Well I have avoided like the plague getting a lever gun. Shot my father's levers as much as possible growing up. I didn't want to start down this slippery slope.
I went to lean on a guy who is way past due on an invoice with me. He gave me what he could and then offered a couple goodies as part trade. I had to begrudgingly decline the first goody, but the second I couldn't help but latch on to it. Like a moth to flame, it just didn't matter.
My wife is quite gunny, not just guns all weapons really. Guess I'm lucky in that regard, never being hounded on about them. In fact I'm the one who has to show restraint on those purchases, and that's an absolutely ridiculous plan. She has been after me to get her a lever for some time.
So this marlin 336w w/a sling and 41 factory loads came home as part trade. Now is where my trouble begins. I bring the rifle in the wife comes running out. She says "Nope, don't bring that in here, don't you dare set it down". She knew my intent would be to turn this rifle in to cash before any attachment or love was formed.
Next thing I knew she was holding it. I was apprehensive about letting her shoulder it. Then the unthinkable happened. She absconded with it, running off in the bedroom. Wait wait wait... get yer mind out the gutter fellers. As I opened the door my worst fears were realized, there she laid (fully clothed), hugging the rifle and our pup. There she was cuddling with a lever gun I had no intent to keep. To make matters worse the pup seems to have a strange attraction to the sling.
So obviously I should have snuck this one in the house or hid it in my truck. Long story short I can't sell it unless "I get retail for it". I may still sell it, but it's doubtful now.
So I have an mp311150hp mold I think will work with this, but no dies yet. I would like to get opinions and experiences with a lighter and heavier mold recommendation.
In addition my ability to focus is gone due to cataract surgery, that leaves me using scopes on everything longer than a pistol to avoid glasses. I'm considering a standard scope, but the possibility of a scout mount seems like it might make for a fast handling woods gun for deer hunting. I'd like to hear opinions and experiences on that as well. I'll try to get a poll for this one at the top.
I guess if anyone has some extra brass and/or a set of dies cheap it looks like I may need them.