Lever action 30/30 (Recommendations)

[Abel]

A pre 1983 336 will be pre crossbolt safety. Go with one of these! Buy new with extreme caution.

 

[Patocazador]

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

rc

I'll trade you mine for one of yours.

The one I own is also less accurate than my 4" S&W Model 29 with 180 gr. bullets at 50 yards. I can group 5 .44s in 6" but the 94 groups 5 .30-30s in an 8" vertical string.

 

[Abel]

The one I own is also less accurate than my 4" S&W Model 29 with 180 gr. bullets at 50 yards. I can group 5 .44s in 6" but the 94 groups 5 .30-30s in an 8" vertical string.

You're doing it wrong.

 

[Kachok]

A few years ago I would have said Marlin 336 without a doubt, but now that CCM is screwing them up too I don't know who makes a good lever gun anymore. It is hard to find an old 336 in good condition, and Winchester 94s are pricy.

 

[tahoe2]

+1 Abel - a pre cross-bolt safety 336 Marlin is the way to go. I like the solid top receiver design of the Marlin,
it keeps out inclement weather and dirt & such and it's easy to mount a peep sight or scope.
They can also be pretty accurate. I also like the pistol grip and the fuller fore stock as I have big hands.

 

[Saddlebag Preacher]

I just received a Bass Pro Shop Flyer in the maik that has the Marlin 336 30-30 on sale. Might check them out.

 

[4895]

Never owned a Marlin, I like the aesthetics of the Winchester 94. My 94 was made in 1971 and shoots a .5" group at 50 yards. I used a block of wood, a Williams peep sight, and a touch of white-out on the front post. I love that rifle.

 

[Roadking Rider]

When I traded for my slightly used 1981 Marlin 336 30/30. I never knew that the pre crossbolt safety models had such a following. Guess I got a better deal then I thought I did.
Also like the solid top recievers and side eject on the Marlins.

 

[mastiffhound]

Marlin pre take-over. Winchester 94 is great too, harder to find though. I have never seen a used mossberg lever action that was in decent condition. Ill fitting and cheaply made cutting corners. My brother took his back after 40 rounds. It was tight when he got home. One trip to the range and it was loose all over. I'm talking rattle-trap dog poop. He tried to tighten the screws up but they were tight still. A new gun to abused gun in 40 rounds. Winchester or Remington 150 grain bullets. No we weren't using reloads. It was sad, he was so excited.

Keep in mind I haven't looked at them for a few years. But if it was that bad then, I wouldn't buy a new one now. Not with almost every firearm company trying to trim the fat. Now mossberg shotguns are great and the price is right. I'm not knocking Mossberg, just their junky lever action. The local gun shop was selling 3 or 4 used Mossberg 464's for between $150 to 175. My brother took a loss but got his Marlin 336 as part of the trade. He was so happy to be rid of the polished dog turd.

 

[Kachok]

Anyone know how to tell the difference between the pre and post CCM 336s? Is there a difference in the serial #s

 

[MrDig]

pre take over rifles have JM stamped on them

 

[Kachok]

pre take over rifles have JM stamped on them

As a prefix?

 

[john wall]

The Winnie 1894 is smoother, the Marlin 336 may have an edge on accuracy. At practical game ranges for the cartridges, the difference is moot.

I prefer the 35 in the Marlin. The 1894 and marlin 30/30 generally shoot better with the 150 gr bullet.

The old Winchester has paid its dues in the field. Deer blood sure takes off the blue. This Winnie will hold them in a silver dollar at 50 yards with good ammo.

The Marlin 35 is a Fire House. With proper loads (200 gr bullet at near 2300 fps) it is suitable for about anything in the lower 48 except for the big bears. The 35 KICKS with these loads.

The Remington component bullet in the 30/30 (150 gr) and 200 gr 35 are preferred over most others. They will shoot as well as any bullet made, and the Core-Lokt design WORKS!

 

[MrDig]

As a prefix?

On the Barrel just in front of the receiver. roll the gun over to your right with the ejection port facing down and look just in front of the receive for a JM in an oval stamped on the Barrel.

 

[shiftyer1]

^^your winchester looks like my truck gun, I own 2 winchesters and am happy with them one is a 64 model and the other a 1977.

I would like to buy an older marlin, they seem to shoot a little softer for me.

 

[foghornl]

Have a Marlin Mdl 30AW I bought in 1990. Good solid levergun. Not sure how the latest Marlins are, heard reports of varying quality.

Oldest brother has a Winchester, and he prefers my marlin....but i ain't tradin' (GRIN!)

 

[jason41987]

henry makes a .30-30 lever action that looks like an old yellow boy rifle

 

[Snag]

If it was me, I'd be looking for a Winchester 94 or a Savage 99. Never been much of a Marlin guy.

 

[SlowFuse]

I just received a Bass Pro Shop Flyer in the maik that has the Marlin 336 30-30 on sale. Might check them out.

I saw the same thing just a while ago. For $350 it seems like a good deal. The quality comments have concerned me and im thinking that's why they're on blowout. You may get lucky though...

 

[Kachok]

For $350 they would be had to pass up on even if they were not as well made as the older ones, a 30-30 does not require the same precision as a 1,000yd rifle.

 

[rcmodel]

For $350 they would be hard to pass up

Only if they Feed, Fire, and Function Freely like an older Marlin 336.

Some of the RemLins / MarlTons apparently don't.

rc

 

[Kachok]

Well I know CCM ruined Remington, their rifles are overpriced boat paddles for the most part. I have not seen what they have done to marlin yet, hope it is not as bad.

 

[mpmax]

I've been on a Marlin binge lately. I have a problem with the finish on post 64 Winchesters...they are "finished" with some weird black paint over an alloy receiver. The result is an unfinishable surface when the surface is marred by rust.

 

[horsemen61]

marlin

336 all the way

 

[ECVMatt]

I have Winchesters and Marlins. I really like to look and feel of the Winchester, but usually hunt with the Marlins. I was just loading up some .30-30 for deer and bear season this year and pulled out my Marlin 30TK and 336TS to try and pick one for September. I really couldn't make my mind up tonight. I guess I will shoot them both next week and see which one takes the prize. I would have to say the a 336 is pretty hard to beat. They are accurate, easy to clean, and very durable. They can usually be found cheaper than a Winchester to boot.

I would suggest going to a gun store and seeing which rifle fits you best. With either a Marlin or a Winchester you will have a nice rifle to shoot and enjoy. Good Luck with your search...