30-30 vs 45-70, 336 vs 1895

N

NVG

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Hey guys :nest:

I am a noob to rifles, but have done a tonne of reading around this forum over the last while, and am still not sure what to get.

I am looking at the Marlin 336 and 1895 (I want a side ejection, tube fed, lever). I will not be hunting, and most of the time just blowing sh*t up. But my main reason for getting one of the guns is for bear protection while camping this summer. I have been in a few situations over the last few years where i REALLY wish i had a bear defense gun.

Most of my time is spent shooting skeet at the local range, so this rifle will probably only come out for camping and cabin trips. Im looking for something to have fun with every now and again that isnt too hard on the wallet, but will positively knock down a bear at close range if i have to.

Is the 336 30-30 going to be a reliable bear defense gun, or is the caliber too small? Or should i just go to the 1895 45-70 for good measure?

Thanks for any suggestions :cheers:
 
Define "bear defense"?
Black bear, the terdy-turdy will be fine.
Grizzly, best you go for the 45-70.
And practise, practise and shoot some more.
Get to know you rifle in and out.
Loading it quickly and unloading it accurately.
 
I should have mentioned that. Im from Vancouver, so black bears for most of my excursions. Ive only ever run into grizzlys on the Babine river, havent been there in 12 years. Thanks for the quick reply :)
 
Well NVG, if you are at all hanker'in for a big bore, Del Selin has a 45-70 on his
rack as of last Wednesday.
I believe there was some rings and glass on top of her.
Could very well be a 336 action as well.
Pre Marlington or Remlin series, but I think there was a lawyer'in safety on her.
They are open tamarra.
No shilly busyniss here, just say'in and he is a site sponsor.
Really good to deal with too.
 
Vernon eh, not exactly a day trip haha. Im going to Chilliwack tomorrow for the gun show. Hopefully I see something there. Still haven't made up my mind though.
 
Ah yes,there is nothing like the thought of an angry bear charging towards you while your camping.
If I were you I would forgo the rifles and go with a 12 gauge, 3 buckshot shells and 2 slugs.
If you miss with the slugs at least you have the 00 buckshot as the bear gets closer and closer.
Remember even if you blow the heart out the of the bear it will keep coming for at least 30 seconds
And at 30 mph he's on you quick,that's why you might consider blowing his head off.
 
I have thought about that, but both of my shotguns are dedicated skeet guns (2 3/4 and 3") and are overly long for quick draw surprise shots, and walking around....

And ive always wanted a lever :)
 
Potshot21 said:
45-70! I love mine! I'm always a fan of having more gun than I need than not enough, especially if I have to worry about other animals deciding I look tasty.
Click to expand...

A major reason why im considering the 45-70, even if i spend more on ammo, id rather spend twice as much on ammo to not die haha
 
And ive always wanted a lever :)[/QUOTE]

I can't blame you, I own 2 levers Marlin 336ss and Henry goldenboy 22. Love them both.
 
Frack.......the bunnies have been in the lever kab bin ett.
1892 44-40
336 whimpy terdy-turdie
BLR81 in 358win
Marlin 22
And the BL-22 that got away

A BLR in 308 or 358 and you'd be styl'in.
Good for other fur too.
 
I have a 336 30-30 and a 1895M 450 marlin. Im from the island and would carry the 336 there and not worry but if headed into Grizz country id take the 450. If its strictly to protect yourself id go 45-70. buy 80$ in ammo and your set. one box to sight in and one box for when you need it. if you get the 336 you will prolly shoot more. Either way your good to go
 
For black bears "protection " = noisemaker, except with cubs. My 30-30, is a helluva noisemaker. Two the make noise. The other four for business. 170 grainers for that stuff is plenty, as you are not going for the marksmanship award at 200 yards.

A 45-70, is also a great noisemaker. A little heavier in the whallup department though. I just bought a fantastic rolling block on the EE. Not a camping gun, but with a long 30" heavy barrel it's pretty cool. The best 45-70 was my Marlin Cowboy with nine rounds in the pipe. With a 45-70 or the 30-30, as Russel Peters would say; "somebody gonna get a hurt on!"

The 30-30 will also be good for the Zombies too - just sayin'. :p ;)
 
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