Howdy,
I've been considering a lever gun. I know it may not seem possible, but I have managed to live thus far without one. I don't really know what's available. I'd like to tell what I might be looking for, and hear some suggestions.

I have several bolt actions. Calibers include 22, 22mag, 223, 243, 270, and 300win mag. My handguns include 22, 357, and 45auto.

I have a couple thoughts about the lever action. I'm a bit torn as to wether I want deer performance or plinking. I've always liked the savage 99. A 250 would seem a great compromise. Haven't really looked, but I'm guessing one of these will be hard to find and expensive.

I've looked at the browning in 7-08. Nice, but a little too new lookin'. And a pencil barrel, flimsy lookin' sight.

I've looked at Marlins in 44 and 30-30. Inexpensive, fairly good lookin'. The 44 seems it would be a great plinker, and deer capable.

Anyways, I could ramble more, but let's hear some advice.

Thanks!

The 30-30 is as "deer capable" as any caliber. A 44 mag, 30-30, 35 REM, etc.,...........are all effective (and then some) on deer and come in a variety of different lever configurations, depending on whether you buy new or used. I certainly wouldn't get hung up on the length of the magazine tube unless it's what trips your trigger. If you go with a shorter magazine tube you will eliminate the 44 mag and 357 mag as these only come in a full magazine version.

Since you've never owned a levergun and you want something fun to shoot - for starters, there are loads of Marlin 30-30's out there and the ammunition is easy to find about anywhere.

Regards, Vic

Savage 99s will be expensive, yes.

A .44 will be a decent plinker, and a great hunting gun. A .357 (if you can find them - they are popular with the CAS crowd), will make a great plinker, and a decent hunting round.

The .30-30 will make a fine hunting round and OK as a plinker if you reload.

Best of luck....

Since you already have a few 'deer' rifles start out with a good .357. You can use light loads or .38 specials for target, plinking and playing. Pick up a few 158 or 180gr jacketed loads and out to about 120 yards or so it will do about what a .30-30 will without the blast. After playing with that one for a while you might reconsider that BLR. Looks can be deceiving. After a couple of hunts with a good 1-5X or 4X scope mounted on it you will probably begin to consider gettting rid of the .243, 270 and .300, but I've warned you. PS-BLR's come in .243 and WSM's.

grit,
The prevailing opinion is that a Savage M99 in 250 cal. will be expensive. That opinion is based somewhat on what we remember their new price when they were being produced. However, if you shop around you can probably find one for about the same money that you would lay out for a Remington 700 BDL at your favorite retail dealer. It all depends on what you want.

Get a .44 mag they are grat bullets for varmits, deers, hogs and plinking. They are good Brush rifles for deer out to about 150 yards. If you want to longer shots go for the 30-30. you can get to 200 yards with normal ammo and from what i've read the New Leverution ammo from hornaday you can get out to 300 yards.

Grit, that M99 in .250 will be somewhat difficult to find but if you take your time you will find one. The moment you buy, they will be crawling out of the woodwork. They will not be cheap as that is a caliber that everyone seems to like and willing to pay for.

I have liked the M99 from afar for a while and finally found one in a 99c in .308 that followed me home. Great rifles, but they are not cheap. Check gunbroker and auction arms online to get a feel for prices.

I'll take a BLR in 308 or 358 win; "new lookin'. And a pencil barrel, flimsy lookin' sight", and all!

Andy

If you just want a plinker/varmit rifle, get a Marlin model 39. If you want a rifle to go after deer, the .357 would go well with your pistol, but you cannot go wrong with the ol .30-30 either! And it would be easier to find the gun in .30-30. Last one I saw on the gunrack at the local shop (used) was $225 or about $100 more for a new gun. I have not even seen a .357 on the rack around here! You may have to order in a new one. I would like to have a .357 revolver/rifle combo myself so my opinion may be a little biased!

Thanks for all the replies. Having a ball shopping. I've looked at the BLR, Marlins, Pumas, Henry's, and had a deal made on a 99 that was sold out from under me.

With a bit of further thought, I've decided I want the rifle to be good for both plinking and deer. Currently, my thinking is a 250 or a 44. If I got a 44, it'd be a great reason to buy a Redhawk or a 629 to go with it.

I did like the BLR as well. Although I've never been a fan of the high gloss and gold plating. I'd prefer the flavor of a battered 94, with octagon barrel and a saddle ring.

Got plenty of modern lookin', stainless, synthetic, laminate, day-glo stuff....

Anyway, I'll keep lookin'. Thanks again for the input.

P.S. How about a recoil comparrison for the marlin 444, and the 45-70. Surely I can load them down for plinking, and full for hunting. Just never shot iether of them.