If semi auto firearms were not an option.

[Pi3]

Future forums will have heated debates about the relative virtues of .357 vs .44 mag lever carbines.

[Esq.]

The obvious choice is the primary weapon for most of the combatants of both World Wars. The military grade bolt action rifle. Pushed to choose one specifically I'd probably go with the No. 4 Enfield due to it's high capacity and rapid reloading.

[Arik]

The obvious choice is the primary weapon for most of the combatants of both World Wars. The military grade bolt action rifle. Pushed to choose one specifically I'd probably go with the No. 4 Enfield due to it's high capacity and rapid reloading.

Driving home yesterday I was actually thinking about this. Having owned Enfields I'd go with the Mauser. Loose 50% of the ammo but more common caliber and less chance of rim lock. 303 commercial ammo is hit or miss with rim thickness

[AndyLate]

No question, 357 all day everyday.

[3 AE]

Several honey badgers wearing "Service Animal" vests.

[mack7.62]

Hmm, do you think putting a "Service Animal" vest on a AAC Honey Badger is going to work?

[Esq.]

Driving home yesterday I was actually thinking about this. Having owned Enfields I'd go with the Mauser. Loose 50% of the ammo but more common caliber and less chance of rim lock. 303 commercial ammo is hit or miss with rim thickness

My number two would probably be an 03A3 Springfield. To me, the ready availability of .30-06 ammo and the superior peep sight system trump the Mausers larger distribution (spare parts etc...) and possibly greater reliability.

[1168]

The obvious choice is the primary weapon for most of the combatants of both World Wars. The military grade bolt action rifle. Pushed to choose one specifically I'd probably go with the No. 4 Enfield due to it's high capacity and rapid reloading.

Driving home yesterday I was actually thinking about this. Having owned Enfields I'd go with the Mauser. Loose 50% of the ammo but more common caliber and less chance of rim lock. 303 commercial ammo is hit or miss with rim thickness

My number two would probably be an 03A3 Springfield. To me, the ready availability of .30-06 ammo and the superior peep sight system trump the Mausers larger distribution (spare parts etc...) and possibly greater reliability.

I also prefer the Mauser. Particularly the M48 and the Swedish varieties. I’ve got a Turkish Mauser barreled action that I’m thinking about rebarreling to 6.5x55 and adding a laminated stock.

I should add a 1903 to my collection.

[RMiller]

My thoughts on the .38spcl/.357 is there is system that can be built around the ammo.

A snubby for pocket carry, a larger 8 shot, and the lever gun.

Heck, Midwest Industries even makes a mlok HG. Throw a red dot on that bad boy.

[1168]

My thoughts on the .38spcl/.357 is there is system that can be built around the ammo.
.

Ammo compatibility is great, but I feel the .357 levergun’s biggest strength is actually its mag capacity advantage at any given barrel length.

Edit: also the low recoil.