[Shoobee]

I would think the .30-30 is just fine for alligators and cape deer.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/samo5/792309721/in/photostream/

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw =1280&bih=655&wrapid=tlif133658159358610&um=1&ie=U TF-8&q=florida+alligators&fb=1&gl=us&hq=alligators&hn ear=0x88c1766591562abf:0xf72e13d35bc74ed0,Florida& cid=2623672550455412830&ei=352qT7aYKsqYiAKp3YTHAg& sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=photo-link&cd=5&resnum=8&ved=0CDAQnwIoBDAH

[Shoobee]

Originally Posted by TLuker

A 30/30 lever action for hunting would be just about perfect for most of Florida. Lever actions are very reliable and handle well in thick cover. At some point you might want a 30/06 for extra range but the lever would still be perfect for 90% of your needs.

Exactly. Particularly if while you are hunting the cape deer an alligator starts hunting you.

[lbwar15]

Originally Posted by therewolf

IDK if ammo will be cheaper, but my lever gun is dependable and

accurate. I really only think of it as a 100-yard gun though.

For longer distances, I'm reaching for a 30.06 bolt action.

I guess the real question is: Where are you going to

hunt in Florida where you see a lot of shots over 100 yards?

It will I bought The same kind of Remington ammo for my 30-30 and my 30-06 at the same time. The 30-30 was $13 the 30-06 was $18

[therewolf]

Originally Posted by Shoobee

I would think the .30-30 is just fine for alligators and cape deer.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/samo5/792309721/in/photostream/

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw =1280&bih=655&wrapid=tlif133658159358610&um=1&ie=U TF-8&q=florida+alligators&fb=1&gl=us&hq=alligators&hn ear=0x88c1766591562abf:0xf72e13d35bc74ed0,Florida& cid=2623672550455412830&ei=352qT7aYKsqYiAKp3YTHAg& sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=photo-link&cd=5&resnum=8&ved=0CDAQnwIoBDAH

Do you mean Key Deer?

[locutus]

Although I am a .30-06 man, first, last and always, I really think the .30-30 will srve you well.

The Marlin is a very nice gun, but heavy and bulky. I'd look for a good used model 94 Winchester. The classic among classics.

[Shoobee]

Originally Posted by therewolf

Do you mean Key Deer?

The Cape of Florida!

[crgm101]

Yeah think I will end up going with the 30/30 with the shrub brush we have down here can't see much further than a 100 yards.