Thoughts on a 30-30

QUESTION fore those of you who are giving feedback about how great and how many animals you have killed. I loved mine I really did. BUT how far have those shots been away on kills?

There is no doubt there is a reason they have been around for so dang long. But in wide open areas of the west where you may have to take a shot at 300+ having owned one they are in my estimation the wrong tool for hte job. Would you agree or have you found other results?
 
ah but thats the rub, I have never HAD to take a shot at 300+ yards. Up here in ND I have plenty of chances to take very long shots, but if I do my part I can get closer, and if I cant I dont take the shot.

I have taken deer with my 30-30 at ranges a bit over 200 yds It can easily do that, past that I think it has the power, just not the trajectory to make it a good choice for most people, myself included.

One of the main bonus' is that its got power, low recoil fast to handle/shoot, and most of all fun fun fun.

If You absolutly have to take that really long shot, well thats why we are blessed with sooo many choices when it comes to guns, pick one that suits the need.

For me ill stick with my 30-30, and while youre still walking that xtra many steps Ill have mine dressed, in the truck, and as Im sippin a cold dew, and watchin you drag it back ill be thinking "good thing he had that gun that could shoot deer a half mile away" /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-006.gif

good luck


Dave
 
I've never HAD to take a 300 yard shot either. I've taken a few with center fire rifles over the years, but I didn't feel a sense of accomplishment when I made those shots. I hunt some areas that are wide open. Getting up close makes hunting much more exciting. Other than last year when I drew a rifle tag for deer, I use a side-lock muzzle loader shooting patched round balls on big game. Even in wide open terrain I keep my shots under 100 yards and preferably closer than that. Even last year when I drew the rifle tag (second choice after M/L tag) I shot my deer at well under 100 yards. I'd rather close the distance from 300 yards to 75 yards or less and shoot a deer, elk or antelope with the M/L than to shoot them with my 7 or 300 mag at 300 yards.
 
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There is no doubt there is a reason they have been around for so dang long. But in wide open areas of the west where you may have to take a shot at 300+ having owned one they are in my estimation the wrong tool for hte job. Would you agree or have you found other results?



You may have noticed, I'm pro 30/30 in my Contender carbine. I wanted that particular gun and the 30/30 was one of 2 or three cartridge chamberings within its pressure limitations. That's a limitation I was willing to live with, and it's served me well.

If I believed I was going to shoot regularly a 300+ yards, I'd buy something else. I used it at 300 yards following suggestions from others. It will do the job, but just barely and I'd recommend 250 as a maximum with my gun and load. For some people in some circumstances it's still a good choice.

If I'm asked about purchasing a new gun for western hunting, I don't recommend the 30/30 -- there are too many better cartridges out there. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif

Still, if you've got an old 30/30 don't throw it away and if you're going to shoot bears or hogs with it, don't use my 125gr handload. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
I love the easy packing Marlin and Winchester lever rifles. I hunt the big timber of the National Forest and it is hard to improve upon the .30-30 for this job. Easy to pack, fast handling, low recoil, plenty accurate, enough power, inexpensive to feed... really what's not to like?
 
I agree with GC, here in Arkansas a lot of my hunting is wooded and a typical shot will be 75-125 yards. That is perfec .30-30 hunting. Not to mention (as stated before) the lever guns are easy to carry, very pointable, and more than adequate if you stay within the claibers limitations. But isn't that true of any caliber?

I own three .30-30's but only because they were all inheited. I have two Winchesters and one Marlin. One of the Win's belonged to my Dad (1974 model) the other belonged to my wifes grandfather (1954 model) and the Marlin belonged to my father in law (also 1970's model). I love those rifles not only for their function but for the nostalgia of a lever gun and the hands that have carried them.
 
I plan on getting a Marlin 336 in 30-30 one day. That was my dad's favorite gun. I remember Wally World selling them for $259 now they are $100 higher.
 
I'll tell ya how old I am... I remember Wal-Mart selling them for $79.00! Your choice, Winchester M94 or Marlin M336C, same price for both. I was just a little kid and didn't know much about much, even then I thought that was a pretty good deal!
 
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I'll tell ya how old I am... I remember Wal-Mart selling them for $79.00! Your choice, Winchester M94 or Marlin M336C, same price for both. I was just a little kid and didn't know much about much, even then I thought that was a pretty good deal!


I remember when they sold them at Western Auto........There wasn't any Wal-Mart.......
I think I need some fiber. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
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