WestKentucky
Member
I grew up with a Marlin 62 "Levermatic" in .256 Winchester Magnum. I learned a lot with that rifle, and it was the first centerfire rifle I ever shot. I killed several deer with the diminuitive little plinker, and learned to love it. This rifle is technically my dads, but like most things in our lives it gets treated as community property, even though we are 2 hours away from each other now. Over the years we have had several discussions on finding another 62 in "the other calibers" as ammo is much more readily available in .30 carbine and others as opposed to the necked down .357 magnum known as the .256 winmag.
So Thursday a coworker came to me and asked if I had ever heard of a .30 carbine levergun and I started smiling and laughing. I described the gun to a T. When the guys jaw came up from the floor he asked how many I have, and I started laughing again. Turns out his plan was to use it as a starter gun for an 8 year old until he could find a youth shotgun, and he wanted a single shot. I proceeded to find him a single shot online and offered him enough cash to buy his boy his first gun. I deliver cash tomorrow, and I intend to slip an extra 20 in for the boys first few boxes of shells.
Anything for a youngun, this deal just happens to help me out as well. Don't know or care if I'm getting a good deal or getting hosed. I haven't even seen a picture of the gun, but even if it's a basket case then it'll be a good project.
Oh the memories of hauling a Marlin 62 around... I need a thick bunch of oak trees and a cold fall day in my near future.
So Thursday a coworker came to me and asked if I had ever heard of a .30 carbine levergun and I started smiling and laughing. I described the gun to a T. When the guys jaw came up from the floor he asked how many I have, and I started laughing again. Turns out his plan was to use it as a starter gun for an 8 year old until he could find a youth shotgun, and he wanted a single shot. I proceeded to find him a single shot online and offered him enough cash to buy his boy his first gun. I deliver cash tomorrow, and I intend to slip an extra 20 in for the boys first few boxes of shells.
Anything for a youngun, this deal just happens to help me out as well. Don't know or care if I'm getting a good deal or getting hosed. I haven't even seen a picture of the gun, but even if it's a basket case then it'll be a good project.
Oh the memories of hauling a Marlin 62 around... I need a thick bunch of oak trees and a cold fall day in my near future.
but the .256 is every bit as good and much better if you want more steam. The cases can be made from .357 brass , but it isn't easy- at least for me. I have loaded it with 75 grain HPs which work very well and is my favorite .256 load. Yup, I shot a deer or two in the day in the 70s . The .256 is pretty final on coyotes to 200 yards.
