Traditions Firearms is sprinting into the single-shot rifle market with some great products. The Traditions G2 is meeting a need for many sportsmen and women in the Midwest. As more and more states are opening their deer seasons to specific rifle calibers, Traditions is leading the way in filling the need of these hunters.
Many Midwestern states have traditionally seen only shotguns used during their brief gun seasons for deer. With the limited range of the shotgun slug, the belief was these were safer than high-powered rifles. And with the wide open, flat terrain, there may be some validity to this thought. However, after decades of protesting and research to defend the positions, states are allowing the use of what is known as “straight-walled cartridges” to be used during the deer firearms seasons.
For clarity, straight-walled cartridges are cartridges in which the bullet and case shape does not neck down or taper. The case and edge of the bullet form a straight line. Typical calibers for these include .357 Rem. Magnum, .44 Rem. Mag., .41 Mag., .45-70 Gov’t., .444 Marlin, .450 Marlin, .450 Bushmaster, and a few others. The larger calibers come complete with a muzzlebrake to help with felt recoil. The cartridges of these calibers typically have a more limited range than some of the more powerful necked cartridges. Under the best of circumstances, ethical shots seldom exceed 200 yards. (I am sure there are some expert shooters who may disagree, but when using factory ammunition and standard rifles, this is the case.)
Enter the Traditions G2 single-shot break down rifles chambered in most of these calibers. One of the more popular is the .44 Rem. Magnum. This rifle in Realtree xtra camouflage, Cerakote™ finish comes with a 3x9x40 scope. This gun is a gem to shoot. It is fast, light and durable. I love the short 22-inch fluted barrel that not only reduces weight but adds to the fast mounting and quick target acquisition.
It is true the .44 Rem. Magnum was originally designed for revolvers, where there is still a huge following of shooters. It quickly became a favorite among carbine and rifle shooters alike. The .44 Magnum is based on a lengthened .44 Special case, loaded to higher pressures for greater velocity (and thus, energy). When loaded to its maximum and with heavy, deeply penetrating bullets, the .44 Magnum cartridge is suitable for short-range hunting of all North American game—though at the cost of heavy recoil and muzzle flash when fired in handguns, less so in carbines and rifles.
One of the great benefits of the Traditions G2 .44 Rem. Magnum is the dual purpose it offers. As one of the most popular handgun cartridges used for hunting whitetail deer, the G2 provides hunters with the opportunity to carry one cartridge for two different guns. This has long been a bonus, ever since the Winchester .44-40 was introduced in the 1880’s. With the .44 Rem Magnum G2 rifle from Traditions, shooters and hunters alike can shoot identical ammunition in either gun.
When testing the Traditions G2, I used two different types of ammunition as a comparison – Winchester 240 grain flat nose bullets and the Hornady LeveRevolution 240 grain ballistic tip bullets. At close range there was no discernable difference between the two. However, when we began stretching out the distance to a comfortable 100 yards, there was a difference of several inches of fall between the two. I also noted tighter groups when using the Hornady ammunition.
I have long been a fan of the LeveRevolution ammunition from Hornady and having this rifle to test the typical handgun cartridge did nothing but complete my thoughts on the supreme accuracy of this bullet. The one draw back is that it is only offered in one size in this caliber. Larger game shooters and hunters will have to opt for different manufacturers.
The G2 was a joy to shoot. The large lever in front of the trigger guard to break the action was easily acquired and not difficult at all to operate. I found the ejection of the spent cartridge easy to remove with bare hands. I did not try it with gloves but can see how this would take some getting used to. I do like the fact that the spent cartridges do not eject toward one’s face. Hot brass in the face is seldom enjoyable. Reloading was fast and under most hunting situations, a single shot is all that is needed.
As I have grown older in the sporting world, the modern finishes on guns is certainly a plus. No longer do those guns that if not cleaned within five minutes of use, begin to rust. The Cerekote finish on this G2 is a welcome addition to this fine gun. Dull in appearance, the brushed look provides no reflection or game-spooking glare. And it is impervious to weather conditions. As someone who enjoys being out of doors when the weather keeps most hunters at home, the addition of a weather-proof stock, barrel and action is a definite plus.
The Traditions G2 in .44 Rem. Mag is going to be a hit among Midwestern deer hunters. But don’t think it is limited to those states. Here in the Deep South, where the woods are thick and visibility is limited to less than seventy-five yards in the best of conditions, this little rifle is right at home. A lightweight rifle that can be carried while still hunting along deep swamps or in palmetto thickets is a great tool for many hunters.
The MSRP for the Traditions G2 in this package is $543, but I have seen prices for considerably less. Either way it is a great buy for a gun that will last a lifetime and then some.
