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.