3 choices of guns, which one?

[Fishin Beast]

I have 3 styles of guns to choose from my grandpa. I want to get into hunting in a year or 2 but otherwise I want it to go to the shooting range and shoot to practice till then.

All 3 are older models but still work real good.

Eventually maybe shoot deer, otherwise maybe smaller game.

The options are:

30-30

.306

.308

I am trying to read up on the guns, but just wondering what everyone else would go with.

[kc0myy]

I would go with a the 30-30. Because the nose of the buller is round and if it hits a branch it will not deflect. as much as a pointed nose. Like the .308. and the 30-30 will take down a deer with no problem. Just my 2 cents later

[Gissert]

I would take the -06 or the 308. For deer, the .308 would get the nod for the shorter case, thus a shorter bolt cycle should you go for a bolt gun.

If you plan on hunting elk or moose someday, the -06 may be slightly better than the 308.

As far as round nose bullets deflecting less than spitzer type bullets - not true! Any spinning bullet that contacts a branch, or even slough grass will start to deflect and tumble. There is no such thing as a 'brush round.'

That said, the 30-30 is an excellent cartridge in its own right, and has put tons of game on the table.

[lanyard]

What one is going to bring your Grandpa to mind each time you shoot it?

Heading to the range is awesome, you'll find a sweet spot with each. And since it's not competition shooting, it shouldn't matter about bolt stroke, etc.

Talk to your Grandpa, find out why he hunted, which gun he carried the most/relied on, and feel that in your hands.

You do that, you've got the right gun, and he'll make sure you hit the target each time.

[lawdog]

Quote:

---

I would go with a the 30-30. Because the nose of the buller is round and if it hits a branch it will not deflect as much as a pointed nose.

---

Good grief, how many times have we addressed this on this forum? I can't believe people are still advocating the 30-30 as being able to shoot through obstacles without deflecting. This is a big pet-peave of mine. NO BULLET DOES THIS AND DON'T TRY IT WITH ANY GUN! Now I'll get off the soap box.

As to the guns, the 30-06 is the best all around cartridge of those, but I agree that you have to look at this more from a sentimental favorite point of view than a gun store point of view. I have one gun that was my grandfathers and I don't even use it, its just a keepsake and I wouldn't trade it for all my other guns!!!

[almostthere!]

You are still young and should stay away from the 30-30. Look up the accident statistics on that rifle. It is the most accident prone because of the open hammer design. Plus, it tends to let the shooter forget whether the round in the chamber is live or spent.

The best of the bunch for a young fellow would be the 308. Look at it this way; if our Armed Forces' snipers use them, they must be good for some reason.

There is no such thing as shooting through brush and still hit what you are aiming for. All bullets will be deflected to some degree.

[Rolly22]

Take the .308 now and make it known you will move into the .06 in a few years.

[DinnerPail]

A litle more info might help. What brand, model and action might help with get a little better feed back.

For me I would spend a little time with grandpa and get a feel of how he feels about each one. I think in the end you will cherish the gun more for the fact it was grandpa's more than how good of a hunting rifle it is.

I have a gun that was my grandpa's, handed down to my father and then to me. I woundn't trade it for the world and will give it to my oldest son some day. I take it out to the woods during deer season every now and then. Spend more time thinking of all the good times we had together when I have it out more than if I'm going to shoot something.

Think grandpa will have more input than any of us here.

[Blair Nelson]

You haven't given enough information ... what are the makes and models of the actual firearms? The cartridge it is chambered for between the 3 is the last thing to consider!

If you are choosing based on sentiment, go with the gun that reminds you of grandpa.

If you are choosing based on utility, go with the gun that fits you best and shoots most accurately for you.

If you are choosing based on value ... take a look at similar firearms on gunbroker.

All of the guns shoot .308 boolits. The case the powder comes out of is not all that important compared to many other factors.

So, tell us about the GUNS ...

[Cootz]

I didn't have a choice when Grandpa gave me his pride and joy Remintong .244 740. To this day it's the best fitting gun I own. Maybe more mental then physical.

Another important thing to think about is how far are you willing to shoot a deer and not worry about wounding? An 06' will give you range but will kick a little more. the .308 is a great medium range gun and less kick. The 30-30 has killed it's share of whitetail as well. They all will kill cleanly and all of them are dangerous improperly handled. If you are getting one of your grandpa's hand me downs then ask his opinion. If he has none use the OPINIONS of those on this forum and make the best choice to suit your needs and desires. Myself I use a 30-06, grandpa's .244 (it'll never be mine), a lever action .308, a 270 WSM (that I've never actually shot at a deer) and a .44 Magnum S & W pistol for deer hunting in MN. Depends on my mood and what area/cover I plan to hunt in. Don't let caliber in itself be your only consideration.

[Cooter]

Pick the prettiest, coolest looking one in the bunch and practice for this fall - good luck.

[harvey lee]

My Father asked my brothers and myself months before he passed which guns we all wanted,it didnt matter.

I ended up taking his 30-30 as this was the gun that he hunted with and every year I try to take a deer with that rifle like he did as we hunted for 30 years.I could have cared less which gun he gave me as every time I harvest a animal with it,it brings back the memories that I wanted it to.

To me the caliber didnt matter as I knew the most important things were the memories of us hunting together.

[Borch]

All will be good deer guns. Personally I don't like lever actions with exposed hammers for young hunters due to safety concerns. Other than that which ever fits you best and like others have mentioned remind you most of grandpa.

I wish I would have been able to get a gun from my grand father. Hunting to me is more about family, freinds and taking part in gods crreation than taking game. Having a gun from someone special along would only enhance the experience.

I like variety and generally hunt with at least 4 different guns over the course of a deer season. For the record two are in calibers which you are thinking about(30-06 & .308). I also use a 7mm-08 and a .50 cal black powder rifle as well.

Have fun choosing.

[WaveWacker]

Leaving sentimental value aside, I'd not even consider the 30-30. I shoot a .308 and it has been an excellent rifle. The .06 is probably one of the most versital caliber's made.

[fasternu]

I shoot a 30-30 Marlin, and love it. I have also shot a .270, .243, and a .308, and I personally shoot way more accurate with the 30-30. I am by no means a die-hard, but just find the 30-30 easy to shoot, deadly accurate, and without a huge kick. I shoot in the thick woods north of Bemidji, yet I can outshoot many of my friends at 150 yards.

By the way, the reason I have the 30-30 is because it was a gift from my dad, who can't hunt anymore because of health problems. I hope to use it hte rest of my life. If I shoot a deer, he is the first thing I think of, how proud he will be when I tell him I shot my deer with his rifle!.

[irvingdog]

We could have closed this thread after Lanyard, Lawdog and Almostthere posted.

Good gun advice, sentimental advice and the reality of ballistics.

Now try to talk Grandpa out of all three!

[Fishin Beast]

Sorry for the late reply.

I just got back from my trip to my grandpa's.

He ended up giving up his 30-30 Marlin lever action, and his Winchester 30-06 bolt action. The bolt action has a really nice scope on it.

He did shoot the 30-06 once or twice to sight in, but the 30-30 has never been shot.

Now all I need to know is what bullet should I be shooting in the guns? I will look up the other posts but maybe there is a specific bullet for the 30-06.

[tealitup]

Yes, there is a specific bullet for both the 30-30 and the 30-06;

I have an idea. Take your grandfather out and go shooting with him. Make some sentimental value with the guns.

[almostthere!]

Grandpa must really like that 308 to hang on to it. Go back plead some more for that 308.

[Muddog]

If he has a Pre-64 Model 70 take it. 30-06 or 308, It's a push. If he doesn't have a pre-64, take the one that fits you best.

[thewalleyeguy]

.308 for deer.

[tripper]

Your grampa gave you two great guns that will last your the rest of your life.

To help answer the question on bullets, I got the best performance out of 150gr. in the my 30-30 and that is what my grandson is shooting in it now. This two was a speical gun as it belonged to my brother that past away after a car accident. For deer hunting I have come to like the 165 gr pointed soft point or a ballistic tip in my 30-06's. Come to think of it all them guns belong to my son and grandsons now. Next time you see your grampa talk to him about the guns he gave you. You will probly find that there are speical memories that go with each one.

Enjoy your new rifles and learn to shoot them well.

[CAJ]

I have used a .308 for about anything in Montana, except Bear. It is a very good gun for me. It will do almost anything the 06 will do with less powder. It is far supeir to the 30 30. Nothing wrong with the 30 30. I reload for all my guns and never load to the max anymore. The fit of the gun is very important to shooting any gun. Take them all if you can. CAJ