I recently bought a Enfield No4Mk1, and a K-31 with the primary reason of a fun gun, and a deer rifle. While I really like both of them (especially the K-31) they are a bit too long and unwieldy in heavy brush where I hunt. The longest shot I could really envision is no more than 100 yards at the max.

So I have been thinking about getting a cheap short range rifle. Either a Marlin lever-action in either 30-30 or .44 Magnum. The other choice is a SKS since its almost on par with a 30-30, and its ammo is cheap. When hunting season is over, it would just be a fun gun at the range.

I've already owned an SKS, but never a lever-action. I would just like some opinions on a brush gun. The only thing holding me back on a 30-30 is the price of ammo compared to .44 Magnum, and 7.62x39.

Any ideas or other suggestions?

ETA: Most of the SKSs in my area are beat up Norincos that have been Tapco-fucked, and Yugos. I am not interested in a Yugo since its bigger than a standard SKS.

The m1 carbine makes a good brush gun,

rethink the yugo SKS it is a good rifle and far more accurate than other SKS's I have shot.

I think a 30-30 lever action would be near perfect I like to hunt with my 16 inch RRA and have taken several deer with it.

The best brush gun is a Winchester mod 70 in 375 H&H

how about a remington 7600 carbine

I have used a 35 cal carbine for years and obviously like  it a lot.  Nice round to use in heavy brush and easy to walk through thick woods.  A long shot in area I hunted was at most 60 yds.

Winchester Model 94  .30/.30    quick handling and power enough to but the meat on the table..

brian

ruger 44mag carbine

NEF single shot....carbine OAL length, but rifle length barrel.  extra barrels/ calibers are between $80-$150 from the factory.

advntrjnky

Thanks for the replies so far. :)

The only other requirement I forgot to mention is that ammo must be common and can be found at Wal-Mart in a pinch. I have no local source for 7.5Swiss and .303Brit is fairly uncommon.

I also am not interested in a single-shot as it will be a "fun" gun when its not be used for hunting.

ETA: The Remington 7600 is neat, but its a bit too much that I want to spend. I have never seen one locally, or in the pawn shops.

30-30 is the first deer gun my dad gave me 30+ years ago.

I have taken plenty of deer with it.

150 to 200 yard one shot kills are assured if you can place the shot properly.

It a great, reliable, accurate bush gun.

how about a 6.8 spc upper for your AR.......a lever 30-30 seems like a good choice for you also.

advntrjnky

Quoted: ruger 44mag carbine

I actually sold mine (old style) to a board member a few years back, as I no longer hunt in WV. There real nice brush guns and will knock whitetails flat inside of 100yds. It was one of my favorites.

I'm not sure of the new Ruger 44 Carbines but, my old one was a shooter.