Pump action cowboy rifles? Taurus Thunderbolt and similar.

[redpitbull44]

Anybody have any experience with pump action cowboy guns? Which are the good ones? I am looking to get something in .44mag, .45lc, or .454 casull for deer hunting. I am leaning more towards the Marlin lever guns because they are side eject and I am left handed, but these pump actions I've run across seem faster/ more natural to me. My little brother has an excellent condition 1906, and I prefer shooting that to the lever guns I've shot.

[redpitbull44]

Nobody? Really!?!?!! Daaaammmnnn. I am disapoint.

[Toyoda]

I picked up a pump action taurus for my wife, great little .22.
Do you feel better now?

[redpitbull44]

Originally Posted by Toyoda

I picked up a pump action taurus for my wife, great little .22.
Do you feel better now?

Gahhh! Nooooo!!!

I was hoping somebody would pop on here saying something to the effect of "Stay the fuck away from the colt lightning bolt copies, but the Thunderbolt is good to go", or "there's also this model you've never heard of that is exactly what you are looking for, and never would've found it if I hadn't mentioned it".

[Toyoda]

Just trying to help. (she does like the gun though)

[redpitbull44]

Originally Posted by Toyoda

Just trying to help. (she does like the gun though)

No, you're good man. The TB is a bigger version of the .22, so that says something. Hoping the TB can handle Buffalo Bore or similar high power loads. You know what though, it's top eject which means no optic mount. Wonder if they make a long range sight for it...

[Toyoda]

I can tell you with the .22 you have to really work the pump action or it won't properly load the next round.
.454 would be a blast to have around, not sure if I would take it over a lever though.

[87manche]

if you buy a marlin lever make sure it's older. THe new ones have been reported to not function properly out of the box.

[woodchuck2]

Why not look into the Remington 760/7600 series pump? They came in 300savage, 35rem and 30-06 for older models and newer models came out in 270, 308, 243, 223, 222 and other calibers. Nice thing about a pump is there is no reason for it to leave your shoulder between rounds and it is easier to keep sighted when firing.

[jeepcj]

They where never used much for cowboy shooting. They would not load quickly and jambed ofton. I guess for deer hunting they would be OK.

[HighHooder]

Originally Posted by Toyoda

I can tell you with the .22 you have to really work the pump action or it won't properly load the next round.

I never have issues with mine.

[thedonn007]

Originally Posted by woodchuck2

Why not look into the Remington 760/7600 series pump? They came in 300savage, 35rem and 30-06 for older models and newer models came out in 270, 308, 243, 223, 222 and other calibers. Nice thing about a pump is there is no reason for it to leave your shoulder between rounds and it is easier to keep sighted when firing.

Along these lines, why not just get a 742/7400 semi-auto for deer hunting?

I have a 7400 in .30-06 that works fine.

[redpitbull44]

I can't use real rifle cartridges here in Indiana for deer hunting. Shotgun slugs from 10ga to .410, pistols and Rifles with cartridges that fire a bullet of .357-inch diameter or larger; have a minimum case length of 1.16 inches; and have a maximum case length of 1.625 inches are legal to use only during the deer firearm season. Some cartridges legal for deer hunting include the .357 Magnum, .38-.40 Winchester, .41 Magnum, .41 Special, .44 Magnum, .44 Special, .44-.40 Winchester, .45 Colt, .454 Casull, .458 SOCOM, .475 Linebaugh, .480 Ruger, .50 Action Express, and .500 S&W.

Single shot .44s and Marlin lever guns are very popular here. Since it is so flat here, I guess they are worried about bullets carrying too far. Funny thing is, you can hunt coyote and rodents with anything you want. As stated above, I like the idea of not having to take the rifle off my shoulder, which you can do with a lever gun too, but not as well. One thing I am really considering is a .458 SOCOM upper. give me an excuse to finally acquire/ assemble an AR. I really want a "cowboy gun" though.

[joes@amgen.con]

I have a Slide action Remington in 35 rem. It belonged to my dad he owned it since 1945..
It's never jamed and brought down a lot of game..
And I do think it's a good ranch rifle...
Here in No. Colorado everytime I see ammo I buy several boxes because they are always selling out...And there is a difference between a slide action rifle and a pump action shotgun or 22 rim...
Joe

[pennsylvaniaboy]

Originally Posted by jeepcj

They where never used much for cowboy shooting. They would not load quickly and jambed ofton. I guess for deer hunting they would be OK.

Are you talking about the 760/7600 line? If so I would have to say you are way off base on the loading and jamming issue. My dad, my grandfather, and myself have hunted with these for over 50+ combined years and never had an issue....

[87manche]

Originally Posted by redpitbull44

.45 Colt,

You need to read the modern 45 colt thread Chris started.

You could use it to deer hunt and play cowboy action.

[comeonstart]

My dad has a 7600 in 30-06. Its ok but I am not terribly thrilled with it. I find it far less fun to shoot than other guns I have. I am under the impression that its much more for the people who cant have semi-autos.

[SilverZuk]

The pump action "cowboy guns" aren't impressive.
I've seen a few guys run them, but no one that could run them fast as a lever.
As far as function, they would probably be fine for hunting.

[redpitbull44]

Originally Posted by 87manche

You need to read the modern 45 colt thread Chris started.

You could use it to deer hunt and play cowboy action.

I have been following it. I've known about the capabilities of .45 Colt for a while now. From my research online, the Taurus Thunderbolt is about the best pump action cowboy gun to get. They all seem to come with a 26" barrel and 14 round capacity.

[83cucv]

colt lightning in 38-40 w/ a SAA also in 38-40

that was my plan for cowboy action...