bullfrog99
New member
asuming these are your two choices which one you you go for a pistol caliber lever gun or 7.62x39 semi auto for 75m deer?
which carbine would you use for brush
- Thread starter bullfrog99
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PreserveFreedom
Guest
357 Magnum or 44 Magnum lever gun, personally.
Let's see... 7.62x39mm semi-auto, eh? You must be talking about a SKS, AK, or Mini-30 Ranch.
Using iron sights of the AK/SKS I couldn't shoot a deer with any degree of sportsmanship. But that's just me and U-notch sights. You might be different.
A properly scoped Mini-30 with hunting ammunition might be better suited. I do emphasize properly scoped. I've seen a Mini-14 Ranch rifle "pattern" rather than group due to a poorly fitted scope that embarassingly fell off in the middle of a rifle shooting course.
But I'd rather own a Marlin 1894P over a Ruger Mini-30 or a SKS. I wouldn't mind an AK, but I wouldn't use it for hunting deer.
Just my $0.02
Using iron sights of the AK/SKS I couldn't shoot a deer with any degree of sportsmanship. But that's just me and U-notch sights. You might be different.
A properly scoped Mini-30 with hunting ammunition might be better suited. I do emphasize properly scoped. I've seen a Mini-14 Ranch rifle "pattern" rather than group due to a poorly fitted scope that embarassingly fell off in the middle of a rifle shooting course.
But I'd rather own a Marlin 1894P over a Ruger Mini-30 or a SKS. I wouldn't mind an AK, but I wouldn't use it for hunting deer.
Just my $0.02
Prior to the .30-30...
the 44 WCF (or .44-40) was the standard deer rifle.
The current full charge loading of the 44 Magnum is superior to the .44-40, then or now.
The 7.62x39 Russian is about on par with the .30-30.
Not really much difference. I think I'd go with the 44 Magnum. Depends on the "deal" I get on the rifle.
I seriously suggest nothing smaller. .357 Magnum is marginal for deer in a sporting context. 45 ACP, 40 S&W and 9x19 are not suitable.
I'd like to try the BRNO bolt gun in 7.62x39. It's a beauty.
I'd really like a Savage 99 in 35 Remington.
the 44 WCF (or .44-40) was the standard deer rifle.
The current full charge loading of the 44 Magnum is superior to the .44-40, then or now.
The 7.62x39 Russian is about on par with the .30-30.
Not really much difference. I think I'd go with the 44 Magnum. Depends on the "deal" I get on the rifle.
I seriously suggest nothing smaller. .357 Magnum is marginal for deer in a sporting context. 45 ACP, 40 S&W and 9x19 are not suitable.
I'd like to try the BRNO bolt gun in 7.62x39. It's a beauty.
I'd really like a Savage 99 in 35 Remington.
Poodleshooter
New member
I'd use the 7.62x39 carbine myself. Less drop, and I've never had problems shooting minute of pie plate with my SAR-1 out to 100yds.
George Hill
Staff Alumnus
.45-70 Marlin Guide Gun.
Shooter 973
New member
my persoal choice would be between s 30-30 lever,44mag lever or a Ruger 44 auto carbine. At these distances it would make much difference which it was.
Either caliber (44 Mag or 7.62x39) would do...
If your deer are runt sized critters like our CA coastal deer, go with the 44. If they're bigger, go w/7.62x39.
Msg to JohnDog - you don't need an Abrams so long as you call in a tactical air strike followed by bombardment by the 16" guns of the battleship Missouri. Use caution in approaching the wounded deer and you may want 105s for walking fire as you approach.
If your deer are runt sized critters like our CA coastal deer, go with the 44. If they're bigger, go w/7.62x39.
Msg to JohnDog - you don't need an Abrams so long as you call in a tactical air strike followed by bombardment by the 16" guns of the battleship Missouri. Use caution in approaching the wounded deer and you may want 105s for walking fire as you approach.
Marko Kloos
Inactive
CZ makes a butt-stomping little bolt-action carbine in 7.62x39...my local gun shop has one on consignment, too bad I just had to pay out the nose for a ticket to Germany. I hope it'll still be around in a week or two. That would be a great brush gun.
Other than that, a handy .44Mag lever gun, like one of the Trapper variants, would do just fine.
Other than that, a handy .44Mag lever gun, like one of the Trapper variants, would do just fine.
I think that the notion that .357 magnum is marginal for deer is true, but only in handguns. 180 grainers in carbines do a much better work than a .44 mag 240grains when shot from a superblackhawk. Using both, I have harvested some 30-up wildgoats that average 80 pounds or more. I use a little Rossi carbine, a faithful copy of winchester 1892. It's accurate if you do your homework in the loding bench - 1" at 50 meters, 3 shots, and a joy to carry in the woods - 20" barrel.
Swamp Yankee
New member
I carry a Marlin 1894P in .44 Mag fitted with a Williams peep sight for the exact purpose you mention. Use reloads with Hornady's 240 gr XTP. Great little woods gun very lite and compact. Recoil is minimal.
Take Care
Take Care
Nevada Fitch
New member
What ever you do get something in a leveraction. Personally I would choose a 45/70 or a 444marlin, another good choice would be a 30/30 or 35Rem. In my opinion these choices are better than a 44mag or a 357. If you do get the 44mag , get the Winchester mod.94 because It has been my experience that the winchester is more reliable in 44 mag. than the Marlins. The marlins are good guns and I even prefer them to the winchester 94s for most caliber choices but not the 44mag. The marlin 1894 in 44mag has a reputation for feeding jams. The new ones like the cowboy model might be better but the older ones definately had a problem.
DAVID NANCARROW
New member
I think this was the original reason for the M94 in 30-30. Drop at 75 yards is not going to be enough of a difference to spit on. It's a generally lighter weight, flatter and easier to carry rifle. Mine has a 2X7 scope which does 1" @ a hundred, which ought to be plenty, not to mention a lot easier to find ammo for in Bugtussle or any other small town.