Marlin 336C vs. Winchester 94

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Mr. G

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I'm a new shooter and looking at my options for a rifle that's not too expensive for target shooting, and powerful enough to take down a deer. I have access to a .22 magnum for plinking, so I'm thinking a 30-30 would do nicely. Having shot my friend's Savage 30-06, I quickly decided that something that powerful would stop my wife from ever enjoying shooting.

So I'm narrowing down on the Marlin 336C and the Winchester 94. I love the looks of them, but haven't been able to hold them because the local shop doesn't let people without a P.A.L. even touch a firearm. I've been reading reviews, and most of them seem to say the Marlin is a sturdier build, more durable action, more accurate, and has fewer parts so it's easier to fix and has less that can go wrong.

But then the guy in the shop says the Winchester is more popular, and I'm thinking that the price difference might be justified by something other than the mystique?

I know I'm going to need to cuddle with them to see if one fits me personally better than the other, but what do you guys think?

Marlin 336C vs. Winchester 94?
 
I'd pick an old Marlin 336 over the 94.
Years ago, the 94 was the flavour.
Easy to mount a scope on the Marlin and they tend to
be slightly more accurate.

Others will opine differently.
 
Mr. G,

We shoot lots of black powder cartridge rifle in a winter interclub setting - and most of the fellows use the Marlin - in 336 and 1895 flavours - big cartridge and the pistol calibers. Very few come with Winchesters. So many guys use the Marlin that the wrong rifle has been taken home on more than one occasion!

The Marlins guns easy takedown means that if you have the right size screwdriver the rifle can be cleaned from the breach. This is a big plus for easy maintenance and happy shooting. The guys shoot well out of the box, but are easy to customize a little or a lot.

We shoot at steel targets a hundred yards away with iron sights - the term 'target shooting' 'means something to us that a guy with a 6mm rifle and a 32 power scope might not be happy with, but with cast bullets and black powder it gives us an excuse to get to the gunclub in the winter and works up a lunch appetite. We blaze away with single action revolvers and make a morning of it.


stewbud
 
I personally prefer the marlin. I love the look of the 94 but for me the marlins ease of scope mounting and accuracy push it to the #1 spot. I've owned 6 94s and have sold them but still have a 336.
 
Go to another shop. There's no law that says you can't handle a firearm without a PAL. Mind you, wanting to cuddle with one is kind of twisted. snicker.
Anyway, the Marlin's action is much smoother than a Win 94. The 336's design isn't 110 years old. They're far easier to scope as well, should you take that into your head. And the stick design helps reduce the felt recoil. Always found a Win 94 has excessive felt recoil for the power of the cartridge. Had a 94 when I was a new shooter. Sold it pretty quickly.
 
G, Good call on the 30-30! It's a pleasant gun to shoot with minimal recoil.
When I was younger I thought the pistol grip on the Marlin looked all wrong (think cowboy movies) but the fact is I find the pistol grips more comfortable on the wrist.
I've come to appreciate the Marlins and they are a better design mechanically as well.
I'd look for a nice used Marlin on the EE and maybe if a nice old Winchester pops up grab it too.....
Then you can decide for yourself! :)

PS I wouldn't listen to guys at the gunshop........specially since they won't even let you handle their wares.
 
I agree with the peep sights being the way to go, but most peeps mount to the side of the receiver if you buy an older gun.
The guns come drilled and tapped for common peep sights.
 
Can-down said:
When I was younger I thought the pistol grip on the Marlin looked all wrong (think cowboy movies) but the fact is I find the pistol grips more comfortable on the wrist.
Click to expand...

I think they look great with both grips.

If you take the straight grip stock from your Marlin 1895 Cowboy you can swap it with the pistol grip of the 336 (and have no extra parts left over for either gun!). I had my receiver case coloured so that it won't get grabbed by mistake in the gun rack. I find the pistol grip a bit easier to control, but both styles shoot well in calibers from .30-30 to .45/70.


stewbud
 
I have to agree with all the comments here.

Just got a Marlin 336CS this week. The rifle was manufactured in 1996, so a real Marlin.
Compared with the Winchester 94, the Marlin feels much tighter, the action is soooo smooth.
When I shoulder the Marlin, it is just a natural pointer.
If I would be a hunter, the Marlin would go with me into the woods.

One big advantage (someone said it already) is, you can easily remove the bolt and clean from the breech.

Thumbs up for the Marlin.

PS I love the Winni too, that's why I own both. :)
 
Thanks folks. I was leaning Marlin and this confirmed it for me. Haven't tried peep sights yet, is there a model you guys would recommend for the Marlin?
 
I have both. Marlin is the better gun (and easily can mount a scope. the winchester is cooler. MUCH cooler! IMO everybody should have a win 94

I would use the winchester for hunting at close-ish distance where I dont use a scope and for fun shooting. winchester is lighter and slimmer which in some uses is a big advantage

My marlin is pre #### up. I dont know what the status is on the #### up but apparently its better now ... it should be researched though...
 
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