“leverevolution”

A handsome lever-action chambered in .30-30 Winchester, the Marlin Model 336 Classic is smooth, precise, accurate and has a great wood-to-metal fit.

If you live in a state that mandates straight-walled rifle cartridges for deer hunting, or if you just like the simplicity of a straight-walled cartridge, there are many available options. Here’s a look at seven of the best.

Developed in 1976 by Ken Waters as a wildcat cartridge, the 7-30 Waters is based on the .30-30 Winchester necked down to 7mm to improve velocity and trajectory, with a significant drop off in felt recoil. In 1984, Winchester began to produce rifles chambered for cartridge, legitimizing Waters’ dream, and establishing it as a commercial cartridge.

Between the .348 Winchester and .358 Winchester, which cartridge is the better all-around choice for the hunter? Contributor Philip Massaro examines the pros and cons of each.

Your hunting rifle doesn’t need to produce painful recoil to get the job done. Here are six centerfire hunting cartridges that are easy on the shoulder yet effective on big game.

While it may lack the speed and shapely beauty of modern contenders, this nearly 150-year-old cartridge continues to prove itself in the field. Whoever said nothing lasts forever obviously never met the .45-70 Gov’t.

Ruger’s take on this classic makes for the most rugged Marlin rifle ever made.

By today’s standards, the external ballistics of the 7.62x39mm Soviet are insipid. And yet, the cartridge remains an excellent choice for hunting common big-game species at practical ranges.

As the lever-action revolution continues to gain traction among hunters and shooters, it’s time we look at functional upgrades that’ll turn your old workhorse into a modern-day stallion.