Posted on 11/13/2008 10:07:22 AM PST by Labyrinthos
Like many Americans in these uncertain times, I plan on purchasing additional firearms over the next few days. I already own a Remington 870 12g, which I use for both sport and home defense, as well as several .22 rimfire rifles for target shooting. I would like to buy a versatile o/u for field and range; and a centerfire lever action rifle for field, range, and defense. I don't want to spend a lot of money on either.
My budget on the o/u is less that $1000, and I have been looking at guns from Charles Daley, Mossburg, Spartan, and Dick's Diamond (Franchi). I would also consider a higher quality second hand gun in my prince range. I welcome your thoughts and recommendations.
My budget for the lever action is under $600 and Marlin seems to be the lever action of choice in that price range. I have never fired a centerfire lever action rifle and would appreciate you advice on make, model, and most importantly, caliber (I don't want to bust the budget on ammo).
Thanks in advance.
As for lever actions, I only own one. Its a marlin 336C in 30-30. Ive shot numerous whitetail deer with mine and its built like a tank.
If I ever get another lever action rifle, it will be a marlin guide gun in 45-70. thats the round to get for big game in my part of the country. Also, If one chose to use it in self defense out in the country...well.,..lets just say this. There really isnt any place a bad guy could hide from a 405 grain barnes bullet.
Like FR and conservatives need the kind of scrutiny that would bring.
I own two pistols and a rifle. And I would like to know where to purchase ammunition. These are strictly self defense weapons.
1. Smith & Wesson 38 Special Revolver
2. Mauser 1914 7.65mm (auto, with two original clips)
3. Armalite AR-180 5.56mm. Mfg Sterling England (folding stock).
My wife has enjoyed firing the Mauser. It is essentially a pocket pistol. She has not fired the 38 Special or the AR-180 because I have not purchased ammunition for practice.
Thanks
The state and local laws that are infringing should be challenged in federal courts, all the way to the Supreme Court. It recently ruled against gun control in DC.
More issues should be brought to the Court, including Socialist Security - taking of my property (income) and giving it to others.
You can get ammo for the .38 and the AR-15 at WalMart; or buy in bulk from Sportsmansguide.com or a similar place.
Sportsmans Guide probably also has ammo for the Mauser.
go to gunbroker.com and see if you find anything interesting.
Lever gun: Mossberg just came out with a lever 30-30. Reasonably priced. Put it together w/ Hornady polymer tip lever gun ammo
I have a mossberg O/U that I’ve put 12,000 rounds through without a hiccup. For $1,000 you can buy two of them. It’s turkish and some don’t care for that, but I’m a fan.
In fact, I have been looking at the Marlin 336, as well as the 1894. One thing I like about the 1894 is that it comes in 30-30, .357, and .44. I’m leaning towards the .357 and .44 because the 1894 hold 10+1, which is the maximum under NY law, whereas the 30-30 holds 6.
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I actually have both the 28" and 18" barrels. Except when I am in the field or that range, I keep the 18" barrel on the 870, loaded with 00.
My local gun dealer has the Henry Big Boy .357 for $725, the Marlin 336 for $371, and the 1894 for $473. I have applied for a handgun permit, but this is New York. Although the judge in my county generally issues unrestricted concealed carry county permits, the process can take up to 6 months.
That’s probably it...Advice was asked and answered...by several different people...each with differing opinions..I gave mine...It is probably not for everyone, but it suits me fine...Advice is like anything else...you choose whether to take it or not...
I would not presume to tell you NOT to use the weapon of your choice...Whatever saves what you are protecting is what you should use...
In your price range, a Ruger red label or Browning Citori would be my suggestion.
I saw a mossberg 500 c 20 ga with pistol grips and a 24 inch barrel for under $300 at a local shop last week no mod needed and legal
Being a cowboy action shooter, I must comment on the Henry Big Boy, in any caliber.
A typical CAS shooter will run through 12-20,000 rounds in a typical year, many more that most manufacturers expect in a lifetime of ownership. These folks (including my self) have found the HBB to be relatively unreliable for high volume uses compared to the Marlin, Winchester 73 or any Winchester 73/66 clone from Italy. While some compete with their HBB’s and initially seem to enjoy them, most eventually gravitate to the mentioned alternatives.
Issues with the HBB - gritty, clunky action. Heavy weight, and doesn’t clean up well (action job). I have tried several, both at the range and action manipulation in the store and was not impressed.
Advantages - American made.
Issues with Marlin 1894 - requires slight modification to the lever tip to prevent the “Marlin jam” if you are going to use it a lot (also called “letting in 2” by the manufacturer), can be done with a hand file. Can be ammo length sensitive (using short .38 special in the 1894C for example, typical of most lever action rifles).
Advantages for marlin - Least expensive, Cleans up extremely well (Action job can be done on your kitchen table with a screwdriver, honing stone, and a polishing wheel on your dremel, Instructions available all over the net), American made, Light, handy, can be run very fast if necessary (record is 10 rounds in 2.5 seconds or so - with all rounds on target), easy to repair and take down for cleaning, Rifle is so strong that reloading companies create special high pressure data for it.
Winchester 73/66 or clones disadvantages - Lever stroke is longer than marlin, rifle is typically heavier than marlin, Action is weaker than marlin (toggle link), Rifle is more expensive that either option mentioned.
Advantages - Can be run very quickly (fastest rifle in the business), cleans up VERY well (Mine feels like it has ball bearings in it!), is fast, and can be ‘smithed for about $200, including a short stroke (you should have a pro do it for you, e-mail if you need a reference), Did I say that it was fast?.
In direct answer to the poster’s original question - I highly recommend a Marlin 1895 in 30-30. Can pick up a used on for $200 - 250 and take it deer hunting that afternoon. Range is about 150 yards, has taken more deer in America than any other rifle. Ammo is relative cheap, and you can find it anywhere. Second choice is a Marlin in a pistol caliber to match your pistols.
The above is presented based on MY experience, and is my opinion. Yours may vary. Take the information in the spirit it was offered. Then buy something and have fun!
There is no perfect gun for all occasions. A 50 BMG indoors would cause damage to everyone.
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