Rifles that use Pistol Cartridges

D

Digger

New member
I'm interested in simplifying my personal armory, and I'd like a rifle in a pistol cartridge. It's obviously a compromise, but I'm wondering how much?

Are the lever-action carbines in 357 magnum good shooters? Can I go deer hunting with one and have reasonable chance of success?

Also, can I shoot 38 special in a lever-action carbine advertised for 357???

Does anyone have experience with the Marlin or Winchester lever actions, which one do you recommend?

OR......should I just forget the whole thing and go with a rifle in a rifle cartridge!!

Thanks!!
 
There's nothing wrong with standardizing rifle/pistol cartridges. It helps keep down the amount of ammo you have to stockpile, too. If I was going to pick a lever to do it with, it would definately be 357 Magnum unless I lived in bear country. Then I would go with 44 Magnum. If I was going to do it with an auto cartridge, it would probably be 9x19mm, but possible 40S&W. All depends on my mood. ;)
 
.357 Mag. is kind of light for deer hunting.

.44 Mag. or .45 Colt is a better alternative.

Even then shots should be kept short.
 
Check your local regulations for caliber limitations on deer hunting. 357 is marginal for deer, amd is prohibited in some states. 44mag is legal everywhere as far as I know. In a rifle, 44 mag packs a good wallop as long as the shots are limited to 100 yards or so. But for short-range brush busting rifle/pistol combos, 44 mag rules. As far as Winchester v. Marlin, either is a quality gun. Winchester has more history, costs a bit more but has a greater resale value. Marlin is less expensive, more of a kick-around gun. Either one will fill the bill.
 
I have a Marlin in .357 Mag. If you are a handloader, you can develop rounds that approximate the original 30-30 round of 160 grains at 2000fps that took a lot of deer. I've pushed a 158 JSP at 1950 fps from my Marlin. Within 100 yards, it is adequate for small deer. As to larger deer, I have to defer to others. If you don't handload, you will get more velocity from the factory rounds in the lever rifle, but I don't think the round is adequate for deer, IMHO. The 44mag is better if factory ammo is used. As to 38 Spec., I've heard others say they shoot them in their lever actions but I haven't done it. However, the main difference between 38 Spec and 357 Mag is that the case of the 357 mag is approximately 1/10th of an inch longer. So long as the 38 Spec will feed properly, I can't think of any reason why they should not be fired from the lever rifle. However, I would want a good crimp on the rounds so that no bullets got pushed back in the case while in the magazine.
 
My preference would have to be the Marlin because the Winchester ejects out of the top rather than the side. Top ejection sometimes can cause headaches when trying to set up a scope on the the Winchester.
 
I have a Marlin Cowboy and a Vaquaro in .45 colt. I don't shoot Cowboy action I use them for plinking. When we go shooting who ever is with me likes shooting them as much as I do. The Marlin will do 4" at 50 yds.

I haven't shot a .357 in a lever action but you can shoot .38's in one. But if I was going to use it for deer hunting I would get either a 30-30 or 35 Rem. You would have keep your shots under 50yds with the .357 or .45.
 
I have a Mdl 94 in .44 Mag which I use with my S&W 29. I have a Rossi .38/.357 that goes with my S&W 686.

I shoot .38's in my Rossi with no problems. I also shoot .357's of course. I actually prefer the top eject on my 94 as I am left eye dominant (sucks to be me). I do not have a scope mounted though.

As for hunting with a .357, as mentioned before you will have to check your local regs. I carry my Mdl 94 and 29 in woods. Where I hunt I don't have a shot much over 25-50 yds, when I hunt more open land I use a .30 cal rifle.
 
Digger, it sounds like you want to hunt deer so my choice is not suitable for you. How about shooting .30 carbine from an M1 Carbine, and have a .30 Ruger Blackhawk or AMT Automag III on the side? Handguns in .30 carbine are always attention getters at the range.

Lee
 
Marlin 1894 .44 Mag Paired with a S&W M29.

Under 100 Yards the .44 Magnum rifle hits harder than a .30-30. Bullet weight and diameter mean a lot up close.

$20 for a box of 50 rounds makes for lots of practice even if you don't reload. :)
 
Hmmmmmm,

Maybe you've all got me changing my mind to 44 Magnum Rifle and Pistol combo......more power is never bad.:D
 
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