For deer I choose a Winchester 94 Trapper in .44 mag with a 4X Leupold.
For elk I choose a Marlin 444XLR in .444 Marlin with a 2x7 Leupold.
For deer I choose a Winchester 94 Trapper in .44 mag with a 4X Leupold.
For elk I choose a Marlin 444XLR in .444 Marlin with a 2x7 Leupold.
Any of many...1936's though mid-50's 30/30 Marlins, and cast bullets ( RCBS, Ranch Dog, or SAECO)
Hogs...sneaking through mesquites or stalking across fields at dusk.
It can be like flushing 200 pound quail with teeth!!
I have levers that range from squirrel caliber to cape buffalo.
Everything from .22short to .45-70.
I hunt mostly whitetail deer.
Though I haven't had it long enough to try hunting, I'm hoping to get a good shot on a deer this year with my new Henry Big Boy steel .327 Federal magnum rifle.
Such a sweet little caliber...
I also just picked up a new Marlin 336 in .35Remington.
I plan to try it out as well.
So many choices, so few tags...
Well I'm down to just two right now, both original Winchesters, but would cover most anything I would want to hunt, An 1892 in 32 WCF and 1886 in 45-70 Gov.
First - Winchester 88 in .243. My first deer gun as a young teenager. It was heavy as hell for me, so my dad traded it for a Rem 660 bolt gun in .243.
Most fun - Browning BL22 in 22 S, L, LR. Literally hundreds of ground squirrels and rabbits taken with it. Amazingly accurate.
Most practical - Mossberg 479 in 30-30. Have yet to take game with it, but it's a good shooter. It's marked "Matermag Model CC779 Coast to Coast Stores".
Just acquired a savage model 99 in 300 savage. 1954 vintage. Got bases, rings and a scope on the way. Have shot her with the open sights. Got a fair group at 100 yards. Hope to have her up and running for deer season next year.
1894 Cowboy 24" 44 Magnum covers any larger game I might hunt at the proper distance. Only lever I have right now. I keep thinking I should get another one, but it just doesnt seems necessary. I do admit that I know where there is a blued 308 Marlin Express that I am temped to get, just for longer ranges.
Depends?
Easing quietly down a old skidder road early in the AM. My 300 Savage carbine get the nod.
But when on the scout for my deer in terrain where there are no trails or roads to follow just brush and the occasional wet swamp to huff & puff thru.
Although I have a few choices in my tote's. (32 special 300 savages and a 30-30 or too.) One rifle I'll grab for that one purpose alone. Its a savage 1899 t/d in 30-30 cal. Only because its a dandy for tough terrain and close in aim's.. Small_ light_ quick pointing_ and it has a Foolproof peep mounted having no aperture. The perfect optic for those occasional times when a quick snap shot is called for.
Lately it my Westernfield rebored to 405 Jess, Attachment 205863 got a nice buck last year going out again in the morning we are in an antler less 5 day hunt right now in Arkansas!
Sorry that's my Marlin 30aw rebored to 38-55! Attachment 205864 this is my Westernfield 740 made by Marlin rebored to 405 JESS with last years buck opening day!
only lever gun that i own, Winchester 1876 45-75 centenial, 350 cast with 28.0 grs AA 5744, 1300 fps. JimP.
Marlin 39a--tree rats! Next would be Win 94 30WCF, barrel marked "48". Deer beware!
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When it comes to hunting my Marlin 444 is still #1 and Whitetail is the game I am usually after, but I do keep a couple cases loaded as shotshells in my pocket to bag grouse.
Love my 1886 models. But my go to is my JM 1895 stainless guide gun. It's super accurate, handy and packs a punch.
Since I have only one lever action it HAS to be my favorite (sure it would be anyway): 1886 Winchester my Dad got me in the mid-60s. Love that gun, but never got a deer with it. Used a bolt gun when I could hunt years ago, as I was worried about damaging the '86 (rain, falling, etc.). Now I can't get anything larger out of the woods than a squirrel. :holysheep
However, there are some nights I can actually see a Savage 99 in the house and at the range. Wanted one for so many years I can't stand it. No $$, but would love to have one. Have sights on a particular pistol one day, but the '99 is a very close second (or, some nights, FIRST).
Nice thread. Thanks to all. :drinks:
Bob
Favorite lever is 1886
Favorite game is squirrels with a 39a.
During summer, it's ground dwelling vermin with a 39a. Best way to cook, wait till neighbors are having a bbq. toss it on their grill when distracted and not looking. RUN
JM 336 35 Rem, Accurate 360-245S, moose!
Marlin 336 in 30-30 Win,
BLR 358 Win,
BLR 7mm08 Rem,
Marlin 39a 22 LR,
Winchester 9422 XTR 22 mag
Deer and squirrels
I love them all