leverguns? .45-70? .30-30?

[ericlosh]

looking to get into leverguns in a month or so and im between two calibers, .30-30 or .45-70. I eventually want both.

not sure what manufactuers to look for and avoid, id like to not spend to much but im always willing to spend a little extra if the quality is there. Im probably gonna hit up pawn shops and see if a can get a deal on something lightly used.

I'm leaning .30-30 because its from what i hear a damned good round and its far more affordable to shoot vs. the .45-70, i want the .45-70 because its .45-70 and its incredible.


tips, tricks, general pointers.

many thanks.

 

[jalger]

30-30 its cheaper to shoot, easier to find, more forgiving. I'd say Marlin only because I've had three and nothing else....For hunting? or...?

 

[ericlosh]

i suppose i may get around to hunting some day.

mainly im off exploring different guns than i normally do (mall ninja!)

Since market prices are nuts im just buying the stuff no one is freaking out about and im getting into some really cool guns i probably would've taken years to find an appreciation for without the panic.

reasons you listed are why i will likely go the .30-30 route. more the price and availability.

i guess ill figure it out when i go shop around but i think id like to keep my used price around the $400 mark.

 

[SeventhSon]

I have a Winchester 94. You're more than welcome to check it out if you wanted.

 

[Zephyr]

Both Winchester and Marlin are great brands. If you have the shoulder for a 45-70, it cannot be beat; however, the 30-30 is more versatile in regards to factory ammo and reloading components. I personally opted for the 45-70 because there are hogs in the woods around here (if there's one thing I want a hog to do, its to hit the dirt after one shot), but if that is not a concern for you the 30-30 sounds like it will have the most advantages.

 

[Cleburne]

I opted for an older pre-safety Marlin 336 in .30-30 caliber.

 

[hunter5567]

I like Marlin lever actions myself but Winchesters are good also. Look for the angle eject models if you are wanting to put a scope on it and the newer models were better built than the post 64 models of the 70's and early 80's. i look for the winchester models that have a little screw on the floor plate of the action. This will be found on the pre-64 older models and the better built angle eject models.
The Hornady Leverevolution ammo really makes the 30-30 into a 200-250yard capable rifle especially the newer Monoflex bullets.

 

[FishingFool]

Pic of a 55 gr 223, a 1 oz fishing sinker, and a 405 gr 45-70 projectile.

Reloading doesn't have to be complicated.

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=3duhNVjAu6E&desktop_uri=/watch?v=3duhNVjAu6E

 

[ericlosh]

View attachment 36196
Pic of a 55 gr 223, a 1 oz fishing sinker, and a 405 gr 45-70 projectile.

Reloading doesn't have to be complicated.

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=3duhNVjAu6E&desktop_uri=/watch?v=3duhNVjAu6E

thats pretty much the only reason i want a .45-70 but i think i should wait till ammo would be more affordable to me, i see this being a chambering if i pick up right now, i wont shoot due to costs.


thanks everyone.

 

[LSUlefty]

I know I'm in the minority, but I really want a Mossberg 464 ZMB .30-.30.

 

[BobKaro]

I know I'm in the minority, but I really want a Mossberg 464 ZMB .30-.30.

The first step is admitting you have a problem.

 

[sandman7925]

If you're going to do this then do it right. Get a marlin 1894 and get a ruger Blackhawk in matching calibers.

 

[LSUlefty]

The first step is admitting you have a problem.

I already know that. lol.

 

[Fred_G]

Get both? The older Marlins are just great guns.

 

[carnut3055]

I also have both the Marlin and Winchester in both 30-30 and 45/70. I personally like the 86 Winchester 45/70 for under 300 yards in thick brush. The 30-30 is a very good round and is readily available. If you reload there isn't that much difference. The quality in the Marlin lever guns is excellent. I think they are a little better made than the Winchesters but there isn't a whole lot of difference between them. Good luck, You will enjoy either or both.

 

[Sugarbug]

I've got a marlin 30-30 lever action. If you want to stop by and borrow it for a trip to the range, just let me know. Just don't blow it up.

 

[aherring1983]

I have a 30-30 and a 45-70, the 45-70 will dirt roll a big hog easy

 

[aherring1983]

My 30-30 is a old Winchester and the 45-70 is a marlin

 

[Fred_G]

I got a deal on a Marlin 45-70. I did not really research it. Jeebus that one shoots a large pill. I am almost afraid to shoot it! But is a pretty gun. I am a sucker for old lever rifles and pump shotguns.

 

[danthemanx07]

No .35 Remington love? I have a Marlin 336C in it. Not quite the round as the .45-70, but packs more punch than the .30-30. It is also pretty common at Walmart and Academy around here. Don't mean to muddy your water any. Couldn't go wrong with any of the choices.