I'm curious as to what you would like to do with your "in between" rifle? When I think 30-30, I think lever gun for quick shots in the woods and when I think 7mmPRC, I think long range. I think a .270 or 30-06 would fit the bill but I guess when you consider velocity, bullet weights and kinetic energy, the world might be your oyster in the in-between category.
Oh, yeah I forgot to say that I like Harris bipods that typically attach to the swivel stud.
Something maybe to carry around in the scabbard on my horse or ATV. I spend a lot of time on both, and am forbidden to go out unarmed.
So as a general rule I carry my Henry 30-30 with no scope.
Wouldn't mind something that is fairly cheap since it will get banged around some, but still is of good quality, that has more ooomph than my 30-30, but less than my 7mm prc, but shoots fairly flat and accurately out to say 300 yards, for coyotes and such going after the herd, but also stop a bear if need be in self defense, which would mean close range, not anywhere near 300 yards.
I've shot at coyotes, but so far not hit any, and bears generally run off and hide if I get near them. Shooting a bear would be a last option, before it kills me and/or my horse. We don't shoot bears here unless they become a problem bear. But if I were to ever be put in that situation, a bit more than my 30-30 can only help the situation.
Recoil aka kick is of a concern, as I will be shooting from the saddle sometimes, and at 93 pounds, lack the mass to take a massive recoil from the saddle.
Something pretty much indestructible would also be great, I would never buy something like the beautiful 270 sako greywolf that is currently for sale on this forum, to use in such a manner. That rifle is like art work.
But a cheap plastic stock, yet decent gun, is what I may someday purchase.
Experience has taught me that 200-300 yard shots at a coyote from the saddle, is more of a warning shot to them, than anything lethal.
