LEVER ACTION - Best caliber for Deer and Black Bear

chasseur said:
Find yourself one of the Browning/Winchester 1895 rifles or carbines ,they were made in 270,30/06,405 win and 30/40krag.Here s mine an anniversary winchester(miroku) carbine in 30/06.Also because of magazine you are not just regulated to round nose bullets.The action of the 95 is one of the slickest lever actions going.The carbines also have that military look as they are carbine version of the 95 musket used by the Russians in ww1
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Russian version
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I would buy a new Winchester Miroku 1895 in 30-06.
Ammo is everywhere - load from 125 to 180 grains. Will do deer - black bear and moose and you will have something that few have. Theodore Rosevelt picked up that gun for his African safari.. so there is history and a good looking gun..
 
Personally I would use a .45-70; however, I hunt in grizzly country and it gives me peace of mind for a "what if" scenario.
 
Whatever you do decide on definitely consider a takedown. Best thing going imo. Both my 450 Marlin BLR and 44 mag 92 Chiappa take down and it is great, I highly doubt I'll go back to non-takedowns after my experience with those two.
 
fljp2002 said:
Fellows

I am getting close to retirement from the forces and I am looking at option for a suitable retirement gift to myself to mark 35 years of service (I'm now at 32.5 years).

I am thinking that a lever action would be such a memento to mark my career but I have little to no knowledge on these guns.

I will use the rifle to hunt deer and bear and my plan is keep it within 150m or less.

Any advise is appreciated.
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If you are planning on hunting, one thing you should ask yourself, do I want to put a scope on this rifle?

There has been a lot of good feedback so far, from traditional to modern and unique suggestions.
The 30-30 will do what you ask, the 308 is a fine deer, bear, moose cartridge, the others mentioned will also do the deed.
The rifle is the stumbling block. Go and handle some of the suggestions and look around for ammo as well.

Happy hunting for the rifle you choose and the game that you are after.

David
 
Cameron SS said:
I cant speak to the gun, but there is really no sensible reason to go with anything other than 30-30.
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I tend to agree with you. Anything in thirty caliber is adequate for out whitetail and mule deer.
If you are in open country a 7-08 or .308 lever rifle and an optic might be the bee's knees.

Grizzly or polar bear would require something more powerful in a perfect world.
 
freddyfour said:
Since it is a rife to celebrate a long career you should pick something with some class that you will enjoy and want to keep forever.

My suggestion would be something unique. A Winchester or Browning '71 in 348 would be great or maybe a 1886 in 45-70.
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I agree. Could be just about anything, though.

Trying to pick a special rifle to mark a momentous occasion is a little like picking out another man's wife for him. I've always been a Marlin guy, but nowadays I'd feel a bit better going with a Henry if it was new. More options for wood, and finish also. Consider whether you want to mount a scope, which may mean you might not want a straight grip stock, or brass receiver (I hear).
 
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If you want a traditional style lever action rifle and don't want to scope it, find a MINT Pre-64 Winchester M94... if you want a traditional style lever, but will scope it, find a nice Marlin in the cartridge of your choice... if you just want to jack a lever... Super Cub's choice of a Browning BLR-81 in .308 is the way to go.
 
Lots of good choices above but I haven't seen anyone recommend the Savage 99 in .308 or 300 Savage. I love mine and there are lots of nice ones available for very reasonable prices.
 
w squared said:
Absolutely a fad. It was adopted for service in the US Army in 1873. It's only been a common cartridge for 147 years. It'll be disappearing any day now.
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Yup it's been around.
Yes I would get one if the ducks got in the right line.
Yes a fad, when every one won'ts one, stores had trouble keeping it and bullets in stock. Then lots go up for sale, could be one of the most used new production gun up for sale. IMO
 
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