I've been on this rifle kick lately. I live in NY where you can only rifle hunt for deer in certain areas. I bought a Mossberg ATR in .308 for deer hunting. Then i was kicking myself for not getting a pump or semi-auto. I've never had any passion for a lever gun, but all of a sudden I've been thinking about them alot. It seems like Marlin is the way to go from what I've seen. What rifle and what caliber would be good for big woods deer with the occasional field shot? Talk me into it!!!

BTW...i've always wanted a .35 whelen

lol....wow my wife would like for me to have your problem... I like and want to buy ALL guns, I have to be talked out of buying a new one!!!

Short of rebarrelling a Browning BLR to that you'll have to buy a bolt or Remington pump. Another option is a BLR in 358 win

Just picked up a Marlin 30/30 lever. I use the new Horanady lever evolution ammo. Very accurate out to175 yards. This is guickly becoming my favorite gun.

Marlin 336 in .35 Remington....unless you're interested in more ofa close range type affair....I hada Winchester 94 Trapper in .44 mag....great shooting lil gun and it's about 32" long? 16" barrel, it's just great for stalking and close stand work.

If your shots are under 200 yards a Marlin in 30/30, .35, or if you want one for longer shots you can go with the Browning BLR, or the Marlin .308.

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Savage model 99. A classic deer rifle if there ever was one. Very pricey though. I have a Marlin 336 in 30-30, love it, but have always fantasized about owning a model 99 featherweight carbine in .308.

I would like to buy a Marlin M1895 45-70 Gov't, and turn it into a .450 Alaskin. Good luck.

I'd buy one of the big bore lever actions