Author Topic: What to do???? (Read 993 times)

handirifle · « **on:** January 10, 2005, 08:11:38 PM »

I have a Ruger 357 that I'm not too good with, and a Savage bolt 30-06, thinking of parting with one or both. If I part with both, am considering getting Marlin 444 or 45-70.

If one (the Ruger) I might trade it for a Handi. Is it wise to think of parting with a 30-06 to get a 444? I'm not the most successful hunter around so it probably doesn't matter what I hunt with for range, but I don't like having the bolt stick me in the side when I carry it.

Let me hear some suggestions.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #1 on:** January 11, 2005, 01:55:47 AM »

Carry the bolt action on the other side?

handirifle · « **Reply #2 on:** January 11, 2005, 05:28:04 AM »

Ha! I put this up on three threads and you're the only one to mention that! I have tried it and it feels real unnatural, plus it is awkward to get the rifle off my shoulder from carry to shouldering for a shot.

The other idea I've had is to get a Rem pump 30-06.

NYH1 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 11, 2005, 11:52:09 AM »

I think it depends more on what your going to hunt and were your going to hunt it then anything else!

If you can't afford to have two or even three different rifles the 30-06 is tough to beat, be it a "bolt action" or a "pump action"!

Lets assume your going to use it for big game hunting for deer, black bear and wild boar.
* If you hunt in the woods were you longest shot is going to be 100-150 yards or so it really doesn't matter if you go with a 30-06 or a 444 Mar.
* If you hunt were its really thick and your shots are going to from 5 feet to 50-75 yards I'd go with a 444 Mar.
* If your going to have longer shots or only going to have one "big game" rifle then I'd get a 30-06.

I had a Remington model "7600 Carbine" with a 18 inch barrel in 30-06 that shot 1 1/2 inch groups with Remington's 150 Pointed Soft Point Core-Lokt ammo. If you get the "7600 Rifle" with the 22 inch barrel you'll get a little more velocity. Either way you'll have a great "all round Rifle"

handirifle · « **Reply #4 on:** January 12, 2005, 11:48:36 AM »

NYH
Yea you're echoing my thoughts. as far as what to hunt, "everything I can" is the best answer, and the range I guess is decided by the animal.

I've really wondered about the Rem pump to replace a Savage bolt. I have nothing but good about them. I wonder how much velocity one would lose from the carbine to the rifle? Enough to make a difference on a deer or elk at MY max range of 300yds? More than likely a deer at 250 and elk at 300.

Maybe I'll go by the gun shop tonight to pick his brain and see if this whole swap is feasible.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #5 on:** January 12, 2005, 12:29:02 PM »

Ok, maybe a left handed bolt action would carry better for you?

southern utah · « **Reply #6 on:** January 12, 2005, 03:03:36 PM »

If I carry one of my bolt guns I always carry on the left side but in front. This way I can control the butt and comes to battery faster than right shoulder behind carry.

Prof. Fuller Bullspit · « **Reply #7 on:** January 12, 2005, 03:33:29 PM »

As has been noted the thing you are giving up is some effective range when you go with the .444 or .45 70 instead of the .30 06. This is mostly due to trajectory.

Either the .444 or .45 70 will work well on anything that you would hunt using the .30 06 just get closer!

If you want a single shot look at the TC contender in the carbine configuration.

handirifle · « **Reply #8 on:** January 13, 2005, 07:58:15 PM »

maybe I should have been clearer. I am left handed (actually ambidexterious) and it IS a left hand bolt rifle. I carry it on the right cause it feels natural there and is easier for ME to et to shoulder that way, than carry it over my left shoulder.

The dealers says it would be an even swap, but not sure I can make myself give up two guns for one.

Thanks for your thoughts, I'll have to mull this over.

leverfan · « **Reply #9 on:** January 13, 2005, 08:49:30 PM »

Two thoughts come to mind. One, safari sling the rifle, so that it's more comfortable. That's cheaper than a new gun, or a trade that doesn't profit you.

Two, tax return time is coming up. Maybe Uncle Sam is giving you enough back to go buy a new rifle. Why not wait, save, or whatever, since next hunting season is a long ways off. I've often regretted letting a gun go down the road, and letting two go would be twice the regret.

I'm always nervous about left handed folks shooting right handed rifles, especially semi autos, but also pump and lever guns. If the case ruptures, a lefty's face will be in the line of fire for hot gas, melted bits of case, and any pieces of receiver that bust off. I had a factory shell let go in a semi auto rifle once, and I'm glad that gun was on my right shoulder.

Is that Ruger a Blackhawk or a Vaquero? If it's a Vaquero, maybe I could help you come up with some cash for your new rifle.

STW · « **Reply #10 on:** January 14, 2005, 05:10:07 AM »

Could you describe the safari sling method or point me to a description somewhere?

leverfan · « **Reply #11 on:** January 14, 2005, 07:53:34 AM »

Quote from: STW

Could you describe the safari sling method or point me to a description somewhere?

It's a sling that carries your rifle across your chest, and it's hands free. You can shoot without having to slip out of the sling, because you simply lift the rifle into position and fire. Cabelas carries them, and I'm sure that some other places do, too. I prefer a shooting sling, if I sling a rifle at all, so my own experience with the safari sling is limited. When I pack a rifle, it's generally in my hands. That's another cheap way to keep the bolt from digging into your side, by the way!

jhrosier · « **Reply #12 on:** January 14, 2005, 03:03:46 PM »

Quote from: handirifle

....snip

I don't like having the bolt stick me in the side when I carry it.

Let me hear some suggestions.

How 'bout a Browning BLR? I have an older .358 Win (steel rcvr) and it's a real handy rifle, with nothing sticking out to poke you.
Just my .02, Jack

handirifle · « **Reply #13 on:** January 17, 2005, 05:46:42 PM »

Most all are good points.

leverfan, it is a Security Six stainless 4" barrel, 357 mag.

I have decided to wait a bit, maybe getting too antsy. I'll try some other slings before I change rifles.

armory414 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 19, 2005, 09:19:05 AM »

I too like to carry my rifle in my off hand when walking. The Browning BLR was mentioned above. I have one in .308 and like it a lot. Another option would be a Remington or Browning semi-auto in .30-06. In my opinion, unless your guns are really beat up, the Savage and Ruger traded for a Remington pump is not an even swap. The pumps are not popular, at least here in Ohio (we can't use them for deer anyway), and I usually see them used for around $300 or so.