Lever gun...cal choices!!!

Until the Angels Fall

Until the Angels Fall

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I finally got my Excalibur Crossbow for hunting and now I need my lever gun! I def want to get a Marlin but I am stuck between either a 336 in .30-30Win OR a 1984 in .357Mag/.38Spl....in 20" so 10 shots. the 1984C model will be fine to buts its 18.5" and only 9 shots. I want this to be my MAIN hunting gun besides a .22 and 12g and I plan to use it for rabbit, black bear and deer. Also where would be the best place to buy one, I have seen price differences of up to $150 between online and stores. Thoughts?



Thanks, UTAF
 
I have an 1894 in .357 mag (fun), am also getting a pre 64 win 94 in 30-30 cuz it's nice. I hunt with a 7mm-08. If you have to hunt with your lever I'd recommend the 30-30.
 
I have a 1894c in .45 colt and just love it. Holds 10 rounds and is more accurate than I am.

But...

I can't buy ammo that will make full use of this rifle. To get what I consider proper hunting loads, I have to make my own. I suspect you'll find the same with the .357

For this reason alone, unless you reload, I'd suggest you look closly at the 30-30.
 
I don't believe that the ,357 would be a good choice as it is only marginal on big game, such as bear. Any of the other cals. incl. the .307 and .356 Win, which may be avail. used would work good for you.
 
The .38 and .357 would work on small game, maybe too good! In your opening post you mentioned using the rifle for deer and bear as well and most any lever cal. would work 30/30 .32 WS .35 Rem. .356 Win. .307. 7-30 Waters, 7mm STE, 38/55, .44 mag., .45 colt's.,.444, and 45/70.
 
I know this does not answer your question but consider going with a Husky
M96 chambered for the 6.5 Swede. You can get one for around $200.00 from Trade Ex(a board sponser). If you want to get into hand loading you can load a 95gr bullet for coyote and other small game and go up to 140gr-170gr for big game. You can hunt small game with the Swede in Southern Ontario.
 
I would step up to the .44mag. as much as I really want a Marlin in .357, it really lacks the thump of the .44. if you're just going to stick to deer & bear at xbow ranges, the .357 with the right ammo and proper shot placement will be fine. especially if you're a treestand/bait hunter. and then I would only use the .357 to hunt if I handloaded some heavy cast bullets for it.

if you intend to stretch the range or step up to moose, the .44 or the .30-30 are better choices.
 
Until the Angels Fall said:
well I am like the fact that this gun can shoot 2 cals...and the fact that I can get 50 rounds for less then 40 rounds of .30-30Win would cost me...I am young and on a budget:(
Click to expand...

Ammo cost should not dictate what you're hunting with. The 357 is great for paper and water jugs. Close range Deer with perfect placement maybe but I'd stop short of Bears. Actually I'd never even think of hunting with one.
 
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