winchester 94 vs marlin 336

[30-30shooter]

which one do you prefer, i choose the model 94 because iv had a less than ideal experience with the 336.

 

[rule303]

I have both, to me the Winchester is the more "classic" lever gun. It handles better, and looks better IMO, but the Marlin has the edge as far as the overall design, quality, strength and accuracy. You can actually mount a scope properly on the Marlin, and feels much more solid overall.

 

[ldhulk]

I've had several of both...the Marlin action is smoother, it is easier to scope, and the bluing is better than certain years of Win. production. Also, I like the .35 Remington ctg. I will grant that the Winchester carries and points more naturally, and feels a lot lighter in the hands. I don't have a lot of experience with the 94's from the early days; which I suspect were better guns.

 

[FLRon]

I had originally set out to purchase a Marlin 336. I was attracted to the ruggedness and simplicity of the rifle. After doing further research, I was very surprised and disappointed at what I was reading about the quality control issues of the current production. Frankly, I didn't wish to deal with potential avoidable problems, particularly with a new rifle.

I switched gears and decided on a new Winchester 94, which I just picked up from my local shop abut an hour ago. I am very pleased with my initial observations after unpacking it.

I figure a classic rifle like this is something you keep forever, so I look forward to enjoying this rifle, hopefully for a while.

 

[ECVMatt]

I have both and really love them, but I have to give the nod to the 336. It is just so simple to clean and disassemble. It also wins in the accuracy department.

 

[bhk]

I haven't had a 336, but had a Marlin 1894 of rather recent production (two years ago). The workmanship was absolutely terrible (checkering, stock fit, metal finishing, etc.). I have read much about poor quality among recent Marlins. I sold it and bought a vintage pre-64 Winchester 94. What a different in quality!!!

Now, Winchester also went through some bad qaulity times (post 64 for several years). Both are good guns, but check them each for quality and workmanship before purchasing.

 

[montanaoffroader]

I'm a Marlin guy, I have a Monkey Wards (Western Field) branded 336, most of my deer have fallen to this rifle. I have also spent a good deal of time with Winchester lever guns, both hunting and plinking. They are also good handling rifles, the 336 is just more comfortable to shoot (for me).

 

[dmlehto]

+1 for the marlin

 

[Smokey in PHX]

I have both, a new 336 which is actually nice, no problems, looked at a dozen or so before picking this one. Shoots well.

I have many 94's, which I prefer. Several of these do outshoot the Marlin.

Overall I believe the 336 is really the better rifle, although I still prefer the 94.

PS: The only rifle I ever had which almost did not shoot minute of deer was a 94 trapper in 30-30. Even working with two gunsmiths groups bareley stayed on a paper plate at 50 yards. I could not stand to keep a rifle that shot so bad.

 

[dprice3844444]

you can get the marlin in stainless

 

[30-30shooter]

bought a vintage pre-64 Winchester 94. What a different in quality!!!

i love my pre-64 model 94, it was my first rifle.

 

[Sav .250]

The Marlin 336 is made much better but the Win 94 has more history.
Each will get the job done. As to which one? I have one each so
that choice is a mute one.

 

[CraigC]

Both are good rifles and I own multiples of both. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The Marlin is very solid, if not overbuilt for the .30-30 cartridge. They are accurate, dependable and are easily scoped. Though I typically prefer a peep sight.

IMHO, the Winchester is the better design. It is slimmer, lighter, carries better, balances better, looks better and works just fine with my preferred peep sights.

 

[jmr40]

If you get a good Winchester it's a toss-up. Problem is that Wincheater quality has been all over the place for the last 50 years or so. Marlin has been consistently good. I do prefer the straight stock on Winchesters though

Marlin made quite a few straight stocked rifles over the years. I have seveal of 1970's vintage that are the best of both worlds.

The Winchester is actually the stronger design of the 2

 

[LOLBELL]

I voted other. I prefer 92's over 94's in pistol calibers. I have been a Browning kinda guy for 40 years, so my vote would go for a B92. For the two listed I'd have to go with the 336. I have an older 35 Rem. I really like that gun. It's the only straight stocked 336 I've seen.

 

[CraigC]

I looked at a straight stocked, half magazine, pre-safety .444 yesterday. If it weren't for the Microgroove rifling and slow twist, I'd have brought it home.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Winchester mod 94 in .30-30 (.30 WCF). Lighter and better balanced.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

To me the Marlin is bulbous -- some people rasp that bulging forearm down to correct that. The Winchester slips into a saddle boot better and fits me better.

 

[Finprof]

I have 4 Marlin 336s and no 1894s.My first centerfire was a 336 in 35 Remington that I bought new in 1969 and still have. It has been joined by 336As in 35 and 30/30 and, most recently a 336 Cowboy in 38/55.

The past few years I have been shooting lever action silhouette. At matches around here you will see 10 Marlins for every Winchester. At smallbore matches there will be nothing but Marlins.

 

[30-30shooter]

At matches around here you will see 10 Marlins for every Winchester. At smallbore matches there will be nothing but Marlins.

for me its just the opposite. except at smallbore i usually see more henrys than anything else.

 

[jmr40]

To me the Marlin is bulbous -- some people rasp that bulging forearm down to correct that. The Winchester slips into a saddle boot better and fits me better

On most Marlins I agree completely. But Marlin stock design has changed slightly over the years. I have several made during the 70's as well as one made in 1958 that have the straight stock and slender forend. Other than the square lever and side ejection they are every bit as light and well handling as my Winchesters. Best of both worlds in my opinion. These are the only Marlins I will own.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Maybe if I find one like that, I'll buy it.

 

[jmr40]

I found a photo. I have 4 just like them, all 1970 era rifles and 1 1958 version as well as a 16.25" barreled LTS. The LTS looks just like a Maurader, but with a square lever instead of round.

http://antiquetractorsforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=9068

You'll need to scroll down about 1/2 way down.

 

[Smokey in PHX]

I think in the future the Marlin will outsell the Winchesters pretty significantly with the Winchesters now made in Japan. The Japan 94's are very well made, actually better than the ones previously made here but at a much higher price tag.

Both are great guns that carry very well and do what they have been designed to do. I wouldn't think of not having either of them in any gun collection.

 

[rszwieg]

I respect the Winchester, but prefer the Marlin. The 336 is easier to disassemble, clean, and fits me better.

Do yourself a favor an get an older one. The newer examples I've seen kinda suck in terms of fit, finish, and reliablity.