[dak0ta]

Hi,

I have the choice between a Swedish M38 carbine in 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser or a Marlin 336 in 30-30. Which rifle would you recommend for all around hunting in the Northwest coastal areas? The 6.5x55 seems superior ballistically and has more range. More power out of a bolt action rifle too? What do you guys recommend?

[Smokey Joe]

Dakota--You saidWhich rifle would you recommend for all around hunting in the Northwest coastal areas? The 6.5x55 seems superior ballistically and has more range. More power out of a bolt action rifle too? And I think in posing the question that way, you also answered it, unless you are going to spend your hunting time constantly in DEEP brush, untangling yourself from the devils' club.

In that one instance, the lighter, handier, and non-'scoped .30-30 would be the way to go. But if you ever will have shots at over, say, 100 yd, you'd be better off with the 6.5x55. The M-38 isn't all that heavy itself, anyhow, even with a 'scope--which I for one, would put on it.

If you place the first shot correctly, there is no need to have a "fast follow-up shot" available, which is how some hunters justify a lever action, or an autoloader, over a bolt gun. If the first shot needs to be done so quick as to not be certain, it shouldn't have been taken, IM firmly held O.

However: It will be YOUR rifle, not mine. Not anyone elses' on THR. You and you alone must be happy with your choice. So, "search your feelings, my son," and get the rifle that you will not be unhappy carrying in the woods.

[BrocLuno]

Ditto - it's about the average hunting conditions you'll be working in. Old growth forest with tangled understory (not unheard of in the PNW :)) I would lean toward the Marlin, but I'd also be looking for a .35 Rem in that chassis. If logged over country or eastern Wash ranch land, the 6.5x55 would take the cake :)

[dak0ta]

My rationale is that Scandinavia has heavily wooded areas in Sweden, Finland, etc. So the application of the 6.5 would be similar to PNW?

[RugerMcMarlin]

You really can't go far wrong with either one. I lean a little towards the swede, and I'm a little envious. I have a M-96 with a straight out bolt. I dont think I would put a scope on it, if its in unbutchered condition. Its balanced pretty sweet the way it came out, put on a good military swing and learn to shoot with it, it will amaze you. Maybe an aperature sight.

[Old Time Hunter]

Flip a coin, both great choices