Walking in the woods rifle

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Robbins290 said:
I do not like like lever guns and i have never seen a 30-30 bolt. Tho the lever has been around a very long time, i just dont like doing alot of shooting with them. I can shoot a ar-15 all day long, and for .15 cents a round, ya, it limited a little bit compared to a 30-30 with heavy bolts, but the range the OP suggested. It will do fine
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Voila: The Savage 340, cheap and cheerful

IMG_0391-1024x252.jpg

And the distances in question do not change the relative dearth of suitable hunting ammunition in 7.62x39. As to preference for a semi-auto, that was never mentioned by the OP.
 
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Photo: Rem 1100 Special Field, 12 gauge, 20" vent rib barrel. (Rib mounted sights not shown.)

As another alternative, considering that you don't intend to shoot beyond 50 yards or so, how about a semi-auto 12 gauge auto shotgun with iron sights? You can load the chamber with a Brenneke slug, then 00 buckshot for the rest. If it has screw-in chokes, it could double as a great bird, rabbit or "other" gun.

Pump shotguns are fine, but I prefer semi-autos because they're faster (in my hands) and minimize recoil, so can get on target for a second shot more quickly, especially important if you happen to be hunting birds, or miss the first shot on a deer, due to a tree in the way.
 
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For those of you that suggest an AR or AK, they are heavy and bulky in the woods and sometimes rattle. Usable but not optimum. I like a bolt action too, but in thick cover where you are walking a lever is much more compact and 2nd shots if needed are quicker and easier as you can keep your sight picture better. Semi autos work but are again heavier and much longer. Also Winchester 94 carbine or short rifle is as light a rifle as you would want. I never saw the point of a pistol caliber rifle either. Kinda sissy and underpowered compared to a 30-30 in my opinion. Although they are effective enough at close range. But so is a pistol.
 
Picher said:
As another alternative, considering that you don't intend to shoot beyond 50 yards or so, how about a semi-auto 12 gauge auto shotgun with iron sights? You can load the chamber with a Brenneke slug, then 00 buckshot for the rest. If it has screw-in chokes, it could double as a great bird, rabbit or "other" gun. I have a Remington 11-87 that works well for me. I don't have sights on mine, but you can get a barrel with them on it.

Pump shotguns are fine, but I prefer semi-autos because their faster (in my hands) and minimize recoil, so can get on target for a second shot more quickly, especially important if you happen to be hunting birds, or miss the first shot on a deer, due to a tree in the way.
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I also use a slug barrel 11-87 but only when forced to by state rules for certain zones. Besides being big and heavy they are comparatively short range for lack of accuracy, rapid loss of energy and poor killing power compared to a rifle. I speak from years of experience.
 
For thick stuff and walking I like the 30-30 lever, for stand and open areas, light bolt action (Tikka) in 7-08. Plenty of choices. All have pros and cons,
 
Here's my 2 cents.....
A JM Marlin 336/Glenfield 30 with the 2/3 magazine (for weight reduction)
30-30 170gr ammo is about $16 a box for Rem and $12 a box for Privi. Both good

Or a Mini 30.
They dont like the imported steel cased ammo with misfires due to the hard primer.
Domestic, or Privi, brass cased boxer primed stuff only.
Accuracy has improved with the heavier hammer forged barrels they now have
 
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Nothing to do with me; first one that came up on GB. Currently $105 with no reserve, 18 hours left.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/828896790

Savage 340 3+1 capacity 30-30. Add a receiver aperture sight and it's a very economical bolt gun, good for 200 yards with LVR 160s that you won't mind dragging through the brush.

Mini 30 is pretty cool too.
 
I have to agree with the many who are recommending a lever-action carbine chambered in 30-30, or a ballistically similar cartridge. Personally, I'd want nothing shorter (or longer) than the classic 20'" length barrel. I'd also insist on having a good receiver sight mounted, like the Williams "FoolProof" model or the Lyman equivalent.

I have experienced great satisfaction walking in the woods with a Winchester Model 94, configured this way for over half a century now. Hopefully, there's still some more forests ahead of me to explore and hunt in, while toting this fine little timber carbine.
 
I am a lever gun fan. I understand that they are not everyone's thing, and that's fine. My best friend is not very big on them.

That being said - I have always hated how bolt guns poke you in the back with their bolt when carried around on a sling. I find that rather annoying!


So score one to the lever gun for that in my book. Matter of fact - make that two.
 
First off new to the site and am blown away with the knowledge of the contributors.

May have missed them in the thread but a model 88 win in 243 or 308 would be sweet, a little over 7lb but not much. My personal favorite, not that it matters.

A Ruger M77 carbine also gets it done in the brush
 
Ruger Gunsite Scout has a couple of variations under 7 lbs, with 18 inch barrel.
Remington Model Seven laminate has 18 inch barrel, but I don't see the weight listed on the Remington site (or I'm missing it). Both have iron sights.

Here are my two shorties that I think match the criteria. Win 94 Ranger compact with Williams FP site, and CZ 527 youth stock with NECG site. Both are very nice to carry and extremely fun to shoot.

shorties.jpg
 
MacAR said:
I'll bet that little feller is LOUD! But I sorta want one now...

Mac
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Really not bad at all when behind the trigger. Though it is said to be a bit loud for folks next to me when at the range. The deer never notice it ;)
 
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