my big thing is accuracy/precision shooting (which covers my varminting and hunting), so i'll let others answer your questions concerning ar/ak's and that stuff...
i just wanted to say that don't get locked into thinking that rifles begin and end w/ ar's and ak's... i really don't like auto-loading rifles. most of my rifles are bolts (like rem 700's, win 70's), and levers...
out to 100 yards, a marlin lever gun in 357 or 44 mag is a fun, effective rifle... however, i'd advise that you stick w/ rifle cartridges for rifles - and if you are really hung up on levers, it is awfully tough to beat the 30-30. cheap to shoot, more power than either the 357 or 44 mag at range, and recoil is tolerable by anyone.
i just wanted to say that don't get locked into thinking that rifles begin and end w/ ar's and ak's... i really don't like auto-loading rifles. most of my rifles are bolts (like rem 700's, win 70's), and levers...
out to 100 yards, a marlin lever gun in 357 or 44 mag is a fun, effective rifle... however, i'd advise that you stick w/ rifle cartridges for rifles - and if you are really hung up on levers, it is awfully tough to beat the 30-30. cheap to shoot, more power than either the 357 or 44 mag at range, and recoil is tolerable by anyone.