Opinions on the 45-70 and 308 cartridge

[HilarityEnsues]

I just came into quite a bit of money the IRS apparently owned me for some time now. My cousin just traded a mossberg 500 for a .223 H&R Handi-Rifle with a bull barrel and bipod and I must say it looks badass. I was going to buy his SKS for $390 but I figured I can get the .308 handi rifle for quite a bit less and I remember him saying the barrel is fowled to hell.

I was looking on budsgunshop and they have 45-70 and 308 handi rifles for under $400 and that leaves plenty of room money wise to purchase some upgrades. I want a rifle that I can target shoot at 100+ yards and I'm guessing that throws the 45-70 out of the mix but just think it would be alot more fun to shoot.

Discuss.

[Snakester]

I've shot the 45/70 Gov. Henry ....Great Rifle , I would love to have one but just can't justify the cost at about $800 plus $2.50/shot since I don't hunt Mule Deer or Buffalo. I've also shot Ruger
American .308....This would be my choice between the two. You should also check out the Savage Axis in .308 ...For the $$$ Ruger American and the Savage Axis is hard to beat. I have a RA 30.06 with a Center Point Scope , we have been shooting 200 + yards.....Fun and affordable !

[widefat]

"Ruger American and the Savage Axis is hard to beat."

+1.

For less than 400, twixt the Savage and Ruger, you will have a much better firearm, more versatile, and better resale.

[steelheart]

The 45-70 is an extremely good brush rifle but it does ruin meat if you dont do head shots. If your wanting to do up grades for tactical style its not a good choice. Also it does shoot 100+ yards and thats not hot loading. Iv done it many times with my fathers 45-70.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[jdonovan]

I want a rifle that I can target shoot at 100+ yards and I'm guessing that throws the 45-70 out of the mix but just think it would be alot more fun to shoot.

the 45-70 is fine at that distance.

IMO with the axis, and ruger american at the same price as a single shot, I know where I'd place my money if I was buying new.

Now if _WANT_ a single shot. I'd got T/C Encore. The handi rifles are not a setup where you can buy a barrel off the rack and put it on your gun. You've got to send it back to the factory to be fitted. Also the TC is chambered in every caliber you've ever heard of, and 100;s more than you havent heard of.

That said, I've got a few single shots an like them quite a bit.

[Reverenddel]

I'll agree with JDonovan here... Handi-Rifles in single shots are great in the caliber that they're made, but you have to send it back to the factory sometimes to get another caliber.

I would save your ducets, and get the T/C Encore system... It's dependable, tested, and long time experience in the single shot market.

[gunderwood]

I use a .45-70 to hunt and it's extremely effective. For deer I typically use the Hornady LeverRevolution loads, but Garrett Cartridge makes some nice big game loads. I use a Marlin 1985 Guide.

100 yards is nothing for either of these cartridges. The .45-70 has plenty of steam, but the trajectory does get a bit rainbowy past 150-200 yards. With the proper hold over or scope adjustment, you can shoot .45-70 a long ways. .308Win is typically considered a better target cartridge though and works well as a hunting round too. Generally going to be more accurate and good to 1000+ yards if you have the right setup.

[HilarityEnsues]

Thanks everyone, My cousin has a day off Monday as do I so I'm going rifle shopping

EDIT: For the price of that Savage Axis I very well be able to afford the Tisas 1911 I was looking at aswell.

[HEX]

Are you hard set on a .308? If it is for fun and just target shooting; get a Mosin Nagant. Price about $100 and can be upgraded easliy. Shoots 7.62x54 and rounds are dirt cheap. You can find 880 rounds for under $200 at Graf and Sons.

[HilarityEnsues]

That's one of the rifle I plan on looking at. I remember hearing a couple of months ago that Winfree's Cigarettes and Firearms in Grafton had Mosin 91/30 rifles for under 90 a pop.

[vabeachman]

I have both and would take the 308 over the 45-70. I am looking to get another 7-08 and will probably buy the Ruger American.

[HilarityEnsues]

Decided on the Savage Axis, Gotta go talk to the FFL dealer my cousin used. I'm gonna get it chambered in 30.06, comes with a scope for under 350.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/901495984/Sa ... _Scope.htm

[Snakester]

Great Choice...You ae going to love the 30.06 . I shoot mine all the time and it seems to be plenty ammo on the shelves!

[HilarityEnsues]

Just mailed the check out to MN today, Can't wait for the beast to get here.

[Snakester]

Just mailed the check out to MN today, Can't wait for the beast to get here.

Don't forget....We love Gun Porn!

[HilarityEnsues]

Will do.

[HilarityEnsues]

Gun shipped from MN Thursday, no doubt it will be here sometime this week!

[HilarityEnsues]

Picked it up today, took pictures and then left my phone at my cousins. I'm taking it to the range tomorrow morning, my cousin is going to help me sight it in and teach me the proper handling so I don't get scope-eye, lol. I'll update tomorrow with pics and a possible video.

[Snakester]

You just keep Teasing us !

[HilarityEnsues]

Don't worry, you'll get your gun pr0n today. I promise.