I am an Indiana deer hunter. Last year Indiana changed the hunting laws to include pistol cartrige rifles. This made me happy as my current deer gun was an 870 with a rifled barrel. That thing kicks HARD and the sabots are pretty pricy. That gun has helped me fill my tags for the past four years.

I figured I had two options. Step up to a much higher quality shotgun with less recoil, or get a PCR. I started doing research which brought me here. It showed me two paths down the PCR road. I could either get a lever gun at a min of $450 or get the single shot NEF Handi rifle.(about $225)

I have had real good experiences at Dicks sporting goods in Tri-county (cincinnati). Aaron there always took the time answer all my questions and give good advice.Bass Pro is also just up the road. That place is nice, but doesn't have that friendly feeling due tohow big and busy the place is.

Fast foward 9 months. It is time to get the gun to practice with beforeNovember gets here. Iwent back to Dicks only to be told they can't get any NEF or Marlin's in 44 mag. I head over to Bass Pro to find the same story. The could get me a Puma in a few weeks, or a Henry off the shelf ($700+)

I ended up stopping at my local sporting goods shop. On Target in Sunman In had a ton of both the NEF and the Marlin's in stock. I guess the got a bunch in after Indiana changed the law. After checking out both guns, I chose the NEF mostly because $250 is easier to hide from the wife verses $550 for the marlin lever gun.

Itis interresting to note that the NEF does not come with open sights, only a scope mount. I bought the NEF, a set of tall scope rings and some Hornady bullets. TheBuchnell Banner from my 870 has done well, so I swapped it to the NEF... Now the exciting part.

I don't have a bore sighter, so I figured thiscould take some time to sight in.
First shot at 30 yards is 10" left and8" high. adjusted the scope.
Second shot is 6" left and 4" high. Adjust scope.
Third shot is 3" left and 1" high. adjust scope.
Fourth shot is dead nuts center.
Fifth shot is the same hole and almost could nottell they lapped.

I am VERY Happy to say the least. It was too windy to start working on the longer range stuff, but I am going back out this afternoon weather permitting!

Congrats! Nothing like a new gun to make your day!! I understand the hiding the money thing. It's almost funny with my wife. It's like she knows but she don't say anything, unless my dumb ass leaves out real evidence!

$550 for a Marlin?? WOW!! I would take a little road trip, or order one from the net. That price is way too high. Demand must really be up in your area. I just bought one for $375 with fantastic wood. Shop the net. Tom.

Good choice on the rifle, I have heard alot of good things about that gun. I bought a 20" TC Encore barrel in .500 S&W last year for the Indiana deer season and it put a real thump on those deer, I ended up with 1 buck and 4 does. It was a huge difference from the Rem 1100 I use to carry.

I was looking at selling it and moving to a .44mag but decided to stick with the barrelaftera deal to sell fell though. 350 grains at 1700fps and shoots around an inch.

What part of Indiana do you hunt in? I hunt up in Fulton County, Rochester.

WS

I am in southeast Indiana...Franklin county.

Head0001..Where are the best places to gun shop online? Also is your marlin a 44 mag? I can find 30/30 for much cheaper, but they are not leagel for deer here.

Yes mine is a 44 magnum. I bought it from a dealer in Maine caalled Kitterys. Just go to there web site. I think they had some more. I would also suggest you go to the "Leverguns" forum. There are a lot of great guy's over there, and there are always a lot of rifles for sale over there. I have bought and sold several over there.

I was reading a post the other day where one guy said a place called "Sportsmans Warehouse" had them on sale for a great price. It is early in the year and you have plenty of time, so shop around and you can find a god one.

IMO do not go witb the Pumas to save a little money. Hold out for the Marlin or possibly a good Winchester. You will not be sorry in the long run.

Do you have any family or friends going out of state this summer?? I think your local guys are just jacking up the prices because they know they can get the higher price.

Once you get your Marlin let us know?? Do you cast bullets?? You should?? Tom.

You said SE Indiana. That is a great area. I called on sporting goods shops when I worlked that area. I called on stores fron Vincennes south through all of western KY. There is a fellow in Haweville KY named Monty. He runs Ace's guns. He is a great guy. There is also a place in Owensboro called Whittaker's. The problem is these place are so close to southern IN that they may have raised there prices also. Go a couple of state away. Tom.

I think you are right. Since they changes the laws to allow the pcr's the local places have stocked up and upped the proffits too. I understand why. There are alot of hoosiers like me who are buying them up like some new addiction.

I have helped a buddy reload shotgun shells for trap, but other than that I have very little knowedge of reloading rifle/pistol shells. I see alot of people posting about reloading their own, so I will start looking into it.