Need advice on which camp/truck gun.

[Idaho45guy]

When in the woods of North Idaho, I have either my Glock G29 in 10mm or my Ruger BH Bisley in .45 Colt strapped on. I was thinking of adding a short carbine to my collection for having handy when in the woods for additional firepower. The rifle would be mostly sitting in my Jeep, or on an ATV, and occasionally slung over my shoulder.

My initial feeling was that I had a Ruger AR that I didn't use and would like to get a new upper for it in .450 Bushmaster. However, I discovered that uppers in that caliber are $700 to $900 and the mag capacity is only nine.

I believe most .45 Colt lever guns hold around 10 and cost about the same. I'd rather have a lever-gun for a rifle that will be knocked around and abused and will need to work when called upon.

So my question is two-fold...

1. Will the .45 Colt be up to the task of Bear/Moose/Wolf defense at distances of up to 75yds? If not, then .45-70 is my second choice. I reload for both. I prefer the added capacity and shared ammo with my sidearm of the .45 Colt.

2. What lever gun do you recommend that is in in the $700 to $900 range that isn't too nice to be used in the woods, is robust and reliable, and can be bought new.

For additional insight, I currently cast my own 300gr boolits for the .45 Colt for the bear defense loads and can't remember the powder charge off the top of my head, but I was curious as to how much oomph the .45 Colt can pick up when used in a carbine barrel. Is there a Ruger-strong carbine that can take a hotter load than other carbines?

Thanks!

[Idaho45guy]

Another thing is that no one around here stocks more than a couple of lever guns, so I would have to order it online and could not look over the rifle before buying. Bud's has the Marlin 1895 for $503 and the Henry Big Boy is $655. I've heard Marlins are still a rifle you should hand select to get a decent one these days.

[gpidaho]

I'd think the Henry all weather stainless would be a good choice. Since you already load for the 45-70 that would be the caliber I'd pick. Plinking rounds to big thunder, your choice Gp

[gpidaho]

I bought a 45-70 Marlin 45-70 1895 Cowboy thinking it would fill the bill. It turned out to be a complete *** and went back to the dealer after Remington refused to rebarrel it. There were actual CHUNKS missing out of the rifling. I would stay far away from anything Remington or for that matter anything that the "Freedom Group" has any hand in. Gp

[Idaho45guy]

I'm really liking this Henry... Pricey at $682 compared to the Marlin, though...

211843

[gpidaho]

That's why I originally opted for the Marlin. Worst purchase I ever made on a gun. I now own the Henry 45-70 with the octagon barrel and case hardened frame. Beautiful gun. I can't say enough good things about it. Not pricey at all compared to a rifle that is a complete ***.Gp

[bob208]

a used post 64 94 Winchester n .30-30 can not be beat.pick one up for about $300 and every hardware store has ammo.

[gpidaho]

bob208 gives good advice. I believe the 30-30 to be enough gun to use for your purpose. Also, the30-30 is VERY cast bullet friendly and a joy to shoot. I have a 1948 yr. model 336 (Back when Marlins were great guns) and a Handi rifle in 30-30 I love both those guns. Gp

[quilbilly]

Some years back I ran into a screaming good deal on a new Mossberg 464 30/30 with a wood stock for just under $300 so I bought it as a truck rifle. It turned I got a lot more than I paid for. It has been a wonderful shooter of cast. It loves the plain base 130's from a Lyman mold at 1400 fps for coyotes and plinking as well as the 160's for other pursuits. The Skinner sight I put on it made it even better. I believe you can still find one for under $500.

[Idaho45guy]

Thanks for the input but I don't want a .30-30.

I want a rifle in the same caliber as my pistol if it's feasible. .45 Colt. And I want as high of capacity as possible and still be a handy rifle.

I have all of the components, dies, molds, and powders for .45 Colt and .45-70. I would not be using the rifle for hunting; only as a camp/woods gun.

[Idaho Mule]

Lots of guys seem to like the Rossi's in 45 Colt, they are less money than the typical Marlin. Myself I have a Marlin 1894 Cowboy Model in 45 Colt, but I don't use it as a beater. A 300 gr. slug at 1200 to 1400 fps is a deadly combination. Let us know what you decide on. JW

[jmort]

Some years back I ran into a screaming good deal on a new Mossberg 464 30/30 with a wood stock for just under $300 so I bought it as a truck rifle. It turned I got a lot more than I paid for. It has been a wonderful shooter of cast. It loves the plain base 130's from a Lyman mold at 1400 fps for coyotes and plinking as well as the 160's for other pursuits. The Skinner sight I put on it made it even better. I believe you can still find one for under $500.

Completely agree

[Bzcraig]

Yes, the 45 Colt loaded as Idaho Mule mentions is more than adequate for your purposes. I have 3 Rossi's and nary a problem with any and wouldn't get too crazy if they get buggered up some. Though I encourage you to verify this, I believe all the carbines are capable of full power Ruger loading. I have a Henry in 44mag, great gun, heavier than a comparable Rossi, has beautiful wood, I really like it and would be bothered if it got buggered up.

[pietro]

What lever gun do you recommend that is in in the $700 to $900 range that isn't too nice to be used in the woods, is robust and reliable, and can be bought new.




That's a no-brainer, and the very definition of a .45 Rossi Model 92.


.

[HawkCreek]

This is my current camp/truck gun. I know you dont want a .30-30 but I have a Winchester 92 in .45 Colt that I'm about to set up the same way. Even with the generous chamber on the Miroku built 92 I find it a great gun and plenty accurate for anything I'd ever attempt with it.

211892

[AZ Pete]

Not what you asked, but a 75 yard defensive shot at a bear, wolf or moose will be hard to explain successfully to a game warden.... I would go with a lever gun in .44 or .45


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[bstone5]

Have a H&R Handi Rifle in 35 Remington under the rear seat of my Nissian Titian Truck.
Keep rounds on the rear stock with a slip on round holder. I got a plastic tray the fits under the rear seat to hold stuff, the rifle is in the tray. Have a few of the Handi Rifles they shoot OK and clean and oil th rifle ever now and then.

[Warhawk]

I’d recommend a Stainless Rossi 92. I prefer the (16 inch) but that is personal preference. Then I’d spend a few bucks tuning the action and adding a couple of upgrades from Steve’s Gunz, the safety delete and the metal magazine follower. It will handle loads well above the 44 magnum, either specialty ammo like Buffalo Bore or handloads.

These loads get into the low end of 45-70power, but be aware that heavy loads with heavy bullets will require a taller front sight.

[FergusonTO35]

The Marlin 1894 in .45 Colt is in production again. My local shop has them for $500.00 and they are certainly serviceable enough for a knockaround gun. Remlin seems to be making an effort to turn things around. Rossi, who knows.

[MostlyLeverGuns]

I recently bought a Marlin 1895 Cowboy 45-70 through Bud's ($100 rebate) deal. It is as well finished or better than my other dozen plus Marlin's All are pre-safety but a 30-30 and a 218. I think the worst is the 30-30 with the safety built before the Remington take-over. I do look for pre-safety Marlin's, but if I wanted a .45 Colt Lever gun I would get a Marlin or look at a Rossi 1892. Take any tube-feed .22 and try loading it while walking, falling down, backing up, or after falling, lying down - then decide about the tube-feed Henry for your bear/moose/wolf/bad guy defense.

[Gtrubicon]

I have a Rossi 92 chambered in 454, I can also shoot 45 in it. It’s a wonderful rifle. I like options. This gun gives me that. It is very reliable and and accurate

[starmac]

You guys must have some sensational bears if you are worried about reloading while one is attacking?

[Idaho45guy]

Found a good deal on the Marlin 1894 in .45 Colt so pulled the trigger and ordered one. Hate to buy a gun without inspecting; especially a Remlin, but really no choice in my area with gun shops charging $200 more than online for the same rifle.

[Shawlerbrook]

Congrats on the purchase. With some hardcast handloads you should be all set for any irate bear or moose.

[Eddie Southgate]

Got a pre Remington 94 Cowboy in .45 Colt , if your new one is anything like my older one you will love it . It shoots cloverleafs all day long at 50 yds and so far has never hung up with anything I have fed it . Gonna put a peep on it cause my eyesight is getting kinda weak .

Eddie

[Eddie Southgate]

You guys must have some sensational bears if you are worried about reloading while one is attacking?

The Marlin holds 10 rounds . Cant see me having to reload .

[Idaho45guy]

The Marlin holds 10 rounds . Cant see me having to reload .

What about the infamous MS13 California bear that attacks in groups of 3 or more and has the distinctive red bandanna around it's head?

[FergusonTO35]

For your use, I'm sure the Remlin will do just fine. In my experience, their customer service is good if you should ever need it.

[Ramjet-SS]

Camp or truck gun for me is something that has to meet several requirements;

1.) Powerful.
2.) Easy to load and reload. Magazine fed ...
3.) Ammo easily available.
4.) Easy to remove optics in case of failure. So dual sights.
5.) Short and handi.
6.) High magazine capacity.
7.) Accurate


Ruger Gunsite Scout rifle in any of the following calibers....308, 450 Marlin, 5.56 .

[Idaho45guy]

Camp or truck gun for me is something that has to meet several requirements;

1.) Powerful.
2.) Easy to load and reload. Magazine fed ...
3.) Ammo easily available.
4.) Easy to remove optics in case of failure. So dual sights.
5.) Short and handi.
6.) High magazine capacity.
7.) Accurate


Ruger Gunsite Scout rifle in any of the following calibers....308, 450 Marlin, 5.56 .

I looked at the GSR and wanted to love it, but, it was just too heavy and awkward and the action was not smooth or quick at all. Plus, it was $900. And how many rounds does it hold? 10. So does my Marlin. Plus, both my pistol and rifle are chambered in the same round. Can't do that with the GSR.

I'm about to head out into the woods in about an hour and do some hiking. Not in Grizzly country this time, but lots of wolf sightings and cougar sightings. I'll be hiking with my 100lb Great Dane/Lab mix. My sidearm will be the Glock 10mm G29.

This time of year, weather is your biggest enemy and is way more likely to kill you than any critter.

[Outpost75]

I looked at the GSR...it was just too heavy and awkward and the action was not smooth or quick at all. Plus, it was $900. And how many rounds does it hold? 10. So does my Marlin. Plus, both my pistol and rifle are chambered in the same round. Can't do that with the GSR.

Modern boltguns are stocked with fenceposts. During deer season my truck gun is a Winchester 54 bolt-action .30-'06 which reloads quickly with Springfield stripper clips and is slick operating in rapid-fire off the shoulder. Rest of the year my 1894S Marlin .44 Magnum for the reasons you've already stated.

212276212277

[Idaho45guy]

Just got back from my hike. Didn't see any predator sign at all. Lots of deer and elk sign, but didn't see any of them, either. There was a story in the local paper last week about a cougar that approached some hikers and attacked their dog. They didn't have any firearms with them as most hikers in this area are flaming libs who use whistles and hiking sticks to feel safe.

Where I went this morning was only 19 miles from my house but still felt remote and had some beautiful views...

212284

212285

[Ramjet-SS]

Yes 10 round mag and I can pop that mag way faster than you can load a mag tube. So the idea of the truck gun is grab it pop the mag in and ready for action. That's the only thing I have against the lever guns. In my state you cannot carry a long gun loaded in a vehical. Handgun you can if you have a CC permit. That is some nice country and I like the choice if the model G 29. I am a huge fan of the 10mm

[Texas by God]

You chose wisely. The 45 colt has been protecting and providing since 1873.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Bazoo]

Post 64-pre angle eject winchester 94 30-30 is cheap and hard to beat for a truck gun. 30-30 ammo is readily available most places if you get in a pinch.

[azrednek]

That's a no-brainer, and the very definition of a .45 Rossi Model 92.
.

Friend has a Puma Rossi in 454 Casul. Haven't handled or shot it but he claims 45 Colt ammo flows through it like a hot knife through butter. I have an identical looking Puma in 45 Colt and have put numerous Ruger only loads through with no signs of high pressure.

There are likely plenty of better options for bear, Elk etc defense but carrying the same ammo suitable for your rifle and pistol has plenty of advantages.

For a beater truck gun, I carried a SKS for years. Got it on advice from a cattle rancher that had big problems with Coyotes and packs of feral dogs. I got my first SKS back when they were a dime a dozen cheap. It took a beating behind the seat on 4-wheel trails but always worked despite of my neglecting to keep it clean and rust free.

My ideal dream truck Lever gun would be a Henry or Henry's quality chambered in either 460 or 50 S&W.

[HawkCreek]

I looked at the GSR and wanted to love it, but, it was just too heavy and awkward and the action was not smooth or quick at all. Plus, it was $900. And how many rounds does it hold? 10. So does my Marlin. Plus, both my pistol and rifle are chambered in the same round. Can't do that with the GSR.



You should check out some other GSR's. The two I've had (first was stollen) were quick and easy to slick up.



Yes 10 round mag and I can pop that mag way faster than you can load a mag tube. So the idea of the truck gun is grab it pop the mag in and ready for action. That's the only thing I have against the lever guns. In my state you cannot carry a long gun loaded in a vehical. Handgun you can if you have a CC permit. That is some nice country and I like the choice if the model G 29. I am a huge fan of the 10mm

Washington has the same stupid vehicle/long gun law. I enjoy levers very much but the GSR with a few loaded mags handy is indeed a great truck combo. I switch back and fourth between a 94 Trapper and my GSR.

[fcvan]

I bought the Marlin version of the scout rifle. It takes either M1A mags or AR10 mags having a single mag release that operates both catches. Sure made it convenient for me as I already had an M1A and an AR10. I plan on using the Marlin as a truck gun.

[Finn45Colt]

The Marlin holds 10 rounds . Cant see me having to reload .

My Marlin .45 1894CB ltd JM 24"holds 13 rounds. Thanks to hickok45 https://youtu.be/vsmdCYsc-Vs?t=106

[crappie-hunter]

Don't know if it's still there or not , but the last time I looked Bud's had a Rossi Lever in 45 colt. I own two Rossi lever guns one in 357mag and the other is 44mag. I have not experienced any of the horror stories that are out there about the Rossi's. Mine are both very accurate smooth operating and feed without a hiccup anything I feed them. They are light smooth and very easy to carry. If I had the cash right now the one at Bud's would be mine.

[GunnyJohn]

Just got back from my hike. Didn't see any predator sign at all. Lots of deer and elk sign, but didn't see any of them, either. There was a story in the local paper last week about a cougar that approached some hikers and attacked their dog. They didn't have any firearms with them as most hikers in this area are flaming libs who use whistles and hiking sticks to feel safe.

Where I went this morning was only 19 miles from my house but still felt remote and had some beautiful views...

212284

212285

Nice country. I kinda like it when libs carry sticks and whistles. especially if there are lots of cats.

[trapper9260]

Nice country. I kinda like it when libs carry sticks and whistles. especially if there are lots of cats.

I find that funny also.

[retiredPO]

I lucked out with my Marlin 45/70//// got a good one....
but no one mentioned the 454 Casul....would that not fit thepower bill, and still allow you to load 45 lc for both.

[Idaho45guy]

My new Marlin arrived and it was defect free. Haven't shot it yet, though. Fit and finish is on par with the Henry rifles I looked at last week, but still way short of the old JM Marlins.

212598

212599

212600