What's your favorite deep woods rifle?

RedRiver · September 7, 2005, 06:34 PM

What's your favorite deep woods rifle? In other words, a rifle good for shooting in "confined" wilderness i.e.- deep woods, thicket, brush etc...

mete · September 7, 2005, 06:54 PM

Browning 1885 in 45-70 ! Mine has a 1x4 scope to find openings in the brush to shoot through. Any bullet can be deflected so don't expect to shoot through the brush, find an opening.

Tylden · September 7, 2005, 07:03 PM

That would be my "new" Marlin 336 .30-30 Just the ticket for deer in the hills of Kentucky. It's a 1971 model but has definately been a safe queen as it looks brand new....just got it this weekend.

Like Mete said, a brush gun isn't designed to shoot through thickets, brush, limbs, etc. It's a gun that is designed for hunting in that kind of environment. It's more compact and easier to manuveur in the woods, and better suited for the shorter range shots you'll have there. I know my .30-30s limitations.... I won't be reaching out 300 yards, but I won't need to when hunting in "deep woods". Most deer around here are taken inside 100 yards.

sne7777 · September 7, 2005, 08:17 PM

I also have a Marlin chambered in .35 Remington. It's a perfect gun for heavy and thick woods. Short and light weight but packs a good punch. These slower flat nose 200 gr bullets will not deflect off of twigs or brush like the faster pointed magnum rounds.
I have found that if you shoot a Marlin always check the screws, they loosen after a few rounds. Marlins are know for this. Locktight on the screws works.

fisherman66 · September 7, 2005, 08:40 PM

What's the quary? That makes a big difference.

A naked (or perhaps a 1.5-3X scope to gather light at dusk or dawn) Win '94 30/30.

A shotgun would easily be second choice (or first depending on mood or law.)

I'd really like to learn to bow hunt for situations like that. Those bows cost as much as a rifle

.

TPAW · September 7, 2005, 08:47 PM

Ruger, Mini 30

TPAW · September 7, 2005, 08:49 PM

Ruger, Mini 30, with 154 grain jackted soft point.

281 Quad Cam · September 7, 2005, 09:21 PM

Surely I would also prefer the ruger mini 30.

thesnowpig · September 7, 2005, 09:25 PM

I haven't shot one myself yet, but the new Remington 673 guide rifle "looks" sweet!

shootinstudent · September 7, 2005, 09:38 PM

Marlin 336 in .30-30. I agree with Tylden, it's a great gun for carrying around in the brush.

As for the cartridge, it's more than powerful enough for a deer, light recoiling, and it's almost hard to find bad deer lods for it. IMO, any standard 150 or 170 loading will work.

Raymond Losli · September 7, 2005, 09:47 PM

a 1946 9-MM STEN
.

elmerfudd · September 7, 2005, 10:23 PM

I have a model 94 30 - 30 came off the line in 73 I love it scoped 2-6 x side mount great deer rifle damn near any invironment

impact · September 7, 2005, 11:29 PM

Quote:

TPAW Ruger, Mini 30

There many good wood guns! But the mini 30 is the first one I grab. Good gun for hogs when you can't see more than 50 yards in heavy brush.

Acegoesbang · September 8, 2005, 12:49 AM

i would have to say t/c 223 super 16 synth stock shoulder sling low powered scope something light small easy to pack for covering ground it would be smart choice 223 can take big game and yet the smallest game with min damage you can carry lots ammo with comfort for the trade off of a lil light rifle yes then think single shot .mmmm a light compact hand gun would be wise. but then think you would want accuracy in the hand gun and more than likely semi auto in worse case sen... think also nock down power ha springfield XD
ahhh and no mannual saftey nothing to slow you down and yet very safe and reliable.

a hike bag .. t/c with 223 super 16 small scope 100 rnds ammo.
SA XD 9mm shouder hoster for comfort two etra 15 rnd mags plus 50 count box .
sharp knife /diamond steel small one .
couple trash bags .bic lighter+3 packs matches in ziplock bag with few extras
canteen/2 mre's/compass/first aid kit/toulette paper/canvas water proof material for leantoo pitch tent / bag weight 30 lbs ,pistol,t/c with sling, thats me and thats the only way to go deep woods

Acegoesbang · September 8, 2005, 12:53 AM

mini 30/sten what you in deep woods for hiding from charlie lol

TennesseeMedic · September 8, 2005, 01:55 AM

I prefer either my Marlin .45-70 or my Marlin .444, both have adequate ballistics and plenty of punch when deep in the bush. I also have a Lecacy Arms Puma in .454 Casull. I like the big bores!

Doc

RedRiver · September 8, 2005, 03:10 AM

I've used the Mini-14 for pig hunting. A truly great rifle. The Mini-14 never jammed and was unbelievably accurate.

Cpl Punishment · September 8, 2005, 05:06 AM

Marlin 1895 .45-70.

keens · September 8, 2005, 05:55 AM

Stainless Remington Model Seven in .308...leupold mounts and rings, a good low power Swarovski and you are ready....even a Eotech holosight might do the trick for optics. I have not tried this yet, but for a quick shot nothing would be faster...

P-990 · September 8, 2005, 07:39 AM

For me it would be my Remington 700 Mountain in .260 Remington. Gild-edge accuracy, lightweight to carry all day, balances and handles perfectly for me, adequate power for deer and probably black bear, and though it wouldn't be my number one choice, I could take it moose hunting as well. In my experience, in the areas of New Hampshire I prowl, the Mountain Rifle isn't any more cumbersome than the Ruger 96/44 or Remmy 870 w/ 20" barrel I used to carry. If the brush is really, really thick and I have to crouch, crawl and shuffle, it is time to break out the Smith and Wesson 629 .44 Magnum!!

Choice two would likely be a Remmy Model 7 in either the same caliber or 7mm-08 or maybe a Ruger 77 MKII RSI in .308, but neither reside in my safe (YET!!).

Clayfish · September 8, 2005, 08:07 AM

marlin 336 .30-30 naked on top for quick target acquisition.

Bowtier · September 8, 2005, 10:59 AM

I use my Marlin 336 in .35 Remigton with a 4x scope on open sights, hasn't failed me yet in the thick stuff.

jbadams66 · September 8, 2005, 11:56 AM

its going to be my marlin 336 in .35 rem this year for the woods and all other situations for that matter. Just love that gun.

dgludwig · September 8, 2005, 12:07 PM

Depending on what I'm hunting, of course, my "deep woods" "brush guns" are as follows:

(1) Savage 99 carbine, chambered in .358 Win., equipped with Redfield "Widefield" 1X5 scope, with Weaver "Pivot" style mount;
(2) Winchester 1886 "Extra-light" carbine (repo), chambered in 45-70 Govmt., equipped with Williams "Foolproof" sights;
(3) Remington 760 (with lower comb stock made in early 50's) rifle, chambered in 30-06 Sprngfld., equipped with Williams "Foolproof" sights and,
(4) Ruger 77MKII "International", chambered in .308 Win.,equipped with Burris "Compact" 2X7 scope.
I hunt mostly for white-tail deer in Michigan and Pennsylvania, with occasional hunts in Ontario, Canada for black bear. I generally take a scoped rifle and a peep-sighted rifle on every trip. My decision as to which rifle to use on a given day is generally predicated on weather and terrain conditions.
Each listed rifle has a "place" in my battery of "woods" guns but, if I had to pick just one, it would be the Savage.

essexcounty · September 8, 2005, 01:24 PM

I have a Mauser 98 in 30-40 Krag that I bought off Bob White at the Shooters Corner. The metalwork is flawless, it has what was an unfired Douglas barrel in a featherweight contur and has some very nice bottom metal to boot. If I remember correctly it was smithed by J.W. Van Patten. Before everyone gets too excited it sits in a cutdown military stock. I added a leather cheekpice from Brownellsand also put a new Weaver K-4 on it. She balances like a fine shotgun and feels simply alive. May not trip everyones trigger, but would be a New England ne plus ultra woods gun. By the way it is currently for sale for a mere 19500.00 dollars......Sincerely, Essex

September 7, 2005, 06:34 PM	#1
RedRiver Member Join Date: July 5, 2005 Posts: 46	What's your favorite deep woods rifle? What's your favorite deep woods rifle? In other words, a rifle good for shooting in "confined" wilderness i.e.- deep woods, thicket, brush etc... __________________ "Life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid." - John Wayne

September 7, 2005, 07:03 PM	#3
Tylden Member Join Date: July 25, 2005 Posts: 57	That would be my "new" Marlin 336 .30-30 Just the ticket for deer in the hills of Kentucky. It's a 1971 model but has definately been a safe queen as it looks brand new....just got it this weekend. Like Mete said, a brush gun isn't designed to shoot through thickets, brush, limbs, etc. It's a gun that is designed for hunting in that kind of environment. It's more compact and easier to manuveur in the woods, and better suited for the shorter range shots you'll have there. I know my .30-30s limitations.... I won't be reaching out 300 yards, but I won't need to when hunting in "deep woods". Most deer around here are taken inside 100 yards. Last edited by Tylden; September 7, 2005 at 07:53 PM.

September 7, 2005, 09:21 PM	#8
281 Quad Cam Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 937	Surely I would also prefer the ruger mini 30. __________________ "Whats the first aid procedure for consumption of coolant?"

September 7, 2005, 09:25 PM	#9
thesnowpig Junior Member Join Date: August 22, 2005 Location: Cedar Valley, Utah Posts: 9	Guide gun? I haven't shot one myself yet, but the new Remington 673 guide rifle "looks" sweet!

September 8, 2005, 12:49 AM	#14
Acegoesbang Junior member Join Date: August 5, 2005 Location: ky Posts: 169	deep woods gun i would have to say t/c 223 super 16 synth stock shoulder sling low powered scope something light small easy to pack for covering ground it would be smart choice 223 can take big game and yet the smallest game with min damage you can carry lots ammo with comfort for the trade off of a lil light rifle yes then think single shot .mmmm a light compact hand gun would be wise. but then think you would want accuracy in the hand gun and more than likely semi auto in worse case sen... think also nock down power ha springfield XD ahhh and no mannual saftey nothing to slow you down and yet very safe and reliable. a hike bag .. t/c with 223 super 16 small scope 100 rnds ammo. SA XD 9mm shouder hoster for comfort two etra 15 rnd mags plus 50 count box . sharp knife /diamond steel small one . couple trash bags .bic lighter+3 packs matches in ziplock bag with few extras canteen/2 mre's/compass/first aid kit/toulette paper/canvas water proof material for leantoo pitch tent / bag weight 30 lbs ,pistol,t/c with sling, thats me and thats the only way to go deep woods

September 7, 2005, 06:54 PM	#2
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	Browning 1885 in 45-70 ! Mine has a 1x4 scope to find openings in the brush to shoot through. Any bullet can be deflected so don't expect to shoot through the brush, find an opening.

September 7, 2005, 08:17 PM	#4
sne7777 Member Join Date: June 11, 2005 Posts: 90	I also have a Marlin chambered in .35 Remington. It's a perfect gun for heavy and thick woods. Short and light weight but packs a good punch. These slower flat nose 200 gr bullets will not deflect off of twigs or brush like the faster pointed magnum rounds. I have found that if you shoot a Marlin always check the screws, they loosen after a few rounds. Marlins are know for this. Locktight on the screws works.

September 7, 2005, 08:40 PM	#5
fisherman66 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2005 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 4,683	What's the quary? That makes a big difference. A naked (or perhaps a 1.5-3X scope to gather light at dusk or dawn) Win '94 30/30. A shotgun would easily be second choice (or first depending on mood or law.) I'd really like to learn to bow hunt for situations like that. Those bows cost as much as a rifle .

September 7, 2005, 08:47 PM	#6
TPAW Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2005 Posts: 2,860	Ruger, Mini 30

September 7, 2005, 08:49 PM	#7
TPAW Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2005 Posts: 2,860	Ruger, Mini 30, with 154 grain jackted soft point.

September 7, 2005, 09:38 PM	#10
shootinstudent Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2005 Posts: 475	Marlin 336 in .30-30. I agree with Tylden, it's a great gun for carrying around in the brush. As for the cartridge, it's more than powerful enough for a deer, light recoiling, and it's almost hard to find bad deer lods for it. IMO, any standard 150 or 170 loading will work.

September 7, 2005, 09:47 PM	#11
Raymond Losli Senior Member Join Date: March 27, 2005 Posts: 101	a 1946 9-MM STEN .

September 7, 2005, 10:23 PM	#12
elmerfudd Member Join Date: September 7, 2005 Posts: 17	I have a model 94 30 - 30 came off the line in 73 I love it scoped 2-6 x side mount great deer rifle damn near any invironment

September 8, 2005, 12:53 AM	#15
Acegoesbang Junior member Join Date: August 5, 2005 Location: ky Posts: 169	mini 30/sten what you in deep woods for hiding from charlie lol

September 8, 2005, 01:55 AM	#16
TennesseeMedic Member Join Date: August 8, 2005 Location: Tennessee. Posts: 91	big bore with alot of punch I prefer either my Marlin .45-70 or my Marlin .444, both have adequate ballistics and plenty of punch when deep in the bush. I also have a Lecacy Arms Puma in .454 Casull. I like the big bores! Doc __________________ "If there must be trouble let it be in my day, that my child may have peace." Thomas Paine "When you see a rattle snake poised to strike, you do not wait until he has struck before you crush him." Franklin D. Roosevelt :cool

September 8, 2005, 03:10 AM	#17
RedRiver Member Join Date: July 5, 2005 Posts: 46	Mini-30 I've used the Mini-14 for pig hunting. A truly great rifle. The Mini-14 never jammed and was unbelievably accurate. __________________ "Life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid." - John Wayne Last edited by RedRiver; September 9, 2005 at 12:02 AM.

September 8, 2005, 05:06 AM	#18
Cpl Punishment Senior Member Join Date: August 3, 2005 Posts: 179	Marlin 1895 .45-70.

September 8, 2005, 05:55 AM	#19
keens Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2004 Posts: 446	Stainless Remington Model Seven in .308...leupold mounts and rings, a good low power Swarovski and you are ready....even a Eotech holosight might do the trick for optics. I have not tried this yet, but for a quick shot nothing would be faster... __________________ Speak the truth in love, for truth without love is legalism, and love without truth is liberalism. If you count ease and comfort more than character, you will never be who God meant you to be.

September 8, 2005, 07:39 AM	#20
P-990 Senior Member Join Date: May 2, 2002 Location: Only1/2WayThere Posts: 1,316	For me it would be my Remington 700 Mountain in .260 Remington. Gild-edge accuracy, lightweight to carry all day, balances and handles perfectly for me, adequate power for deer and probably black bear, and though it wouldn't be my number one choice, I could take it moose hunting as well. In my experience, in the areas of New Hampshire I prowl, the Mountain Rifle isn't any more cumbersome than the Ruger 96/44 or Remmy 870 w/ 20" barrel I used to carry. If the brush is really, really thick and I have to crouch, crawl and shuffle, it is time to break out the Smith and Wesson 629 .44 Magnum!! Choice two would likely be a Remmy Model 7 in either the same caliber or 7mm-08 or maybe a Ruger 77 MKII RSI in .308, but neither reside in my safe (YET!!). __________________ NRA Master, Highpower Rifle, Across-the-Course NRA Expert, Highpower Rifle, Mid-Range Prone

September 8, 2005, 08:07 AM	#21
Clayfish Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2005 Location: Valdosta, GA Posts: 953	marlin 336 .30-30 naked on top for quick target acquisition.

September 8, 2005, 10:59 AM	#22
Bowtier Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2005 Location: PA Posts: 124	I use my Marlin 336 in .35 Remigton with a 4x scope on open sights, hasn't failed me yet in the thick stuff.

September 8, 2005, 11:56 AM	#23
jbadams66 Member Join Date: January 10, 2005 Posts: 92	. its going to be my marlin 336 in .35 rem this year for the woods and all other situations for that matter. Just love that gun.

September 8, 2005, 12:07 PM	#24
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	Depending on what I'm hunting, of course, my "deep woods" "brush guns" are as follows: (1) Savage 99 carbine, chambered in .358 Win., equipped with Redfield "Widefield" 1X5 scope, with Weaver "Pivot" style mount; (2) Winchester 1886 "Extra-light" carbine (repo), chambered in 45-70 Govmt., equipped with Williams "Foolproof" sights; (3) Remington 760 (with lower comb stock made in early 50's) rifle, chambered in 30-06 Sprngfld., equipped with Williams "Foolproof" sights and, (4) Ruger 77MKII "International", chambered in .308 Win.,equipped with Burris "Compact" 2X7 scope. I hunt mostly for white-tail deer in Michigan and Pennsylvania, with occasional hunts in Ontario, Canada for black bear. I generally take a scoped rifle and a peep-sighted rifle on every trip. My decision as to which rifle to use on a given day is generally predicated on weather and terrain conditions. Each listed rifle has a "place" in my battery of "woods" guns but, if I had to pick just one, it would be the Savage. __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

September 8, 2005, 01:24 PM	#25
essexcounty Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2005 Posts: 646	Maybe a real offbeat I have a Mauser 98 in 30-40 Krag that I bought off Bob White at the Shooters Corner. The metalwork is flawless, it has what was an unfired Douglas barrel in a featherweight contur and has some very nice bottom metal to boot. If I remember correctly it was smithed by J.W. Van Patten. Before everyone gets too excited it sits in a cutdown military stock. I added a leather cheekpice from Brownellsand also put a new Weaver K-4 on it. She balances like a fine shotgun and feels simply alive. May not trip everyones trigger, but would be a New England ne plus ultra woods gun. By the way it is currently for sale for a mere 19500.00 dollars......Sincerely, Essex