View Full Version : I am looking at building a post AWB Utility Rifle
I am looking at building a 0-300 yd Utility Rifle that will cover SD (primarily) and hunting applications in AL (We have no really large game). I am thinking that a levergun in 30-30 will adequetely cover these roles because of current ammo availability, action speed aka followup shots, and slightly better capacity than most boltguns.
My thoughts are that the gun in question will have the following done to it:
Refinished to something more durable than bluing
Aperture sights installed and zeroed ( I have not decided on the distance yet)
Stock will be replaced with synthetic stock (as applicable)
Action / trigger work as needed.
What am I missing? Would I be better off with a pump rifle like the Rem 7615 in .223 or an Enfield in .308?
I would choose a lever action. Have you considered any other calibers? You can get .243, .308, and other calibers in lever action these days. I'm actually debating getting a Browning lever action in .243
I could walk into Wal-marts and find 30-30, 270, and some 30.06 no matter which store I visited. I realize that Wal-marts is not the end all be all for ammo, but I do consider it a marker for what can be easily had caliber wise.
The BL is out of my price range.
I've got a decent .308 bolt-gun, never thought about a .308 lever gun.
I like lever guns though, what manufacturers make 'em in .308?
HackerF15E
01-01-13, 19:01
Lever in .357
I've got a decent .308 bolt-gun, never thought about a .308 lever gun.
I like lever guns though, what manufacturers make 'em in .308?
Currently, the Browning BLR is the only one I know of. It's not a tube fed rifle, it's magazine fed. There were other models made in the last 50 years, none are still in production AFAIK.
Marlin has the lever actions in 308 Marlin Express, which are tube fed and use the soft polymer tipped ammo. 308 ME is rimmed and otherwise dimensionally different from 308 Winchester, but supposed to be ballistically similar.
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OP, how much money are you looking to put into it? You could get a takedown conversion from Wild West Guns, that would be pretty handy for transport.
I think a 30-30 lever gun is fine; it's hard to beat the handiness of a lever action rifle. It'll be low capacity, a 20" 336 is 6+1 IIRC, but the extra punch over the pistol caliber options is worth it. I prefer Marlin over Winchester but that's purely personal preference. As long as your lever action has a solid top receiver and available parts, I don't see why it would matter which you use.
What about optics? Yeah, a lever action with a scope looks funny, but if you really want to be able to use it at 300 yards besides at the range, you need a scope IMO. A low power, illuminated, true 1x to 4x scope would be great, and dramatically improve low light shootability.
I have a similar project, upgrading my Marlin 1895G 45-70. I'm getting a large lever loop so I can use the thing with gloves, aperture sights and a top picatinny rail, and I'll be mounting a scope (unsure what one) with QD rings. I'd love a synthetic stock too, but that's going to have to wait.
Get a lever action 30-30 because its a damn good gun (it did win the west after all) notnot because of some BS ban. Thats a self defeatist mentality.
.357 lever
You get higher tube capacity, the best range of loads (.38spl & .357, and you can go heavy on the .357 loads) and you can carry a revolver in .357 also so you get commonality of ammo.
Plus you can run Hornady's Leverevolution bullets thru it safely, if for some reason you don't want FP/HP.
First before you build the rifle donate a like amount of funds to the NRA or some other 2nd amendment group.
Get a lever action 30-30 because its a damn good gun (it did win the west after all) notnot because of some BS ban. Thats a self defeatist mentality.
First before you build the rifle donate a like amount of funds to the NRA or some other 2nd amendment group.
Your attitude sucks.
There is no need to pimp out a 30-30. Peep sights are an excellent idea. Why do you want to change the stock. What's wrong with the factory wood stock? It's a 30-30. A take down would be very handy or even an SBR.
snowdog650
01-03-13, 00:59
I've got a decent .308 bolt-gun, never thought about a .308 lever gun.
I like lever guns though, what manufacturers make 'em in .308?
I've got an old (read:discontinued) Savage Model 99 in .308 WIN. It utilizes an internal fixed 5-round rotary magazine which eliminates the problem of spire-point rounds in a tube magazine. Dead-nuts accurate for a standard 22" barrel (1 MOA @ 300 meters).
Decent ones can be found for around $450.
http://picturearchive.gunauction.com/129204511/9506471/007_edited-2.jpg_thumbnail1.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PJX1UI4Hvy0/TMjL5HKQEUI/AAAAAAAACAE/zj5fQhZfYsE/s1600/savage_99.gif
I love the BLR TD in 308 after I spend some time on it.
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/BLR%20TO%20DIE%20FOR/IMG_3079.jpg
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/BLR%20TO%20DIE%20FOR/100_3716.jpg
ericridebike
01-03-13, 09:46
I love the BLR TD in 308 after I spend some time on it.
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/BLR%20TO%20DIE%20FOR/IMG_3079.jpg
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/BLR%20TO%20DIE%20FOR/100_3716.jpg
That is one sweet rifle! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks I do this rifle as often as I can.
I love the way it comes out.
MR. Smith may I say you make some of the nicest lever guns / wheel guns i have seen. I think i have to send my 45-70 Guide gun down to you and have some work done..
Your attitude sucks.
There is no need to pimp out a 30-30. Peep sights are an excellent idea. Why do you want to change the stock. What's wrong with the factory wood stock? It's a 30-30. A take down would be very handy or even an SBR.
I am confused, whose attitude sucks?
SeriousStudent
01-03-13, 22:44
I love the BLR TD in 308 after I spend some time on it.
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/BLR%20TO%20DIE%20FOR/100_3716.jpg
All ready to drop into a fitted Hardigg case.
Your creativity is always a delight, Joe.
brickboy240
01-04-13, 14:27
The Savage 99 is a great choice. I have one in 243 and it can give me 1" groups at 100yds with cheapo factory ammo. Only thing is...around here, they have achieved collector status and tend to run about 500-600 bucks.
The Browning BLR is a good idea, but I don't know how accurate they are. They look handy but they are also very glossy and shiny and I never cared for their fancy finish.
How about the Ruger American Rifle? I have seen them for 350 bucks around here and they come in many calibers. Reviews so far are great for the money spent. Nice triggers, too.
In fact, I have just about given up on my lightweight varminter rig and looking for a Savage or other sporter weight barreled 223 and am considering a Ruger American in 243. The 243 has recoil similar to the 223 but can shoot heavier bullets that make it double duty for deer and varmints. With the current panic buying...243 is TONS easier to find in bulk than 223 and every small town gunstore and Wal Mart carries 243 ammo.
I'd look at a Ruger American or Savage 11 Hunter in 223 or 243....for the money....they are hard to beat.
-brickboy240
Lost River
01-05-13, 10:41
How about a Browning BAR Lightweight Stalker in .308?
Composite stock
Easy to scope
Good finish
mags are available
put a sling on it and roll.
Specifications and features:
Browning BAR Lightweight Stalker semi-automatic rifle
.308 Winchester
20" hammer-forged barrel with matte blued finish
1:12" twist
4 round detachable magazine
Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy receiver with matte blued finish
Drilled and tapped for scope mounts
Adjustable open sights with 16" sight radius
Gas-operated, multiple lug rotating bolt
Composite trigger guard and floorplate
Matte black composite stock with checkered forearm
Recoil pad
Sling swivel studs
13-3/4" length of pull
3/4" drop at comb
1-1/8" drop at heel
41" overall length
7 lbs 2 oz unloaded
Pretty hard not to like :)
I love the BLR TD in 308 after I spend some time on it.
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/BLR%20TO%20DIE%20FOR/IMG_3079.jpg
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/BLR%20TO%20DIE%20FOR/100_3716.jpg
Now that is an awesome rifle. I like the 2 point sling and that it is a take down. I have a buddy with a well neglected BLR in .308. I'm going see what his price would be. Do you make it into a take down? Or is that a factory only option?
I am confused, whose attitude sucks?
The attitude of gun owners laying down and playing dead. We are in the fight for our rights and the rights of generations of Americans. Laying down and playing dead is a defeatist attitude and it sucks.
Who is to say this awesome Browning will not be "banned" too. After all it does have the "offensive. military characteristics." Just because it would have been safe under the '94 AWB doesnt mean it will be now. Who knows maybe they will only let us have flintlocks. It take a detachable magazine, has a "military style" RDS and a "military style" 2 point "assault sling" on it. And it's finished in"black" another "military" feature. This is a huge slippery slope and I don't want to see us go down that slope. We have enough gun laws, we don't need anymore.
The good news for guys like Mr. Smith is many of us will turn to what is available and start buying cool creations like his now because the AR's have pretty much dried up. Heck I have wanted a ruger 77/22 for quite some time now. I think I will finally buy on. Unless I can get that BLR from my buddy and Mr. Smith can make it into a take down for me. :D. Can you?
Now that is an awesome rifle. I like the 2 point sling and that it is a take down. I have a buddy with a well neglected BLR in .308. I'm going see what his price would be. Do you make it into a take down? Or is that a factory only option?
The attitude of gun owners laying down and playing dead. We are in the fight for our rights and the rights of generations of Americans. Laying down and playing dead is a defeatist attitude and it sucks.
Factory option at this point.
.357 lever
You get higher tube capacity, the best range of loads (.38spl & .357, and you can go heavy on the .357 loads) and you can carry a revolver in .357 also so you get commonality of ammo.
Plus you can run Hornady's Leverevolution bullets thru it safely, if for some reason you don't want FP/HP.
Vic, are you currently shooting a .357 lever? If so would give more info on which one and your application? I've toyed with the notion for a while and may go this route.
Cinco, it is a Marlin 1894, in .357. I just added a Williams 5d-336 peep sight as mine is a new production one. I removed the sight hood which improved my sight picture thru the peep. It has some para cord on the lever loop as I found the edges a bit sharp, and a cheap nylon sling. I have shot 125 jhp in it and with the buck horn sights it was minute of bad guy accurate at 100 yds
I am going to work up a heavy bullet load and take it deer hunting next fall. I'm taking it to the range next time to get the new peep sights aligned.
I am looking at building a 0-300 yd Utility Rifle that will cover SD (primarily) and hunting applications in AL (We have no really large game). I am thinking that a levergun in 30-30 will adequetely cover these roles because of current ammo availability, action speed aka followup shots, and slightly better capacity than most boltguns.
My thoughts are that the gun in question will have the following done to it:
Refinished to something more durable than bluing
Aperture sights installed and zeroed ( I have not decided on the distance yet)
Stock will be replaced with synthetic stock (as applicable)
Action / trigger work as needed.
What am I missing? Would I be better off with a pump rifle like the Rem 7615 in .223 or an Enfield in .308?
I'd go with the lever action 30 30. Second choice would be a Remington 7600 in .308. The 3030 rifle AND ammo is going to be easier to find, cheaper ammo (at walmart prices) and will last a long time. It is a great brush gun for hunting. I'm in TN and we have the same animals as you. 3030 will take everything up to and including black bear. I'm working on a 3030 rifle as well. Every time I sell mine I wind up getting another one. Hoping that this will be my last. :D
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