I am currently looking at getting a Marlin 336 in 30-30 or the 1895 classic in 45-70. Which one is better handling/performing. My price range is about 750 dollars. I am open to any other brand/model. The rifle will be new, has any one had any problems with the 1895 classic. Thanks.
Which Lever action
- Thread starter acman
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Dmitri Popov
Member
What are you using it for? Both would be good guns, but it all depends on your purpose.
rswartsell
Member
.30-30 has all you need for deer and hogs. Ammo will be cheaper and much more pleasant for range shooting. Newer Hornady Leverevolution rounds extend the range of .30-30 so that it is unlikely that it will not reach your shooting distance.
I have a "JM" Marlin 1895. I absolutely love it. But if you're looking for a brand new rifle, you'll have to get a "Remlin". Both calibers will be micro-grooved instead of ballard. As I'm sure you have read, Remlins have had some QC issues. Not all, but some. So give the gun a VERY close inspection. Pay attention to hang-ups when cycling the action, wood/metal fit, canted sightes, etc. While I love my 45-70, rswartsell is right. The 30-30 is more cost effective and will give plenty of power for the biggest deer and hogs that walk the earth.
Just a curiosity question, are you dead set on a "brand new" rifle? Any particular reason you're not considering a nice used one? Some used "JM" Marlins are going for a pretty penny nowadays. But bargains can still be found on nice specimens. Also you can find really nice, used, Winchester 94 30-30's for $350-$500. I found one last year that looked unfired. Absolutely pristine condition for $375. I kick myself for not buying it.
Best of luck to you. I hope whatever you get, it works flawlessly and shoots laser straight.
Just a curiosity question, are you dead set on a "brand new" rifle? Any particular reason you're not considering a nice used one? Some used "JM" Marlins are going for a pretty penny nowadays. But bargains can still be found on nice specimens. Also you can find really nice, used, Winchester 94 30-30's for $350-$500. I found one last year that looked unfired. Absolutely pristine condition for $375. I kick myself for not buying it.
Best of luck to you. I hope whatever you get, it works flawlessly and shoots laser straight.
kitsapshooter
Member
Speaking as one suffering from incurable marlinitis both rifles rock.
A good 30-30 or 45-70 is in your budget. I have handled several new marlins, made by Remington and all except for one sucked.
A good used rifle is a much better value.
A good 30-30 or 45-70 is in your budget. I have handled several new marlins, made by Remington and all except for one sucked.
A good used rifle is a much better value.
35Remfan
Member
A new Marlin sounds great. As noted be sure to check the new ones over (not that anyone buying a new rifle wouldn't do that). I'm in the same boat as I want a new lever action in 30-30 with an outside chance for a 45-70.
Don't worry about micro-groove barrels. Only the 30-30 will be micro-groove; the 45-70 will be deep-groove ballard rifling. Either way it is proven technology.
I am looking at a Mossberg 464 30-30 for the simple reason I want a straight stock lever action and I like the Win 94 look. Not that I don't like the look of Marlin's because I love my 35 Rem Marlin. Just looking for something different.
Don't worry about micro-groove barrels. Only the 30-30 will be micro-groove; the 45-70 will be deep-groove ballard rifling. Either way it is proven technology.
I am looking at a Mossberg 464 30-30 for the simple reason I want a straight stock lever action and I like the Win 94 look. Not that I don't like the look of Marlin's because I love my 35 Rem Marlin. Just looking for something different.
loose noose
Member
I have both, a 1895 45-70 and a Marlin Cowboy in 30-30, both have the ballard rifling and both shoot the lead bullets very well. I wouldn't part with either of them and they both look like they're brand new. Personally I would look to by a slightly used older Marlin, in either 30-30 or 45-70 and just strt reloading.
The 30-30 is more practical. If you just want a big bore the 45-70's are a fun gun to own, but the ones I owned didn't offer enough performance to match the recoil.
I like the straight stocks better too. It may take a little looking, but Marlin made a bunch of them. The used versions are much better, and cheaper to boot. There are 2 Winchesters here, a 94 and a 94-22, the rest are straight stocked Marlins. The best of all options.
I like the straight stocks better too. It may take a little looking, but Marlin made a bunch of them. The used versions are much better, and cheaper to boot. There are 2 Winchesters here, a 94 and a 94-22, the rest are straight stocked Marlins. The best of all options.
loose noose
Member
jmr40, I installed a recoil pad on the 45-70 primarily because of the recoil, it definitely calmed that big bruiser down considerably.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
As far as I know the Marlin 336 is only chambered in 30-30 and 35 Rem but not 45-70. That would leave you with the 1895 which is not a bad choice at all. I own one and it's a good rifle. (older pre-Rem Marlin)
Armored farmer
Member
another vote for a used Marlin 336....from a satisfied owner.
dagger dog
Member
IF you can find a Marlin Cowboy Classic 1895 or 1894 they will have the Ballard rifling with octagonal barrels, as loose noose mentions.
They don't produce either one right now, but I see them for sale out there, some even NIB, and the prices are $1,000.00 and higher.
You may get lucky and find a 1894 cb, that is a straight stock round barrel but they will have the Microgroove rifling.
If you like the 336 style the Rossi Rio Grande is offered in both the calibers you like and they have Ballard (deep groove) rifling, they are affordable and have been getting good reviews.
Rossi also produces their Model 92 a Winchester clone but in pistol calibers, and there are the Italian clones from Chiappa, Uberti, Pedersoli ,ASM etc.
They don't produce either one right now, but I see them for sale out there, some even NIB, and the prices are $1,000.00 and higher.
You may get lucky and find a 1894 cb, that is a straight stock round barrel but they will have the Microgroove rifling.
If you like the 336 style the Rossi Rio Grande is offered in both the calibers you like and they have Ballard (deep groove) rifling, they are affordable and have been getting good reviews.
Rossi also produces their Model 92 a Winchester clone but in pistol calibers, and there are the Italian clones from Chiappa, Uberti, Pedersoli ,ASM etc.
76shuvlinoff
Member
I just added an 01 1895cb 45/70 with the 26" octagonal barrel to my meager Marlin collection. I don't see this long barrel as a positive if in thick brush but it sure is fun to shoot (I added a decellerator butt pad)
(2) 39As 56 and 77
(1) Model 60 from the 80s
(1) 1894c 1979
I have a 30-30 but it's a Ted Williams, nice enough gun but one of these days I'll collect a older 336.
I don't even hunt, just enjoy making Marlins go bang!
(2) 39As 56 and 77
(1) Model 60 from the 80s
(1) 1894c 1979
I have a 30-30 but it's a Ted Williams, nice enough gun but one of these days I'll collect a older 336.
I don't even hunt, just enjoy making Marlins go bang!
I bought a new Marlin 336 in 30-30 at the Navy store in 1964.I mounted a 3 power scope on it and took 16 deer with it.On the older ones I would mount a hammer spur for better control when releasing the hammer from full cock.I witnessed a mishap when a hunter with cold wet hands let the hammer slip and fired unintentionally.I could shoot 11/2 to 2 inch groups at 100 yds.
35Remfan
Member
jmr40: Love the Marlin straight stocked levers. When was the last time Marlin made straight stocked 30-30's or 35rems?
Doc.Holliday
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I like the 336sc; but I really like them in 35 rem. A real nice woods round
Doc
Doc
jad0110
Member
At least in my parts, .30-30 ammo is notably easier to find and less costly. Since both would work for your applications, I'd lean towards .30-30. I'd also lean towards used rather than new. You can frequently get a better quality gun for less money.
As an example, 2 years ago I picked up this 1957 vintage Marlin 336RC .30-30 with Williams peep sights for $330. It is in near mint condition, and plenty accurate. Love the perfect balance too.
As an example, 2 years ago I picked up this 1957 vintage Marlin 336RC .30-30 with Williams peep sights for $330. It is in near mint condition, and plenty accurate. Love the perfect balance too.
Don McDowell
Member
Ok assuming we need to save some money to do this, lets cut out the coffee ,candy ,pop and donuts at the Quickstop on the way to work for another couple of weeks and do this up good.
One of the new Winchesters in 38-55.
RSVP2RIP
Member
I just picked up a new 3336W from Walmart for $389. The ONLY gripe I have is the grip has VERY light impressed checkering. From a functional standpoint it's a non-issue as I don't want "grip" where I'm going to be sliding my hand down to work the action, but looks-wise, it's horrible. I do like the laminated stock over walnut finished hardwood and the matte finish is nice and even with all hardware (screws, bands, etc.) in medium gloss. I added a safety delete from Beartooth Mercantile, which incidentally has slots on both sides so it looks like a screw from either side, which is not mentioned on their website. The action is smooth, sights level, edges rounded and evenly finished and the bore is clean and chatter free. So I think that they may have gotten their act together. I've owned a '52 336RC 35 rem. and a '00/'01 444 Marlin, as well as a M38 pump and a 70's vintage M60 and I have to say outside of the model 38 the quality seems to be equal to me, at least from a functional standpoint when comparing apples to apples. The finish of a sandblasted 336W is not the same as the high luster blue of the 1920's vintage M38 so don't misunderstand me. So I say, if it seems right when you look at it in the showroom, then it probably is good to go.
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