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I'm looking for a good all around ranch gun. Something that will do some deer hunting, coyote killing, etc.... I've looked into the Marlin 45-70 Guide Gun, and several of the faster 30-06, 270 rifles. I was wondering if anybody had any expierce with the 45-70, or could maby recommend a good rugged ranch gun. As I have very little rifle knowledge.

Requirements:
Open field, brush, woods.
easy to carry
rugged
day/night shooting ( iron sights )
less than $500
Easy access to ammo.

Cheers,

Mini-14 is the way to go if you want iron sights.

Or a 30-30 with a scope. I have a 30-30 with a scope and its killed more things than everything else I own put together.

Morn'
I shoot and reload a Sharps 1874 in /45-70 Gov. which I love. The .45-70 gov has multiple reloads from black powder to 2400. The working part (soft lead) is from 350 gr to 620 grains . The bullet can be cast at home. The reload cost is about 12 cents to 22 cent a round. The round is slow and heavy which is simple: mass times speed.

I think the bang for the buck is a good ratio...

I bought a Marlin 1895 (plain jane, blued) for $460.00 (out the door) at Carter's Country early last year...

Even though the factory ammo (Remington, Winchester and Hornaday) in 300, 405 and 325 gr. were a bit expensive...I've saved every case, and intend to reload them in the future...I think it'll be a good economical trade off...

I have only modified the sights with some Williams "Firesights" which are superior for those not wanting to "scope" their rifle out just yet...

Other than that I have been extremely happy with the accuracy out to 150 yards...I know that sounds very short, but hey, it'll get hits that I believe will put just about anything down on the spot...Recoil is noticable , but manageble...Don't sweat it...It'll work when you need it to...

I would recommend using the Hornaday "Leverevolution" at 325 gr's. for any practical usage, outside of any range time or practice...Last time I saw, those were going for about $29 for 20 rounds...The other makers were selling at about $31-$35 for 20 rounds...

And for my off-topic, sidebar comment...

Be aware I did see some of these Marlin lever actions on the new AWB bill that is on deck and ready to go in congress...For some reason someone thinks these are "assault" weapons...Go figure...

And now I return you to your regularly scheduled program...

watched a recent episode of Shooting Times or Guns N' Ammo TV where they debated the 45-70 vs the 30.06 for hunting.
was spirited and interesting. that's a big ol' boo-lit [abbreviated profanity deleted]' sho!!!

Firing A smokless 45-70 round out of a lever action one must enjoy RECOIL out of a black powder its not bad B.J.

take a look at a Marlin 1894S in .44 Magnum,
should fit your list of requirements very well.

A Marlin 30-30 is an inexpensive gun found in most pawn shops. Ammo is inexpensive and easy to obtain. A short barrel will be easy to handle in the truck or while carrying. I carry a 16" Winchester trapper in 30-30 or Marlin 357 trapper when at the ranch. I have used it to take squirrels, rabbits, deer and rocks. Truth be known, I hunt with the 30-30. Get a 30-30 and you'll be happy. The 45-70 is not cheap to shoot.

Papalote

Papalote wrote:The 45-70 is not cheap to shoot.

But it's a lot of fun to lob those lead footballs and watch them travel down range.

Papalote wrote:A Marlin 30-30 is an inexpensive gun found in most pawn shops. Ammo is inexpensive and easy to obtain. A short barrel will be easy to handle in the truck or while carrying. I carry a 16" Winchester trapper in 30-30 or Marlin 357 trapper when at the ranch. I have used it to take squirrels, rabbits, deer and rocks. Truth be known, I hunt with the 30-30. Get a 30-30 and you'll be happy. The 45-70 is not cheap to shoot.

Papalote

I agree on the 30-30 great all around ranch gun, easy to carry around, fairly cheap to buy and way cheaper to shoot than the 45/70.

I just use my AR

My grandfather gave me his dad's (my great-grandfather) 30-30 when I was about 12, which was a year before he died. He told me that of all the guns he had, it was the one he used the most, and it had taken the most deer (I think its score is about 150 in 70 years of use, though I haven't added to it) and varmints (countless). It's become more of a family heirloom than a hunting rifle now, but I have no doubts that it'll do just fine if I ever need it.

I have my Dad's Savage model 340 30-30. It was his Christmas present about the time I turned 1 year old. I refinished the stock with Tru-Oil about 25 years ago, but all other aspects of the rifle are original. It will be passed down to my Grandkids (if I have any) someday!

It has taken a lot of deer over its almost 50 years. I can honestly say I have NEVER missed one with it. Unless you really need the range of 150 yds plus, then I would not worry about a higher powered rifle, these do great!

You could always go with .44 Mag/.357 Mag leveraction, this way you could carry a revolver of the same caliber and only have to worry about 1 type of ammo

http://www.henryrepeating.com/h006_bigboy.cfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Plus with those you can downgrade the ammo and shoot .44 Special/.38 Special in them for reduced recoil, thus your kids/wife could enjoy shooting with you at the range.

OOH this one is gorgeous!
http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product ... s_id=86094" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.eastcountyguns.com/cfmarlinlevers.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I love my Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70. Mine has Ashley ghost ring sights and a quick-detach Leupold Scout Scope. Very quick to pick up any target. I have also had some internal work done to it. Using the right ammo, you can hunt anything on the planet with the 45-70 - big or small. With the right ammo, you can also get decent 200-yard shots. The Marlin in 45-70 was tested in Africa while hunting the Big-Six using Garret ammunition (540-grain Sledge Hammers). One shot kills. Crossed cape buffalos lengthwise. Randy Garrett has sent me some of his ammo and it is accurate, reliable, and hard-hitting. I also load 460-grain Cast Performance bullets which are accurate, hard-hitting, and reliable. You can shoot soft or factory 300-grainers or you can load 500-grain solids. You can go up or down your scale of choice. I truly admire this little big gun.