#2372626 - 08/15/08 04:13 PM
Best levergun for under $500
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Groovin61
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Registered: 02/12/08
Posts: 8
Loc: S.E. Michigan
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A friend of mine asked me what would be the best levergun for under $500. His requirements were that it had to be new or slightly used, more than adequate for deer hunting, and able to mount a scope in the near future. I rattled off a few options for him. I'm curious what real aficionados of these guns would pick under this criteria. What say you?
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#2372661 - 08/15/08 04:38 PM
Re: Best levergun for under $500
[Re: Groovin61]
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jimmyp
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Registered: 11/28/03
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How much is a Marlin 30-30 these days? I have an 1894 in 44 magnum with a Leupold VXII 1-4 on it, suprisingly with WW 240 grain white box ammunition which is now stupidly $40 for 50 shells, it shoots easily into 2 inches at 100 yards for 3 rounds. Just don't get those see thru scope mounts.
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#2372778 - 08/15/08 05:56 PM
Re: Best levergun for under $500
[Re: jimmyp]
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JBLEDSOE
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Loc: Caldwell Idaho
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I like the Marlin 336 in 35 Rem. cal. with a 3 or 4X fixed power scope.
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#2372975 - 08/15/08 07:30 PM
Re: Best levergun for under $500
[Re: Groovin61]
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antlers
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Registered: 06/02/08
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I like the Marlin 1895 in .45-70, and the receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope base.
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Hunt hard and hunt long.
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#2373056 - 08/15/08 08:04 PM
Re: Best levergun for under $500
[Re: antlers]
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P_Weed
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Registered: 06/24/05
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Loc: north dakota
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I've been looking at a Marlin 336C, .35 Remington Caliber, at Gander Mountain selling for $450.
They also have the same Marlin rifle in 30-30 Caliber for about the same price ... but the 30-30 comes with factory scope and sling.
I'd still rather have the Marlin .35 Rem.
Also, there is a "new" Mossberg 30-30 lever rifle (Winchester Model 94 style) that is pretty impressive and well built having some unique features- that sells for around $399- that would be worth taking a look at.
I'd "STILL" rather have the Marlin .35 Rem.
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#2373266 - 08/15/08 10:28 PM
Re: Best levergun for under $500
[Re: Groovin61]
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Ethan Edwards
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Registered: 11/04/05
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Loc: Southeast Kansas
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Marlin 336 30-30.
_________________________
"When guns are outlawed only outlaws will have guns."
circa 1974 from a bumper sticker that was on my Dad's Cheyenne Super 454 automatic 1/2 ton.
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#2373310 - 08/15/08 11:38 PM
Re: Best levergun for under $500
[Re: Ethan Edwards]
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Calhoun
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Registered: 08/06/05
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Loc: Eastern Nebraska
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Find yourself a Savage 99 in 300 Savage that's been d&t'd. Should be $500 or less, and there ain't any other lever action to match it. And the 300 Savage is much more powerful than a 30-30, and still fairly easy to find ammo for it even if you don't reload.
An even better deal would be if you find yourself a great bargain on a pre-1960 99 in 308, or a later one in 284, or any of them in 250 Savage... 
This one is very gray to boot, but ran me just around $400. Shoots sub-MOA more often than not.
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#2373321 - 08/16/08 12:10 AM
Re: Best levergun for under $500
[Re: Calhoun]
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Vic_in_Va
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Don't underestimate a post-64 M94. Given all the stigma, they are still great "working" guns.
Having owned a lot of levers, I would say anything M99 and a used guide gun in 45/70....
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#2373566 - 08/16/08 07:00 AM
Re: Best levergun for under $500
[Re: Groovin61]
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contender
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Registered: 08/13/02
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For longer range shooting I would go with a M99 Savage in .300
which I think is the most common (EG model) which goes for about
$475 +/- around here. Within 100-125 yds. a 336 Marlin in .35 Rem. is hard to beat. In 93-95% condition should be about
$350-$400. The .30-30's usually run about $50 less around here.
Try Gander Mountain in Rothschild, WI for either (used) NOW.
I like the Marlins without the crossbolt safety.
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doo-wop music."
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#2374103 - 08/16/08 12:55 PM
Re: Best levergun for under $500
[Re: contender]
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Calhoun
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Just grabbed a d&t'd 1939 Savage 99R in 300 from the classifieds for $475. There's a nice EG (not d&t'd) for the same price still there.
I tell ya, can't go wrong on these Savage 99's.
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#2374120 - 08/16/08 01:03 PM
Re: Best levergun for under $500
[Re: Ethan Edwards]
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Ivan
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+1
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#2374192 - 08/16/08 01:36 PM
Re: Best levergun for under $500
[Re: Ivan]
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wiktor
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Registered: 12/31/03
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My favorites are a Savage 99 or a Marlin Guide Gun.
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#2374193 - 08/16/08 01:37 PM
Re: Best levergun for under $500
[Re: wiktor]
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wiktor
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I just realized there is a Marlin 444P Outfitter in the classifieds. I have one and love it, buy it!!!!
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#2399085 - 08/28/08 07:39 PM
Re: Best levergun for under $500
[Re: M1894]
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Joe_Kidd
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Registered: 08/28/08
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Anyone try one of the Mossberg 464? Read good things about them, but no experience. New < $400
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#2399232 - 08/28/08 08:51 PM
Re: Best levergun for under $500
[Re: M1894]
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Ethan Edwards
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I bought a pre-64 '94 Winchester a couple of weeks back for $425. The worst thing about the 32 Spec. is availability followed by price. Shells are about double the 30-30.
_________________________
"When guns are outlawed only outlaws will have guns."
circa 1974 from a bumper sticker that was on my Dad's Cheyenne Super 454 automatic 1/2 ton.
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#2399389 - 08/28/08 10:53 PM
Re: Best levergun for under $500
[Re: Ethan Edwards]
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Calhoun
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Loc: Eastern Nebraska
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That mossberg 464 has truck gun written all over it from the pictures I can see. Do they really need that thick of a recoil pad for a 30-30? Might be a good starter rifle for a kid in the woods... Otherwise, for a bit more I'd go with an older Marlin or Savage.
Jmho..
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#2400610 - 08/29/08 12:07 PM
Re: Best levergun for under $500
[Re: Calhoun]
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ChipM
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Registered: 12/10/04
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Loc: Southern New England
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You will never go wrong on a Marlin. If you want something with more distance try the Marlin 308 MX. With Hornady's new lever loads even the 30-30 is now a 200 yd+ gun.
The Marlins are well built, accurate and a good american made value.
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