lever action rifle

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Guinness87

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Hey guys im looking at buying a lever action rifle, its main use is gonna be deer and bear hunting. I'm not quite sure what calibre to get although i have been leaning towards a 30-30. My other question is whats the best bang for your buck, should i get a Winchester or a Marlin?

Thanks Guinness!
 
Marlin 336 in 35 Remington. That's my choice. You'll hear a lot of guy's recommend the 45-70 or the Marlin 444. Maybe even a recommendation for the 375. All are good out to 150 yards.
 
If you reload, get the 45/70, it's the top of the heap and can always be loaded down, but the other cals. can't be loaded to 45/70 levels.
 
I would take a good used Savage 1899/99 or a Browning BLR over the Winchester or Marlin. Caliber of choice would be .308 in the former (or .300 Savage if you reload) and either .308 or .358 in the BLR.

Those chamberings offer very good performance and are versatile. I also like rifles more than the Winchester and Marlin.

With respect to the Winchester and Marlin, note that in 1964 Winchester made some significant changes to their Model 94 - these changes were to the detrement of the rifle. I would look for a nice clean pre-64 model if you decide to go that way. The Marlin on the other hand, has suffered greatly recently in the quality department. Do a search and you will find hundreds and hundreds of complaints with recent production rifles. There too you should look for an older one - one that was made before Remington took over.
 
Winchester model 88,or Blr for sure would be the better choice..308 or 243 more of a modern choice,more bullet selection as well.But try them all out, and make up your own mind.Good luck...
 
Stay the hell away from Marlington. If you don't listen....you were warned.

Spend the extra dosh and grab a Winchester made in Miroku.
You can thank me a few years from now ;)
 
I prefer levers and lean towards the Savage 99 in either 300 savage or 308 win. I also have a 94 in 30-30 and a 94 BB in 356 win. I feel comfortable hunting most anything with any of them. I'm keeping my eyes open for a cheap Marlin in 35 rem just because I have never had one. It basically boils down to personal taste. Try shouldering a few different models and see what feels good to you.
 
TACTICAL111 said:
How's the fit & finish, QC etc etc? I've never had one.
Click to expand...

Well, I don't own a Marlin or Winchester, so I can't do a side-by side comparison, but I handled a used Marlin last year before I bought this and the Henry hands-down has a smoother action. It easily has the best fit and finish within my (albeit modest) collection of guns. No issues with functionality either, and it's plenty accurate for deer.

Here it is with a Skinner peep sight on the receiver:

FoodStuff178.jpg


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I'd go with the Savage 99 as well. I've got them in 300 Sav, 243, and 308. Great rifle. Get the 308 first (loads of different loads available), but you may end up with SBS (Savage Buying Syndrome).
 
If the shots are at 150 yds or less I would go with the 94 Winchester 30-30.I use one and so do 6 millon other guys.
 
These are 2 different styles of rifles. I would suggest trying each one on for size to help you decide. The Marlin for up close (under 150yards) or the 99 for a little farther out there. (250 yards) I prefer the 99 F (feather weight) at a light 6.5 lbs in 300 savage, but you may feel different. Good luck.
 
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