I have rimfires in both semi auto and lever, pistols only in semi auto, pump shotguns, bolt and semi auto centerfires. The “one” firearm I really still want is a bigger caliber lever gun. I’m torn between 44 mag, 30-30, and 45-70. Im pretty sure it’ll be a Ruger built Marlin. I love my Henry’s, but these new Marlins are gorgeous. I doubt I’ll ever hunt with it due to Massachusetts laws, so it’d be mainly for fun at the range. I like the 44 mag for its higher ammo capacity, “lower” recoil, “cheaper ammo”, and that you could pair it with a revolver. The 30-30 is a flatter shooter once you get out past 150 yards, and has a little more for/a little more pop at that longer range. The 45-70….well I don’t need such a horse of a rifle, but if sure like one! It’s a real stud that’d surely impress the boys round the campfire… that’d be fun to shoot aside from my shoulder and wallet pain. What do I get?
They all have their place and use. 44 mag will be easier to shoot, cheaper and you can use lower priced and lower recoil 44 special.
I'd say get the -70 but you ain't allowed to use mufflers because they're scary or somethin. https://youtube.com/shorts/CmGxHbEHnHk?si=7cQUXeynXpYp8dUs
I really wanted a Henry all weather 45-70 but they were unobtainable. Didn't think ammo cost would be much of an issue as how many shots are you you going to get off before the mule kicks your bones loose.
Well….my next gun ended up being neither. Instead I ordered a Maverick 88, 12 gauge slug gun (rifled barrel). Should be here in about a week and was $320 instead of $1200. Should accompany my 590A1 nicely.
back in the day(WI) when we had a lot of shotgun only areas ( pistols were not allowed yet) I got a savage bolt action 12 ga. These were made by Savage specifically for slugs with a rifled barrel. Basically it was/is a 12 ga rifle, deadly accurate, and even meaner with my handloads as my hand loads were pushing 1750 fps verses the wimpy 1100fps or less factory loads at that time. yes , my pressures were with in spec. as I had a ballistic lab check them. Because the stock was designed as a rifle and not a shotgun , not like a rem 870 that would destroy your shoulder, felt recoil was very light. 1 minute of angle groups at 200 yards ( that is 2" center to center grouping )
I have a Savage 220, the 20 gauge equivalent of yours, put a Leupold 3-9x40 scope on it and mine is very accurate too. We (Iowa) used to be a shotgun only deer state and these shotgun “rifles” really were popular with hunters here. Now we can use straight wall rifle and handgun cartridges, so the popularity of the slug guns has really decreased.
I've been patiently waiting to see one for under $500. I am a fan of 20ga deer guns. I think they're better than 12's. I used to and still sometimes carry an NEF Ultra slugger in 20ga. Inside 175 yards is meat in the freezer.
My brother has an NEF ultra in 20 ga and it impressed me so much I wanted one. Ended up with a break action CVA 20 ga rifled slug gun. It shoots very well, my kids started on it and I’ve taken a number of deer with it. I agree with the 20 ga being the sweet spot for slugs!
I looked at Savage 212, but it was quite a bit more money than the Maverick, and less capacity. I’m sure it’s a tighter grouping/more accurate gun though. The reviews I saw were hit or miss, whereas everyone raves about the 220.
I heard that before the JIC came out some scoundrels used to buy Mavrick 88’s and cut them down…I would never partake in such activities.
