Lever Guns

[CP]

I decided that I “need” a lever rifle because I don’t have one.  Since it is a necessity, I should get one that is useful.  Any suggestions on which one to get?  I don’t hunt deer with modern rifles anymore but I might again someday, maybe elk too.   I’ve never hunted bear but I do have bear tag and what else is there to hunt in Aug?  And I’m jealous of everyone with a spring tag out hunting while I’m not.  So it should be either a deer, elk or bear rifle, or all three, that is fairly cheap to shoot so it doesn’t end up in the back of the safe.

So far I’ve considered:
 .38/.357 -  That would be fun on the range, very cheap to shoot but I hate to end up with something that just punches holes in paper.

.35 Remington – don’t know much about this round, but it looks weak, hard to find and expensive

.30/30 – good deer round but elk or bear?  Cheap to shoot – I’m leaning toward this one.

45/70 – Should do about anything but ammo is pricey

.308 Marlin Express – don’t know much about this one either but it looks interesting

Anything else that I should be looking at?

[cascademountainhunter]

get the .444 marlin, ive shot deer with it, my dad has shot bear with it, im pretty sure it would do fine on elk too.

[Ray]

Why not get em all?

If I was to choose it would be a 30/30 or 45/70. Leaning towards 45/70 because if you aint shootin it much then the price of ammo might not be a problem  I don't have any guns that I don't shoot that much though. 

[popeshawnpaul]

The best gun/choice you didn't list...  The Browning BLR in .358 Winchester is the best lever gun and caliber in my opinion.  The gun is well made and they have stainless ones now.  A scope mounts on them nicely.

In regards to the caliber, it's similar to the .35 Remington.  The 30/30 is a little light for elk and bear if you are going to be shooting them at a distance.  It just can't take large bullets like a .358 can.  The .358 can take large bullets of 250 grains and can shoot up to 250-300 yards.  That takes us to your other choices...the 444 Marlin or 45/70.  They can't shoot past about 100 yards.  You can get 225 grain silvertips in the Winchester ammo brand and they do well.  I ordered ammo online and got some nice 225 grain Barnes ammo last year.  It dropped my moose at 225 yards...  Something I just could not have done with a 444, 45-70, or 450.

The rifle shoots like a dream, is very light, and doesn't kick much at all.  It kicks about like my .243.  The gun is in the picture.

[saylean]

I gots a 30/30 lever action, winchester....havent killed anything with it yet, but i really havent hunted too much with it. I did bring it with me while tracking my bear last year in super thick brush (iron sights)...

I love the gun, its like playing cowboys back in the day, ya know?!

[WDFW-SUX]

I really like the whomp that a 45-70 puts on a critter

[FOsteology]

The 45-70, 450 Marlin, .444 Marlin, or .358 Win would all be good choices.

My preference is the .444 Marlin loaded with 265gr. FP  Hornady Light Magnum Ammunition. It'll reach out past 200 yards and lay the smack down on Elk and Moose.

[russ]

i got a marlin 30-30. love it. wish i had a 45-70 but at the same time i wouldnt give up the 30-30 for it...either one is great. 

[jackelope]

i have a marlin 336 and a win model 94 both in 30-30. there was a hunting show on tv a while back where they took the new leverevolution ammo in 30-30 elk hunting and it proved to be an effective round.
just what i saw on the tv anyway.
killed a few deer with both of them in the hardwoods back east without any trouble, and they killed bears too from a buddie's gun no problem. IMO the 30-30's are a 100 yard caliber max.

[boneaddict]

I wanted to buy the 45-70 that was listed on here a few back.  I have the 32 winchester and hope to have the 30-30 I grew up with someday.   I'd also like to get a 25-35 so I can have the big THREE winchesters.

[CP]

Thanks everyone for the advice.  I’ve decided to go with a 30-30 based mainly on ammo cost and advances in ammo technology.  I believe in shooting a lot to become proficient with any firearm and I’ll usually spend a lot more in ammo for a weapon than I do on the weapon itself.   .30-30 ammo is cheap, proven, readily available, and it will be around long after I’m gone.

Narrowed down the selection to a Marlin 336 series, probably a 336SS because I live on the wet side but I like the classic look of the blued finish.  I’ll check out a couple of pawnshops for a good used one or if worst comes to worst Wally world carries the blued version for $353.97.  Why haven’t I bought one of these before?

[jdb]

I have a marlin 45/70 with an octagon barrel fired 5 times  for sale 450$ you wont find a nicer used rifle JB

[Sideswipe]

I've been fortunate to have taken bears w/45-70 & the 450, both in Marlin.  I stillhunt on the Wetside so a thumper is more useful than a flat shooter.  I like Marlins but their trigger pull stinks.  A wild west trigger ($ 95+!) makes it a great shooter w/Hornadys gummy tips.  I also envy a couple friends of mine who hunt deer & bear w/Savage & Browning lever guns that have a DETACHABLE CLIP-in 308 Win-I really wish Marlin had that but you can't have everything.  The 308 Win or 308 Marlin are pretty versatile rounds-although that new 308 Marlin will be spendy.  Good shot placement w/a 30-30 w/the right ammo-don't sell it short!

[MountainWalk]

there are all sorts of cool and obscure rounds for lever guns, but to me, the 45 70 is the most usefull. and contrary to popular belief,, it can and does and will keep killing game beyond 200.. ever watch shillouette matches... the hit those little rams and pigs iron sighted at ridiculous ranges..

[Sideswipe]

Right on Mtnwalker.  I have an Italian knockoff of the Remington Rollingblock in 45-70.  It has a heavy, 30" octagon barrel.  It will definately reach out & touch an animal at ranges that they think you can't see them.  It has a vernier sight-fun at the range but not in the woods.  It weighs over 12# & gets a little hvy to carry on the hunt-kinda like the BAR (I mean the origional Gov't model).