Which Marlin To Buy?

[learningman]

I'm in the market for a 30-30 and have started looking at the Marlins. Which one should a guy buy? I like the looks of the XLR and with the Leverevolution ammo it seems like a real nice gun. I guess what I'm wondring is if the extra length on the XLR really makes that much difference in the performance of the new ammo (or the regular old ammo as well) to justify the extra cost for said gun. This gun will be used for mainly deer possibly an elk hunt or two, and I have no plans on trying to shoot from one county to the next with it. I don't mind the extra length, but have to admit that a shorter gun would be nice as well. So what are some of your opionions on which version of a 30-30 would be the way to go? I understand that we may be splitting hairs here, but I've never owned a Marlin or a 30-30 so am looking for advice from those who do. Thanks for all the advice and time.

 

[Thernlund]

To be honest with you, I can't speak to alot of what you're asking. I can however say that I own a 336 and I *love* that rifle. As well, I've never heard a bad thing about them (and I did alot of reading up before I got in the market for one).


-T.

 

[Z_Infidel]

You aren't splitting hairs. The 336XLR is designed to optimize the performance of the LeverEvolution ammo. The powder Hornady uses in these cartridges will take advantage of the extra barrel length.

I have both a 336XLR and a 336C that has had the barrel shortened to about 18". The 336C handles like a dream and makes it easy to swing up and get a quick sight alignment, especially with the ghost ring sights I installed. I shoot conventional .30-30 ammo in this gun and consider it my all-around carbine. It makes a fine defensive weapon with 125 gr hollow points. I shoot the LeverEvolution ammo exclusively in the XLR and have been impressed with the accuracy. For me, this is more of a serious hunting and target shooting rifle. For an elk hunt this is definitely the one I would choose.

Prioritize your requirements and base your decision on that. Or get one of each!

 

[tjj]

Everyone should have at least one lever gun.

Mine is the 336C bought way back in the day. Very smooth and accurate.

Just to make you bite your lip, I paid $139.00 for back then and ammo was just $6.50 a box. I'll never sell it. Hope my kids don't either.

 

[Shawnee]

Hi Learningman...


Personally, I would say base your choice on which you will spend more time doing - shooting the rifle... or carrying it.