Some great suggestion here. Let me throw in my 2cents. For value I don't think you can beat a lever action and the 30-30 is a great cheap round and Marlins in that configuration are cheap. If you want something a little more versatile get a lever action in 357. A great companion to a revolver and they shoot 38s. Marlins would be my choice, they're a closed top reciever making scope mounting easier if you want, but they are a touch more expensive. Rossi makes a 16" barrel carbine that holds 8+1 sweetness in a small package, plus they don't get a second look. People say Levers hold less then most semis with magazines, but the nice thing is like shotguns you can "top-off" levers while you shoot.
Good points. It makes sense to have the ability to carry just one type of ammo in SHTF situations by matching rifle to handgun. Your example of the .357 is a good one.
