Decisions Decisions - Traditional Canadian Hunting Rifle

[bluemike807]

Im torn - and need advice.

I recently moved to Nova Scotia, and before the move I had all but convinced myself that the next rifle I was going to get would be a Norc. M14 - something to get the job done hunting (albeit, a bit heavy) and which would also be fun for learning longer range shooting (so far I've only really shot to 100yds).

Then I moved here. Where (at least where I am) the bush is all but impenetrable. Gone are the wide open fields of SW Ontario (where I'd been for school the last three years) or the more open forests in Eastern Ontario - here its mean looking scrub, grown tightly together. I've seen a bunch of game animals since we moved; several yearling deer among them. But its obvious that something better suited for closer range; lighter and shorter - would be the best choice for a deer rifle. I want whatever I choose to also be traditional, and simple, something I can go to the Home Hardware to get ammunition for, if need be.

A local hunting store has a bunch of No1 Mk3 Enfield Sporters, though Im not jazzed with the look of any of them, and a pre-1964 (spec. 1948) Winchester 94 in really good condition - for $400. Its got my eye, thats for sure, but I've always wanted an Enfield (ideally a full wood version)

What do I do? And also - if I do go with the '94; what do I look for to make sure its a decent one? Is $400 a decent asking price?

 

[JamesM]

Hard to go wrong with a lever in these parts.

 

[blargon]

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=474772

 

[bluemike807]

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=474772

I appreciate it, but I've actually got a rem. 7600 in .30-06; with the same beautiful checkering on the wood and with an engraved receiver. Inherited it from my old man and Im too scared to get it scratched up in the bush here! I'll save it for if I go up to Cape Breton after moose

 

[blasted_saber]

Model 94 seems rather obvious to me. Way lighter and shorter then the Enfield, and will still drop any deer out their. Look into Hornady LeverEvolution ammo to extend the range to 200m (if needed).

 

[blargon]

I appreciate it, but I've actually got a rem. 7600 in .30-06

You've got a 7600 already, and you want to buy an enfield to hunt with?

 

[Dax420]

I would use the 30-06.

If you want something for basing through dense bush you might want to look at a 30-30 "scout" model with the shorter barrel. I wouldn't recommend putting a scope on it, for that kind of short range shooting iron sights will be plenty, and then you don't need to be as gentle with it while bushwhacking.

 

[buckmaster270]

I'm in NB and my hunting from a stand gun is a .270 but my "walk around "gun is a Marlin 30 30 with a williams peep sight. You can't go wrong with a lever 30 30 for deer in the maritimes.

 

[Classic Green .223]

If your into semi-autos the ruger deer field carbine is great in close. Its light quick to the shoulder and that .44 mag hits hard.

 

[finstr]

How about one of these.....http://www.lebaron.ca/pdffiles/web_spec/century_russianguns_web.pdf

The 7.62x39 is very similar in ballistics to a 30-30 and and ball ammo is dirt cheap..

 

[gak]

Life is short, enjoy the 7600. Stuff on the wall just gets dusty and ignored.

 

[mikeystew]

i grew up in N.S. and would have to say win 94, or marlin 336. you can get a 336 on the EE for $400 or less and you could scope it. whatever the case, i thought every household was required to have at least one 30-30 in nova scotia?

 

[Ormachek]

Well, the .303 would be the traditional canadian hunting rifle, but I'd be inclined to take the 30-30.

 

[blasted_saber]

How about one of these.....http://www.lebaron.ca/pdffiles/web_spec/century_russianguns_web.pdf

The 7.62x39 is very similar in ballistics to a 30-30 and and ball ammo is dirt cheap..

While it may be ballistically similar, the 3030 is lobbing a much larger bullet. And he said its for hunting, so he wont be using ball ammo. "Light" is also not a term associated with an SKS

 

[deadeyes40]

since you already have a 7600 30-06 i would suggest a 12 gauge shotgun with slug barrel.they are short and every bit as easy/fast to handle in the thick stuff as any lever action with a whole lot more knock down at yardages under 50-75 yards.the heavy slugs also bust brush better than any rifle bullet.

 

[tbrwlf]

Since you say you are hunting tight bush, your choice of enfield or 94 is definitely the 94. A pre 64 in good condition is worth the 400. The 30/30 will definitely take the game you will be hunting. As per another poster you may want to look at a carbine semi. The ruger is nice but around 600 from what I could find.

You have the 30-06 which is superior in everyway to the .303 when you are able to hunt open ground.

I like enfields. I have several. I don't consider them hunting guns as I have better guns for all ranges. Including a 30-06, 30/30, and .308.

 

[kjohn]

For $75 or so, I'd pick one of the Lee Enfield sporters to have on hand, just in case one of the "fancy" rifles quits working. A .303 is pretty much the "traditional Canadian hunting rifle" anyway.

 

[rem338win]

How about one of these.....http://www.lebaron.ca/pdffiles/web_spec/century_russianguns_web.pdf

The 7.62x39 is very similar in ballistics to a 30-30 and and ball ammo is dirt cheap..

And what about traditional slip past you......
And who cares about ball ammo.

Go for the Model 94. Its classy and they are quite a bit lighter than the milsurp options.

 

[saskcop]

Life is short, enjoy the 7600. Stuff on the wall just gets dusty and ignored.

X2!! The 7600 is one of the ultimate game getters! I doesn't get any better just sitting in the safe - take it out and use it. Of course none of us here need an excuse to get a different rifle.

 

[tigger]

My vote for bush is a m94 with a williams reticle, remove aperature and boom, poor mans ghost ring, and with some practice minute of deer at 100yds is easy. Now to combine the enfield and bush part, most are too long. Enter the Enfield jungle carbine. Short, fairly accurate and can not get any more Canadian than 303 brit. I know its very possible to take moose and bear with a 3030, but the 303 has extra insurance behind it.