Dreaming of rebuilding my gun collection

[Jason_W]

I've sold most everything to help fund an XC move. We'll get reimbursed by the wife's company for a lot of our moving expenses, so obviously the first thing I'm going to do is re-arm once we've officially changed our residence status.

I'm distracting myself from the hair whitening stress of the impending move by trying to figure out what to get. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to hunt large game my first year there (I have no idea where to begin with that whole thing) so my first priority is obtain guns that are fun at the range.

Today, I'm leaning toward this (Marlin 336 BL in .30-30)
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/centerfire/336BL.asp

And a 20 gauge coach gun of some kind.

I'm not sure either of those are ideally suited to hunting out west, but levers and doubles are just really cool.

 

[leadaddict]

It might be therapeutic to tell us what you sold. It might also help with suggestions. What do you plan to hunt?

Surely you need a handgun as well!

 

[GBExpat]

I've sold most everything to help fund an XC move.

XC move?

 

[Jason_W]

XC = Cross country.

 

[Jason_W]

By the time all is said and done, I'll have sold a Zastava Mini-mauser, a savage Mark II, and a Benelli Nova tactical. I had to sell far more in recent years due to financial hard times.

I'm keeping my boyhood guns. A rossi single shot .410 and my early 90s Remington 870 in 20 ga. I still prefer that old 870 as my primary small game gun.

I'll worry about a big game rifle when and if I get to hunt and once I know what the terrain is like. I do know that deer in the area don't get very big, but that distances can be long. I'm leaning toward something like a bolt action in .25-05 as a deer rifle.

That said, I know from experience that I have far more fun at the range with shotguns and leverguns than I do with bolt action sporters.

 

[leadaddict]

I've been thinking about a lever gun, but in 357 magnum. It would be cheaper than 30-30 to shoot if it's mostly a range gun. Just a thought...

 

[Jason_W]

I actually used to have a now coveted 1894c in .357. They're very expensive now, if you can even find one up for sale.

As a handloader, I know I can make some dirt cheap .30-30 loads for range plinking. Plus, the .30-30 does have a little bit more effective range, which isn't a bad thing in open country.

 

[leadaddict]

Ah, that makes perfect sense! I hope it isn't too long before your dream can become a reality. We moved three years ago (and only a couple hundred miles), but I can very much relate to the stress involved. We had to move fairly quickly and it was probably the most stressful month of my life. ME > :banghead:

 

[leadaddict]

Here's some sweet lever action shooting for you to help relieve stress. If you can look past the goofy outfit, it's some pretty awesome shooting (not quite a 30-30 though ).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1BwUJ4--Qw

 

[Sniper66]

Since you have very few guns, the field is wide open. You have apparently had a number of guns in the past, which should have clarified your preferences at this stage of your life. Half the fun of gun ownership, for me, is finding the guns I want. Gives me an excuse to hang around gun stores, attend auctions, go to gun shows, read this site, etc. Think of all the fun you are going to have. To start though, focusing on what kind of shooting you plan to do, identify your priorities, would be wise. Good luck and have fun.

 

[Jason_W]

Cool.

I have no plans of getting into cowboy action, but I really like the feel of a lever action. I'd likely top whatever I get with some kind of compact modern sight. Maybe a red dot backed up with a ghost ring. Old meets new.

 

[StrawHat]

Lever action rifle, living out west, possible big game and a reloader. I see only one choice for you.



This is the 405 WCF in a Winchester 1895, paired with a 45 long Colt Single action revolver.

 

[Deog]

If you go hunting for a Marlin, find a pre remington Marlin, if you buy new, make sure to really check it out well as the remlin's have had lots of issues.
Good luck finding a 1894 in 357, like hens teeth, and when you find one,it will be pricey.

 

[BSA1]

It is a secret where you are moving? You have provided little useful information.

Based on what little you have posted I would choose a 12 ga. shotgun over the 20. There are many more choices of ammunition and with some loads the recoil is actually lighter.

Another plus is during the Banic of 2013 12 ga. shotshells were always on the shelf.

 

[Jason_W]

It is a secret where you are moving? You have provided little useful information.

Sort of.

Northern California.

The reason I want to stick with the 20 is because one of the few guns I'm keeping is a 20. I like the idea of having a somewhat streamlined collection of guns and reloading gear.

The 20 will kill everything I need it to kill. If I get into goose hunting, I'll re-evaluate.

 

[larryh1108]

The chase is half the fun. Take what you've learned and what you've researched and enjoy the hunt. The second go around should be quite fullfilling.