Which is the best budget rifle

[soupy1957]

Before I finally decided on the 45-70, I had my sights on the Mosin-Nagant 91/30. It's certainly a long gun, and heavier than most, but for $150.00 ($100.00 on sale for a while there, at Cabela's), that's well within your budget.

The "historical" value of the Mosin is a great plus.

Once I had a 336C in my right hand, and the 45-70 in my left however, the 91/30 seemed to fade away in my mind.

-Soupy1957

P.S.: I think I was put off the 91/30 because of the prep work it needed. I had watched a bunch of videos on how to get the preservative off, and re-doing the wood, but I just wasn't "into all that" (to be honest).

[Karl.Luhr]

I have only fired a 45-70 once. It was a Marlin guide gun with a short barrel. But it kicked like a mule and even though it could stop anything I wouldn't recommend it for most common use Deer Hunting. I think almost all the other choices are a better option for Deer. I personally would recommend any of the following over it
30-30
243 Win
6mm Rem
260
7mm-08
308
270
280
30-06
I hope you get the point, lots of better choices.

Karl