Lever action 30/30 (Recommendations)

[189854]

I would like to hear some recommendations on lever action rifles in 30/30. I have always loved lever action rifles but I do not know very much about them. So what is good rifle that will get me started but won't break the bank lol.

 

[rcmodel]

There are only two good choices.

Either the classic Winchester 94.
Buy an older used one.
http://www.gunauction.com/buy/10699...n-rifle/winchester-(pre-64)-model-94-.-30-wcf

Or the classic Marlin 336.
Buy an older used one.
http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11119...ine-gold-trigger-micro-groove-bbl-pre-warning

Either can be found in nice condition on used gun racks everywhere.

The Winchester 94 is out of production except for a very expensive Japenese model.
And Marlin quality is in the commode right now.

rc

 

[Bubba613]

Mossberg also makes them. So does Henry. So does Rossi.
They are all excellent guns, grossly undervalued for what they are. I would use one as a patrol rifle if I needed such a thing.

 

[RPRNY]

I'm partial to the 336, straight gripped "Texan". I prefer side ejection and the feel of the Marlin over the 94, but that is a matter of personal preference.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=296880848

Here's an example. They sell at a slight premium to the pistol grip models. Should be available in good condition for $400. Please don't scope it. A good aperture sight set, Skinner or Williams for example, will do everything you need with a 30-30.

 

[snakeman]

I like the old marlins and the new mossbergs.

 

[heeler]

Marlin guy here.
I prefer the older non cross bolt safety model myself.
Stay away from the recent Remington made models.

 

[jmr40]

Mossberg, Rossi and Henry make a gun that somewhat resembles a 30-30 lever action, but the Wincester or Marlin are the only 2 serious choices. I've handled the others and wouldn't touch one at any price.

The Winchester has been out of production for a few years leaving only Marlin in current production. But your best bet is to buy either used. There are literally millions of each out there and bargians can be found. No sense in paying more for an imitation when the real thing is available for less money.

The Winchester design is solid, but quality has been up and down over the years. I think you are less likely to get a bad Marlin. I also like the Texan versions of the Marlin better, if you can fine one.

The Winchesters tend to be a little lighter and more compact. The Marlin is a bit heavier, but easier to mount optics on if you wish. In my experience the Marlins tend to be a bit more accurate. The thing I like about the Texans is that it combines the best features of both in 1 rifle.

 

[189854]

Wow, thank you everyone for your quick response. I had my eyes on either a Marlin or Mossberg but, I saw a lot of good reviews for the Marlin. I saw the Marlins and Mossberg for roughly the same prices at Academy and leaning towards the Marlin. Should I wait and try to find an older model on gunbroker/local gun shop or go with a new purchase at Academy?

 

[kenken]

The ol' 94 Winchester is my pick. Can be picked up pretty cheap and are extremely reliable. I have 5 of them and love them all. The last one I got was from a fella that worked for me and was talking about how he didn't like it so I asked him right there in front of everyone if he would take a $100.00 for it and he did. Took it home, cut the barrel to 16" and made me a truck gun out of it.

kenken

 

[MrDig]

I would recommend a 336 as well love mine and would never trade or sell it.
I would still recommend getting one made prior to 2007 though. Unless anyone has real experience with the NIB ones made by Remington that refutes that opinion.

 

[iLikeOldgunsIlikeNewGuns]

I love my 336, never had any issues whatsoever, very accurate and easy to use My friends all really enjoy it too, anytime someone shoots it they're like "I gotta get me one of these"

 

[Patocazador]

I have both a Win. 94 and a Marlin. My 94 is less accurate than my 870 shotgun with slugs at 50 yards but the Marlin is very accurate. Of course, my Marlin has a scope mounted on top which helps.

I would buy any used gun in good condition over a newly made junky gun .. this goes for all manufacturers that have been around for 30 years or more not just Win. & Marlin. Cheaper and better.

 

[mdauben]

Should I wait and try to find an older model on gunbroker/local gun shop or go with a new purchase at Academy?

If you can take the gun out of the box and inspect it carefully, you should be alright. There have been some serious QC issues reported on guns since Remington took over production (grossly misaligned sights, poorly fitted or even cracked stocks, stripped screws, rough actions and FTF/FTE). Some say they are finally getting their act together, but I would not trust a new production gun sight-unseen.

 

[heeler]

Scour pawn shops and the gun shows.
There were so many of these lever guns made you will find one you want.
I bought my two off GunBroker.

 

[rcmodel]

My 94 is less accurate than my 870 shotgun with slugs at 50 yards

That is certainly not typical of any 94 I ever owned.

rc

 

[powell&hyde]

+1 on the earlier Marlin 336's.

 

[wlewisiii]

I'm in the Winchester camp. My 1965 made carbine is a joy to shoot & carry. My only real advice is that whichever one you get, stick a Williams peep sight on it. I find it to be a huge help for my accuracy with the rifle over the stock semi-buckhorns.

 

[BADUNAME37]

Marlin 336

 

[Jalexander]

I have multiple Marlin lever actions and one Winchester '94. I like the Marlins better, obviously, but you really can't go wrong with either.

James

 

[murphys_law]

336

 

[Roadking Rider]

Another vote for the 336. It's simplistic, priced right,and as you can see has a great reputation. It just flat out gets the job done without a lot of complaining.
Having said that and the truth be know I never met a 30/30 of any brand I didn't like.

 

[MrDig]

Yeah I own a 336, 1894, 1894C and a Model 56 Levermatic, I have worked on all of them and on Winchester 94's. For maintenance give me a Marlin any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
If you look around now before Hunting Seasons ramp up you should find a good one.
Pawn Shops and Locally Owned Gun Stores are your best bet, Gun Broker can be hit or miss unless the seller takes good pics.

 

[FLRon]

Here are two articles worth reading.

http://www.30cal.com/text/3030faq.html

http://www.chuckhawks.com/compared_marlin336_win94.htm

 

[TonyAngel]

I'll give another plug for a Marlin. I got mine maybe 25 or 30 years ago. I think I paid $75 for it from a guy that needed the money.

 

[OhioChief]

This is more of a poll now that a post. but I bought a used 94 20 years ago. it was built in 65, so just past the point of the ones everybody wants. Bush gun with saddel ring, and it's a dandy. I love it, and wouldn't sell it for 10 times what I paid for it.