When I first got into Law Enforcement here in Texas, every state trooper was issued a Model 28 Smith, an 870 Remington 12 gauge, and either a Model 94 Winchester, or a Marlin 336, both in 30-30.
My first duty weapon was a 4 inch Diamondback, an 870, and a 1958 Model 94 my dad gave me.
Then after a shootout across the river where 3 Oklahoma troopers were killed, and 1 wounded in less than an hour, Texas troopers were shortly moved to the Ruger Mini14.
I had already had several, and carried one with me that day of the shootout, and was carrying it when we crossed the river into Oklahoma to help.
I still over the years kept my Winchester, and gave it to my oldest son a couple a years ago.
I've always loved the levers, but thought that Marlins were the best, but Winchester the best carrying, and best looking.
For my line of work, when Colt started cranking out A1s, and A2s, I switched to the AR15s.
Never did have a lever action shotgun, and never wanted one. Who knows. I might've liked them to.
