Lever gun...cal choices!!!

[geologist]

45-70, it'll do it all.

 

[Win 38-55]

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?

Once you get into your mid-forties, you are going to have a hard time seeing the front sight bead on an 18.5" barrel. Of course, you can always put on a scope. Of the two calibers mentioned, I'd go for the 30-30. With 150 grain bullets at 2,300 fps, you'll have a longer reach than the 357 mag., in situations where you might wish you had it.

 

[MTM]

inside 60yrds I would hunt blackbear without worry with a .357 and heavy hardcast rifle loads.

some reads:

http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=30

www.leverguns.com/articles/taylor/357magnum.htm

May be fine for you, the OP is a new hunter. 357+ Bear= trouble in the hands of an inexperienced hunter. Just my opinion, I hate to see critters suffer. No better way to leave a bad taste than a Bear getting away with a bunch of hits in him. Heavy, hard cast? Still les than what a 30-30 can do?

 

[canadaman30]

Well wouldn't a .38spl work for small game?

You might want to check your hunting regulations. I understand in the south nothing over a .277 cal centerfire can be used for small game.

 

[Amphibious]

You might want to check your hunting regulations. I understand in the south nothing over a .277 cal centerfire can be used for small game.

you might want to read the whole thread before posting.

just a thought.

 

[NolanOsborn]

Perhaps consider the 336C in .35 remington. I have no practical experience with the round but from what I have read it is a popular deer/black bear choice.
I have a 45-70, which is probably not ideal for deer. But its fun as hell.

 

[Amphibious]

May be fine for you, the OP is a new hunter. 357+ Bear= trouble in the hands of an inexperienced hunter. Just my opinion, I hate to see critters suffer. No better way to leave a bad taste than a Bear getting away with a bunch of hits in him. Heavy, hard cast? Still les than what a 30-30 can do?

The other side of the coin is that with the very low cost of loading .357 ammo he could shoot a lot and become very skilled with it. This, of course, hinges on the OP handloading. I'll agree the 30-30 is a far more practical choice in an all around hunting rifle, particularly if he is buying store bought ammo.

 

[sir_springer]

For versatility on big game, IMHO having put some rounds through one, I'd look real hard at the Marlin .308 Express...and get a .22 for rabbits and other small game. This rifle is an honest 300 yd shooter, and completely adequate for moose and elk, should you ever decide to move up to bigger critters. For bear and deer this caliber is ideal.

And it will kick a helluva lot less than a .45-70, too!

 

[Until the Angels Fall]

Well currently I have a 10/22, 12g, SKS, Excalibur Pheonix and have axcess to a few bolt guns I can borrow. So can hunt small game and I can hunt locally so this rifle will be for hunting up north and camping/backpacking. I believe that I will eventually buy both...probably the .357Mag first tho because I can get in more practice and its cheaper for me to shoot.

 

[Amphibious]

Sell the P.O.S. SKS and use the money to get reloading gear for the .357.

 

[jusdivinum]

Also where would be the best place to buy one, I have seen price differences of up to $150 between online and stores.

Did you ever get an answer as to why the $150.00 discrepancy in price between stores?

 

[Until the Angels Fall]

No I did not lol

 

[freddyfour]

I would vote for the 30-30 as well. Ammo is not that expensive, Crappy Tire and Walmart are good places to get ammo. They can handle every animal in Ontario and they are a lot of fun to shoot.

 

[savagefan]

Sounds like you're set on the .357 and why the hell not? FWIW I shoot hot-loaded 180gr Hornady hollow points out of my 1894c don't know the MV or energy but they blast steel chickens with authority at 200yds. I'd like to hunt with mine and I would without hesitation if it was my only centerfire. I think you're inspiring me to get my supplemental whitey this fall with mine. BTW you may hear people squawking about the "Marlin jam", fuggedaboutit, I've put countless rounds through mine without issue. When you get into reloading, it is a fun and cheap round, enjoy.

 

[CH_Tiger_14]

x2 for the 308 Marlin Express

 

[thebigslide]

+1 for the .35 Fantastic deer/bear round that can be loaded down for smaller animals.

 

[Scum Frog]

30-30Win!

 

[9Guns]

I don't see a model 1895 45-70 listed there

45-70 is epic; the "sledgehammer!"

 

[Ganderite]

356 is a real big game caliber and it can be loaded with pistol bullets for plinking and small game.

Or a 35 rem. Same thing, but 50 yards shorter range.

 

[surfer365]

I have lever guns in 357, 44, 45, 30-30 and 35 remington.

For a deer/bear gun with distances of 100 yards or less get a 35 remington. Ammo is expensive (~$30/bx) but if you hand load you can power it up or down for the kind of hunting you are doing. The Hornady rounds fly way different than the Federal, so remember to practice and hunt with the same rounds. 357 and 45 colt would be my last choice for a bear gun, 44 mag is my second choice.

I was actually suprised to see how many people picked 35 remington.