First Rifle - .357 or .30-30

[BigGunsMoreFun]

BrassRain, Here's your next buy

No worries on your next buy now that you have chosen a 30-30 Marlin. The natural selection for your next gun is a handgun in the same caliber. Here is a link to it.

Magnum Research BFR 30-30 SS 10" barrel

I have one with a 2x Leupold scope on it and I love it. It's a hoot to shoot and a good sidearm for protection while just walking in the woods scoping out your next hunt.

You can pick one up NIB for much less than this. I got mine at Bud's Gun Shop in Kentucky for around $700 NIB. Here's the link to Buds. If they don't have it they will get it for you. Their prices are the best and their customer service is great.

Buds Gun Shop

Enjoy your new rifle. Hopefully you'll be enjoying your new 30-30 BFR as well before to long.

And by the way, no I don't have any vested interest in Bud's Gun Shop nor do I make any money from them. I just think they are great folks to deal with that have a very good selection of guns at very reasonable prices.

Molon Labe,
Joe

 

[Cash08]

BrassRain,
My .02..... With 30 years of hunting and living both in the city and country behind me so far, If I was in the situation you described it would be my .357/.38 Marlin, 4" .357 S&W (on the hip), .38 (on the ankle), + 200-300 rounds in the pack. I'm leaning more towards SHTF situation here, but, I've been on many successful hunts with this combo.

I'd be leaving 35+ in the gun safe; hopefully they would still be there when I returned.

Practice, Practice, Practice!! It doesn’t matter what you have, if you aren’t completely comfortable and accurate with it.

Hope this helps, $

 

[Brass Rain]

I can't believe this got back up.

I've pretty much decided on the .30-30. Thanks again, everyone.

 

[Brass Rain]

BigGunsMoreFun I have to say of all the guns I want, I really don't see a .30-30 handgun in my future. It just seems... strange. Though I did kind of like the idea of Taurus's .223 revolver.

I want to get a lever-action .357 before too long in addition to the .30-30 and maybe mod it into a "Cowboy Assault Rifle" like Mad Ogre's. Even if I don't I want a .357 someday, most likely a Ruger KGP-141 in stainless with adjustable sights and the 4" barrel.

 

[Brian Dale]

...and maybe mod it into a "Cowboy Assault Rifle" like Mad Ogre's...

Welcome to The Dork Side.

I'm a charter member.

 

[BigGunsMoreFun]

To each his own

BrassRain, to each his own bud. I wasn't trying to sell you on the BFR 30-30. I was just suggesting it. I love mine. We all have different tastes. Buy what you want and if you find you don't like it, sell it or trade it for something you do like.

I personally love big guns. Especially big handguns. If you are ever at a gunshow and see someone with a BFR with 10" barrel in any decent caliber, pick it up and hold it and know the awesome feeling this powerful tool provides. If you ever buy one and shoot it enough to get used to it, you will probably be as hooked as I am.

If my handgun doesn't weigh above 3 pounds empty, is less than 12" total length and doesn't sound like a Howitzer going off, then I got no use for it. Except of course a couple of small CCW and cowboy action guns and old milsurp pistols and revolvers for the collection.

Any new handgun I buy for the enjoyment of just shooting it at the range is a hand cannon. I don't care much for the little guns that just go pop.

Anyway, 'nuf said on this. Buy what you like and enjoy it. That's what this sport is all about. Have fun and be safe.

Molon Labe,
Joe

 

[Brass Rain]

Be assured I love big guns, too. I've handled the Taurus .44 Raging Bull, the S&W 500 and a Desert Eagle at gun shows. The Eagle was way to blocky and front-heavy, but the others were great.