30-30

[chucksamson68]

EDIT:
Thanks all for the answers! I'll definitely be looking into the Marlin 336 as well!

Hi!

I'm looking to buy a lever action 30-30. I'm looking mostly to buy a Win Model 94. I was wondering if there was better options out there for reliability and precision. I'd keep it iron sighted. It would be used to hunt black bear and white tail deer. Also, would you buy new or used?

Thanks!

 

[DaMikey]

Hi!

I'm looking to buy a lever action 30-30. I'm looking mostly to buy a Win Model 94. I was wondering if there was better options out there for reliability and precision. I'd keep it iron sighted. It would be used to hunt black bear and white tail deer. Also, would you buy new or used?

Thanks!

Look for a used 30-30, pre-64 if you can. If it’s a hunting rifle, there’s usually a deal to be found on a “shot-little, but carried a lot” Model 94’s which as bluing loss on the carry points and some small scrapes and dings in the wood, but very good bores. I’d even consider a nice 32 Winchester Special as they can be had for less than the 30-30 most for the time and ammo ain’t as scare as many make it out to believe.

 

[Arcosdad]

I'm a fan of M94's too but prefer the smoothness and look of the older Marlin 336 myself. Don't get fooled by the look of the Chiappa model 92 copies.... poor quality piece.

Gun shows are often good places to see these in person but prices can be inflated..

 

[yomomma]

Buy new or used, add this.

 

[Jack Ryan]

I owned a 94 one time and didn't care for it, ejecting out the top restricts your siting options.

I sold it and bought a Marlin 336.

 

[contaucreek]

The worst Marlin is better than the best Winchester (backs away slowly into the treeline)

 

[scotteboy]

I have a Henry 30-30 and it's great.
Never had an issue with it and has beautiful furniture

 

[kriko]

I second the skinner sights recommendation from yomomma. 94’s look better, Marlins shoot better. IMO

 

[struff55]

The marlin 336 is the lever to have as far as lever guns go
stay away from henerys mosbergs s&W
basicly any lever gun that does not come from the lever time period

 

[DVXDUDE]

I like carrying a 1894 the most, But I like shooting the 336.

Buy em both, why not.

 

[yomomma]

I like carrying a 1894 the most, But I like shooting the 336.

Buy em both, why not.

Reasonable solution

 

[remington jim]

M336 Marly is my Choice

 

[Eagleye]

The 336 gets my vote as well.

 

[kamlooky]

The 35rem is still’ear.
I’ve lost count of Marlins I have owned.
Great rewt’in tewt’in ker-pows.

 

[boxhitch]

The Rossi 95 is good and gets better with experience

 

[rhino62]

Winchester 94 takes seven in magazine vis six for marlin

 

[Bigcrigger]

Marlin is fine, no complaints about them. The Winchester 94 is on another level though, taken more deer than any other rifle, most successful sporting rifle made in terms of sales if I’m correct. They also point much nicer, handle both and go with what calls to you. Should be plenty of each at gun stores around ya.

 

[contaucreek]

Winchester 94 takes seven in magazine vis six for marlin

But the Marlin shoots straight and saves ammo!

 

[wasrupzuk]

94’s or 336’s are both great options.
To me the 94 looks better, feels slimmer and is my preference.
If it’s just a shooter/hunter no need to pay the extra for pre-64 and the AE version is a good option if you don’t mind the look.
The 336 has a wider forearm, a curved grip and side ejection which all could be beneficial.
You can also find 336’s in stainless if that’s something that speaks to your needs.
Lots of other options now out there as well but I don’t see the incentive to go that way as the costs are so similar you might as well just get one from the period that will likely appreciate.

 

[rhino62]

farm girl vis ballerina!

94’s or 336’s are both great options.
To me the 94 looks better, feels slimmer and is my preference.
If it’s just a shooter/hunter no need to pay the extra for pre-64 and the AE version is a good option if you don’t mind the look.
The 336 has a wider forearm, a curved grip and side ejection which all could be beneficial.
You can also find 336’s in stainless if that’s something that speaks to your needs.
Lots of other options now out there as well but I don’t see the incentive to go that way as the costs are so similar you might as well just get one from the period that will likely appreciate.