good 30-30 rifle

With a tang sight either is a good shooter for me. However I prefer a pistol grip and the Marlin is designed so you can clean the barrel thru the chamber. That along with the something like 8
large moving parts and robust receiver its an easy choice for me. I prefer the looks of the 94 and a pre 64 would be ok but the top eject and light receiver dont cut it for me. Marlins are drilled and tapped for scopes if you want to use it. With the new LeverEvolution ammo they have more poop and range too. Lots of Marlins out there but very seldom see them for sale compared to the Winnies. They are also known for accuracy. A bit on the heavy side and a little lumpy looking but they are reliable.
 
bogie said:
With a tang sight either is a good shooter for me. However I prefer a pistol grip and the Marlin is designed so you can clean the barrel thru the chamber. That along with the something like 8
large moving parts and robust receiver its an easy choice for me. I prefer the looks of the 94 and a pre 64 would be ok but the top eject and light receiver dont cut it for me. Marlins are drilled and tapped for scopes if you want to use it. With the new LeverEvolution ammo they have more poop and range too. Lots of Marlins out there but very seldom see them for sale compared to the Winnies. They are also known for accuracy. A bit on the heavy side and a little lumpy looking but they are reliable.
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A bit on the heavy side and a little lumpy looking but they are reliable.[/QUOTE]

there it is, Bud! in your own words, Marlin = heavy, bulky and down right dog puke ugly, lets just say Win 94 it is, all the way to the winner's circle! be nice, now! :p what ya doing up & adum with that green eye lite in Van at his time of night, anyway? I'm crashing now in Mb, going hunt'en at 6 AM, with my 94! ;)
 
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I've owned a CIL version of the Savage bolt, a Marlin, and a Winchester 94 (32 Special). You will be happy with anyone of them for hunting. For simple preference for hunting the Marlin is the best in my opinion. I find it attractive but most important is easy breech cleaning (pull the lever pivot screw, withdraw the bolt, catch the ejector, takes 30 seconds), easy scoping or receiver sight mounting, and it fits better due to its slightly larger size with a pistol grip and long LOP. Also they tend to be better priced than Winchester pre-64 models and Winchesters generally.

The Winchester is lighter (the Marlin is only a little heavier which I prefer) and it really handles well but it feels smaller, I'm a big guy. But that is one of its charms, a true carbine hunting rifle with all the romance of an old western. If you are going to use a scope make sure you get a late model Angle Eject version. My levers are all peep sighted.

The Savage was a dandy rifle and is often priced right. I think the Rem 788 also came as a 30-30. Uberti made a single shot 30-30 and Prophet River had one on thier consignment page awhile ago. H&R Handi and Savage 219 make/made simple break open single shots as well. But 30-30 and levers go together.

One piece of advice with used levers, always clean the mag tube as they are often quite dirty and overlooked for cleaning and LIGHT oiling.
 
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