Lever or Semi-auto

Leif Cott

Leif Cott

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I am looking to purchase a bush gun... It will be in .308 as that is what I am set up for, as far as reloading goes.

But, not sure if it will be a lever (BLR) or a semi-auto....

What do you guys think? and why?
 
Its more personal preference as there is considerable difference between the semi and a lever either can be used in the bush as well as the other but either can are very suitable for your intended purpose.

I've had a BLR it was excellent and I quite liked the older western look and the lever was easy to clean.
Now and for the past 16+ years I have a semi in BAR Safari it is more accurate than the lever most likely this is due to using my own reloads with this rifle.
The BAR is heavier and more work to clean but it is still my personal preference its also more fun at the range.
As for using one or the other in the bush I only plan on using one shot anyways and both are very dependable, you might even consider a bolt action for the intended purpose of hunting in the bush.
I do like your choice of 308 its an excellent cartridge.
Cheers and good luck with your decision!
 
I really prefer the lever actions to the semis. I have been out with several hunters with semis and they tended to fire more times quickly at a moving animal and this can be dangerous. The levers and bolts tend to give a moment for the shooter to think and determine the next shot, if there will be one. My personal opinion.
 
I would have to give it to the Browning BLR in .308 if its between a BLR and a Remington742/7400.

I think a Lever is plenty fast for the bush and the BLR's are really accurate too!!!
 
I have some of each. I hunt with neither.When it comes to hunting I prefer a bolt. to me it's quick,quiet, and easy to maintain.I carry a 45-70 for personal protection while I'm fishing.That's an1865 leaver and it's great.
Like you said it's what you are set up for and the choice with the auto or lever will be your personal preferance.
 
Personally, i'd go with the lever actions. But that's just my own personal preference. Go into a good sporting arms store and check out both the blr and bar as well as a nice savage 99 if you can find one in 308. Pick whichever one feels the best in your hands. That would be the way i'd go. Good Luck.

Dorian
 
I prefer Semi's.
Less recoil, and quick second shot if needed without taking the target out of the scope.
That can be done with a lever too, just not as fast.

BLR also has an excellent mag system, where the BAR is ok once you get used to it.

Which one is lighter and shorter (better in the bush)?
 
I would take the fine quality BLR, feels light, quick handling and I just simply love lever action rifles. You could also keep an eye out for the Winchesters in 308, 88 lever action and 100 s/a, if you are a Winchester fan. I have a Sako Finnwolf lever action, but she doesn't accompany me in the bush.
 
Is weight an issue? You're calling for a "bush" gun instead of a hunting or a "whatever" gun. To me that means carry a lot and shoot seldom, if at all, on any one outing. (maybe that IS a hunting gun... :D) If weight is an issue and there's not a lot of need for a follow up shot then perhaps even a single shot? They don't get much more compact and light on the shoulder than a single shot if that is the case.
 
Nothing wrong with a semi, but they do get heavey if you do much walking. For me the ideal bush rifle should be short 22" or less barrel, and the ability to provide a quick follow up shot so a lever or pump is my first choice in the tick stuff.
 
Winnipeg Toymaker said:
I really prefer the lever actions to the semis. I have been out with several hunters with semis and they tended to fire more times quickly at a moving animal and this can be dangerous. The levers and bolts tend to give a moment for the shooter to think and determine the next shot, if there will be one. My personal opinion.
Click to expand...


So just because some people are idiots everyone needs to play at their level? :rolleyes:


Woodsman said:
Semi auto rifle spells "NOOB" and/or "BOOB"!:D
Click to expand...

Sounds like yet another that views hunting as a fashion show. :rolleyes:
 
With all due respect, I don't think your reason for wanting a 308 makes sense. If you're buying a new rifle, the additional cost of a set of dies is not that big a deal. No matter the caliber, you still have to buy bullets, powder and primers.

For purely a bush gun, I agree with a previous poster; BLR in 358 Win.

Hugh
 
Take a look at a Remington 750 Carbine, 18.5" barrel. I have one myself and am very happy with it. Shoots very good considering most guys would say semi's are not real accurate, well mine is very accurate.
 
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