.30-30 Lever rifle

Sig220_Ruger77

I want to add one to the collection. I will use it for deer hunting occasionally. I want something with the carbine barrel....something that will hold up and last, but won't break the bank. I am not looking for a collector grade rifle, just a hunter. Obviously, Winchester and Marlin come to mind, but I see that Mossberg and many others are out there now. Just need some insight as to where I should draw the line on quality vs. price.

Jon

tomahawk

just get a marlin and be done

fordsix

get a marlin pre safety and you will be happy

cpermd

Marlin 336

FEENIX

quote:Originally posted by tomahawk
just get a marlin and be done


+1. I have a Glenfield (Marlin) 30A ...

dreher

It is hard to argue the get a Marlin, so I wont. That will be the best bet. If you want to spend less, my Mossburg 464(?) is a nice, sweet handling 30-30 that I bought right here on GB for $250. New but handled a lot in a gun store with the resulting very minor cosmetic marks.

jltrent

Winchester 94. If you want a scope on it just get the side mount. I have one on two Winchester 94s and they work just as good.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Holden-Kwik-Site-Side-Scope-Mount-Base-Rings-Winchester-30-30-94-Post-64-/120985054614

countryfarmer

Get a Marlin and you wont regret it.

Tech141

Another vote for Marlin 336. I have two and really like them. I looked at the Winchester, but that side-mount scope really messes with me........

Sav99

quote:Originally posted by countryfarmer
Get a Marlin and you wont regret it.




+100

Mossbergboogie

You can buy an older marlin at a good price and still have a nice rifle.

bullshot

Marlin is as good as it gets and you can usually find them most anywhere at a reasonable price.

NOAH

I am a Winchester man on rifles but a 30-30 goes to MARLIN

GET THE MARLIN[;)]

gearheaddad

'94 Winchester or 336 Marlin. If you have a few extra dollars, I'd buy an older one or even an old Savage 99 in 30-30.
I was just offered a nice (refinished) 1/2oct 1/2 round 1894 Sporting Rifle in 30-30. That would make a great classic hunting rifle....
I'd suggest spending a little more and buying a little older.......

CbtEngr01

my vote is for the Win 94. I have marlin and win lever guns. I like the sleek thin profile of the winchester better. I wouldnt put a scope on a 30-30 anyhow.

savage170

Another vote for the Marlin. I also have the brass Henry 30/30 that I like biggest complaint it about is the loading tube

He Dog

I have a 336 Marlin, several model 94s, mostly pre-64, and some model 99s. For 'a blast from the past,' the 99 is my choice, for a modern rifle the 336, and for most of the time a 94.

fishkiller41

Go with the iconic 94..

dcs shooters

Look for a Marlin Texan. It's shorter than a 336.

Mr. Perfect

Does the Marlin come with a saddle ring?[:)]

countryfarmer

quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
Does the Marlin come with a saddle ring?[:)]


If you get one of the 336s with the crossbolt safety, there is a piece made to replace it with a saddle ring.

http://www.ak47.net/archive/topic.html?b=6&f=47&t=321311

savage170

quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
Does the Marlin come with a saddle ring?[:)]
Most of the Texan model do

machine gun moran

It's a coin toss. I have both, a pre-war Winchester, and a Marlin-made Marlin. The Winchester is a pound lighter and is much easier to single-feed if you goof around with wierd loads. The Marlin is mechanically simpler, which extends to easy disassembly, and is the better gun for mounting a scope if you would ever want to.

gesshots

Since no one mentioned it before, I would suggest a Marlin 336 with Hornady Leverolution ammo.

Just my .02's. [;)][^]

fideau

When times were good you could pick up a Model 94 any time for $125-150. I had several and traded or sold them off never thinking the day would come when they would stop production and prices go crazy. Now the Marlin is probably a better deal for the money.

Rosie

The best and most accurate lever gun I ever owned was a Mossberg. Won't take a chunk out of your finger either because the trigger moves with the lever.

gesshots

Savage Model 99.

Don't know if it would be in your price range, but this model is my all time favorite lever action. If you reload, you can use pointed bullets too.
[;)][^]

gearheaddad

Of course, one of each is always a good plan too!

bullshot

quote:Originally posted by gearheaddad
Of course, one of each is always a good plan too!


Finally, a sensible answer. [:D]

Sav99

quote:Originally posted by gesshots
Savage Model 99.

Don't know if it would be in your price range, but this model is my all time favorite lever action. If you reload, you can use pointed bullets too.
[;)][^]



Mine too. [;)]

grumpygy

Have a Marlin But not 30-30 its a 444.

Oakie

quote:Originally posted by tomahawk
just get a marlin and be done


Bingo[;)]Why waste your money when you can have the best 30-30 on the market for around 300 bucks.

SwanKong

If your going to put a scope on a lever gun then do not get a lever gun...

tsavo303

marlin

Chief Shaway

When I was in the market for one, my local dealer had a 94 and a 336. I was into the 94 being a Winnie and all but when I held and cycled each, the Marlin just seemed to be a much better rifle.
I have since sold the 336 30/30 to a friend and bought one in 44. I do miss the 30/30 at times.

Oakie

Jon, you might also want to consider buying the marlin BL. That stands for big loop. It came out about two years ago and is great if you are wearing gloves in the winter to shoot.It comes in 30-30 and 45-70.

retroxler58

montanajoe

[^][^]

lksmith03

quote:Originally posted by cpermd
Marlin 336

+1
As others have said get a pre safety 336. You won't be sorry.
Stout as a brick outhouse and more accurate than the shooter

mystryman

marlin 336.
I've taken more deer with mine that I can remember over the years. I like the side eject. The winchester has a top eject. I don't like the top eject.

Colonel Plink

I like the weight and the point-ability of the 94. But there's no mistaking the Hell-For-Stout durability of the 336.

Someone else posted something along the lines of, "...why choose? Get both?"

Of course, I've also been reading very good things about the Mossberg.