Best Lever-gun in .30-30?

Siggy Stardust

Siggy Stardust

CGN frequent flyer
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
14   0   0
Location
Fleeing the Regime
Hey Gang,

Just looking for some opinions out there regarding the purchase of a new lever rifle in .30-30. I have an old Model 94 (circa 1940) Trapper with the short barrel. I inherited it in less than great shape and had it restored.

Nice light and handy gun but the action is clunky and accuracy is less than stellar.

Thing is that I love the .30-30 as a brush gun for deer and closer ranges and would like to get a smoother more accurate lever in the same caliber.

Heard mixed reviews on all the major brands. Apparently the Henry's are pretty smooth, but how accurate are they?

Something in stainless / syn would be ideal.

Any suggestions?
 
I hear horror stories lately about the quality of new Marlins. That said, I would start there, provided you go to a dealer so you can handle the one you want. I like those stainless/synthetic models, though both my Marlins are blued/walnut. I'd also check out the Mossberg. I've heard mixed reviews on that one, but the price is okay and it scopes easily.
I know diddly about Henry rifles.
 
Best lever in .30-30?

Iron or peep sites - pre 64 Win '94.

Scoped - pre cross bolt safety Marlin 336.

My .02

1aCoffee.gif

NAA.
 
Handle them that is the way to go for the new Marlin ones... But for myself i can say that my Henry Big Boy 44 mag is so much quality, cycle super smooth accuracy is good and the finition is flawless, my old Trapper in 44 mag is a very good rifle but accuracy is average at best... JP.
 
I'm in favour for the older Marlins, own 2 . Saw a older style Marlin in 30-30 cal at a gun show today in Milton. Was in near mint condition for $300 & was very tempted to buy it.
 
Have hunted with both the Marlin and the Win. 94, and own a Marlin 336.

IMHO, the Marlin outclasses the '94 on most counts, and certainly has the advantage of scope mounting, if you ever decide to go that route.

My Marlin is about 12 years old, and has the additional safety. Frankly, for the life of me I can't figure out what the big deal is about this...??? It's this little button that you push to the "fire" position when it's time to shoot...you know, just like you do on every other rifle you could possibly mention. And the problem with this is...what??? :confused:
 
I have a Savage 99C 308 and also have an older Marlin 336 (1951) in 35Rem. I am left handed and am quite fond of both rifles. FWIW the Marlin would be my choice for a 30-30 for many reasons but I also like curved pistol grips and the ability to clean the barrel from the chamber out. Not a lot of moving parts in there either. Pretty solid mech. Ive had a few 94 including a 1900 vintage 38-55 that was a tack driver with iron sights but I only have the Savage and Marlin now. Then again I also have a Browning 1886 45/70. Now THAT is a levergun.
 
Have owned both. I Like the 94 but find the marlin easier to strip and clean. Take out the lever screw, drop the lever, pull out the bolt and extractor and you can clean the barrel from the chamber. I took my 94 apart once and I still get a nervous twitch when I think about it.:)
 
Very true my od 250-3000 99 Savage is sooo smooth and accurate with open sight i just check the year it was made in 1916 when you undo the stoch it is punch on the metal, we had this rifle in the family for almost a 100 year and it look brand new... JP.
 
Unfortunately, the answer is an older Marlin or Winchester.

The new guns seem to lack quality workmanship. I have several older Marlins, 336A 336Y, 340C, and love them.

I have held and shot some older winchesters, pre angle eject, and they were awesome.

Look to get an older gun and make sure you hold it and examine it carefully before you buy.

Good luck. Check the EE often.
 
Well, I'm not afraid of the Japanese. I would not be afraid to try one of the new Miroku made Winchesters. I handled one in Vegas. The quality is excellent. Accuracy has to be better than past versions.
Problem is dollars, these rifles are not cheap like the older '94s were.
 
HOWDY ;IF you want a Marlin look at the barrel by the frame , is it stamped JM then it is made before 2009 and may be OK . IF it is stamped REM walk away. It made by remigton . ,the one I bought yesteday is crap. worst marlin I ever owned !
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom