"Truck Gun" suggestions

[noresttill]

Well, not really for the truck, but...

1. I want smaller length than standard (I dont mind modifying)
2. "Very" accurate to 50 yards, semi to 100
3. Reliable. I treat guns like children, but I work the heck out of them
4. I dont want to spend more than $300

I was looking at the Marlin 336, but I would rather have a 30.06. My GF's step-dad has an M1903 (?) that I love.

And I would rather have a lever action.

The Marlin fits the bill, but I wanted to know what else was out there.
I know that there probably is no perfect gun for my criteria, but maybe you all know of something close.

Thanks,
Jesse

 

[xd45gaper]

buy a used Mini 14 or Mini 30!

 

[Rupestris]

Winchester Model 94 Trapper in .30-30. This year they are offering a youth model with a 12.5" LOP.

Used models can be had for under $300 and are as fool-proof and reliable as one can get.

Standard (Ranger) length bbl. models with the full length stock go for less than $200 used if you keep an eye open.

 

[Euclidean]

I use a Marlin model 1894 in .44 Magnum myself. Fits the bill nicely.

 

[noresttill]

Thanks a lot

I really like the Model 94 and marlin models. I didn't know they chambered them in .357. Cheap to shoot at the range (I assume you can use 38 spl, too) and packing a powerful personal defense round, since it wont be used for hunting.

Any others?

 

[middy]

No need for 30.06 if your range requirements are 50-100 yards. Unless you're planning on shooting through cars...

A Marlin .30-30 or .44mag is perfect for that, and you're not going to find a better rifle for the price.

 

[belton-deer-hunter]

+1 for the marlin 30-30

 

[20cows]

I wanted a carbine for the same purpose. This is what I built.



Actually, before I finished, I built two. Both are .30-30's.

 

[MCgunner]

I'm thinking SKS here. Now, that was until I read "very accurate". My two SKSs make GREAT "truck" guns. One's got a folding stock, the other is dressed out with a camo stock, scope, etc. You'd probably wanna stick with the irons on a knock about rifle. They'll both shoot 3 MOA and are accurate enough for broad side shots at 200 yards on a deer. I've taken a deer with the scoped one at about 80 yards, hard angle shot, though.

I also like my little Rossi M92 .357 mag, though it's more of a 4 MOA gun and limited to 100 yards on deer. It's versatile, though, with light .38s for lighter shooting, kinda cool.

Nothing wrong with a gool ol' thuddy thuddy, though, for a "truck gun". You can find 'em in that price range. The SKS is an "under $150" and one of 'em I got was a $75 gun, well worth the money! Surplus 7.62x39 ammo is dirt cheap, too.

 

[MTMilitiaman]

Ditto. My truck gun is a Yugo SKS. Pretty much perfect for the role, IMO.

 

[M.E.Eldridge]

I use an M44. It's cartridge is pretty close to a 30-06.It's a bolt action mil-surp that can be had for about $70 in excellent or like-new condition.

 

[W Turner]

I would second the idea of a Mosin Nagant 44 or preferably, a model 38. Light-er handy little carbine. Tough as shoe leather and shoots a round that is somewhere bewtween a .308 and a .30-06. Can be stripper clip fed if you can find good stripper clips.

If you buy online, it shouldn't be any more than $100. Expect to pay a little more if buying off the rack.


W

 

[countertop]

Like my Marlin 336


A lot.

 

[Radjxf]

As much as I like lever guns, I have to agree with the guys on the SKS. The Kel-Tec SU-16C seems interesting, but man I hate plastic!

 

[pauli]

personally, when i think truck gun, i think 30-30 lever or 12ga nef.

 

[Deer Hunter]

I've got a couple of suggestions.

A marlin 336. Great gun, reliable as hell. Packs a nice punch as well. Mine's from 1981. Below it is my stoeger coach gun, but you said you wanted accuracy up to 50 yards. Hell, grab some rifled slugs and cross your fingers.



Other than that, I'd suggest a Bushmaster M17. Extremely accurate and clean guns, also they're only 30 inches long. It's an AR-15 bullpup with an AR-180 gas system.

 

[MechAg94]

You ought to be able to find a used 30/30 at a pawn shop. For 50 yards, it doesn't have to be a good one. Otherwise, a mosin nagant bolty is probably the cheapest powerful bolt action you can get.

 

[Mad Bodhi]

I'd love a stainless 45/70 Marlin Guide Gun for a trunk gun,but I make do with a Winchester M1 Garand for now.I gotta agree that the SKS is damn near the perfect trunk gun.For around 100 bucks for a shooter grade you can't go wrong.

 

[Glockman17366]

SKS...cheap way to go

Me...I like the SKS Paratrooper rifle. Pretty cheap...only downside is 7.62x39 ammo isn't as cheap as it once was...

 

[noresttill]

I went searching (about 25 shops) today and found...

Many Marlin and Winchester 30-30's for around $250-$300 used
New (must be ordered) 336 and 94 in .357 for $450 into my hands
"New" Roman (? Romanian) SKS paratrooper (one of the shops recommended it) for $300
SKS looking thing with pump and detachable Magazine (Cali Made) For $350

Seems these prices may be a little high compared to the recommendations. Any I still think I like the lever action or pump, as I may move to California (work) in a few years.

Are these prices high?

 

[noresttill]

Is the 30-30 expensive? Ill check tomorrow.

If it is it, it may be cheaper to pay extra for the .357

 

[CentralTexas]

buy a used Mini 14 or Mini 30!

Under $300?

 

[TrapperReady]

Winchester 94 or Marlin lever, in 30-30. The great thing is that they are fine for work out to 100-150 yards, but don't carry the BS "assault rifle" baggage along with them. I've seen a few folks (not rational ones of course) freak out about an M1 or an AR (think "Why would anyone need one of those?"), but have no problem at all with a "cowboy gun" like the Model 94.

Aside from that, 30-30 ammo is relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain in most places. Furthermore, a lever gun is just plain fun for plinking. If you want to get "tactical" about it, lever guns are generally light and easy to handle, allow a very low prone position and can be easily topped off (shoot one -- load one) like a shotgun.

 

[rem870]

Yugo Mauser. Cheap ammo and good stripper clips easy to find.

 

[Cosmoline]

The big advantage of a Mosin or Mauser as a truck gun is it can be rendered inoperable when you leave the truck by simply popping the bolt out. It takes two seconds, and makes it impossible for someone to shoot you with your own rifle.

I also prefer the Mosins or Mausers to leverguns for their ease of tear-down and maintenance. Leverguns have a lot of little springs inside that suffer badly from the rising damp.