308 is 7.62mm, which is the max.

38 and 357 are both over 9mm, therefore restricted.

It's not much more difficult to get a restricted firearm. The application is more or less the same as an application for an unrestricted firearm, apart from a few minor extras. You just need to write a letter with the application form stating that you need that calibre to take part in Gallery Rifle CF competitions as that competition can only be entered with a rifle of a calibre between .354 and .455. And also tick the box to say the rifle is restricted. That's more or less it. Some Chief Supers will want an interview with you but most won't.

Oh yeah, nearly forgot. A restricted firearm might warrant extra security. It either depends on the number of firearms you already have or the whim of your Chief Super.

I'd recommend either a Marlin 1894 or a Rossi 92, with the Marlin slightly edging it as you need a scout scope with the Rossi 92.

You don't notice the top eject on the Rossi 92 when you are shooting it. You don't really see the shells coming out when you are looking through the scope. They eject too fast. I find the Rossi easier to shoot than the Marlin as it's lighter but you'll probably need a cheek riser due to the shape of the stock.

The downside is the scope magnification. You need a scout scope mounted forward of the ejection port on the Rossi as the shells will eject straight into a normal scope. Advantage of a scout scope - quicker target acquisition. Disadvantage of a scout scope - normally less magnification. The quicker target acquisition is very handy in the quickfire 10m and 15m sections of Gallery Rifle comps.

My preference is the Rossi from 10m, 15m and 20m. I prefer the Marlin at 25m and 50m. Unfortunately I can't use two guns in the same comp. 😥

Regarding you being torn between the Henry and the Marlin, I don't know anybody winning competitions with a Henry. Keep that in mind. Competitors with a Marlin win most comps but the Rossi is able to win too from time to time. Maybe someone else can correct me on that but I honestly don't know anyone winning GR comps here in Ireland with a Henry.

One downside with the Marlin is that they were bought out by Remington and the factory was moved. This resulted in some very unreliable batches being produced. The original Marlin rifles with JM stamped on the barrel are very good. And the new batches of Marlin are (I believe) good. It's the ones in between that can be tricky. You could be unlucky and get a bad one. They can mostly be fixed though if you are unlucky enough to get a bad one.

Bottom line. Me personally, I'd pick the Marlin first. Then the Rossi. And I'd forget about the Henry for Gallery Rifle comps if I ever had hopes of being competitive.

I'd recommend trying all options before buying. See what you like/suits you. What suits me might not suit you.

Lever action guns are great fun to shoot. Good luck with your choice.

BUT, conversely, .303 British, although by nomenclature smaller than .308, is actually between .310 and .313. and is unrestricted. So not based "solely based on the diameter of the round", but as usual in Ireland, the usual focked up, bollshit, dopey uneducated law makers making a show of themselves

The .303 analogy. Depends on how worn the bore is?

Slightly related but not. Had an old buddy over and wanted to try one of my guns out on land I have for vermin control. I said no. Of course they were not happy but anyways my question whats the legalities of allowing another to use your firearm in your presence?

Unless they have a licence for any firearm? Or the one they wish to use?