need a new deer rifle

[Random Discharge]

Since you've previously only borrowed a levergun, and this is your first rifle, I am going to assume you don't have a lot of rifle shooting under your belt. If I'm wrong, sorry.

Before you discount a lever gun that, as others have correctly noted, will limit your shots to 200 yds, consider your shooting abilities. If you have no problems with long range shots, get a long range gun (bolt action in 7-08, 308, 270, 30-06 are all fine for your needs). If you should be limiting yourself to 200 yards to make clean kills anyway, get a used Marlin 336 in 30-30. And get the bolt gun later. I like Savage's for good value, but there are many to choose from.

I don't recommend you get a pistol caliber levergun (44 magnum, 357, 45LC, etc.). Others have noted the terrain in your area will dictate you choose at least something as flat shooting as the 30-30.

 

[The Deer Hunter]

Why hasn't anyone recomended one of these?

Marlin 308MX or a Marlin 338MX

Both give good range, and are levers.

I like the idea of the .308 Marlin Express but, personally, I don't think it's going to stick. I can find .30-06, .308, 12 GA, anywhere but I've never seen .308 Marlin Express. For all I know, though, .308 Marlin Express could be the next big lever action caliber.


If you really want a .308 lever action get a Winchester 94 in .307 Winchester =D

Before you discount a lever gun that, as others have correctly noted, will limit your shots to 200 yds

C'mon, stop making me laugh!

 

[Deaf Smith]

Ocelot,

If you like leverguns, then a Browning BLR in .308 or such will take care of both woods hunting and open country hunting.

 

[AllAmerican]

Remington 770 in .270

 

[Eb1]

A .307 is definitely discontinued ammo. I have seen .308 MX around. I do not think it is going anywhere. After all Hornady seems to be a leader in innovation for ammunition these days. At least in hunting ammo.

Remington has picked up in making a .308 Marline Express round available. Three hundred yards is definitely doable with either Marlin Express cartridges.

If you want a lever gun. IMO you should stick with a classic in the Marlin. The Browning is an awesome gun, but looses out in look and feel of a classic lever gun. A Whinny .307 in a 94 is a great gun, but you will have to be a reloader to take advantage.
I would not worry about the Marlin Express going out of production. Marlin has sold many guns in this line.

The .338 Marlin has very comparable ballistics to the .308/30-06. Of course I am biased. I hunt with lever guns, and have since I have been 8 years old. I don't think I will ever not have a lever gun when I go hunting for medium to large game. I shoot a 30-30. Never had an issue. Yes, I have lost some, but it wasn't due to range limit or 30-30's power. It was due to the animals will to live, and light conditions.

Do some research on the .338 and .308 MX. They are here to stay.