Fun Range gun

[Blackdog]

I've shot competition for several years now. Had fun doing it, but lately the matches have left me feeling like I'm missing something.
So, Ive been thinking - why not get a rifle that I can reload, have fun shooting at the range (read that as doesn't kick much), that I could, if the opportunity ever comes around hunt with (not likely).

I looked at GunBroker and found a couple Remington 30-30 bolt guns - in the $400s drilled and tapped for scope. One need the stock refinished (that's OK) and new triggers are available. And, I have 1.5-5x20 Leo that I like.

There is also the same rifle in .44 mag - a 44 bolt gun! (hog hunter!)

I enjoy working up accurate rifle loads, I like 30-30/.44mag/etc - don't like 7mm mag or similarly loud shoulder bangers.

Any one else working a "project gun" like this? I'd like to hear from you - I'm not sold on the Remington yet, maybe I'll find a High Wall or Martini I like.

Anyone else playing this way?

Michael

[ESquared]

Sounds like you're flexible and not locked into any particular thing, but I can vouch for the Henry .357 as a very fun range gun, suitable for quite a few hunting scenarios and would be great with your Leo. Certainly easy on the shoulder!

And, here's a used one for a bit more than the Remington you've spotted, but also drilled and tapped.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/783155844

[North Country Gal]

Not currently working on such project guns, but most of our guns are the fun, easy to shoot, easy on the shoulder kind of guns, now. We no longer hunt, so most of the big boomers we've had in our collection have been sold, off, now. As ESquared mentioned, a 357 rifle is tough to beat as a fun gun. Have a Marlin in 357 as well as a carbine Contender in 357, not to mention all kinds of 357 handguns.

[Blackdog]

This would work, But I've already run through all the .357 I want for a while. I just sold my Marlin .357 - I was happy to get rid of it and the new owner is happy to find it.

.357 makes sense, but I'd like something else,

M

[ESquared]

Good to know on the .357.

Under the heading of "Too Good To Be True," here's a Henry 44 Mag on GB for $86.01 (currently), with the auction ending in 6 days.

If you just search "Henry Lever Action" and then filter for "used," you'd be surprised what is out there...

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/783291524

[Jdl447]

I got bored with my .223 bolt action shooting factory ammo. So I bought the Lee .223-55 mold
Cast (casted?) a couple hundred bullets, bought a jug of Unique some small rifle primers and went to work with loads. Now its like shooting a different gun. And I can always go back to the
Factory loads if I want.

[clovishound]

If you have access to a long distance range, then a .223 bolt action would be the ticket IMO. I have a Savage in that category, strictly stock, that is a tack driver. I could dress it up with a nice thumbhole stock and expensive glass, but it performs quite well right out of the box. Unfortunately, I don't have easy access to anything beyond 25 yds, and no access to anything beyond 100 yds, so I don't shoot it that much. The .223 is adequate for hunting game up to about 150 lbs, assuming good ammo and decent shot placement. If you want something with a little more punch for hunting you could move up something like .243 or the like. One of the great things about .223 is the availability of inexpensive factory ammo and components. It is a round that is easy on the shoulder, and the wallet.

For just plain fun at the range, I would agree that a .357 lever is hard to beat. It doesn't have the accuracy or reach of .223, it is a barrel of monkeys on range day.

[Redthies]

Good to know on the .357.

Under the heading of "Too Good To Be True," here's a Henry 44 Mag on GB for $86.01 (currently), with the auction ending in 6 days.

If you just search "Henry Lever Action" and then filter for "used," you'd be surprised what is out there...

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/783291524

It’s up to $410 at the moment.

[Redthies]

Duplicate post...

[Redthies]

I just recently scored on a Ruger .44 Carbine. I think it fits in the “fun, reloadable and hunt friendly” category. It had a cracked stock (which is apparently quite common), but otherwise is very clean with low shot count. I picked it up at my local shop for $170 from one of the old guys that work there part time. A new laminate stock from Macon, about 6 hours of major woodworking, a bit of linseed oil and I’m very happy with it. I’ve since added an inexpensive scope (UTG Bugbuster).