I just bought my grandson a Winchester Ranger 30-30 and it is really great, I love to shoot it!

I want to buy myself a similar gun, but different enough that we can swap guns from time to time for a different experience. I have decided on the Winchester Trapper with its short, 16 inch barrel.

Now, I can't decide to go to an entirely different caliber like the 44 mag, or stay with the 30-30 which I know shoots very well.

Any suggestions will be appreciated greatly! I do NOT do much hunting, but love to shoot targets, milk jugs, wooden blocks, etc. I have lots of 22 rifles, but love the flash and bang of the centerfire.

Thanks, Chuckwagon

That gun in a 44 mag will be tons of fun. It will do its part on deer with no problems. I hunt with one and it is a lot of fun to shoot. GO for it.

Being a pistol carbine fan, my vote is on the .44. Some assert that within it's range limitations and loaded hot, the a .44 mag hits harder than a .30/.30. I would never be so bold as to make such a claim on the internet as it always starts an argument. The .44 will also be a lot less expensive to shoot especially if you handload.

You might also want to consider a .357 mag carbine. Very cheap to shoot, especially with .38 spls, negligible recoil, and can be adequate for close range deer when loaded properly (Buffalo Bore).

I have a carbine in each caliber. The .44 mag has plenty of swat, but the .357 is a lot more fun to shoot.

yup same here.i have a trapper in 44 mag and am thoroughly pleased that i bought it. it makes a great close up gun but can still reach out there to 125 yards if i need it to. i have a 2-7 simmons mounted on mine with over-under scope rings.

Thank all of you for the responses! I am leaning greatly toward the 44 magnum.

I had heard from other posts, that the Winchester 94 action would not handle the pistol cartridges consistently, but I think it was just one post.

Thank you again, Chuckwagon

Chuckwagon welcome to the forum.

I would have to go with a Trapper in 44mag.Before buying the Winchester I would suggest looking at Marlin's line up.IMHO a much better rifle.

Ruger Redhawk

i haven't had that problem with mine and i've put a few shells through mine.

I agree. 44 Mag. However having had both, I would opt for the Marlin rifle. Its really a lot better built smoother operating firearm. I like the Winchester too but its just not the rifle that the Marlin is.

You have got to look at the old 45 long colt. You can shoot cheap cowboy action rounds for fun. These have ballistics comparable to a 38/357, or you can shoot 45 Long Colt +P that is equal to or exceeds the 44 Mag. Those 300 + grain bullets are absolutely deadly on whitetails.

I wish Winchester or Marlin would make a gun chambered in 454 Causall and 45 long Colt that would be the ultimate brush gun.

I'd ignore that.....If you like the 44 mag have at it.

Personally, I'd prefer the .30-30 in the winchester but the .44 is a fine deer round as well.

If you decide on the .44 mag then look around a bit for a M-92 in 44 mag....it's a great gun.