Help me pick a caliber for lever action rifle

[hammick]

I'm not a big game hunter but really want a lever action rifle. I have handled a Rossi Rio Grande (30 30) and a Marlin 336 (30 30) both at Dicks. The Rossi was stainless and I like the looks better than the Marlin which was blue. I didn't get to play with them much the guy removed the locks and allowed me to briefly cycle the actions. The Marlin may have felt better but I'm not sure.

I am not a big game hunter or deer hunter. I own a couple SKS rifles and lots of Yugoslavian ammo. I also own a 10/22, a 12 gauge, a 20 gauge, a 357 revolver (4"), a couple 45s and a couple 9mm.

I would really like to get a Rossi or Marlin in 357 since I have the revolver and already reload 38 special rounds. I am also intrigued by the 45lc and the 44 magnum. If I buy a 45lc or a 44mag lever of course that will eventually lead to another revolver in the same caliber.

The 357 lever guns are impossible to find. The 44mag, 45lc and winchester 30 30 are readily available.

Given the guns that I already own, what should I get?

[thearborbarber]

I have eight marlins so I might be a bit biased.

What are you going to do with the rifle?

I have an 1894 in 41 mag that hunts with my Taurus 415 in 41 mag. A mega fun combo.

[texastaurusguy]

I have a Marlin 336 in 30-30. Great rifle and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Having said that, I sure would like a Chuck Connors special, a carbine in 45 Long Colt, with a loop on the lever.

[MilProGuy]

My first deer hunting rifle was a Marlin 30-30 lever action. It was a great rifle. Wish I still had it.

[hammick]

I have eight marlins so I might be a bit biased.

What are you going to do with the rifle?

I have an 1894 in 41 mag that hunts with my Taurus 415 in 41 mag. A mega fun combo.

Well if I get a pistol caliber it will get used a fair amount at my indoor range. If I get a 30 30 not so much because I can only shoot it at the outdoor range which is about 45 minutes away. I really the like the looks of the Rossi in stainless.

[hammick]

My first deer hunting rifle was a Marlin 30-30 lever action. It was a great rifle. Wish I still had it.

I can get a Marlin 336w at Walmart for $354. I reload so I would buy the 30 30 dies if I went this route.

[MadKaw]

Where and what kind of shooting are you going to do?
I have a Marlin in .45-70. It's a great Michigan gun. It will kill any Michigan game at any reasonable Michigan range. But it wouldn't be my first choice if I lived out west. Then I'd go for .444 or .450 Marlin. OTOH, if I wanted to try my hand at Cowboy shooting - .45 Colt.
And everybody should have a .30-30, just because.

[hammick]

Where and what kind of shooting are you going to do?
I have a Marlin in .45-70. It's a great Michigan gun. It will kill any Michigan game at any reasonable Michigan range. But it wouldn't be my first choice if I lived out west. Then I'd go for .444 or .450 Marlin. OTOH, if I wanted to try my hand at Cowboy shooting - .45 Colt.
And everybody should have a .30-30, just because.

Well getting a 30 30 would quench my desire for a lever gun and I could pick up a 357 later when they are available again.

I guess I need to know opinions on whether the Marlin is better gun. In the 30 30 the Rossi is the Rio Grande model which is side ejecting.

[Czechbikr]

Well if I get a pistol caliber it will get used a fair amount at my indoor range.

Which is why I just bought my Marlin in 44 magnum. Since you already own a .357 that makes sense to get that caliber for the ultimate power versus cost ratio. The cowboy shooters snap them up fast for the same reason. I have seen lever guns in 454 casull used on Gunbroker and was really tempted to go for it. Good luck with your next purchase and don't forget...we love pictures.

[hammick]

Which is why I just bought my Marlin in 44 magnum. Since you already own a .357 that makes sense to get that caliber for the ultimate power versus cost ratio. The cowboy shooters snap them up fast for the same reason. I have seen lever guns in 454 casull used on Gunbroker and was really tempted to go for it. Good luck with your next purchase and don't forget...we love pictures.

The 357 is a no brainer but they are nowhere to be found.