My dad wants a new rifle

[azhunter122]

My dad wants to buy a hunting rifle. He has used my 30-06 in the field for mule deer and he has his own 12 gauge. He says that he likes the leverguns but doesn't know if it will be enough power for mule deer. We both hunt just about anything, mule deer, javelina, elk, etc. What would be a good gun? Please keep in mind that it must be light and easy on his back.


Thanks

 

[DnPRK]

Browning BLR comes in 308, 30-06 and several magnum calibers. They have an interesting takedown model too.
Browning link

 

[RJChapman]

Marlin .45/70

If he likes lever guns, its hard to beat the tried and true .30-30. While the .30-30 will take mule deer with no problem, if he is concerned it might not, step up to the .45/70 Government.

Originally adopted by the US Army during the Indian wars, the ability to reach out there and kill the horse of a mounted warrier was part of the criteria in adoption. The cartridge is more than adequate for mule deer, javalena and Elk. The trajectory at long range takes on rainbow qualities, though.

 

[res45]

Gun Marlin 308 Express
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/308MarlinExpress/308MX.asp
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...Csid=a7c0c70d4667fa886eb3d99ba4324809&x=0&y=0

Video
http://www.hornady.com/story.php?s=481

Ammo
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0000382733
Muzzle velocity: 2660 fps
Muzzle energy: 2513 ft. lbs.

Reloading Dies
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0004414901

The only down side is that Hornady isn't going to make a 160 Gr. flex tip bullet available for reloader any time soon but there is loading data on it available if you reload.
http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

 

[rangerruck]

a lever is just fine for any deer; deer are thin skinned animals. a 3030 will drop it no probs...

 

[Shawnee]

Marlin 336 in 30/30 - great for deer out to 200-225yds, good enough for Elk out to at least 150yds.

Winchester 94 in 30/30 will be fine too but it's trickier to put a scope on - if he decides he needs/wants a scope. On the "plus side" it is about a half-pound lighter than the Marlin and that doesn't hurt.

If he decides to replace the iron sights on either the 336 or the 94 (good idea!), it can be done for about $60-$100. Good "irons" to use are from Williams' Gun Sight Co.

Browning BLR is a great rifle but notably heavier than the Marlin or Winchester. If he's really going to hunt Elk - get it in 7mm/08. If he'll really hunt just things up to deer etc., get it in .243. One of the big advantages with this rifle is that it uses a detatchable box magazine - but that doesn't compensate for the extra weight if he's climbing around the terrain all day. The factory iron sights on the BLR are quitre usable "as is".

Good luck !


In line with "Jason M's" thinking below - the .Marlin in .35 Remington is an option too.

 

[Jason M]

What about a gun in .35 Whelen? I think that round sums up everything you want to do. Especially if you reload.

-Jason

 

[Speedo66]

I have a Browning lever action in .308 and love it. Light, short, accurate.

They have an astounding array of calibers, and now I see they have take downs and stainless.

 

[j_slagle]

If you want something with a little more punch than the 30-30, the Marlin 336 comes in .35 Remington.