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Salty1 wrote:+1 on the lever gun, a Marlin 30-30 will take anything you may encounter here and they are classics. A model 336 and a decent scope can be had for around $500.00, accuracy should not be a problem in the 150 yard range

If you watch the sales, you can get a combo with scope under $400
Or a used one for $325 - $350

Everybody ought to have at least 1 levergun.

I think I'm at 7, at the moment

When I bought that Stevens 200, the choices were .270 or 7mm-08.
The 7mm was out of stock, but that was my preference.
I think the 7mm has a slight ballistic edge, but the .270 is more commonly available.

I'm no expert, but what I wound up with was a Stevens 200 in .270.
Polymer stock, bolt-action
$200 at Academy on sale
Added a Leopold Rifleman 3x9 scope and base/rings.
Should be good for anything you can hunt in Texas.
$400 total cost