Your ultimate deep woods deer gun?
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- Levergunner 2.0
- Posts: 149
- Joined: Thu Dec 20, 2007 9:41 am
- Location: Jeff County, Missouri
Your ultimate deep woods deer gun?
I am not sure if this has ever been asked- but what is your idea of the ultimate lever for hunting deer in a heavily wooded area? What make and model? Best caliber? Barrel length? Sling or no sling? Barrel mounted sight, peep, or scope?
Winchester 94 Trapper, 360 Dan Wesson, 207 grain hardcast 1875 fps.


Kind regards,
Tycer
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- 2ndovc
- Advanced Levergunner
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- Location: OH, South Shore of Lake Erie
I do most of my hunting in Northwestern PA these days. A long shot up there is about 75 yds. These have been my favorites for the last few years.
Marlin 450 and an LTDIII/ 45-70

My 95 SRC/30-06 has accounted for most of my deer.


Marlin 450 and an LTDIII/ 45-70

My 95 SRC/30-06 has accounted for most of my deer.


jasonB " Another Dirty Yankee"
" Tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?"
" Tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?"
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- Levergunner 2.0
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Said it before and I'll say it again. For hunting in the eastern mountains or the deep bush and swamps of Canada there is nothing beats Winchester 94 Trapper in the 30-30 Caliber with Ghost Ring sights and a sling. The biggest reason I like a sling is when you get that Deer, Bear, Moose,Elk or whatever it makes it nice to put that rifle over your shoulder or neck and have both hands free. It also helps when you need both hands to climb a steep wet mountain side.
Never seen a reason for any other caliber than the 30-30 for hunting or self defense.
Here is WV the Winchester 94 Carbine is known as the "West Virginia assault rifle"
Mike
Never seen a reason for any other caliber than the 30-30 for hunting or self defense.
Here is WV the Winchester 94 Carbine is known as the "West Virginia assault rifle"

[hunting deer in a heavily wooded area?]
That pretty much describes where I use all my leverguns !
That includes the ones both with and without scopes, peeps, tangers, slings and things.
Some times I sit for the day, and some times I wood loaf, and other times deer driving is the order of the day - so I go with whichever one suits whatever.
That pretty much describes where I use all my leverguns !
That includes the ones both with and without scopes, peeps, tangers, slings and things.
Some times I sit for the day, and some times I wood loaf, and other times deer driving is the order of the day - so I go with whichever one suits whatever.
Trapper length lever in .30-30 or .35Rem, peeps or ghost-ring and quick-detach scout-scope, and quick-detach sling.
Carry it without the scope and without the sling, but carry those items with you.
Very light, fast shooting in heavy cover.

Carry it without the scope and without the sling, but carry those items with you.
Very light, fast shooting in heavy cover.

Government office attracts the power-mad, yet it's people who just want to be left alone to live life on their own terms who are considered dangerous.
History teaches that it's a small window in which people can fight back before it is too dangerous to fight back.
History teaches that it's a small window in which people can fight back before it is too dangerous to fight back.
Re: Your ultimate deep woods deer gun?
The one that carries easily and gets on target quickly and acuratly for younralover wrote:I am not sure if this has ever been asked- but what is your idea of the ultimate lever for hunting deer in a heavily wooded area? What make and model? Best caliber? Barrel length? Sling or no sling? Barrel mounted sight, peep, or scope?

For me, it's any of my 3 Marlins , .32 WS , .35 Rem , and .44 mag . All have 20" barrels , reciever sights , I generaly just use the sling to carry an extra coat around my waist , but it's there if I need it .
Phil
I've tried bow, musket, rifles and handguns. All give a special satisfaction to the experience. All can be effective. Just about any lever gun chambered for a legal cartridge will work as range and trajectory just simply aren't much of an issue. The ultimate for me would be one an ancestor used... no such for me, I've got to settle for one of mine. I'm hoping to eliminate that problem for the grandson!
Sincerely,
Hobie
"We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best that we find in our travels is an honest friend." Robert Louis Stevenson
Hobie
"We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best that we find in our travels is an honest friend." Robert Louis Stevenson
- Old Ironsights
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If by "deep woods" you mean a whole bunch of brush might be in the bullet path then I have to say any good Guide Gun length .45-70.
No heavy brush busting needed? All bets are off.
No heavy brush busting needed? All bets are off.
C2N14... because life is not energetic enough.
מנא, מנא, תקל, ופרסין Daniel 5:25-28... Got 7.62?
Not Depressed enough yet? Go read National Geographic, July 1976
Gott und Gewehr mit uns!
מנא, מנא, תקל, ופרסין Daniel 5:25-28... Got 7.62?
Not Depressed enough yet? Go read National Geographic, July 1976
Gott und Gewehr mit uns!
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- Levergunner 3.0
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- Old Savage
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Just the way this is set up. 1886 solid frame in 45-70, tang sight with fold down barrel sight, ivory bead, and a Hunter 110 sling. In addition to deer, I can add, well, just about anything-------Sixgun


Last edited by Sixgun on Tue Jan 08, 2008 12:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- J Miller
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I am not sure if this has ever been asked- It has. but what is your idea of the ultimate lever for hunting deer in a heavily wooded area?
What make and model?
I'm partial to Winchester top eject 94s.
Best caliber?
30-30, this has been a winning cartridge for over a hundred years. No need to over think the situation now.
Barrel length?
20", the carbine length is a very handy package that gives a good sight radius with minimal excessive weight or bulk.
Sling or no sling?
A quick detachable sling of some sort would be used.
Barrel mounted sight, peep, or scope?
If your eyes can see them there is nothing wrong with the factory iron sights. A lot of people bad mouth them, but these open sights have been serving riflemen for a very long time.
However receiver sights with a post front sight are my preferred choice of sights. I find them more precise for my eyes.
I would NEVER scope a lever gun. That totally ruins the balance and handiness of the gun design.
Joe
What make and model?
I'm partial to Winchester top eject 94s.
Best caliber?
30-30, this has been a winning cartridge for over a hundred years. No need to over think the situation now.
Barrel length?
20", the carbine length is a very handy package that gives a good sight radius with minimal excessive weight or bulk.
Sling or no sling?
A quick detachable sling of some sort would be used.
Barrel mounted sight, peep, or scope?
If your eyes can see them there is nothing wrong with the factory iron sights. A lot of people bad mouth them, but these open sights have been serving riflemen for a very long time.
However receiver sights with a post front sight are my preferred choice of sights. I find them more precise for my eyes.
I would NEVER scope a lever gun. That totally ruins the balance and handiness of the gun design.
Joe
Last edited by J Miller on Tue Jan 08, 2008 3:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
***Be sneaky, get closer, bust the cap on him when you can put the ball where it counts
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- El Chivo
- Advanced Levergunner
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I would say caliber is not as important as set-up. A big bullet would help though.
This year I plan to mount a 1x-3x scope on my new 336 in 30-30 and see how I like it. Leave it on 1x for short shots and defense and get the benefit of low light enhancement.
This year I plan to mount a 1x-3x scope on my new 336 in 30-30 and see how I like it. Leave it on 1x for short shots and defense and get the benefit of low light enhancement.
"I'll tell you what living is. You get up when you feel like it. You fry yourself some eggs. You see what kind of a day it is."
The 30-30 is tough to beat. I plan on loading the 170 grain Flat Point Bullet in my 308, and give it a try. Heres an interesting article on this very subject if anyone is interested.....
http://www.chuckhawks.com/woods_rifles.htm
http://www.chuckhawks.com/woods_rifles.htm
Make and model: Marlin 336ER (only becuase it's about 1 1/2-2" shorter than my BLR in .358 tho)
Caliber: .356 Win and shooting Speer hot core 220grFN bullets at 2350-2400fps
Barrel length: the 20" barrel is just fine with the 2/3 magazine (same weight and balance as a 18" with full magazine!
Sling: fitted with QD swivels and a sling along, but not attatched til I'm dragging the deer.
sights: scoped with a Leupold 1-4x24 Euro 30mm with German reticle in QD rings. Shooting at low power with both eyes open, or if time, at 4x at longer range. I'll opt for a custom base with flip-up ghost ring for driving rain or snow!
Caliber: .356 Win and shooting Speer hot core 220grFN bullets at 2350-2400fps
Barrel length: the 20" barrel is just fine with the 2/3 magazine (same weight and balance as a 18" with full magazine!
Sling: fitted with QD swivels and a sling along, but not attatched til I'm dragging the deer.
sights: scoped with a Leupold 1-4x24 Euro 30mm with German reticle in QD rings. Shooting at low power with both eyes open, or if time, at 4x at longer range. I'll opt for a custom base with flip-up ghost ring for driving rain or snow!
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- Levergunner 3.0
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Hmm. Okl. I know it seems odd but I don't own a lever action rifle but if I did for deep woods it would be this.
A Marlin M1895 Guide Gun in 45-70, no muzzle brake. I'd equip it with a sling for carry when needed and an Aimpoint sight for fast shooting. I know the Aimpoint will amount to heresy for some but they do work well.
A Marlin M1895 Guide Gun in 45-70, no muzzle brake. I'd equip it with a sling for carry when needed and an Aimpoint sight for fast shooting. I know the Aimpoint will amount to heresy for some but they do work well.
If it was a standard modern rifle it would be a Marlin guide gun in 45/70 with barrel sites and a see-thru weaver mount for a aim-point if I wanted it on, 20" barrel. Large loop lever, in case I was wearing gloves. If I could dream it would be a Win. 1886 in 50-110, set up the same. Either way I would be comfortable hunting deer in the deep woods any where and have the stopping power for anything that was hunting me
in the same woods.
John

John
These two work well.
Marlin GS in 45-70 of course, and Blackhawk in .45 Colt


Marlin GS in 45-70 of course, and Blackhawk in .45 Colt


Jeepnik AKA "Old Eyes"
"Go low, go slow and preferably in the dark" The old Sarge (he was maybe 24.
"Freedom is never more that a generation from extinction" Ronald Reagan
"Every man should have at least one good rifle and know how to use it" Dad
"Go low, go slow and preferably in the dark" The old Sarge (he was maybe 24.
"Freedom is never more that a generation from extinction" Ronald Reagan
"Every man should have at least one good rifle and know how to use it" Dad
Give me wilderness anytime!!
"Deep Woods" means to me that you are a long days ride or better on a good Nag into the wilderness. An overall best gun for that and suvival is my 336CS scout in 30.30 AI. Handy & deadly on anything in N.A. if you can shoot & stay cool.
Any lever IMHO is THE choice...they are just great in a scabbard tied to a saddle. Ergonomic & real fast.
Everyone here already knows this stuff though...Heh!
LeverBob
Any lever IMHO is THE choice...they are just great in a scabbard tied to a saddle. Ergonomic & real fast.
Everyone here already knows this stuff though...Heh!

LeverBob
- marlinman93
- Advanced Levergunner
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A 336ADL in .35 Rem would be my favorite for woods.
Pre WWI Marlins and Singleshot rifles!
http://members.tripod.com/~OregonArmsCollectors/
http://members.tripod.com/~OregonArmsCollectors/
Right now, my Stainless 20" Marlin 44 Magnum with Williams Peep mounted in the forward scope mount holes, and a nylon quick-adjust sling, and Winchester 240 SP factory loads.
I'd like to try the .357 with stiff loads though, or one of the 357 Special Magnum conversions (http://ammoguide.com/?catid=247). That handy little 16" Marlin is SOOOO nice to carry and go through brush with.
I'd like to try the .357 with stiff loads though, or one of the 357 Special Magnum conversions (http://ammoguide.com/?catid=247). That handy little 16" Marlin is SOOOO nice to carry and go through brush with.
It's 2025 - "Cutesy Time is OVER....!" [Dan Bongino]
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- Levergunner 2.0
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- Senior Levergunner
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I love all kinds of leveractions and I have used most of them for deep woods deer hunting, and open country. While I love carrying an ironsighted 30/30 (preferably a pre-64 Winchester), or others ranging from .357mag to 45/70, I don't kid myself, the best deep woods rifle is a resonably light leveraction with a low powered scope.
My favorite and most used for serious hunting is a steel framed Browning BLR in .308 Win. with a Leupold 2x7 variable, in medium rings which are just high enough for me to operate the hammer without an add on hammer spur sticking out the side. This is my favorite gun because it works better then anything else, and can be used effectively from 5 yards to 300yds, and even though I hunt deep woods, there are always opportunitys for longer shots.
Granted I will admit that a scope sighted Marlin would be almost as good, for 80% of my hunting, and I may fix up a nice little straight gripped pre-safety model just to see if I can shave a pound off of the BLR's weight, but havn't so far on my other rifles because when I compaired them, I was gain nothing in weight loss or handiness over the BLR, but this little Marlin I have now just might beat it.
I have struggled with scopes vs irons, vs receiversights all of my life, and still use all of them, but I am not kidding myself into thinking that anything other then a scope is the best choice. Sure at spitting distance open irons are all that is needed, but even at 40yds in the brush, a scope can pick out an animal and thread a bullet to the kill zone that, many times, can't be done with irons near as easily. I have proven this to myself many times.
Now, for jump shooting at very close range, maybe irons or receiver sights win out, but not by much, and granted we are talking deep woods here, but I have had much better sucess on running shots with a low powered scopes then irons or receiver sights. And the other big advantage is available light that many times isn't too good even at high noon in the deep woods or brush, but let the evening shadows move in and a scope has it all over any metalic sight.
But I still love my iron sighted guns, and will often accept the tradeoffs for the fun of using other guns, but it cost me a deer this year, that I would have killed dead with my BLR, but I was using my 348 win at the time with a recevier sight. It wasn' a trophy buck, and I didn't have to go hungry over it, but that doesn't change the facts, a scope is still the best even in the deep woods.
My favorite and most used for serious hunting is a steel framed Browning BLR in .308 Win. with a Leupold 2x7 variable, in medium rings which are just high enough for me to operate the hammer without an add on hammer spur sticking out the side. This is my favorite gun because it works better then anything else, and can be used effectively from 5 yards to 300yds, and even though I hunt deep woods, there are always opportunitys for longer shots.
Granted I will admit that a scope sighted Marlin would be almost as good, for 80% of my hunting, and I may fix up a nice little straight gripped pre-safety model just to see if I can shave a pound off of the BLR's weight, but havn't so far on my other rifles because when I compaired them, I was gain nothing in weight loss or handiness over the BLR, but this little Marlin I have now just might beat it.
I have struggled with scopes vs irons, vs receiversights all of my life, and still use all of them, but I am not kidding myself into thinking that anything other then a scope is the best choice. Sure at spitting distance open irons are all that is needed, but even at 40yds in the brush, a scope can pick out an animal and thread a bullet to the kill zone that, many times, can't be done with irons near as easily. I have proven this to myself many times.
Now, for jump shooting at very close range, maybe irons or receiver sights win out, but not by much, and granted we are talking deep woods here, but I have had much better sucess on running shots with a low powered scopes then irons or receiver sights. And the other big advantage is available light that many times isn't too good even at high noon in the deep woods or brush, but let the evening shadows move in and a scope has it all over any metalic sight.
But I still love my iron sighted guns, and will often accept the tradeoffs for the fun of using other guns, but it cost me a deer this year, that I would have killed dead with my BLR, but I was using my 348 win at the time with a recevier sight. It wasn' a trophy buck, and I didn't have to go hungry over it, but that doesn't change the facts, a scope is still the best even in the deep woods.
- Old Shatterhand
- Levergunner 2.0
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In no particular order.
308 Winchester 150gr - 180gr
307 Winchester 150gr - 180gr
45/70 300gr - 400gr
30/30 150gr - 170gr
45 Colt 255gr - 325gr
7.62x39mm 125gr (Yes I consider this a deep woods gun.)
308 Winchester 150gr - 180gr
307 Winchester 150gr - 180gr
45/70 300gr - 400gr
30/30 150gr - 170gr
45 Colt 255gr - 325gr
7.62x39mm 125gr (Yes I consider this a deep woods gun.)

They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin