My money is on the marlin 336. (I also have one in 35 rem).

Shane- I own 2 deer rifles, both are 30-06, I've looked at other deer rifles but when I contemplate buying one the nagging question that pops into my head everytime is- What the f#@* are you thinking?

Yeah I actually prefer a Remington 1100 as a brush gun. I have two of those. Slugs work well at short distances.

you see when i think of brush gun i think of short, light, and accurate. The winchester model 94 or Marlin 336 fit that perfectly. If you have ever had to stalk the trees of Western PA you appreciate something that can be used while chest high in Thicket. I have a 336 in 35 remington, and a savage 1100b in 35 remington as well for that reason. You never need more than a 4 power scope because in a typical "Brush" situation there are too many things ie small branches etc to get in the way of your shot and if you can take a clear shot at 100yds or less with a 4 power fixed, buddy you got problems.

Dave, as noted in the Division I comments, people appear to be voting based on nostalgia instead of the reality that this is a brush rifle contest.

That being said, the 336 may be called second cousin to the 94, but the 336 certainly outperforms its cousin in function.

The "big bore" power of the .450 Bushmaster is overrated. It's like a .308 at the muzzle and a golf ball past that. It's only a big bore in the minds of AR fanboys, who think it's ready for Alaskan moose and browns. I think if they saw an Alaskan moose withing range, they would drop their plastic hardware and run. Not that it needs any help losing...

At 7 lbs with a scopes the 7mm Rem Magnum in Tikka T3 Light that I just finished breaking in is a pleasure to shoot and hunt(carry) with, I hunt in heavy brush with buckshot, so I am a little unsure about the relevance of the "brush rifle" but I would say that a 30-30 lever action by Winchester has taken a lot of game in the woods. Scopes get caught on brush. Also like the Woodmaster in 30-06, and the 250 Savage with peephole sights small, quick, and great in the hands. Good Luck.

I have a 336 in .35 Remington too. I don't know what more you could ask for in a brush gun. I'm kind of having a hard time seeing how bolt guns could be brush guns. I much prefer a pump or ideally a lever action. Don't get me wrong I love bolt guns, but they just don't seem able to compete with levers in the brush gun category.

jamsti,
Not sure if you noticed by I answered your question, as did Shane, about how to put a scope on your 99.
Shane,
I was going to concede your point that the 99 will meet the 94 too early in the tourney, but I don't feel so obliged now that I know you put a red-dot on yours.
Kidding…just kidding.
Seriously, you are right that it's an awful purdy gun scopeless, but those Stith mounts and antique Weaver are so old-school cool that they seem part of the rifle to my eye. That dim, narrow tube is hardly ideal for the brush, but I can't bring myself to take it off.

The Winchester 94 is the gun that won the west. In Central Pa when shots are rarely if ever over 75 yrds its the gun that you can always count on. Short, solid, dependable are words that I would use to discribe this fine firearm. Id say it could shoot straight thru 100 yards of slashings and come out none the worse. Its only downfall is unloading which can be cumbersome and slightly dangerous if done halfhazardly. You can pick one up at you local gun shop for $150 and put meat on the table for years-not to mention pass something down to your son that he can proudly display in his gun rack.

Good to see the old Remington "Woods Blaster" still holding its own.

oops I said Savage 1100 not 170b... was thinking of my clays gun. sorry fellas.

dbarry,
Good catch. We'll get that fixed.

BTW, Dave, I'm sure you're aware that although today's Henry Rifle Co. makes a nice rifle - they aren't the same company that made the first lever action (the venerable Henry 1860)as you commented above. (Or was that another April Fool's joke on us?)

I own or have owned several of these rifles, including the Model 7, the 336, the new Rem 750, a 7600, and a vintage 94 from the early 60's. The 750 is miles ahead of the old 742's and 7400's, and I never really cared for the way a 7600 carried or shouldered. But I wouldnt trade anything in this world for my little Model 7 in 7mm-08 or my 336 in 3-30. Both are topped with Leupolds and are as reliable as the sunset. However, IMHO, the M7 is the ultimate brush gun, light, short, quick pointing and reliable. Ive jump shot 2 running bucks with it and it prints .75 MOA with Federal Premium 140gr Nosler partitions.

Walt - Stay the course, brother.

jjas - Nope.

iron giant - I'm with you. They aren't true brush guns, but I guess I'll allow it. They're a good crossover for hunting a lot of areas where usually you're in the thick stuff, but sometimes have a longer shot available.

On the other hand, the Savage 99 takes care of that business for you. So there you go. No need for bolt guns.

I agree that this will probably end up being between the 94 and 336.

I have a friend who has his Dad's old 94. He can shoots targets 300 yards out with it. I doubt it has much power out that far, but.

AJ

I like the Tikka rifles even though I do not own one. They sure have a slick action and everyone seems to be happy with their accuracy. They are a bit light for the magnum rounds to me, but to each his own taste. One of my friends is adding weight to his to tame down the .300 WSM a bit. My 7mm mag weighs 9 1/4 pounds and shoots fine from the bench, but will wear on you even then. In the field it is no big deal. It is not a "joy" to carry for an old guy like me, where the Tikka would be!

What a stupid exercise this is. The best gun for hunting Whitetail in brushy country is the one that you own and you get results with. Doesn't matter what it is, you have it, you are comfortable with it, you shoot it enough to know it well. That's it. Caliber don't matter. Type of action is meaningless. Type of bullet ain't very meaningful either.

You have the gun, you can afford the ammo, you can hit what you shoot at.

That's venison for supper. Anything else is just danged foolishness.