what do you think is the best "brush gun" for whitetails. I hunt with the 300 weatherby right now, but am considering trying a 45-70 because it may be better in close range hunting.

If your talking about the marlin guide gun it might be quicker but bullet wise I don't consider it better .If I'm hunting brushy cover I like a short open sighted gun .LOL

12 gauge slugs

12 gauge slugs

12 guage slugs or a 30-30

.30-.30, or .35 in Winchester 97, or one of the other spin-offs.

300 Weatherby is a GROSS "overkill" for short range brush hunting, and whill the .45-.70 would do a great job, the recoil, and ammo price are outta sight, BUT certainly not outta mind after fireing the few practice boxes that you "owe the deer you hunt" each year.

12 guage slugs also do a great number on deer, but are extreamly expensive, and the price of sabots is rediculous, not to mention the pounding it gives your shoulder

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**COUGH** Marlin 30-30 **COUGH**
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Marlin 45-70

If by &quot;brush gun&quot; you mean a cartridge that will shoot through brush with little or no deflection, there is none. It is a proven fact that all bullets will deflect no matter how big or how slow they are. Now if you mean a handy, pointable, relatively short firearm, then there are plenty to choose from.

.35 or a 12 gauge slug.