All Around Rifle

[KMM696]

My only hesitation with signing onto a lever action that isn't a 30-30, .22 or revolver caliber is the tubular magazine.

...

Opps, I see the Browning BLR has a more traditional magazine setup.

The Savage 99 uses a non-removable rotary magazine in the traditional position, as well. Mine's a 308, and it's a nice rifle. Might cost used as much as a new Savage 10/110, though.

 

[kiver]

Mine is a Savage Scout Model 10 in .308. Bottom fed Magazine.

http://www.steyrscout.org/savscout.htm

This is a good review of its purposes. I picked up the older pre accu-trigger for under $280 used and in unbelievable condition. A few shot it at the pumpkin shoot. I think with an improved stock you would be happy with this as an all purpose rifle

 

[Coyote33]

I am looking at getting an "all around" North America rifle. I have never hunted, and although I do not rule it out that is not necessarily the main focus of this rifle.

Main need:
Sporting - (snip of a lot of hunting talk)

Other ways this could ever see use - (three other uses "in a pinch")

I have done a bit of reading on this, and considering that information I am leaning towards a BLR in .308. Relatively light and short, easy to carry if necessary. Good power as a man-stopper round. Can handle medium+ game, even some larger game with the right loads. Range is a little limited, but with it's size it seems it would be decent in the woods. Lever action is reasonably fast. Reloadable through a detachable box. And it will never be an "evil black rifle".

Seems to me that .308 and .30-06 are the choices in caliber here, and I am looking at .308 because the rifle is slightly shorter and lighter.

I would probably look to have a peep site installed instead of a scope.

Anyone want to talk me out of it and into something else?

I'd say a .357 lever action rifle or maybe a .44 lever action rifle. These are good for the hunting you mention (though you also say you don't hunt), and also meet your goal of "man stopper". They are "good in the woods" (though you don't hunt). Easy to carry. Not black. Can handle medium and even larger game (though you don't hunt). The only criteria you've put out that they don't meet is the detachable box magazine, but the tube is just as good in this case.

Edit: Isn't there a magazine fed Ruger .44 lever action rifle?

Some more links:
http://home.netcom.com/~chingesh/scoutrifle.html
http://www.chiefaj.com/scout_rifles.htm
http://www.savagearms.com/10fcmscout.htm
http://www.bobtuley.com/jeffcooper.htm
http://www.angelfire.com/art/enchanter/scoutrifle.html