I've held off responding to this thread in order to see if additional critera were forthcoming and to get a feel for some of the other responses. Taking into account this will be used in Alaska special consideration must be given to A) sufficient power, B) sufficient magazine capacity, C) availability of ammo. And whatever it is should be LIGHT and HANDY. I'd still go with my first impression for the rifle itself:
Marlin lever gun -- IMO the Marlins are easier to strip and clean than the Winchester 94, what with needing to remove the lever screw only, and because it's being used in Alaska where maintenance would be more frequently required. Not flaming the M94, I have two of those, too, but my decided preference is with the Marlin. I'd say get one in stainless steel, but the few used ones get snapped up far too quick for that to be a viable option, and the new ones are pretty high priced.
Now as to chambering:
1) If $$$ was no object, I'd be looking at the 375 Wiinchester or 38-55. Essentially a blown-out 30-30 case pushing your choice of 220 gr or 250 gr bullets. Small enough for little critters, with enough a$$ to tackle a brownie or a grizz if need be, and not as stiff as the 45-70. Cons: Ammo is 2.5X that of 30-30, and probably harder to come by in that neck of the woods.
2) 30-30: The simplest solution would be to use the 170 grain softpoints from any of the manufacturers. Low-cost, prevalent, and proven effectiveness against most NA game, save the biggest and meanest.
3) 44 Magnum: In an 1894 Marlin you'd have a reasonably potent alternative to the 30-30 that would poke larger diameter holes in the target. The weapon would hold more cartridges than a 30-30 if barrel lengths were equal. 44 Magnum cartridges are readily available, and moreso than my final choice:
4) 45 Colt. Not to be overlooked, but factory rounds tend to be intentionally underpowered because of the limitations of the older SAAs and some rifles.
1st runner up:
AK Clone in 7.62x39 with 20 rd magazines. The extra rounds make up for the light bullet and FMJ style. Very rugged, simple design. Con: Alaska might have some regs about semi-autos in the woods, dunno.
2nd runner up:
SKS. Sure they cost less, but if you are going with the 7.63x39 cartridge, save the bux and get the AK clone. Again, check with somebody about local regs prohibiting semi-autos or not.
3rd runner up:
Enfield No4 Mk1 in 303 British. 10 rounds in the box mag, super-slick action, but ammo is getting scarce and expensive. However, it's a surprisingly popular cartridge in Alaska. Con: Long, and tending to be heavy depending on the furniture species.
4th runner up:
Mosin M38 or M44. Chief pro for this choice is low cost, the lowest of any of these choices, for both the weapon and the surplus ammo. So much of a pro that if it fell out of the canoe you'd probably keep paddling. Cons: Heavy (usually due to the stock) and clubby. Bolt handle is too friggin short for effective, fast manipulation; you have to slap the bolt handle with your palm with most ammo. The cartridge feed interrupter is sometimes cranky on individual examples. The bayonet throws off the balance of the M44, IMO and adds considerable weight; take the screw out and leave the bayo home.
Just adding to the confusion . . .
Noah
