with the aluminum collapsible stock. From day one, I have loved that rifle...and I can't tell you how many thousands of rounds I have put through it. Eventually...partially just because I really like them, but partially also to save wear and tear on my "original", I ended up buying multiple other Colt ARs, finally...after a lengthy search, finding an identical twin to my first one, in like new condition. So, those "twins" are definitely 2 of my favs.
In something a bit more serious...just a short time after buying that original AR, I bought a brand new HK91, for the princely sum of $500! Seemed like a lot of money then, but sure glad I bought it! Slowly managed to accessorize it with a bipod, big ole' scope, later got an original German issue scope, and a ton of mags when they were going for 99¢. Almost pulled the trigger on a Magpul PRS-2 stock for it just recently...until I saw a Cherokee cheekpiece could be had for about 1/6 the price, so...still looking into that.
Then someone had to go and mention the Garand! I do love those! One of mine was going to be a little project, which I never completed. I have a shorty "Tanker" style Garand (I know they mostly have bad reputations...but mine has worked flawlessly, and is quite accurate, too), and one day long ago I saw an ad for a folding stock made for the BM-59, which I read could fairly easily be modded to fit on a Garand. Wow...I figured that would just be awesome on my Tanker! I also thought I might try putting one of the Ultimak forward scope mounts, and a LER "Scout" scope on it. So, I got the stock...and it's sitting around here in its original box...somewhere. Never did get around to fitting it. Still would like to, someday.
And for an honorable mention...I have a Rossi Model 62 pump action. Not only is it relatively lightweight, plenty accurate, capable of firing .22 S, L, and LR, but it takes down into 2 pieces for a really convenient little package. It's really a fun little gun. I have plenty of .22 rifles that are more accurate, higher capacity, quicker shooting...uh, where was I going with this? Oh, yeah...it's just a real hoot to shoot!
