[5Madman2]

Look at the Winchester 94 or the Marlin

Can get plenty of good ones used-and they have put more deer on the table than just about any other gun

[xone]

Neither one is a 30-30.

[djf]

I have a 30 Cal M1 carbine. Isn’t a 30 30 a different round?

M1 is more of a closer area type gun, I’m sure it would have no trouble with a whitetail. But I wouldn’t want to try an elk or a po’d grizzly.

One big advantage is that sucker will shoot as fast as you can pull the trigger.

[Polynikes]

Try a Marlin 336. My father used one for years for whitetails and the occasional elk. Rugged dependable and accurate
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/Centerfire/336A.aspx

[Lurker]

The only one of these rifles that would be suitable for whitetails is the Ruger.

The 7.62 x 39 round is very similar in ballistic performance to the .30-30. The .30 Carbine round isn't even close.

I would recommend against even considering it for use on whitetails.

L

[mountainlyons]

To hunt deer a 308 is the minimum I would use. I usually use an old Springfield 30-06. Marlin 45-70 is good for elk if they are not too far away. M1 carbine can be used to punch holes in paper. M1 Garand is 30-06 and good firepower. Chesty puller liked them but preferred the Springfield for more accuracy. 30-30 would work up close but most people can't judge range too well so they would tend to shoot too low. FMJ surplus ammo is illegal on big game in a lot of states. What kind of bullet do you want?

[Richard Kimball]

Although not a 30-30, I've always been partial to the Remington Model 750. It comes in 30.06.

[VR-21]

I’m with Madman. Your 30-30 is a deer round, and for such is superior to both of the military rounds you’re interested in. If you’re interested in a good round for short to 150 yds. hunting and care about humanely taking your animal, save your money. If you want to command respect at an “intersection gone wild” then either of those other carbines you fancy would fit the bill. If you would use a .30 carbine on a game animal, you’re a scuzz.

[Hazcat]

DAMN!

If you want an answer KNOW the question!

Both of the rifles you mention are 30 CALIBER as is the 30-30 BUT they are all as different as day and night and neither is a 30-30!

Do some local research and try again.

[Shooter 2.5]

A rifle that shoots pistol cartridges or a rifle that is famous for being inaccurate.

Can’t you find a nice Winchester lever action 30-30?

[Squantos]

I will ask a few questions if ya do not mind ......

What is the type of area ya hunt ? Open Plains, scrub in river bottoms, dense woods, short range , long range ?

Do ya plan on using the weapon for double duty for something other than Whitetail ? Mulies, Antelope ? Feral Hogs ?

Do you reload or prefer OTC ammo ?

[SIDENET]

Mosin Nagant M44

Try one of these babies. Tough as nails, powerful, historically significant, and CHEAP.

(Plus, they have a permanently attached, swing-out bayonet)

;-)

[jrp]

You sure you want a semi-auto? :)

How about a single-shot T/C Encore rifle? Interchangeable barrels mean you can switch calibers easy as pie. If you decide you don’t like 30-30 (or whatever cal you get), sell or trade the barrel for a different caliber.

Who needs more than one shot anyway. ;)

[PzLdr]

Marlin 336. Or get the newer one, with the longer barrel and the Hornady Leverevolution ammo. It’ll make your rifle a legit 200 yd deer gun. Even if you go w/ the regular 336, try the ammo.

[SouthTexas]

I always have preferred a .243

[kempo]

I've killed a dump truck load of deer with my Ruger M77 30-06. Wouldn't trade it for nothing.

[MarkL]

Neither the Mini-30 nor an M1 Carbine is a 30-30. The 7.63x39 Mini-30 would be closer holistically to the 30-30 than the M1 Carbine. While the .30 carbine cartridge is legal for deer in many states, I personally feel that it's somewhat underpowered.

Mark

[SJackson]

Neither are 30/30. The Mini-30 (7.62 x 39) is adequate, the M1 Carbine is a lot of fun, but not really up to the job, and not legal in some states for deer.

Your first idea was the best, a 30/30 if you're OK with a lever action, I'd even consider a .44.

[Eye of Unk]

I like the Springfield Armory M1A in .308. The one I have has a Choate folding stock and has a Leupold Tactical scope.

[Armedanddangerous]

The carbine lacks in long range stopping power. Id go with the mini or the lever gun.