Author Topic: The one I chose first (30-30)  (Read 1080 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline 44 Man

  • Trade Count: (28)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2419
  • Gender: Male
The one I chose first (30-30)
« on: October 23, 2008, 09:33:57 AM »
I'm approaching this from another direction.  I got into a conversation the other day in regards to spending 2 or 3 winter months in Texas (by God!) (sorry, can't hardly say the word Texas by itself anymore).  Ok back to the subject.  I was thinking what guns I could take with me in the RV and what I would have to leave home.  It all came down to my little H&R 30-30 would be the first choice and a couple of handguns.  (Ok, FOUR handguns!)  I might also have to take my AR-15 along just because.  Anyway, the first gun that came to mind was the little 30-30 as THE gun to have with me!  I don't want this to be a thread about the 'last ditch survival weapon' but rather about which gun you would pack first for a trip where you had no specific hunt in mind, you just wanted a gun along if there might be an opportunity.  I thought it was interesting that my 30-30 came to mind as the first one to pack.  44 Man

You are never too old to have a happy childhood!

Offline Graybeard

  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (69)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 27106
  • Gender: Male
Re: The one I chose first (30-30)
« Reply #1 on: October 23, 2008, 09:57:25 AM »
While I like my H&R .30-30 a really old one with the full length fore end so often called a Mannlicher I doubt it would be the first to go in for such a trip. My Rossi M92 in .357 Magnum might be tho. But for a rifle to go hunting with no specific critter or task in mind I'd likely not leave the Model Seven in 7-08 behind ever. Like you some revolvers would have to figure heavily in the guns taken. I'm also a serious wingshooter so a shotgun would naturally have to tag along.


Bill aka the Graybeard
President, Graybeard Outdoor Enterprises
256-435-1125

I am not a lawyer and do not give legal advice.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life anyone who believes in Him will have everlasting life!

Offline LONGTOM

  • Trade Count: (391)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4644
  • Gender: Male
  • IF ONLY I COULD GO BACK-I WOULD BE A MOUNTAIN MAN!
Re: The one I chose first (30-30)
« Reply #2 on: October 23, 2008, 10:27:49 AM »
I to would have a few hand guns, my Ruger 45 colt, Ruger 41 mag, and a Davis derringer in 32 mag just in case!
For sure a WIN 1300 shotgun!
As for a rifle, it would be a 270 WIN and maybe a 243 and/or 223.
270 for the bigger stuff and the 243/223 from deer on down to small varmints.
OH, lots and lots of different types of ammo to cover the realms of each of these guns.
Don't think I would need the AR but it would be nice!


LONGTOM
NRA Benefactor Life Member
NAHC Life Member
NRA Member-JAMES MADISON BRIGADE
IWLA Member
NRA/ILA Member
CCRKBA Member
US OLIMPIC SHOOTING TEAM supporter

"THE TREE OF LIBERTY FROM TIME TO TIME MUST BE REFRESHED WITH THE BLOOD OF PATRIOTS AND TYRANTS".
THOMAS JEFFERSON

That my two young sons may never have to know the horrors of war. 

I will stand for your rights as my forefathers did before me!
My thanks to those who have, are and will stand for mine!
To those in the military, I salute you!

LONGTOM 9-25-07

Offline cwlongshot

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (158)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 9907
  • Gender: Male
  • Shooting, Hunting, the Outdoors & ATVs
Re: The one I chose first (30-30)
« Reply #3 on: October 23, 2008, 10:55:46 AM »
My #1 "go along" gun is my old H&R 12ga take down.





 Works mighty fine of raccoons in the trash, bears around camp and has kilt its fare share of ducks as well!!  ::) :o ;D

CW
"Pay heed to the man who carries a single shot rifle, he likely knows how to use it."

NRA LIFE Member 
Remember... Four boxes keep us free: the soap box, the ballot box, the jury box, and the cartridge box.

Offline WILD_WEASEL

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 207
Re: The one I chose first (30-30)
« Reply #4 on: October 23, 2008, 11:04:56 AM »
Your H&R 12GA looks like a can full of whoop-ass on both ends!  My personal pick would be my 45 Colt Carbine along with my 45 Colt Blackhawk, and my extra 357 barrel with my 357/9mm Blackhawk Convertible for back up.  Oh, hand my 12GA barrel.

Offline Badnews Bob

  • Trade Count: (34)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2963
  • Gender: Male
Re: The one I chose first (30-30)
« Reply #5 on: October 23, 2008, 11:06:42 AM »
.30-30s never a bad choice thou, kinda like a good ole pair of jeans, They work.
Badnews Bob
AE-2 USN retired

Offline LaOtto222

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3828
  • Gender: Male
Re: The one I chose first (30-30)
« Reply #6 on: October 23, 2008, 12:11:34 PM »
That would be a mighty hard decision for me. I think the 30-30 would be a good choice. Could be shot for any thing from varmints to deer and maybe a little more. I have one, but just have not had enough trigger time with it to become a favorite yet. I think I would opt for a 223 if I was to pick just one rifle, but maybe a 22 rim fire instead. This is hard :( I would have to have a shotgun along; maybe my 870 Super Mag, it is so versatile with it's different chokes; from rabbits to quail up to geese or even shooting a clay bird once in a while. Along with a 22 revolver and a 357 double action. But I like my 44 mags too. Maybe a T/C Contender with a few barrels. I hope I never have to make that decision. :)
Great men have vision and resolve to make dreams come true.

Offline Slufoot

  • Trade Count: (21)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1004
Re: The one I chose first (30-30)
« Reply #7 on: October 23, 2008, 02:01:26 PM »
This is an easy one for me. It would be my 308 Win./12 GA combination gun.
I call this one my "business gun", it's always ready for anything from up close fast moving targets to extended range shots.

GOOD SHOOTING!
Slufoot

Offline Elkoholic

  • Trade Count: (2)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 148
  • Gender: Male
Re: The one I chose first (30-30)
« Reply #8 on: October 23, 2008, 02:53:20 PM »
For me, one gun from varmints up to deer/antelope would be my 243 model 7 remington.
(would have been my 243 handi if I had'nt traded it.  Dang it!!)

Throw in a 22 for plinking, bunnies & squirrels; a handgun for fun/protection; and a shotgun
for birds & clays and I'd be a happy camper!

Mike
Current Handi's: 17 HMR, 270 Ultra Comp, 223 Bull Barrel.
Barrel wish List: 22 Hornet, 7-08, 30-30, 357 Mag, 45 Long Colt for starters.   Oh, and 35 Whelen too!
Donations gladly accepted!!

Offline 44 Man

  • Trade Count: (28)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2419
  • Gender: Male
Re: The one I chose first (30-30)
« Reply #9 on: October 24, 2008, 01:26:49 AM »
Very good replies!  You do want to remember if you are living in an RV for 3 months, packing room will be at a premium.  I should have broken down my handguns.  A single action .22 and .45 colt, and of course my .45 1911 Colt Defender.  And likely my lightwt 'J' frame S&W .38 spl.  Probably could leave the Colt Defender home as the .38 could fill that role.  I'm thinking more that I will also want the AR-15 in .223, mostly because it is a new gun to me and I need more trigger time with it and of course the .223 is a very handy caliber also.  If I owned the 6.8 spc upper I want to get for it, that 'might' replace the duties of the 30-30.  Notice I said 'might'.  It would just be very difficult for me to leave the little H&R behind.  It's just too much of an old friend and the trusty 30-30 is so versatile.  Not too much, not too little.  Enough is enough.  I guess I'm old fashioned that way.  44 Man
You are never too old to have a happy childhood!

Offline STUMPJMPR

  • Trade Count: (4)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1037
Re: The one I chose first (30-30)
« Reply #10 on: October 24, 2008, 01:48:07 AM »
My 30-30 would be one of the first to go with me.... The biggest decision I would have to make is if I'm take the iron sighted winchester or the scoped marlin.... I know there are cartridges out there that are much more efficient than the 30-30, but its not lacking by any means....

Offline petemi

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (73)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7386
  • Gender: Male
Re: The one I chose first (30-30)
« Reply #11 on: October 24, 2008, 03:58:14 AM »
I'd take my Handi .45-70 cause you can't overkill anything, but you can sure underkill a lot.  Then I'd take my .17 HMR Handi and my Topper/Pardner .410/12 ga.  If I had room, I'd also bring my .357 Handi and Blackhawk.
Keep both eyes open and make the first shot good.
The growing Handi/Sportster/Pardner/Topper Family:  .22 WMR, .22-250. 223, Two Superlight 7mm-08s and one .243, .30-30,  .308, 32-20, 18 inch .356/.358 Win., Two 16.5 inch .357 Max., 18 inch 38-55 BC Carbine, 16.5 inch .445 Super Mag., .45LC, 16.5 and 22 inch .45-70s, .50 Huntsman SS, .410, 20 ga., 12 ga., 20 ga. Pardner Pump, Versa-Pack .410 - .22
[size=7.4 pt]PLEASE DONATE TO THE GBO SERVER FUND  We're closer to the goal but not there yet, we can still use more donations, thanks

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,191112.msg1098959491.html#msg1098959491

Offline WILD_WEASEL

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 207
Re: The one I chose first (30-30)
« Reply #12 on: October 24, 2008, 04:19:37 AM »
Also, I'd take along my Lee Hand press and reloading suppies, that take up surprisingly little space in a plastic tote.  I used this rig for many years before upgrading to a Rockchucker.  I have a Lyman Nut Cracker too for 38/357 but would need to get some 45 Colt dies if I wanted to go total cowboy.

Offline Dead doc

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 32
Re: The one I chose first (30-30)
« Reply #13 on: October 24, 2008, 04:59:08 AM »
 The 30-30 choice is always a good one . A single shot 30-30 is unsurpassed for versatility, IF it will shoot the different bullet weights  well . MY H&R 30-30  will ONLY shoot the 150 Grain Sierra RN bullets, well .  If yours shoots the other bullet weights it would be my first choice too.   
 I Do NOt feel handicapped with that bullet in mine for it will perform as well as any for the expected use and range of a 30-30.  BUT  I would like it a lot more if it also would shoot  the 125s/130s  and  maybe even the heavier bullets for larger game .
     That being said , and in the realm of what you need I would grab my soft case, which contains the H&R 30-30 and the Hard case next to it . that contains the other 4 barrels fitted to that frame . This would give me the ability to have a 45/70 ; a 30-06 ; a 223; and a 12 Ga  for any thing I can ever think of. I can throw that hard case  under the bed of an RV stand the soft case up in any closet ( hard case contains also a screw driver and my hand -torque wrench  for changing barrels )
   MY 4 5/8 Ruger Black hawk 357, MY Kimber Ultra compact Carry ( 45ACP) and a 22 revolver Would cover the rest of my needs nicely for a few months . Did I mention that I ALWAYS  have my  NAA mini  in my pocket  ;D

Offline Dillohide

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 273
  • Gender: Male
Re: The one I chose first (30-30)
« Reply #14 on: October 24, 2008, 06:33:43 AM »
Don't blame you. People do not believe me until I show them but of all the Handi rifles I have my 30-30 is consistently the most accurate at 100 yards ... and that's with plain old Winchester Power Point 150 grain factory ammo. It even rivals my old bolt action 30-06 Winchester in the accuracy department and that's doing pretty darned good.

Welcome to Texas  ;D

Offline AtlLaw

  • Moderators
  • Trade Count: (58)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6462
  • Gender: Male
  • A good woman, nice bike and fine guns!
Re: The one I chose first (30-30)
« Reply #15 on: October 24, 2008, 07:05:44 AM »
But for a rifle to go hunting with no specific critter or task in mind I'd likely not leave the Model Seven in 7-08 behind ever.

+1

My one dedicated back-up rifle; my only synthetic stocked rifle; my "always bring it along no matter what I'm hunting just in case something happens to my main rifle," rifle, is an 18.5 inch barreled Remington Model Seven in 7mm/08 stoked with 162 gr. Nosler FB's and topped with a Leupold VXII 3x9 Compact.

But that's my preference... Your 30/30 Handi also sounds fine to me!  Especially when backed up with the AR and a good, meaning large caliber, revolver type handgun.   ;D
Richard
Former Captain of Horse, keeper of the peace and interpreter of statute.  Currently a Gentleman of leisure.
Nemo me impune lacessit

                      
Support your local US Military Vets Motorcycle Club

Offline jpshaw

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (2)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1063
  • Gender: Male
Re: The one I chose first (30-30)
« Reply #16 on: October 24, 2008, 07:27:49 AM »
I would have no problem with my .30/30 Handi being the only one along except for my Glock if you are not counting those you don't hunt with.  I would hunt anything thats aroung where I live with it.

Offline Singleshotsam

  • I.T. Professional
  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (5)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1682
  • Gender: Male
Re: The one I chose first (30-30)
« Reply #17 on: October 24, 2008, 10:12:00 AM »
If I could only Bring one gun for any 4 legged hunt it would be my .243 Rossi...
I'm voting 3rd party in this election by writing in Jesus Christ for president.  Sadly even if this were an option most of you would still vote Republican because "It's a two party system."

Offline PeterCartwright

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 289
Re: The one I chose first (30-30)
« Reply #18 on: October 25, 2008, 06:15:35 AM »
I bought a Handi in .30-30 about a dozen years ago, ostensibly for my (then) kindergarten-aged son (who's a "Southpaw").  In the meantime, I enjoyed the little rifle myself (of course) , which shot into about an inch with either flavor Remington factory loads and handled like a dream in close quarters. 

When my son became old enough to hunt, I ordered a "youth" buttstock for the Handi and set it up for kids.  The boy has graduated to an adult sized Marlin 336 (also in .30-30) and the Handi now serves new kids each year in Michigan's Youth Hunt (a September weekend for taking whitetails).  I sat beside another youngster a few weeks ago who took his first deer with that rifle.  As usual, the 150 gr. Corelokt zipped right through the forkhorn, and no tracking was required.  Perfection!

I understand why you'd choose the .30-30 Handi for a stowaway in your RV.  It's very accurate, sufficiently powerful, hardy, "handy" (of course!), ammo is ubiquitous and it stows in a tiny package.  It can feed you, protect you and entertain you for pennies.  What's not to like?

PC

Offline bluebayou

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1216
  • Gender: Male
Re: The one I chose first (30-30)
« Reply #19 on: October 25, 2008, 05:53:10 PM »
since I am afraid of being called a Commie/heretic I will not mention my Yugo SKS

I would probably go with my Remington 700 with shortened Classic stock in 7mm-08 and a pile of my Hornady 120 SP handloads.