Thread: What's the pick of the lever action calibers?

As a bit of a lever gun purist, I'd say a Winchester 1894 in 30-30. Dependable, balanced, and 30-30 has knockdown power out to as far as the open sights will work for you. Suppressors and scopes don't belong on lever guns, learn to use open sights. They don't fog up, survive knocks and falls easy, and make you cooler. The older ones prior to the 1990's don't have a safety, just use the hammer half cock, and would be my pick. A Rossi 1892 in 44 magnum would also be a good pick if you don't reload, and is a bit shorter/handier if you get a carbine. If you ever get into reloading, 44-40 is another fine and historically correct option.
I know you say 'only bush', but it's not unheard of to see deer on slips on the bush, or across gullies etc, so bear that in mind too.