theotherwaldo
Member
If it's time to be discrete then it's time to concealed carry.
If it's time to go to long guns then carry what works for you.
If it's time to go to long guns then carry what works for you.
The other factor is power. If I’m going to lug around a rifle sized object I want rifle ballistics, both external and terminal. PCCs are fun and all, and I really like mine, but pistol calibers just aren’t as effective as rifle rounds.BSW
If it's time to be discrete then it's time to concealed carry.
If it's time to go to long guns then carry what works for you.
Personally I think your Marlin is a pretty good choice. I like the Marlin's action a bit better than the 92 or Henry, and it has enough power, capacity and rapidity for both deterrence and practical effectiveness.
Given your basic premise, the one gun I can think of that might improve on it hasn't been available for several years: the IMI Timber Wolf. Also once available in .44 Magnum, it has a slight advantage in speed (for me anyway) of pump over lever, plus a quick takedown feature for removing the buttstock for even more discreet transport. The rifle could easily be taken for an old Winchester .22 plinker from a distance, but up close you can't miss the big hole at the muzzle!
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I think IMI's timing in bringing this rifle to the market was unfortunate -- used examples bring a real premium right now, routinely selling for north of $1.5K on GunBroker. I wonder whether IWI would consider giving it another try?
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My observation is that SHTF weapon choices are like official Covid19 policy decisions: no matter what you choose, it seems like everyone gives a different reason why it is dangerously mistaken! I recommend going with what you know, and making sure it's zeroed and functions properly.
For me, the most important and difficult aspect of this problem is safe but easily accessible storage. Defensive shooting incidents tend to be surprise parties -- will your weapon be in your hands when you need it?
In my own case, the answer is a qualified maybe because I carry a 5-shot revolver in a 5-11 holster undershirt or within arm's reach during about 85% of my waking hours. Not the most effective weapon or the quickest access, but it's the combo that works best around my lifestyle.
If it can't be a semi then the bolt action scout rifle concept makes more sense than a cowboy rifle. While it doesn't meet the exact scout criteria this is close enough for me. An 18" barreled Ruger Predator. It has the 3 round mag in it, but I have multiple 5, 6, and 10 round mags for it. It is lighter, and shorter than most 30-30's even with the scope on it. It is every bit as fast for AIMED repeat shots.
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I "think" a lot of people are misunderstanding what most mean by "discreet". My take away was the OP did not mean not seen. Rather less "freak out factor". The media has been on a "Black Rifles are evil" crusade for a LONG time. Many who do not know which end a bullet comes out do seem to "know" what black rifles look like. You can put a Mini 14 and an AR next to each other and a LOT of people who are not gun people will never believe they are the same thing. The Mini looks like something "ok or fine", the AR looks like those things only the Devil would own. Right or wrong it's just it is what it is. Many who would freak out in fear of anything AR, even if it was a .22, would not bat an eye at a Mini or a lever.
They were never dead before this resurgence but the idea of the “tactical lever gun” that IS a recent fad, is DOA except in the circumstances pointEd out by @BigBL87