I need suggestions for a new lever gun.

[casterbuster]

I am wanting a gun to go pig hunting with, I need suggestions.  I want a new lever gun because that is what i learned to hunt with many years ago.  I would like to get back to it.  I need suggestions.  I want something i can maneuver easily, through the thick stuff.  Most of my shots will be under 100 yards. Give me some ideas guys.

[lil_hunter12]

30-30 or 35 either 1 would serve you well for about anything you would want to shoot.

[p15camborne]

Here's one man's lever action hog rifle   http://www.castbullet.com/shooting/rossi-s.htm

[Lloyd Smale]

good advice there. Id throw in the 44 mag 444 and 4570 any of them loaded properly woud make a fine pig gun.

30-30 or 35 either 1 would serve you well for about anything you would want to shoot.

[Slufoot]

I've got a Marlin 45-70 Guide Gun and it wears a Williams WGRS peep sight and a green fiber optic front sight. This gun is very short with it's 18.5" barrel, it's weight is light and it's handling qualities are second to none.
For the type of hunting you described I would recommend one of the Marlin Guide Guns!

[Savage .250]

  A Marlin 336 in .35............ shooting the 200 gr. with a Peep sight.  Pigs are a tough lot so what ever you get
   make sure it will make them say,......"oink !"   

[davem270win]

Unless you have problems with recoil, either the 45-70 or 35 Remington will do quite well. If you reload, I would give the 45-70 the edge. If not, you may be better off with the 35.

[casterbuster]

does 569.00 sound about right for an 1895g in 45/70 local dealer said that would be the price if he ordered it.

[Ratltrap]

I've seen them NIB recently for ~$500, so $569 seems a little high. I'm usually willing to pay a bit more to a local dealer who takes good care of me though.

What you really need of course is a LSI Puma in 454 Casull so you can shoot 45 Colts for practice. 

[K.K]

I saw a used 336 in .35 for $200 bucks today. Ive never hunted hogs, but for busting brush, why pay the depreciation on a new gun? My advice is to check out the used gun shelves for a Marlin in .35 or larger. You can get a great value. Good luck

[qajaq59]

I use a Marlin 30-30 for hogs but a .35 would be a good one too.

[navylawdog]

CasterBuster,

Since you are hunting in heavy brush I would suggest either the Marlin Guide Gun .45-70 or a .44 like Lloyd said. I would suggest a winchester 94 trapper in the .44. You could also just say the heck with it and get an LSI puma in .454 like Ratltrap said you shouldn't have to worry about a second shot with that believe me. It really packs a wallop!

Navylawdog

[casterbuster]

I don't reload although I would like to start someday.  What about the .450 marlin say a 1895m.  Does, anyone have one if so what do you think about it.  I here it packs quite a wallop itself.  What about reliability.  I don't no if i would be able to find any 454 casul ammo around here.

[papajohn428]

I don't think you need a cannon to kill a pig, I think a 35 or 30-30 would do fine, and for that matter, a 44 mag would also do well.  Ranges are likely to be short, any decent carbine with a barrel of 18-20 inches should handle well in the thick stuff.  For my money the 1894 handles better than the 336, though I have several of both.  And the 1894 in 44 is also available from Marlin in stainless, a VERY slick little carbine.  If you want a scope or a dot sight there are excellent Scout mounts available, just the ticket for snapshooting in the woods.  But having said that, a 35 Remington is NEVER a mistake!

PJ

[Slufoot]

I just got a new gun list in the mail yesterday and there is a small add in it that has a new in the box Marlin 1895G 45-70 for $475.

[navylawdog]

Casterbuster,

You are right it might be difficult for you to find .454's regardless of where you are and they are usually rather expensive to purchase. But you have the plus side of being able to use .45 colt loads in the .454 as well. The .45 colt with proper hunting velocities and bullets it would be fine for pigs and whatever else you may feel the need to kill with it. It is easy to reload as well.

Navylawdog

[McLernon]

I'd recommend the 45-70 for sure. It is a very accurate round and can be loaded mild to wild. Personally for a bush gun I would go with the 1895.

Good hunting!!!

Mc

[Is64.8]

Okay, I'll give you the suggestion you wanted.  I suggest you get a new lever gun.   

The choice of a new firearm is a very personal thing.  I have '92 copies by EMF and LSI, Winchester 94s, Marlin 1894s, 336s, and 1895s.

I love them all in the calibers I have, .357, .44, .45 Colt, .30/30, and .45/70.  Any of these should do if loaded appropriately and shot effectively. 

I know this is a Marlin forum, but have you thought about the Browning BLRs?

Will you use this gun for anything other than hog hunting? 
Would you like something with easily available off the shelf ammo?
Do you plan to put a scope on it?
How much/little recoil would you "like" it to have?

Only YOU can answer these questions for YOU.  Go shopping and handle them all.  Pick the one that fits your wants/needs.