If there is just one gun that is pure American it has to be the lever action. I ran across this picture of a cut down Marlin with a 16" barrel, ghost ring sights and rail mount on top as well as the leather shell holder on the stock. The only thing this gun needs is a few dings in the wood stock to make it perfect. I think I would like to build one of these from an older lever actionI like my M1A's and AR's but if you don't think this is cool you are most likely an 0bama voter.
This survival weapon is probably legal in all 50 states.
And, its practical.
ReplyDeleteYes it is. thanks.
DeleteYour last sentence is the telling virtue of this rifle. When we ran buffalo I was looking HARD at a Marlin guide gun.
ReplyDeleteI'm still convinced the the best candidate for a "One and only" is an 03A3 Springfield; more powerful round than this presumed .30-30 and faster reloads.
The 30-30 is almost identical in ballistics to the 7.62 X 39 Communist round but I still like more power myself but the 30-30 can be found everywhere. Thanks.
DeleteNot thinking that I like the rail marring the classic lines, but I'd take it in a heartbeat if I needed an all-around hunting/fighting rifle. Only downside I can see is that .30-30 lever guns get HOT when you start going Gary Cooper and rapid-firing them.
ReplyDeleteI could do without the rail also but it might be useful at times. Thanks.
Deletehere in south Texas the 30.30.lever is standard issue at manhood, some things are timeless & just plain work! mine is a marlin 336 100th year anniversary model made in 1970,& probably has put more meat in the freezer than my other firearms combined. regards to all capn'matt
ReplyDeleteFor sure the 30-30 is common and easy to find. I bet between the 30-30 and 22 LR they account for more game in this country all others combined. Thanks.
DeleteI have one in 35 Remington(200 gr). All the deer shot with it tend to do a sommersalt and make funny little twitches after they hit the ground. She's a gut buster...
ReplyDeleteHillbilly, I always thought I would like to have one in 35 Rem. It seems like a good round. Thanks.
DeleteI have an old Winchester 94 in 30/30, wonder what I can do with it. Oh, the thoughts are flowing now. Thanks for the inspirational picture.
ReplyDeleteSenior, it would make a good behind the seat truck gun. I think I will look for one to build.
DeleteMine is a 1962 Winchester 94 in 30-30 I got when I was 12... STILL have it!
ReplyDeleteOld NFO, I don't think I would hack up a pre '64 Winchester but that is a good gun to have. Thanks.
DeleteNope, NOT going to hack it up... But it IS well used... :-)
DeleteI need to get one, now if I can only find a scabbard for my Harley...
ReplyDeleteYou and me both. I actually have a leather scabbard I could use as long I can find the right spot to attach it. Thanks.
DeleteNone of the above listed choices is a bad choice!
ReplyDeleteFor consideration though: same gun (or any other brand) in .38spl/.357mag, especially if accompanied by a suitable revolver in the same calibers is a viable alternative. Haven't looked on a ballistics table but I suspect a good .357mag load would be 'adequate' for most any situation. Readily available ammo is also a plus.......
Anon, I do have a Marlin in 38/357 and it is quite adequate for a survival gun but it is in it's stock form. The barrel is 18" or 20" I think. Thanks.
DeleteDear Duke - we have a Marlin .444 and it is a beauty! the only prob is - i need something smaller. both jambaloney and i love lever-actions so we are thinking of getting a Marlin 336 Y (a youth-sized 30-30 cal lever) for me - what do you think?
ReplyDeleteyour friend,
kymber
A youth sized 30-30 would still have a kick to it but it would be a lot less than a 444 Marlin. A Marlin lever action in 38/357 would be real nice if you could get one as well, I have one and love it.
DeleteDuke is right on with the .357, Kymber. THe 30-30 will have a good enough recoil for sensitive shooters to get put off, but the .357 wouldn't crush a grape behind the butt pad. Plus, the ammo's a lot cheaper. ANd it's fun to shoot cheaply (especially with a .357).
DeleteJSW
I always admire the series of Remington and AK Guns. It is the best forever.
ReplyDeleteI like my semi autos as well. Thanks my friend.
DeleteI really like my .338 Marlin, but then, I like ALL my Marlins.
ReplyDeleteI believe the Marlins have a smoother action than the Winchester right out of the box and I like the way they shoot as well. Thanks.
DeleteFor my money, the best of the 'survival' weapons are a .357/38 rifle and pistol combination. Love all three of mine, though the Marlin does kind of miff me off when the bullets get erratic as the barrel heats. Ten 'good' shots is about maximum for mine to get decent accuracy from at 100 yards.
ReplyDeleteOh, well- then I just transition to the Ruger Police or...
Anon, I think the 'micro groove' barrel tends to effect accuracy in some bullets when the barrel is hot or with cast bullets but I do love my 38/357 lever action. Thanks.
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