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Ohio allows rifles!

tuffshot

The Crew
I am interested in getting a rifle for this years deer season. With all of the straight wall shells listed in the Ohio regs, which would be the most available? I was thinking of a 44 Mag, lever action. Any info would be appreciated. Not sure if China mart is going to sell anything in these calibers, so I was wondering if anyone else is interested.
 
I intended to be all over this, when the PCR regulation passed, but I like handgun hunting too much. A Rossi in .44 Mag. had my interest, due to cost, reliability, accuracy and barrel length options. If you're looking at a Henry Big Boy, Marlin or Uberti, be prepared for some sticker shock.

Bowhunter57
 
Yep, I was aware of the sticker shock. I just want to make sure the ammo is readily available for which ever caliber selected. I am going to look up some old friends who deal in guns on the side.
 
Probably calibers 44 Mag. or 45-70 would be best bet on ammo available almost everywhere.
IMHO I consider 357 mag. a little light for deer hunting. In the right hands and picked shots it would be OK but it's just not my thing.
I'm luck as I have both 44 Mag. Ruger auto and 45-70 lever action rifles I bought 25 yrs. ago. I've used both in the past. I'll go with the 45-70 just to do it with a PCR the 1st yr. if I'm so lucky.

If your interested in a single shot I have a nice H&R Shikari 45-70 for sale at 250.
 
I'm looking at a 44mag Ruger and a 45long Colt Henry.
Ammo costs are the same and availability so it is just the choice of bolt action on the Ruger or Lever action on the Henry.
I am partial to the lever action.
Any input?