First hunting rifle questions...

[garplay]

I'm still trying to decide on a first hunting rifle to buy, I hope to hunt deer and pig.

I have a strong preference (for various reasons) for a lever action rather than bolt action.

A: Looking around gunbroker, shops, etc, it looks like I can pick up a decent used Marlin 336 30-30 for ~$350, a new 336W with factory scope is ~$500, or a used BLR in .308 for ~$500. Which would others prefer?

B: Any recommendations for a decent but not expensive scope, if I do go with a no-scope purchase?

[ElvenSoul]

If you get a BLR make sure it is a newer one and not one from the 80's or early 90's.

[paul0660]

I am curious about your preference for lever if you have the time.

[ElvenSoul]

You best bet and cheapest thing would be a Mosin Nagant. Price + scope + mount should be a tad over $300 bucks. Condor safe bullets will be expensive, but then they are for any gun. You only actually need those for the actual hunting. 1 box should last for years.

[toby]

You best bet and cheapest thing would be a Mosin Nagant. Price + scope + mount should be a tad over $300 bucks. Condor safe bullets will be expensive, but then they are for any gun. You only actually need those for the actual hunting. 1 box should last for years.

He wants a lever action HUNTING rifle he did not ask for a Milsurp...just saying

[toby]

All three of those guns will serve you well. Pick the one you like best and make sure your comfortable with it, as in fit and form.

[garplay]

I am curious about your preference for lever if you have the time.

Ease of use over a bolt action: Except when shooting prone, a lever is easier for me to operates.

Also psychological reasons: they look more old fashoned and therefore "less scary".

If you get a BLR make sure it is a newer one and not one from the 80's or early 90's.

What's wrong with the 80s-90s ones vs the current ones?

[lewdogg21]

I like lever actions b/c they are shorter and lighter than a comparable bolt.

[Hunt]

it's all good

[DirtyDave]

You really cant go wrong with ANYTHING .243 or Bigger. Its your Personal Preference, you cant get that from a forum

[IrishPirate]

Also psychological reasons: they look more old fashoned and therefore "less scary".

Less scary??? why would you let that factor into your purchase?? are you thinking of open carrying it too??? Non gun owners are affraid of all things guns, doesn't matter if it's a .50cal machine gun, or a .22lr single shot. They are scared of them all. And they hate you hunting furry little creatures in the woods. There's no reason to try to appease them...

I suggest the Marlin, and learn to use the irons. Walmart has cheap scopes that would work just fine for the distances you'll be using a 30-30 to hunt what you're planning to hunt

[BC9696]

A Savage in .270-.308 would be my choice if I were you.

[mcmikeblues7]

Less scary??? why would you let that factor into your purchase?? are you thinking of open carrying it too??? Non gun owners are affraid of all things guns, doesn't matter if it's a .50cal machine gun, or a .22lr single shot. They are scared of them all. And they hate you hunting furry little creatures in the woods. There's no reason to try to appease them...

I suggest the Marlin, and learn to use the irons. Walmart has cheap scopes that would work just fine for the distances you'll be using a 30-30 to hunt what you're planning to hunt

agreed. hunt with an ak