If bigger is better why not just jump up to 45-70?
extra, size/wt and recoil primarily. the 30-30 is enough gun for fl, the 35 may kill stuff a little deader with the same size/wt/recoil and use heavier bullets that I prefer up close, 200-220 gr is pretty much perfect imo. the 45-70 will kill it too dead. both you can load pistol bullets in. if you often shoot those big man killer wild boars then the 45-70 would be better, but I've never had the need. maybe your confusing the bigger the better with something else, and I got that covered,lol.
went to the chazz public range today to get the sights on paper. shot at 25 yds cuz I had no idea how far off the new orange ramp front pistol sight, front sight hood removed, to let in light and enlarge field of view, enlarged/squared,deepened the rear open sight notch with a gunsmith file, plus I didn't wanna grind my knee any more than needed like 50, or 100 yds. it was shooting great groups right off, got the elevation right on going up 2 rungs on the stock rear sight, then started working on L-R (windage) by shooting then drifting the rear sight with a brass hammer and punch. I guess not too many people ever seen this done before, cuz I was getting some looks. finally got 3 shots touching just off the bull, one more tweak, then changed the target. while out there I saw a couple of golf balls and got a crazy idea. I made 2 divots with my cane and put the golf balls in there. the guy with the target next to me shooting an AR at a full torso target and barely managing to keep his shots on paper, kinda rolls his eyes and smiles and kinda pisses me off so I figure it's time to go big or go home and look like a fool or hero so decide to try it rapid fire. one of those times if you try and think about doing it your screwed, so bang/bang both golf balls up in the air at the same time up and over the berm. total of 18 shots fired. shoulder felt fine so I don't think I'll need a recoil pad. the only gun that the length of pull actually fit me. hand/wrist forearm was sore and shaking so thought I'd quit while ahead. luv showing off when it actually works and others are there to witness it. after being a winchester snob for so long, I hate to admit but I think the action was smoother and trigger pull lighter, plus didn't have to pull up on the lever while at the same time squezzing the trigger. wood on the old winchesters is still much better than any marlin though.
Sounds like you had a great day at the range, the gun shoots well, made your required modifications, you showed up some guys shooting "Black Guns", and you got a great deal on your purchase! What more can you ask for? I have had three for three deals fall through in the last week and am gonna take a break from searching and looking for new acquisitions unless something happens to fall into my lap!
sorry to hear it, I know how hard and how much time you put into it. I check the newspaper once a week when the new adds come out, bulletin boards and try to keep my eyes/ears open. I buy much less guns but tend to keep what I buy for myself so will pay more than I would for one I would intend to sell. yes the rifle shooting was great, pistol shooting was incredibly bad.
