Id put the M44 in my truck.

 

I miss my .357 Winchester. I'd take that over the Nagant. Small, 10 rnds, fast reload, and very very accurate.

 

Mosins are pretty long, I'd take the .357. Its not like you'll be using much anyways.

 

Compact and fast follow ups, another vote for the lever gun.

 

Not mention my friend killed a hog at 100 yrds with his pistol. Scoped. 6" bbl. I could hit a pie pan at 150+ with mine. Open sights. I know I mentioned pistols, but a good all around rifle as well.

 

I think id go with the lever gun also. Load it up with some of the +P ammo and youll be gtg on anything you want down there in TX.

-Nate

 

7.62*54 is a potent round, and a very capable one too. With that being said, a .357 out of a carbine length pistol barrel, should be more than enough if shots are kept within reason, and you'll have an edge on capacity, and follow up shots. I'd personally give a slight nod to the .357 lever gun, but that's just me. Nothing at all wrong with an M44, they've gone up in recent years, but then again what hasn't. Ammo is still cheap and available. A heck of an old battle proven carbine for sure. Both are solid choices, assuming the lever gun is quality, like a rough, but serviceable Rossi R92, or a Winnie 94, or Marlin 94......

 

i'm guessing that ammo for the mosin is a fair amount cheaper than .357, if that's important to you.

 

I would probably be getting a rossi levergun and I have seen M44s at $230. I was planning to reload super hot rounds in nickel plated cases for the levergun. I already have a 91/30 I haven't really been able to shoot it yet though. The thing I dislike about the mosin the most is the lack of brass cased ammo. I want to reload and the 357 has a lot of readily available components. I guess I will go with the levergun.

Are rossi's guns ok or crappy? I was going to get a marlin, but I have heard their quality control has gone down a lot and they are charging the same money for a crappier gun.

 

Even at marlins low they were still on par with rossi . They are better now get a marlin they are built to last.

 

I'd take a lever action carbine over a bolt action rifle for a truck gun any day. Assuming they are both beaters. Otherwise, I'd take whichever one is more of a beater, 'cos the truck ain't gonna be kind to them.

 

They will both be beaters. Iron sights no scopes. I might put a gun sock on them though.

 

Rossi's seem to be fine guns. They are not superior in quality, but they are fine for the money.

 

Here is my take. Id rather have the .357, but those old surplus rifles are not going up in quantity only price but the quality is lowering as time goes on and the never used to fair condition are getting bought up. Id get the Mosin while you can cause it is a great proven rifle with cheep proven ammo just to make sure you have it. Use it in your truck as you save up and get a good lever action .357 that will be worth what you paid for it or more in 10-20 years. Most rifles are not AK's where 300$ or a goat and 10$ will buy you a lifetime of use!!

 

I would go for the 357 because you are also getting a pistal in the same cal.

 

you might wish to consider the Rossi Ranch Hand in .357. I highly recommend swapping out the front sight for the TruGlo. It takes a little practice to get used to the hold but you get quite a punch out of a small package. Recoil is negligible with .357 Mag and almost non-existent with .38 Special +P. Blackhawk makes a holster that substitutes nicely for a scabbard.

 

Since it's a "truck gun", no scope; and you have a .357 pistol, I would get the lever in .357.
One box of ammo in the glovebox to cover 2 guns. :thumb:
You won't ever find yourself wishing you had brought more ammo for one instead of the other.

Besides: wheel guns & lever actions just go together :

 

You get a lot more punch out of a 12"-20" barrel with a lock up action, than you do with a revolver. (cylinder gap at the forcing cone)

I also have an M-44 in a Monte Carlo stock. Great gun but not very easy to wield in the cab of a pickup. Your range of motion would be greatly reduced, even with a carbine length lever action.

 

I bought the Rossi for the same reason. I have a GP100 3 inch as my truck gun and wanted a carbine in the same caliber. I love my Rossi, I have the carbine with large loop it's great for those cold days when your wearing gloves. I can hit paper plates at 150 yds without much trouble although I would keep it under 100 yds for deer size game.

 

been looking at a 357 lever gun myself lately. ballistically, the .357 can almost reach the 7.62x39 or 30-30 in power level up to a certain distance. basically double what you would get from the revolver.

as far as truck guns being beat up, i would get a bench seat cover that has a built in gun sleeve on the front lower portion or attach a padded soft case to the rear of the bench seat/seat cover.

 

Have both, love them both. Rossi 16" barrel and lever action easier to stay on target. M44 has lots more range.

 

Ive carried my lever .357 many years into the outlands. Ive taken many mountain lions and several black bears with it. Never felt under gunned even up in AK. I practiced loading on the run (no mags to loose). Up against a walking two legged predator, I still would not feel under gunned. Practice and tactics gets the game.

 

Chinese Type 53.

 

For the occasional coyote, I would not use an M44, for starters you will blow your ear drums out, unless you take the time to also put on ear plugs, if you use corrosive ammo, you will have to clean it each time you take a pot shot.

For the purposes as defined, (deer, coyotes, varmints) I would use a 22. For two legged varieties post SHTF, an M44 truck gun is fine.

 

m44

my 2 cents would be the m44 for the truck gun. 7.62X54r will do all the game you listed. (TIP): stock up on ammo before it drys up. :thumb: a rough and tough military carbine. simple and fairly inexpensive; i don't know about now a days, but it was cheap at one time. if stolen out of your vehicle you won't be out much. if you keep the bolt out of the gun and with the ammo in a separate pouch or bag and keep it with you can have peace of mind that your weapon will not be used without your permission. be safe.

 

The reason I suggested the Chinese Type 53 is that the M44 has started to go up in price. I haven't seen one lately for under $250 and they are often more than that. The Type 53 is still under $150. They are mostly the same except the Type 53 stock is made of some weird ugly wood (and every one I've seen looks like it was used to drive spikes into a railroad tie). For the intended purpose, none of that matters.

I do agree that you don't want to shoot an M44 or Type 53 without hearing protection.

 

Id go .357 for all the reason's mentioned earlier. It is a gun gun to shoot and can fast follow up shots.