How about a Lever Action 30/30?

[ECVMatt]

Great Post TxAg..

Most of this seems lost to the, "High Speed" generation. I have some AR's, a Mini, and such the like, but my Marlin is the one I choose to ride with me when I really need to hit something and put it down. Besides, leverguns make great companions. I have never be able to warm up to a semi-auto. I do use Bolt Actions when the range is long or I am hunting in the mountains, but for most of my woods/desert helling the lever is king.

It also reminded me of a time in west Texas when a bunch of hogs started chewing upon a deer we had hung in the tree. It was nighttime and we red lighted them to discover a sizable flock. I had recently picked up an AR so I was elected to slay said hogs invaders. I put a good Indian sneak up on them and got w/in 20 yards. I let loose with the AR, firing all 30 rounds and I hit precisely one pig. It weighed about 25 lbs. It was quickly named Petunia Pig and I was mocked for the rest of the weekend. I put up the AR and went back to my Trusted Win 94 I was using at the time.

I am not saying that multi round rifles don't have a place and cannot be shot accurately, but most of us are not in a war type situation. For most things a levergun works and works well.

Matt

 

[Milkmaster]

Whether it has been talked about or not, I am glad to reply and see the chat because, I haven't seen it!. Those that have time to complain about the post should have spent their keyboard clicks in a positive way on a different thread.

I bought my Winchester 94 a couple of years ago because I always wanted one! It was from an estate sale and looked brand new. I was blown away to find out it was 30 years old when I got home and ran the S/N. So off I went to shoot my new found prize. I am mechanical in nature and love to see machines work and see HOW they work etc. The Winchester 94 is just that type of weapon for me. It is mechanical, easy to handle, easy to clean, and easy on the eyes. All those things mean it is the right weapon for me to love and learn to handle properly. For "around the farm" defense it is certainly as much gun as a person could need. I keep hearing how the 30-30 is not very good over 100 yards, but my son and I target shoot with it using open sights at 100 yards all the time. The round still easily penetrates 1/4" of 316 stainless steel at that distance within 2-3 inch groupings. I like the Winchester version because of loading it without pulling out a magazine rod. That is something to consider in a hurried confrontation I guess. I have nothing against the Marlin at all. Winchester was just my preference. Enjoy yours as I have mine!

 

[TexAg]

Nomad, I think its the shooter AND the rifle.

 

[Kaylee]

Despite owning a couple EBRs, it's still a .30-30 I've had loaded up and in the corner "just in case." Partly because it's cheap enough I don't feel too hinky leaving it unsecured, partly 'cause yes it's less intimidating looking to Mr. Policeman (or God fobid, a jury), but mostly 'cause it's just so darn handy and easy to hit with. Besides, it's more than adequate for pretty much anything liable to happen around here.

(and nice shootin' Tex. )

-K

PS - having owned a Marlin and a Winchester, I prefer the latter. I don't know why, but for me that ol' Marlin just never shot too straight, and had God-awful felt recoil to boot. Despite being lighter, the straight-stocked Winchester just plain shoots more friendly to me for some reason.

 

[scrat]

i have had my 30-30 for about 17 years now. i have loaded light loads cast lead from 100-170 grains. and have also loaded jacketed loads from 100-180 grn. then same time i have used spier round nose. almost anything made in .30 caliber. by far it is the best and almost only rifle that you can change your load to suite what you want to shoot.

Same time i agree its the shooter not the gun. i have seen a lot of people with their sks ar15 and whatever semi auto. they get trigger itchy and shoot all over the target. CANT SHOOT SHIEEET. Most of them couldnt shoot there way out of a paper bag. The USMC said it best. One Shot One Kill.

Its all about making that one round count. If you only have a 30-30 when shtf. then you have all you need. In fact you are probably better armed then the guy down the street with the ar15.


ONE SHOT ONE KILL.

when hunting deer you have one shot to bring em down. a 30 round clip wont do shiieeeet unless you like swiss cheese meat.

 

[Texas Colt]

There's lots of great things to be said about the 30-30. The fact that is still going strong over 100 years after it was developed speaks volumes about it.

Then there's the fact that Hornady would spend the development dollars to create the new Leverevolution ammo.

I've owned several 30-30s through the years and every one has been 100% dependable and has always hit what I was aiming at (when I did my part, right TexAg?)

I just bought my first box of Hornady Leverevolution ammo yesterday and the latest addition to my Winchester 94 collection will be here in a couple days. We'll see how that combo works out at the range. I have no doubts that it will be great.

The good ole lever gun is a long way from extinction and is certainly capable of defending hearth and home as well as putting meat on the table. More often than not, it's a lever gun that I reach for when heading to the woods or the range.

The fact that I have 6 lever guns, only one semi-auto, and only one bolt gun should tell you something.

 

[ZeSpectre]

+1 to what Texas Colt says

I put a deposit down on a LNIB Marlin 336C with scope at the local pawn shop yesterday. Funny because it's the 3-9x32 scope you typically see coming with the "A" model but it's definitely a "C" model. Anyway now I'm chompin' at the bit until I can go collect it on Monday!

I can't wait to try some of that Hornady LEVERevolution stuff in it too!

 

[fastbike]

Think about pistol caliber

I wouldn't give up on a modern lever action in 357 Magnum, 45 Colt, 44 magnum, etc. Get a pistol to match and you're in good shape.

The 357 Magnum is a very versatle cartridge in a levergun and as good or better balistically than the 30-30. Lots easier to find.


I have a Puma 92 20" Carbine in 45 Colt that is an absolute joy to shoot. Light, accurate and much faster than a bolt gun.

 

[tubeshooter]

and as good or better balistically than the 30-30. Lots easier to find.

Both of these are debatable.

 

[Texas Colt]

I can agree with fastbike. As versatile as the 30-30 is, the pistol caliber lever guns have their benefits too. I have a Winchester Trapper in 44 mag. It has plenty of punch at short range and with a 16" barrel, it is very easy to handle. It makes a great home defense weapon.