Are lever action good/legit hunting rifles ??

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BrownR

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So I’m really starting to fall in love with lever action rifles, preferably Henry lol. Man that sounds funny haha, but curious are they good legit hunting rifles for deer, and What cartridge would be best - 357, 30-30, 30-06, 223, 44 or ??
would a bolt action be better. Anyone have any experience using one for hunting or what they’re like to carry through the bush for the day for such activity. Also I realize certain ammo more expensive than others as well which is why I’m asking :)
 
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Depends. I where you shoot is in an area that is well treed you are not going to be taking a lot of long shots...the lever, especially a 30-30 is one of (IMO) one of the best options.
If you are on the prairies or grasslands and you're taking longer shots...than a scoped bolt is the ticket.
 
bobtodrick said:
Depends. I where you shoot is in an area that is well treed you are not going to be taking a lot of long shots...the lever, especially a 30-30 is one of (IMO) one of the best options.
If you are on the prairies or grasslands and you're taking longer shots...than a scoped bolt is the ticket.
Click to expand...

Yes most areas around me are trees amounts more trees and then some lol, only open “prairie field” would be practise shooting or the range
 
My grandfather took out a cougar that was going after the family dog with his old Winchester lever action. It worked well.
 
I've killed deer and elk with a 1894 carbine in .32 winchester special using iron sights. I have an 1894 in .38-55 on the way. If I hunt with a lever gun, then it's with the understanding that I'm limiting my range and shot placement when compared to one of my bolt guns. Classic levers are fun, but if it's the last day of the season and I need meat, then a scoped bolt action comes out. And scoping a lever gun is just plain wrong.
 
Lever guns are great hunting rifles for their intended purpose.
Closer ranges and quick shot opportunities.
I have had a few 30-30s and have a 45colt currently.

If you want something in the 308/30-06 range look at a BLR or a Longranger.
Drop a scope on it and you got a lever gun with bolt action capability.

IMO a 30-30 with a small scope is a 200 yrd deer gun easily
 
I could hunt happily here on the East Coast with my Model 71 Winchester for the rest of my hunts here and barely suffer at all. But in more open country I would be handicapping myself with that same rifle. Yes, I know you can scope a level, but only if you're a bad person, which I am not.

If you're the kind of person that is only going to have one rifle, a lever may or may not be the best choice for you. But since you're the type of guy that joins a site called CanadianGunNutz, you're probably not a one and done firearm owner. So buy the Henry if that's the one you like (and if you can even find one) and consider it to be a fine addition to your battery.
 
I’ve been seeing some Chiappa brand levers which is unfamiliar to me, are those a Henry copy cat ? I’ve heard here and there that they’re still made by Henry but a different name similar how GMC makes Chevy vehicles.

Also I’ve seen a few 47-70s and they’re a bad ass gun !!

As of now since I’ve been looking around online I’ve seen some Henry all weather short barrelled 30-30s that are REALLY nice, a short barrel would be a bit easier to maneuver in a Bush/forest as well. Any cons for a short barrel other than potential accuracy for longer range shots ?

30-30 ammo is it hard to source or what size of cartridge is good to look at, being ammo can be hard to source now on some areas. Also I do love the looks of a tactical lever as well, so I’d be looking to upgrade it with buttstock and hand guard and big loop of it don’t have one.
 
bobtodrick said:
Depends. I where you shoot is in an area that is well treed you are not going to be taking a lot of long shots...the lever, especially a 30-30 is one of (IMO) one of the best options.
If you are on the prairies or grasslands and you're taking longer shots...than a scoped bolt is the ticket.
Click to expand...

I consider the lever action 30-30 to be the world's best crossbow ;)
 
Lever action rifles are my main choice for deer & moose hunting. I have also used bolts .
but more tradition with levers.
Winchester 92 , 94 , 64 , 95 , 86 , mostly for 100 yd max. Savage 99 & Browning BLR for
longer range shooting out to 300 yds. max.
Cal. used ; 32 SP., 300 Sav. 250 Sav , .44-40 , 405 Win. In the bolt a .30-06
 
Iff'in yer eyes arrr awl gooder, then ahh pre 64 94 in terdy-turdee be wutt yer after.
Iff'in nawt, then git a 336.

Eezy tuh mownt a scope awner.
 
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