Help me decide: Marlin 336 or H&R Handi-Rifle?

[WVGunman]

So I'm clearing out some unused guns from the collection, and I'll have just enough credit at the pawnshop to get something else I want. I have wanted a Handi for some time, and they have one with a high-comb stock and nice scope in .223. HOWEVER, I also plan to go deer hunting for the first time this fall, and will need a bigger caliber for that. They have a couple of 336 models in my price range, in .30-30. I really do want a .30-30, and planned to get an accessory barrel in it for the Handi, anyway. However, that will entail another $150 expense sometime in the future.
I thought having a .223 gun would be good for just about everything short of deer hunting, but I could use a 336 for varminting also (I don't plan on ever taking a shot at over 200 yards on anything).

So, THR, help me decide. Please don't recommend another .30-30; the Marlin 336 is the only one I'm interested in. Are there any pros and/or cons I've missed?

 

[rule303]

The Marlin would be a more useful hunting rifle IMO. If it is a used gun, it will also continue to appreciate in value. The Handi rifles aren't bad, but I certainly wouldn't want to be limited to one round of .223 if I were planning to deer hunt.

 

[Bush Pilot]

Buy the one you'll use. If you decide on a .30/30 you can't go wrong with a Marlin, they're built like a tank.

 

[Ranger Roberts]

If your planning to deer hunt I would definitely go with the 30-30. My Marlin 336 is one of my favorite guns.

 

[WVGunman]

I did plan on getting another barrel for the Handi in .30-30; .223 isn't legal for deer where I am. But it would still be a single shot, as you said. Aren't single shots inherently more accurate than repeaters though? And I thought .223 ammo could be had very cheaply, cheaper than .30-30. (?)

 

[Ranger Roberts]

And I thought .223 ammo could be had very cheaply, cheaper than .30-30. (?)

.223 is a little bit cheaper, in my area it's about $8.99 for 20 rounds but 30-30 really isn't that bad. A box of cheap 30-30 plinking ammo at a big box store is about $13.99 for 20 rounds.

Aren't single shots inherently more accurate than repeaters though?

I don't really think so. Plus, with a repeater you have the ability for quick follow up shots!

 

[yzguy87]

If i was in your shoes I'd get a 30-30

 

[Paladin7]

For Hunting Deer, definitely go with the Marlin in 30-30 or 35 Remington. The ability to rack in a fast follow up shot, if required, seals the deal. You may never need that follow up shot, but if you do, why let an animal run away and suffer if your first shot is not a clean kill.

The Handi Rifle is nice but it is still a single shot.

 

[huntsman]

The Marlin will hold more resale value (especially if it's a real Marlin). To some that might not matter but my goal is to always build up the value of my battery.

 

[denton]

The Marlin will probably be a lot more fun to shoot at the range, and it's a good deer rifle.

Some single shot rifles are very accurate, but my SWAG is that both rifles are about 2 MOA in this case.

I reload 30-30 for about $.23 per round, using GC cast 170 grain bullets at 1900 FPS. That's fairly cheap shooting. My 223 rounds run about $.18 each.

 

[Reloadron]

While I am not in the 30-30 fan club and like the 223 given the choice I would run with the Marlin 336 in 30-30. The rifle offers more versatility and is, in my opinion, better suited as a hunting rifle. So from the available options I would choose the 30-30.

Ron

 

[WVGunman]

Huh. I'm surprised that such a solid consensus has emerged! I will definitely take a longer look at the Marlins.

 

[BCRider]

For what you say you'll be doing with it I'd go for the Marlin as well. I'd also use a bit of the repurposed money from selling the guns to set up for reloading for the .30-30. With reloading you can cut the cost down to around 30 to 35 cents per round.

It also gives you the option for buying lighter 100 or 110gn bullets typically used in .30Carbine loads and set them up to come out the muzzle at around 1800 to 2000 fps to give you a softer recoil varmint round. So you can get your load variety through custom loading the cartridges instead of a whole other rifle.

 

[WVGunman]

Well, case closed. I bought a 336. It has problems with the finish (okay, it looks crappy) but the mechanicals are solid. Already fired off a few at the range and decided I need a recoil pad. The .30-30 may not be a hot-rod, but this rifle is quite light, even with a scope.

It also gives you the option for buying lighter 100 or 110gn bullets typically used in .30Carbine loads and set them up to come out the muzzle at around 1800 to 2000 fps to give you a softer recoil varmint round. So you can get your load variety through custom loading the cartridges instead of a whole other rifle.

That is exactly what I plan on doing!

 

[hdbiker]

I bought a Marlin 30AS 30-30 about 10 years ago at a pawn shop in very nice condition,turns out to be one of my most accurate rifles.Best 150 bucks I ever spent !!!!!!! hdbiker

 

[BCRider]

I....t has problems with the finish (okay, it looks crappy) but the mechanicals are solid....

I'm in the same boat with a post 64 Winchester 94. Shoots fine and has a nice bore. But there's some chipping and scratches in the varnish and some rust speckles and blueing mottling from some oddball chemical exposure on the barrel and magazine along with all the finish has faded off the receiver.

Within the next few days I'm going to start to restore/re-finish it which will involve stripping the varnish in favour of a nice oil finish along with sanding the barrel and magazine and receiver to polish and remove the old blueing. I'll re-blue using the Belgian Blue product that Larry Potterfield likes and did a video on You Tube about. The steps will be presented in a new thread.

You may want to consider playing along to spruce up your new crusty ol' Marlin.... Hmmm?

 

[AKElroy]

I own both, and this is a no-brainer. 336 all the way. I like how handi the H&R is, but frankly they simply have accuracy problems that rule them out for me. The forums are full of complaints regarding this issue. I need a gun that shoots where I aim, and my 336 shoots. The .30-30 takes whitetail and hogs cleanly, and mine groups just over an inch at 100yds. My H&R will print two in an inch, and the third opens 6" plus. When H&R starts heat-treating their barrels, I may change my mind.

 

[txcookie]

Well if you just have to limit yourself to a short range rifle or a varmit cartridge then I go with a 336 in 30/30. If you want a legit deer rifle get that handy in 243,.308, 30.06, or .270 win and be better off for longer shots you may get.

I would certainly look at the ruger all american or Marlin XL7 as they are about the same prive as a handy rifle but with a better reputation for accuracy.

My next rifle is probably going to be a marlin... I dont have one.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I love my older 30-30 Handi. Super accurate. But if wanted a serious hunting gun I would find an older JM Marlin 336.