Bolt gun to replace the .30-30 lever rifle?

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philthygeezer

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What's a good bolt action rifle and cartridge to fill the role of the .30-30 in a carbine? I'm thinking that the thing should be similar to a 336 in specs.

6.5 to 7 pounds all in
20 to 22 inch barrel
Fairly good about recoil and muzzle blast.
Quick to point and shoot.
Irons or an aimpoint.
.308 or 7mm-08

So far I'm thinking that the following would work fine:

Win 70 featherweight
Remington model 7

What are your thoughts? The Remington model 7 in .308 doesn't seem as pleasant to shoot.
 
As I was reading, I was thinking Model 7 in 7mm-08... Very nice light carry weapon and a great caliber. Get the CDL version.
 
Ruger Gunsite Scout?? It is a little more like a carbine in size, has iron sights and forward rail for an aimpoint. Detachable mag with 10 round capacity. Other than it has only got an 18" barrel it seems to fit your prerequisites.
 
Browning X-bolt Micro Hunter in 7mm-08, awesome.
You could keep an eye open for a suitable 260, awesome.
Yeah, I could see a Rem Mod 7 in 308 being unpleasant to shoot. I had one in 7mm-08, it was, you guessed it, awesome.:p
 
If you can find them, the Remington 788 came in both 7mm-08 (18.5" only) and 308 with both 22" or 18.5" barrels.
These are a bit more slender than the regular 700s and not as tiny as the Model 7.
The only downside is that these actions really are not as strong maybe a small ring or large ring Mauser. (hot handloads are not recommended)
Parts are harder to find now too.
Otherwise, they are fine and accurate hunting rifles.
 
Savage 340 / Stevens 325

If you don't want .30-30, perhaps a Savage Model 10 FCM (Scout) will suit. Current production is only .308Winchester and has their Accu-Trigger and Accu-Stock. Detachable four round magazine, 20" barrel. Ghost ring rear sight, bead on a ramp front, a scope rail in front of the receiver which is also drilled and tapped for mounting a scope in the conventional position.

You may find a used one in 7mm-08 but I think those are all pre Accu-Trigger/Stock.
 
Last edited:
two-dogs said:
Browning X-bolt Micro Hunter in 7mm-08, awesome.
You could keep an eye open for a suitable 260, awesome.
Click to expand...

chappy said:
rem7 in 260, 7 08 or 3 08. perfect fit
Click to expand...

I have the whole .308 case family... and if I could only have one it would be .308... but close on it's heels would be a 7mm-08, then .243, then .260, then .358, then .338... I reload for all of them and I am very happy to not have to choose only one!
 
Does it have to be a bolt action?

My Thompson/Center Encore in .30-06 with a 24" barrel is the same overall length as my Winchester M94 .30-30 with a 20" barrel.

The Encore is a fast, handy, powerful carbine length rifle that is also capable of 300 yd shots.
 
I was going to suggest a Savage 99F in .300 Savage. Truly a great deer rifle for intermediate distances, ammunition is plentiful, pleasant round to load and shoot, and easy to mount a scope.

If looking for a bolt, then one of the 4100 Husqvarna rifles from Tradeex would be good. Can't ever go wrong with a .270. The 6.5x55 or 7x57 are both fantastic if you reload. If you want more modern then I would suggest a short action Winchester feather weight in the caliber of choice although it would not have factory open sights.

I still think the Savage 99 would be perfect. :)
 
7-08 in a Vanguard youth with the stock extender attached (or not as you prefer) for $430 +/_ a great rifle, or a Tika Battue in same 7-08 (a great rifle), or a Heym full stock SR-20 carbine in 270 (a fabulous rifle) ---- all great, light little guns that you wont notice the recoil at all.

Of course there are others - maybe even the Model 7.
 
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