What lever gun are you thinking? (Bear mainly / possibly other big game)

[WNC2500]

It seems like there is a lot of love on HT for lever guns. A friend of mine at church today discussed bear hunting this year (fall/winter). We were both talking about different cartridges for somewhat up close bear hunting. It got me thinking of what is the best lever guns out there mainly for bears. Of course any gun can be used for other big game also. We discussed 30-30, 35, 44 mag rifle, and 45-70 although i do not know many other options.
I know that there are those of you on the East coast, and those out West that bear hunt. What say you?? Even if you don't currently own it, what would be your bucket list lever gun?

1) What is your favorite bear cartridge for up close shooting? Not thinking long range shots.
2) What brands do you own or wish you owned?
3) What has been your experience with lever guns and bears?

 

[BAKPAKR]

I think a Marlin 1895 Trapper 45-70 with a low power variable scope would be great for most of my bear hunting.

 

[WNC2500]

I think a Marlin 1895 Trapper 45-70 with a low power variable scope would be great for most of my bear hunting.

Agreed, that’s a nice gun! I like it. Just looked at that one online and the stainless one is sharp!

 

[millerkiller77]

I think a Marlin 1895 Trapper 45-70 with a low power variable scope would be great for most of my bear hunting.

Agreed, except I'd use an Aimpoint compM4 instead of a magnified optic

 

[Mallardsx2]

For sure this one.

It’s a 22 magnum.

 

[BAKPAKR]

Agreed, except I'd use an Aimpoint compM4 instead of a magnified optic

Wait until you get more mature (older).

 

[belshawelk]

Assuming you are not talking defense gun against a grizzly attack, but just a bear gun. This is mine. It doubles for close range elk. In fact its so good I bought another. if Ruger makes one again ( rumor is they will) I will buy a third.

338 MXLR

 

[Bullshot]

.444, 450 Marlin, or 45/70 would be sweet with plenty of power to spare. There are a lot of eastern bears of a size where I’d be a little nervous using “just” a 30/30!

 

[WNC2500]

For sure this one.

It’s a 22 magnum.

View attachment 280475

Hold on @Mallardsx2, 22 Magnum on a bear? Wouldn’t that just piss him off?

 

[Watts307]

The new Ruger made Marlin guns are nice. The 1895 SBL is sweet, rail for scope and nice ghost ring style iron sights. Good size handle for gloves or no gloves. 45-70 hot loads.

Rossi make decent ones.

454 Casull is a great one as well.

 

[Werty]

Hold on @Mallardsx2, 22 Magnum on a bear? Wouldn’t that just piss him off?

Not if you know where to aim.

 

[WNC2500]

Assuming you are not talking defense gun against a grizzly attack, but just a bear gun. This is mine. It doubles for close range elk. In fact its so good I bought another. if Ruger makes one again ( rumor is they will) I will buy a third.

338 MXLR

@belshawelk i have a 44 mag or a 10mm for self defense pistol (this would just be a bear gun)

 

[FREAK]

I’d love to get my hands on a pre-64 .30-.30, try to kill one with iron sights. Not enough time or money to make that happen right now. My buddy had one we would target shoot with and the thing was fun to shoot out to 100.

 

[WNC2500]

.444, 450 Marlin, or 45/70 would be sweet with plenty of power to spare. There are a lot of eastern bears of a size where I’d be a little nervous using “just” a 30/30!

@Bullshot I’ve never heard or shot a .444 or .450
Never seen one, I’ll have to check that out!

 

[belshawelk]

Yes 10mm. I am a 10MM guy. Its what I have for EDC. Its what i bring hunting as a backup for whatever. If I was in true Grizz country I would probably bring my .454 Casull.

 

[WNC2500]

Yes 10mm. I am a 10MM guy. Its what I have for EDC. Its what i bring hunting as a backup for whatever. If I was in true Grizz country I would probably bring my .454 Casull.

@belshawelk don’t you live in NM? I’ve thought one day possibly hunt in AZ or NM for big bears. Do you use that .338 on bear and elk??

I really like the 10mm as well. My brother made a custom holster for me and love it.

 

[belshawelk]

Nope Eastern Oregon /Idaho

 

[Nick87]

Same lever gun that @noharleyyet has end of discussion.

 

[WNC2500]

Same lever gun that @noharleyyet has end of discussion.

@Nick87 #truedat

I ain’t near as cool to pull off what @noharleyyet has. We are talking about the one that ham did for him right???

 

[Nick87]

@Nick87 #truedat

I ain’t near as cool to pull off what @noharleyyet has. We are talking about the one that ham did for him right???

Yes sir. I've always had a soft spot for a Browning BLR in .243 too.