Would getting a 45-70 lever action be a good first rifle?

Posted by H2ORainwater@reddit | Firearms | View on Reddit | 5 comments

Hello, new firearms enthusiast and hunter here. So I have been deer hunting a little bit (Unfortunately haven't got a deer yet but I'm trying here) and now my interest in getting my own personal rifle has peaked, I use my great grandpas guns whenever I go hunting as they are in great shape and they are good quality but I feel its only right to get my own gun. I like AR-15s but I wanna go a little more old school and get more of a basic harder hitting rifle that I can use to whitetail hunt with. What I like the best is the Marlin model 1895 SBL lever action rife that's chambered in 45-70 gov. Its mainly stainless steel so its corrosion resistant and also looks badass. I also like how it has a rail on top meaning I can throw scopes and stuff on really easily. Its a little pricey but I think it would be a worthwhile buy as I have heard Marlin makes good quality lever action rifles. But I don't know, is getting a 1,000 dollar bolt action rifle better? Or is the lever action rifle a good idea?

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Advanced_Still_836@reddit

I've heard 6.5 creedmoor is a good option, but I've never shot one.

H2ORainwater@reddit (OP)

Alright guys I have done a little bit more poking around online and I have decided that a 30-30 is going to be a better option for me. 30-30 is a much more reasonably priced round than the 45-70, a 20 round box of 45-70 soft points from Remington are in the neighborhood of $70😬, whereas 30-30 soft points are around $30 to $45 . And on top of that 45-70 rounds are pretty hard to come across to begin with. 30-30 is also perfectly suited for game like whitetail deer and hogs which are game that I’m going for since I live in south Texas. I’ve decided that I’m most likely going to get a Henry all weather 30-30 lever action rifle instead of the Marlin 45-70. I think this will be the best decision for a first rifle that I can use to not only take to the range but also use for hunting. Thanks for all the comments guys I really appreciate it👍. Have a nice day!

GrandMasterKai03@reddit

Almost a year later, did you regret not getting the 45-70?

GlassPresence9397@reddit

It is expensive not hard to find tho

Yes get it only fools who don’t have one or never shot one would say don’t get one. “It’s too powerful “ maybe for them and then they discourage others but it’s not that bad