I'd like to get a reasonably priced lever action deer/bear rifle. Recommendations?

Question

I have a bolt action 308, but as a leftie, I'm tired of shooting "backwards".

Answer 1

http://www.impactguns.com/store/026495016500.html
Marlin 45-70 Guide Gun 18" 1895G (Also comes in stainless)

This thing rocks! Go ahead and get the ported if you have the extra dough, if not it still works! You can scope it... or go with a williams adjustable peep on the receiver. With regular bullets its a 150 yard gun. With "leverevolution" from Hornady and their ballistic tipped bullets you can extend the range much further. It's plenty for bear, weighs about 7 pounds, handles superbly, and you can really work it if you need to. Nice gun!

Remember, before you hunt bear, or get into a situation where you are thinking about bear defense, do some research and learn about bear anatomy. Smaller guns WILL definitely kill bear but you have to know where to place the shot, especially when you need to stop an angry charging bear. This rifle has a lot of power, but even with it you will need to place your shots exactly where you want.

Answer 2

The question never came up in UK, Europe or Africa. In the US, lever actions were more popular at one time, when shots were short and great power was not needed. After WW I, the '03 Springfield became familiar, and its power and accuracy were noted out west, where long shots at larger animals were to be found. As a deer hunting rifle, the Savage 99, Winchester 88 and Browning BLR are still quite good for just about anybody, but those with more traditional lines and tubular magazines are short-to-moderate range propositions in a day when more long shots are taken, and many want a rifle that can do for elk and moose as well as deer, and many of the lever actions are not strong enough to handle the more powerful cartridges. And today most people grew up with bolt guns, so the lever action is headed for limitation to nostalgic use only. Rate of fire is inconsequential to hunters.

Answer 3

First, there are left-hand bolt guns. But one of the Marlin 45-70's is probably what you're looking for (or if you're in brownie country, the 450 Marlin). Most of the great lever guns are out of production, and prices reflect the collector's value. You can still find an occasional good deal on a Savage 99, though. My personal wish list includes one of those Browning copies of the Winchester 71 they had back in the mid-80's, re-worked to 450 Alaskan, but they ain't cheap.

Answer 4

Lever actions come in right or left hand also. If you want a good brush gun, Marlin makes a .444 cal. and a 45-70. I have owned both and the only complaint I have is the accuracy of these.at long range. If I were to buy a different cal. it would be 300 Winchester magnum in Browning B.A.R. Kills on one end, not on both like a lever. Best all around firearm in the world. You can get a very good deal on a used one( I hate buying a new gun) at gunsamerica.com There is not a reason in the world I would buy a new one. They can take thousands of rounds without loss of accuracy.

Answer 5

If you're a lefty, you might want to avoid the Marlin lever-actions that eject casings to the right of the receiver. Probably your best bet is a Winchester with top ejection of the cases. An example of a "Timber Scout" model is shown at the below link. It comes in .30-30 or .44 Mag, but is no longer being produced. However, there are probably some to be found at gun dealers.

Answer 6

A Marlin Model 336 in .35 Remington would be pretty good for deer and black bear. That is the budget priced answer.

If it is not a budget buster, get a Browning BLR in .358 Winchester. I really like the accuracy and power of the .358 Win. It if a fine deer and bear cartridge.

Doc

Answer 7

There is no way I'd hunt bear with less than a 30.06 . A Remington 7600 30.06 pump can be had used for 2-3 hundred bucks . You can get left handed bolt actions also if that is what you want .

Answer 8

A Marlin 1895 Guide Gun in 45-70.

Answer 9

First off buy your gun used and let the other guy pay the new price. I buy all my firearms used all 22 of them, Rifles, Pistols Revolvers, Shotguns.. Get yourself a Marlin in 30-30 Caliber or 44 Magnum.. Maybe you would like a Henry or Winchester.. Your choice..

Answer 10

I know Savage makes left handed bolt guns,
I think Remington does too.
308 is a good all round cartridge.