Thank you for any advice. I just finished my hunter education and have received my license and tags. I am starting my outfitting and am starting with the most important thing, which is the rifle. I have been going back and forth on lever versus bolt action. I will be using a blind for some hunting, which belongs to a friend on his property. I will also be doing some stalking. I was looking at bolt action, specifically the Henry X in 30-30. I was looking at the Browning X Bolt speed bolt in the bolt action. What are your thoughts on the lever versus bolt issue? Also what about used versus new? I have thought about a used rifle to save on costs but I know it is a buyer beware market. Thank you again for the use of your expertise and advice.

I would stay away from the 30-30 as your only rifle. There are many more effective calibers on the market. While the 30-30 has killed a lot of deer over the years but mostly because so many people have used them over the years when there was less of a choice of calibers to chose from.

I'll give the opposite advice.

Buy the .30-30. You'll kill deer no problem for the rest of your life

Cheap ammo. Available everywhere. Effective.

Why not?


- jake

Although this post is fishy.

You won't find an xbolt in .30-30

- jake

My reasoning for the advice is because I have tracked I can't tell you how many over the years in the field for inexperienced hunters using 30-30 rifles who did not know how to track a wounded deer. When I found the deer for them it usually was a hit that would have killed the deer but another caliber would have left a much better blood trail. There is little that is more disheartening to a new hunter than to shoot a deer and not find the animal dead. I did not recommend a caliber to the op because it would have been one of my favorite calibers which is what most people do. I just think there are better calibers than the 30-30 for new hunters. there are so many superior calibers out there to choose from. That is my advice, he can take it or not, it is his choice if he doesn't it won't hurt my feelings.

Nothing wrong with a 150 or 170 grain .30cal at 2300fps.

There's always something better.



- jake

Nothing wrong with a 150 or 170 grain .30cal at 2300fps.

There's always something better.



- jake

Thank you for the input. Oldtimr I have heard similar things to what you have said and I have heard similar to what Bocajnala has said. If not the 30-30 what would you recommend? I would like to stay away from the 6.5 Creedmore but I am willing to consider anything else. Bocajnala I do realize that the X bolt does not come in 30-30. That is partly why I have been researching bolt versus lever. Which I am still wanting to get people's opinions on.

Really - it's whatever you like.

There is no real advantage besides preference.

Whatever you choose, shoot it enough to be a "good shot" and practice enough to be able to work your action properly in the clothing you'll be hunting in.

If I were a brand new whitetail hunter I'd buy a 7mm-08 in whatever rifle caught my eye and felt good to me.

- jake

Sorry Jake , but I am going to side with OT on this one for a few reasons not mentioned . here is the list .

1) Bolt actions are well know to be very accurate rifles . Actually the most accurate out of any action. The Browning Xbolt is definitely one of them .
2) Bolt actions are also generally lighter than lever actions . Especially the Henry rifles and the new Marlins. Nice guns , but heavy for what they are.
3) Yes there have been millions of deer killed with a 30-30 , but the 270 and 308 calibers are far more deadlier and more accurate than a 30-30 , and ammo is just as easily available .
There are many 150 - 165gr cartridges in those 2 calibers that far outperform any and all 30-30 choices .in speed , accuracy , and wound channels.
4) Lever action 30-30's are known to be a short range gun .Maybe 150 yards on the long end . Bolts in the 270 and 308 can easily be sighted in for 300 yards .
5) The cost of a Henry and the new Marlins are way more expensive than many of the new bolt actions .
6) Only my opinion from experience . I believe the bolt action is a much safer firearm . I know of at least 3 times the lever action went off accidently . Once was a person I know shooting at a deer . While working the action ejecting the shell to fire again , his finger hit the trigger the second he worked the action back. The other 2 times happened unloading . One of those times was with a few of us standing near the guy . Luckily he is a safe hunter and had the barrel pointed away and at the ground . That shook the guy up so much that he sold that gun . I think it was a Winchester in 35 remington caliber.

Now to clear things up .I dont use either one. I dont like bolts or lever action guns to hunt with. I had a few of each and sold them all . Im a semi auto guy . Love my Browning Bar Carbines !
But some communist states dont allow a semi auto . So Im forced to keep a couple pump action firearms should I ever decide to hunt those states. If I was to buy a rifle just for those states it would be a reasonably priced new Ruger American. I think they run 450 to 600 new last time I checked , but its been awhile . The Xbolt is more , but its also higher quality. firearm .

But we do agree on one thing . That post looks fishy . Probably another poster we wont see again . LOL
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