help Matty pick a lever action rifle

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mattyblast

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Hey guys just wondering which lever action you would reccomend? Im just the averge hunter, nothing too serious. I would mostly be using it for Deer, and possibly the odd Moose. I dont need a 300yrd+ range. I want to stay away from the 7mm and 300 just because I dont feel that they would be a good gun for myself, and I dont want to blow animals clean in half.... What should I get? Browning? Marlin? Should I look new? or new(er)?
Thanks!!!
 
A .44 mag is nice for anything up to deer or black bear and with .44 specials grouse and anyother small game are toast Marlin makes a fine lever action, the model 1894. Also for Moose you should consider the .45-70 as you can get loads that range from deer poppers to elephants stoppers.
 
If mainly for deer than go for a 30-30 cal . The preferance between a marlin and a winchester is a personal choice. Winchester are top feed/ejection while marlin is side feed/ejection. Marlin is easier to scope due to side ejection. I find a winchester is way easier to load if shooting single rds. The shell drops in from top .
Best to compare side by side between the two and pick what feels right.
 
No caliber is going to blow an animal in half dude... :)

If you prefer a lever action and want to hunt deer and moose then I would look at a Browning BLR in .308, .358Win or .30-06.

The other option is the excellent Marlin 1895 in either .45-70 or .450 Marlin.
 
mattyblast said:
Hey guys just wondering which lever action you would reccomend? Im just the averge hunter, nothing too serious. I would mostly be using it for Deer, and possibly the odd Moose. I dont need a 300yrd+ range.
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There are lots of good suggestions here. I was in the same situation a few years back and I settled on a Winchester .307 (basically a rimmed .308). It has taken many caribou (see my avatar) and with larger bullets I would use it on moose as well.

The .307 has more energy at 100 yds than the 30-30 does at the muzzle. I state this just as a matter of fact, not to downplay the 30-30 which has probably taken more animals than any other lever gun out there.

For reloading on a Lee press you need a .308 die and a 30-30 shell holder. Winchester discontinued the .307 several years ago but there are always some to be found. There are two advertised now in Canadian Access.
Brass has never been a problem and many stores still stock the ammo. Just something to consider. The main thing is to be comfortable in what you choose. Good luck in your search.
 
Savage 99? I have a Savage 1895 in .308. Beautifull gun. Nice and lite. No problem for hunting any of the critters your after.
Pete
 
Thnks for the advise guys!!
I have been leaning towards the .44, or 45/70. However the .308 are very nice too....
give me a few weeks and I'll let you know how it goes
thanks again everyone!!!
 
mattyblast said:
Hey guys just wondering which lever action you would reccomend? Im just the averge hunter, nothing too serious. I would mostly be using it for Deer, and possibly the odd Moose. I dont need a 300yrd+ range. I want to stay away from the 7mm and 300 just because I dont feel that they would be a good gun for myself, and I dont want to blow animals clean in half.... What should I get? Browning? Marlin? Should I look new? or new(er)?
Thanks!!!
Click to expand...

Blasphemy I say, blasphemy...go for the Marlin. :shotgun:
 
Another vote for the BLR.
I use my 7mm-08 for deer, moose and black bear

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The 88 Winchester in 308, or 358 (if you can find one)
GAmodel88_072505A.jpg


Good for both deer and Moose, easily scopable, accurate, and pleasing to the eye.

Here's an action comparison with the '94 Winchester on the bottom note that like the BLR, the trigger moves with the lever.


GAmodel88_072505B.jpg
 
By the way, if you are an experienced hunter, and by that I mean you've hunted moose for lets say ten years or more, and taken a few, you can take moose with a thirty - thirty. As long as the range is short, and you place your shot well. I've done it. One shot kill too.
 
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