Need help finding a new hunting rifle.
I need help deciding on a new hunting rifle. I really have always loved the feel of lever action rifles, and would really be happy with one as my deer hunting rifle. I hunt the occasional 150 to 200 yard shots, but most of my time is spent in the heart of the Mountains of SC and NC. I've heard so many different opinions about this from sticking to bolt action rifles to "you cant beat an old Marlin"
I would appreciate the help.
Tim A. McCall Jr.
I would appreciate the help.
Tim A. McCall Jr.
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If you don't mind a "gentle push" for recoil, try the Marlin 1895 Guide Gun in 45.70, I truly love this gun, and is accurate enough to get the job done that you described.[:)] 0 -
McCall, you're not gonna find a Marlin Lever that'll tackle 150+ yards flawlessly. But if you want something that might promise you a 100 yard hit, and is a level, go with a Marlin 336 in a .30-30. If you want something accurate that'll give you accuracy on the long shots, i'd sugjest a .308 caliber, preferbably in a pump. You can find Remington 760's .308 for in the 300 range. Pumps also are pretty good, unlike bolts/autos/levers, when you fire a pump, the first thing the muzzle does is jump up. And the slick thing with pumps, when you jack another shell in, moving the forarm forwards brings the barrel back down on target. But, those were just a few options..
honestly, reading about the kinda country you live in, I myself would go with a Remington 700 in a .308, or a Remington 7600 in a .243 caliber. But that's just me[:D]
Hope this helped.
It's not war untill someone breaks out the .50 calibers.0 -
Not to bash Genz. The Guiderifle is a nice rig, but for 100+ yards, that .45 caliber chunk of lead will drop about four inches. Unless you're a crack shot, or professional sniper, I wouldn't go with that gun. Don't get me wrong, the 1895 is a great gun for 25-60 yards, but nothing i'd take with me on those long range hunts.
It's not war untill someone breaks out the .50 calibers.0 -
my understanding is that the 35 is fairly accurate at 150
Tim A. McCall Jr.0 -
McCall, you're right, I didn't think of the 336 in a .35 Rem. Yeah, The cartridge just has enough boom to get you there. Yeah, heh, must of just slipped my mind. That's what I'd do in that case, go with the .35 Marlin if you can't find anything else that suits your eye.
It's not war untill someone breaks out the .50 calibers.0 -
If you like lever actions, there's actually quite a choice, particularly in the used section. I differ fr some of the above regarding the 45-70, using a 350 gr at pressures suitable for the Marlin, the velocity is such that trajectory doesnt require a professional shooter to place it on a deers chest. The same is true for 356, 375Win, 444 Marlin, and the 450 Mag. 0 -
You might also stoop around for a Savage 99. They were available quite common in .243win,.308win, .250-3000savage, .300 Savage. Solid lock up and very nice to carry. Also the Browning levers are worth looking at as they were available in a lot of calibers including .30-06 and .300winmag. 0 -
I say go pick up a Tikka T3 Stainless/Synthetic lite rifle in a .270 WSM. Your decision will be done. You can put a Limbsaver recoil pad on it (Model 10112 I think) and you will have one of the finest hunting rifles you could want.
Let me know when you need help with scopes(YEEHAH)!!!!
Mad Dog0 -
As was previously mentioned,the Savage or Browning lever action is a very good choice.
And if you get one of these rifles in .308,which both makers chamber this round in you will have your 200 yard rifle with no problems.
In fact even 300 yards if you can shoot.
Also consider that the .308 is a much much bettr round than the standard 30-30 that so many lever actions come chambered in.
You can't go wrong with either of these fine rifles.[;)]
mike0 -
If you decide on the Marlin Model 1895, I would stay away from the guide gun and go with the standard rifle with the 22 inch barrel or better yet the Cowboy model with the 26 inch barrel. The Marlin 1895 useing 300 or 350 grain bullets in modern .45-70 loadings will handle deer at 200 yards without a problem. 0 -
Here is what I think the very best gun for you. The one you like best, not what someone else thinks will be good for you. A gun that you are comfortable with shooting is going to be the best gun. Don't forget the Browning BLR. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by MattyTibbs
Not to bash Genz. The Guiderifle is a nice rig, but for 100+ yards, that .45 caliber chunk of lead will drop about four inches. Unless you're a crack shot, or professional sniper, I wouldn't go with that gun. Don't get me wrong, the 1895 is a great gun for 25-60 yards, but nothing i'd take with me on those long range hunts.
It's not war untill someone breaks out the .50 calibers.
Sorry Matty, I had to respond to this one. I use my 1895G for ground hog hunting beyond 150 yards! Also, with some of the Garrett and Buffalo Bore loads you could hunt anything that walks or crawls across the face of the earth. Back in the late 1870's, the U.S. government tested .45/70 performance out to about 3600 yards.0 -
Raoul, you have a good point, and probably i'm wrong. But my method of killing something past 100 yards has always been a fast flat shooting bullet, like a .270 .243 .308. I always used bigger cartridges like .45-70 444 357, for short yardage. Those work great for brush because if you shoot at a deer in the thick stuff, those heavy grains would cut threw small branches and stuff and still stay on target.
I was just talking as if it was my choice
This country wouldn't be fun if everyone had the same opinion[:D]
It's not war untill someone breaks out the .50 calibers.0
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