.303 or 45/70 knock around pig stopper?

paz · Post by **paz** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 11:11 am

I'm looking for a knock around pig gun that i can use on my bike and not really give a shit about if i come off when chasing, so needs to be pretty rugged.
Had a look at a fairly rough marlin 1895 45/70 last week, needed a bit of work to get it back to good nick or was quiet workable as is, he wanted $500.00 for it but reckon i might be able to talk him down to $400.00.
Other option i have is i can get hold of a pretty cheap smelly .303 from my LGS, i reckon for maybe $100 to $150 i can have a sporter up and running, being 10 shot is also a pretty big plus, though the biggest plus to this is i do have a fairly good supply of ammo already on hand for the .303, but then a 45/70 would be nice for the extra whumpin' power.
What would you do, or is there another option i haven't thought of? Was gunna look at a Handi rifle in 45/70, though from reports it might be a bit to lightly built for that caliber.

Paz

Thomo · Post by **Thomo** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 11:40 am

Had this drama before myself Paz, i went the 303 as i could carry a spare mag in my pocket and when the boys were trying to ride after a mob of hogs and thumb cartridges into their lever guns i would just swap mags and keep shooting.

150grn Highland ammo is dynamite on pigs adn cheap.

I got my 303 shortened by about 7" it shoots minute of hog to 150 with open sights adn is bloody handy to use as a scrub gun,, i lost the front wood in the adelaide river whilst "fishing" . This gun cost me $24, we used to get $.60 a kilo off the crabbers for Buff,Pig,Horse,donkey and it paid for itself real quick and my landcruiser and my 6.5 and my beer belly

Dr G · Post by **Dr G** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 12:26 pm

I am with Thomo on this.

.303 SMLE's are tough knock about rifles that have enough punch for just about anything and give you more shots and better accuracy at longer ranges than any lever gun. Also the bolts can be worked faster than most levers with practice with the advantage of never having to drop the rifle from the ready position.

I have had one for years and have often contemplated selling it but whenever it gets to crunch time i get cold feet and decide to hold onto it foir just a bit longer.

cheers

Dr G

paz · Post by **paz** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 1:00 pm

Thanks for the replies blokes, you have made my mind up with the good points, will go see my LGS this arvo, thinking about it he will most likely give me one since i know how many old 3'os he has and at the moment he is doing a clean out

.
BTW Thomo, did you get my last email re the Ruger stock?

Paz

fenring · Post by **fenring** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 3:21 pm

.303 for sure. Have you checked the price of .45/70 ammo of late?

The .303 with 150 grain bullets and up is the equal of any boar that's around.

17hmr · Post by **17hmr** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 3:30 pm

ive got a scoped 30-30 marlin you could have for 400

Model70 · Post by **Model70** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 4:07 pm

Yeah cant go past a smellie, my LGS has a sporterised one with a scope and bipod that ive had my eyes on.

Mevo2230 · Post by **Mevo2230** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 4:44 pm

As long as you dont hack up an original mate!

And forget spare magazines, just put a few chargers in your pockets, the magazines shouldn't be swapped, more trouble than its worth!

Thomo · Post by **Thomo** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 6:35 pm

I have never had a problem swapping mags, with 9 303's all up i cant keep track of what mag goes where,

Paz, i didnt get a email after i setn you the measurements. might be easier to Pm on here,

paz · Post by **paz** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 8:50 pm

I am now the proud owner of an ENFIELD SMLE N°1 Mk III, poor old girl has been sporterised previously but will do what i need perfectly, pics to follow tomoz.
What i would like to know is can i put a front sight off a ENFIELD N°4 MkI* onto my N°1, if i can anyone know where i can pick one up?
Pick attached of the front sight i would like.

Paz

HiWall · Post by **HiWall** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 9:38 pm

That looks like a No4 to me mate!!!

Blackpete · Post by **Blackpete** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 9:06 am

hi guys,
check this out.

http://www.wildwestguns.com/CoPilot_And ... ifles.html

pete.

500Nitro · Post by **500Nitro** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 9:20 am

That is awesome.

diamond T · Post by **diamond T** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 9:38 am

That looks like a No4 to me mate!!!

Sure is!
Your not gunna "bubba"ize it are you.

paz · Post by **paz** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 9:43 pm

diamond T wrote:
That looks like a No4 to me mate!!!
Sure is!
Your not gunna "bubba"ize it are you.

Mate thats just for show(the front sight that is), the one i have is a number N°1 (which i still havnt posted a pic of yet

), we've lost a few posts about this from the server change over.

Paz

AusVarmint

.303 or 45/70 knock around pig stopper?

.303 or 45/70 knock around pig stopper?