Since I live in Indiana and don't have a lot of choices to choose from. I currently bow hunt mostly but also use the muzzle loader during gun season. I'm thinking about getting a rifle to hunt with. High powered rifles are not allowed so don't even mention them Most if not all of my shots will be within 100 yards. So I'm thinking about the the rifle in the link a Marlin 1894 .44 mag. My dad used his ruger .44 last year with great results. But it seems that Marlin is the only one making the .44 mag. carbine that I can find and used Rugers seem to be to much money. The marlin is about $500 new and most Rugers seem to be at least this much used and hard to come by.

here's the Marlin:
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firear...894_45colt.asp

 

here is the calibers I can use .....All hand gun cartridges

Rifles with pistol cartridges
Rifles must fire a cartridge with a bullet of .357-inch diameter or larger; have a minimum case length of 1.16 inches; and have a maximum case length of 1.625 inches.
�� These rifle cartridges can be used only during the deer firearms season.
Some cartridges that are legal include the following:
.357 Magnum
.38-40 Winchester
.41 Magnum
.41 Special
.44 Magnum
.44 Special
.44-40 Winchester
.45 Colt
.454 Casull
.458 SOCOM
.480 Ruger
.475 Linebaugh
.50 Action Express
.500 S&W

 

What about the 444 Marlin or the 45-70. I would use those for deer over the 44 magnum.

 

My brother likes his 45-70.

Grim

 

How about a .30.30 lever action, does this qualify?. Best dam deer gun ever dollar for dollar you cannot beat it.

 

Nope.

Grim

 

Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't both of these have a longer case length than I'm allowed of 1.625"? I don't know much about rifle calibers especially pistol cartridges and trying to learn.

 

Of the ones listed, the 44 Mag is the best for you. The ammo will be cheap by comparison to the others. The 357 Mag, I wouldn't put on a deer size animal. My neighbor makes a living with his dogs during deer season chasing wounded deer by hunters that think the 357 Mag is a hunting cartridge. With the current SAAMI pressures now at 35,000 PSI as compared to the original design pressure of 49,000, the 357 is a pale shadow of it's former self. It's a historic plinker at best. There are others made in the 44 Mag like Rossi, Winchester, to name a few. My brother has several of the Rossi's and they are fine shooters as well as his 44 Mag Winchesters. And if you're a good shot, look at an Encore or a Handi-Rifle. I think a Handi-Rifle new is under $200.00. They're a little crude but most are decent shooters up to 100 yds. Around here, a used one is just over $100.00. Might wanna take a look at used rifles in your area.

 

Damn, you're right. Sorry about that.

Grim

 

Thanks for the input. I've used a .308 encore before....that thing was a beast. It sounds like the .44 mag is the most reasonable choice. It's either that or a new shotgun but I'm wanting something a little different that's why I prefer not going with another shotgun. I don't mind spending a little money to have a decent rifle, $400-$500 for the rifle is what I have set a side and at around $200 for the scope. I'm going to have to stop in at some shops to see if I can take a look at a Winchester or Rossi. I took a look at the marlin today.

 

If you decide on the Marlin, make sure it has cut rifling and not micro-grooved. If you expect to hit anything, avoid the micro-groove in the 44 Mag.

 

Unfortunately, yes. Although I would not consider them high powered rifle cartridges like a 30-30 or 30-06. Heck there have even been revolvers chambered for 45-70. And yes from what is listed there, I would go with the 44 mag. If you get into hand loading, you can even get better accuracy and muzzle energy that what you can buy off the shelf.

 

firs I would like to say Indiana sucks with limiting on what you can use I have not heard of this before


all in all since you cannot use a traditional hunting rifle I would go with the biggest heaviest bullet with the most impact energy I could find

 

We can use a decent amount of weapons just not much in the rifle area. This is why 99% of people use shotguns. I generally just us the bow or the muzzleloader and have taken many deer with these but I feel like getting something new. I don't mind the shorter range, I like getting as close as possible to the deer instead of taking the long shot. The longest shot I've had was actually with my bow on a small doe, it was probably about 65-70 yards way longer than I should've been shooting but it was still a clean through shot. Although it was a kill it was still a stupid shot on my part.

 

Can you use a slug gun?