If you were to purchase a NEW 30-30...

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EchoM70

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So, I'm in the market for a new 30-30 lever action, not sure which direction to go. I've been looking for a JM stamped marlin 336, but they seem scarce around here and when they surface the price just isn't right. Usually $400 plus for one of the older ones and that's in a "well used" condition. All the horror stories of the new production Marlins have kept me away from them and the new production Winchesters are just a little steep. I've been thinking about the Henry 30-30, however I'm not a fan of loading from the end of the tube and not from a loading gate.

Any good options out there?... I'm still looking for a good condition older Marlin 336, so far no luck though. If you were to purchase a new production 30-30 lever action which one would you get and why?
 
I bought an OCT 2013 marlin 336c that has been 100% reliable. It would seem they've figured out the issues that are now well documented on the web, stemming from remington assuming command of Marlin's lever gun line.

Mine has a walnut stock and deep blue finish. Topped it off with an XS Sights lever rail.

Here's my thread about it with pictures:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=738513
 
I would look over the Rio Grande at the price point, I'd also look over a Marlin with a critical eye. Marlin seems to be over their teething pains of reorganization. I'd take a look at Henry's 30-30 as well.

I'd also consider Gunbroker and other online avenues to find a good used rifle.
 
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If your looking for a 30-30 lever gun, I would want a new one, because all of the manufactures are having quality problems.
Do some shopping, watch auction sales, Estates sales and farm auctions are the best place to find a lever gun . $400 will get you a Marlin, Winchester or Savage.
 
Remember, this will be a gun you'll probably have for awhile. With the current gun market in a state of flux, and the issues with the Remlins, I'd pay a little extra on a used gun just to know I had a good one. I saw an older Winchester last year during the height of "the panic" in amazing condition for $400. Should have bought it. The deals are there. Be patient.
 
try and find a pre-64 win. or older marlin, here its not to hard to find a very good one at a flea market for a reasonable price, i have bought several very nice ones there. eastbank.
 
Between Marlin and Winchester there are roughly 14 million perfectly good rifles in circulation. I'd take a little time and look for a used specimen. Most have not been shot enough to hurt a thing and a few character marks on the gun add just that to the gun, character.

I cannot think of a single good reason to look at any of the new rifles at this time. At some point the used market might dry up, or overprice its self. In that case I'd take a chance on a Marlin.

For a variety of reasons I just can't warm up to the Rossi or Henry. Same for the current production Winchesters.
 
Wow. No love for the Mossberg here, eh?

I've only seen one of them (and a few of the silly one with the rails and adjustable stock) but the only blued/wood one that I saw was actually fit/finished quite nicely, and seemed to be nice and smooth.
 
Between Marlin and Winchester there are roughly 14 million perfectly good rifles in circulation. I'd take a little time and look for a used specimen. Most have not been shot enough to hurt a thing and a few character marks on the gun add just that to the gun, character.

I cannot think of a single good reason to look at any of the new rifles at this time. At some point the used market might dry up, or overprice its self. In that case I'd take a chance on a Marlin.
Click to expand...
Pretty much so.
 
If Winchester was still making their Trapper line, I wouldnt have even looked at the the 336Y. Same thing if they made something similar to the 1895G.

Ive just always found the fit, finish, and function (and especially the function) of the Winchesters to be better than the Marlins, even the older guns, and up until these last two Marlins, the Winchesters are were generally what Ive always bought.

I really didnt think Winchester was still actively in the general lever gun market these days. I havent seen a "new" rifle on a rack anywhere in a long time.

Around here, there are usually three or four used generic 30-30 Winchesters in the racks of the bigger inventory shops, usually in the $350-$500 range, and many, if not most of them, have a lot of character, and show a good bit of finish wear, usually on the receiver at the balance.
 
If I was going to buy a new production 30-30 it would be a Mossberg. Marlin seems to have the function problems resolved, but the wood and metal finish is a far cry from what it used to be. The Mossberg action is smoother than the Marlin or Rossi, and is better finished. The tang safety is also much better than the cross bolt IMO. The new Winchester 94's are very nice, but that is to be expected on a $1,000+ rifle.
 
If I were looking for a new .30/30 at ~$400, I'd turn right around, find the used gun rack at your LGS, and buy a pre-'64 Winchester '94 or JM Marlin. You won't have issues, it won't need worked on, and it'll have character.
 
Howdy

I'm not a hunter, so I could never really justify a 30-30. Then last year I ran across this gem. Made around 1941. Sorry, I don't remember what I paid for it, but it was very reasonable. That's why I grabbed it. There are tons of used Winchester 94s on the used gun racks. Most of them are just fine. Sometimes you might get lucky and find a nice pre-64 one like this.

model189402_zpse6e86d5a.jpg
 
I'm not in the market for a 30-30 lever gun because I'm real happy with my circa 1991 Marlin. But if I were in the market I'd be taking a real good look at those Mossbergs. Only saw a couple but they impressed me and the owners spoke highly of them. Might be worth a look. Don't recall the prices but I seem to recall that it wasn't anything outrageous.

P.S.....Just checked Mossberg's web site... Model 464 MSRP is $513..; That seems nice. Anyone out there have any experience with a 464? Perhaps the O.P. should look into one. Can't hurt to look.
 
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I have seen several older Marlins on some of the Facebook guns-for-sale pages, some pretty reasonable. With deer season ending a lot of people were apparently reshuffling their gun collections. Might be worth checking out one in your area.
 
I set $450 aside a few weeks ago to purchase a used Marlin. Just waiting for the right one to show up. Here in Arkansas, they go for three hundred and up. I thought about a new one, but I just can't do it with all the negative reviews.
 
Lots of jm stamped marlins about to be had. The marlin is superior in my mind for many reasons, but to start, it is side eject unlike the win 94. ever take apart a winchester ? take apart a Marlin, very simple. Marlin receiver is superior. You can find jm marlins in the $400 range.
Winchesters are for collecting { pre 64 }
Marlins are for using.
 
Recently purchased a Rossi Rio Grande new. Lifetime transferrable warranty. Very nice fit and finish. If the Mossberg action is smoother I'd love to see just to see but I find the action on my Rossi very slick. Of course there are some very easy tricks to slickin up any action. Haven't had a chance to take her out yet. Just got a Skinner peep sight in the mail last night. Yes I got the Black Gold option. And I'm on the third day of conditioning the Brownells Competition sling (everything they advertise). Using Lexol for that task. One treatment a day. Tomorrow I will assemble it but alas...Texas weather. Was 80 and sunny today...Rain and mid-30s tomorrow. Will share pictures and hopefully a range report soon. IMO you cannot go wrong with a Rio Grande. All the above and I'm under $600 and fully equipped ready to go. The sling is a bit pricey. But well worth it.
 
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