FWiedner wrote:Interesting that you show us that pretty Remington. I like it.
I have a Handi in .243, and it's kinda lookin' for something to do. Wouldn't have to buy it. That's a plus. Needs a suitable sight. Something rugged that will last forever.
Haven't convinced myself that it's as all around effective as a .30-30 though.
Thanks -- this little rifle started out as my "scout rifle " project --- then i shot afew rifles with forward mounted scopes and decided i liked the conventional location better
Technically -- its not "Done" to my original intent, as i did want it drilled and tapped for a rugged set of backup sights -- something like an Emerson or XS ghost ring sight with a smaller ghost ring -- along with a quick detach optics mount and a more compact scope.
The rifle was picked up at Wal Mart for under 400 bucks --- they had a price match + 5% sale at one time and i brought in a circular from an Academy store (big box sporting goods store - similar to Dicks or sports Authority) and walked out with a Rem 700 for the price of a 710 or a Stevens
So not being into the rifle for a ton of money, the next stop was the gunsmith to have a few inches taken out of the barrel ---- i put a "temporary" scope on it to sight it in -- and thats where the project stalled.
I selected a .243 bolt rifle over a lever gun because my idea of a "truck gun" was for coyotes or informal plinking if i get the chance --- i trust the ballistics more at 250 yards over an open field than a levergun's ballistics (Savage 99's, Win 88's and BLR's notwithstanding) and the velocity loss with the shorter barrel i felt was an even tradeoff for being more maneuverable in my jeep.
Although i call it a "truck gun" -- i keep it velcroed in place behind the backseat so it doesn't do any banging around. My Jeep also has a lock down package shelf in the back to keep it out of sight and mind. The price of admission was cheap (relatively) -- i will take every precaution i can to keep it from being stolen , but if something happens to it, its not that much of a financial issue.
The shorter barrel also makes it handy for treestand hunting.
LAst year , Academy Sports again i think, was selling Stevens rifles for under 200 bucks in .270 and 7mm-08. One of those rifles also would have been perfect for a project like this
But in keeping with this being a leverguns site ---- here's a pic of my plain black .45 Colt Trapper with a Ramline stock. I got this one with visions of it being a truck gun too -- outfitted with a little better iron sight system for my needs, or a red dot sight -- I visit SE Oklahoma a lot and goofing around on the trails there and their associated thick trees is pretty conducive to pistol caliber levergun use.
Once again --- this is an unfinished project and i haven't used it yet. It shoots well, but is so homely with the RamLine stock that i tend to leave it at home on range days a lot
I have a pattern of accumulating rifles , but year after year, i tend to use the same 4 or 5 that have done me well
Would be hard pressed to find any single gun that is handier or gives as much wallop in that simple/small/reliable package.Instead of (1) 30-30 bullet,give me (3) 320gr hardened .60 balls at the single pull of a trigger.Also Winchester Supreme has the new High Velocity 15 pellet 00Buck 
Heck,and if ya think those Dixie's won't kill that possible Polar Bear/Elephant you might run into or car you need to stop-----have a couple Brenekee Black Magic shells in the pocket too.
Small, simple and quick to operate and fast to get into action 
