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30-30 LEVER

MNTNMANMNTNMAN Member Posts: 46 ✭✭
edited January 2002 in Ask the Experts
LOOKING FOR OPINIONS ON 30-30 LEVER ACTIONS. CHOOSING BETWEEN WIN 94 AND MARLIN 336SS. I INHERITED AN OLD, WELL ITS NOT THAT OLD, BUT ITS OLDER THAN I AM, MARLIN. ITS A GOOD SHOOTER AND MECHANICALLY SOUND, AND I HAVE HEARD GOOD THINGS ABOUT THE 336. JUST WONDERING WHAT EVERYONE ELSE THINKS.
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Comments

  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I like that 336 stainless too, but they just don't feel quite right to me. The 94 feels better. You really can't go wrong with either for a .30-30 lever. I kinda think the 336 is a little better rifle, but try both and go with the one that feels right and comes most naturally to the shoulder.
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  • anderskandersk Member Posts: 3,627 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Right, both are good guns, but I like the Winchester 94 better. I have a Marlin 30-30 but it does not feel as good to me as the Winchester. Some people might prefer the microgroove rifling of the Marlin better, but I cannot see the difference in the woods or at the range.Both are keepers and shooters, but if I had to choose, I'd go with the Winchester.Bonne Chasse!
    Ken
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  • biganimalbiganimal Member Posts: 135 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    when I put them to my shoulder the winchester feels better, but when I work the action the marlin feels like a gun should feel. the winchester feels cheaper...but both are excellent shooters
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  • sig-mansig-man Member Posts: 591 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you are going to scope it get the Marlin, if using iron sights you can't beat the Winchester. Either way they are both excellent guns and have put their share of meat on the table...
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  • roundballroundball Member Posts: 75 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    My personal experience:I've owned and shot them both over the years...now have seven Marlin 336's in the family in various configurations and calibers...no Winchesters;The Winchesters used to be a top of the line lever action but lost that distinction a couple decades ago;And the Marlins hold their resale value better which tells a story right there.
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  • chuckchuck Member Posts: 4,911
    edited November -1
    Before you make up your mind, try to shoot them both I think you will like the marlin better the 94s kick more. My personal prefernce is the Marlin. GOOD LUCK
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  • idsman75idsman75 Member Posts: 13,398 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Why is a Marlin better if you are going to scope it? New production Winchesters eject casings at an angle so as not to strike the scope. Isn't that correct? Mine Winchester was like that.
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  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I am not sure if this is the reason for the previous statement, but 94's have such a low comb it is difficult to mount a scope low enough to keep your cheek in good contact with the stock while looking through the scope. Try yours, you will find when you pull it to shoulder you eye is lined up on the iron sights pretty well. To make an adjustment to get your eye up to scope level will cost you that spot weld on the stock and some accuracy. 'Course I have not used a 336 with a scope and am not sure it would be better.
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  • Rusty WRusty W Member Posts: 19 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    You already have a good rifle that ejects to the side without any scope interferance. Get a see through scope mount and a moderently priced scope (you don't have a rifle that shoots flat for a 300yrd. shot) and experiment with factory ammo to see what it shoots best at say 100yrds. 30/30 is a great deer rifle if you know its limits.
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  • Rusty WRusty W Member Posts: 19 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    One more thing you may want to look into purchasing a hammer extension bar for any scoped hammer rifle.
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  • loan sharkloan shark Member Posts: 130 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Gave up the 30.30 years ago when I bought my 7mm Rem mag. Got tired of shooting my 336 with a bullet that had an arch like a rainbow. If you are going to spend the money anyway, get something that can shoot a little flatter. IMHO
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  • jhj370jhj370 Member Posts: 57 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    30-30 is a great starter rifle for deer hunting. If you already have the 336 and it shoots well keep it. That's what my father started me with about 20 years ago. I got it out this past season to hunt a brush area where I needed a quick shot and iron sights. Dropped a doe on the first shot. With this calibre placement is crucial. Have had many run after a shot in the front shoulder. I will never trade or get rid of my 336.
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  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    RustyW- In my opinion the see thru scope mounts raise the scope too high for accurate shooting at least with the 94. I have tried it. Took the scope off. Just another point of view, not to coin a pun.
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  • MNTNMANMNTNMAN Member Posts: 46 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    LOAN SHARK- IF I WANTED A FLAT SHOOTER I WOULD USE SOMETHING THAT I ALREADY HAVE. NO COLLECTION IS COMPLETE WITHOUT A 30-30 LEVER ACTION.
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  • rrfhunterrrfhunter Member Posts: 187 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I like model 94's better for a couple of reasons.1)They are incredibly light to carry all day.2)The stock is a little shorter for younger shooters.I live in the Sierra's and it's incredibly brushy so a short gun is REAL handy.Of course that's not to say my whims don't change every afternoon when I pick out a gun from the cabinet before I go out!
    ....I never met a gun I didn't like!
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