Best caliber for a lever-action "trunk gun"

[115grfmj]

.357 gets my nod....

With ammo operating at the level it was designed for (ie buffalo bore, georgia'
arms etc.) it closely approaches 30-30 energy. Flatter shooting than the
.44, shorter lever stroke than either, way cheaper ammo, extremely capable
of deer or hog to 100yds, can keep all rounds in the black at 200yds with
williams 5d sight, with .38spl makes an excellent small game carbine.

Whats not to like.

Heres mine.

 

[cookekdjr]

30-30 if you hand load, .44 or .357 if you don't.

SKS if you come around to my point of view

David

 

[WYO]

Hey POP, welcome to THR. My BLR is in Rob's shop getting the .358 barrel installed.

 

[dev_null]

Well, I settled the question, at least for myself. Found an older -- but not Pre-64 -- Win 94, .30-30, 20" blue, for $175. It's got some "character," particularly on the top inch of the right side of the receiver, but it's clean, bright, and crisp where it counts, namely the innards. Bore looks real good. And no crossbolt safety. Rifle, NICS fee and two boxes of ammo, for less than $200? Heck yeah!

- 0 -

 

[TODD3465]

I voted .44 but if you found a good deal on a .30-30 it's all good.

That would have been my alternate choice.

 

[bearmgc]

.44mag beater Marlin, that's what I have. 30-30 as 2nd choice, if I could find as good a shooter as my .44