Looking for a solid 30-30 bush rifle... Win 94 30-30, Marlin, Any other suggestions?

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CDL18

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Hey everyone!

I am looking to pick up a solid and reliable 30-30 lever action bush rifle...

I have handled a Win 94 30-30 and i really liked the feel... However i have having a hard time finding one in great condition... Anyone know where i can find one? and $ing

Am i better to pick up one of these classic guns, or go for a new similar stlye gun? Price is not really an issue, so feel free to suggest anything!

Thanks!
 
You will have to buy used if you want a Winchester, and chances are it'll have hunting marks. If you want new, there is nothing wrong with the 336. (or used for that matter)
Now Mossberg builds a .30-30 that is very similar to the Winchester, but I've never seen one myself. One fellow on here reported he didn't like his alot, but you'd have to try one on yourself. Henry also builds a nice rifle, but their heavy and expensive. I don't remember for sure, but I think thet were around $800.
 
Really nice Win 94's come up all the time on the exchange. As do Marlin 336's.
The benefit of buying a new gun is that it's unfired and you know the whole history. But used levers have worked well for me; I have yet to buy a .30-30 (I've had 5 Model 94's and 3 Marlin 336's) that didn't function well and shoot accurately. Your call. If you can live with iron sights and top eject, nothing points like a 94. And the Marlin is a slick, solid rifle that's easy to scope and cleans from the breech. Either one used, in good shape, will serve you well.
I was quite prepared to like the new Mossberg lever but haven't heard much good about it yet. Time will tell, it may yet prove to be a winner.
I love longer-barreled lever rifles, but if I were to recommend what I think may be most practical, I'd say get the Marlin 336 stainless/walnut. Pretty light, short, accurate, dependable, easy to clean. And to my eyes, pretty.
 
I like winchesters the feel is better in the hand then the marlin just my personal likeing there lots of used ones around some better then others I have a few winchesters 1 marlin it was my grandfathers my personal favorite is my winchester trapper great bush gun short and light.
 
I love my win 94, .32 special. It has seen a lot of hunting action and has never let me down. Right now, its my favorite hunting rifle for in the bush, it is small and not too heavy. Ammo is a bit tougher to find then the normal 30-30, but if you search you can always find it somewhere.
best of luck.
 
I would have to go along with the Marlin 336. I do not currently have a Marlin 30-30, but I have had them, and I presently have a very nice 94 from the early 40s.
If the newer pre 64 Winchester is drilled for an aperature sight, it is the same sight as fits the holes on the Marlin, that is one handy thing.
The Marlin is a piece of cake for mounting a standard scope. Even if you do not like a scope, it is handy to be able to put one on for testing ammo, at least.
I think the 336 action is just a bit smoother than the pre 64, 94.
While Marlin has been around for almost as long as Winchester, it is always Winchester that gets the nostalgia all worked up. Nothing like having a classic Winchester!
If we disregard that part of the scenario, I think a Marlin 336 beats a W 94.
 
We had a Marlin 336, I've always thought it was a rifle. Whereas the Winchester 94 is a carbine; that how they felt to me. I've handled post '64 winchesters and didn't like the feel. Marlin feels bigger, doesn't point as nice though.
Just my opinion.
 
I recently picked up a Marlin 336w as a bush gun. I looked around and did research and found BP in vaughan had the best price and it comes with a crappy scope(good enough though) I would rather not give them my business, but I knew what I wanted so all they had to do was hand it to me and fill out some paperwork, and I couldn't touch the price anywhere close. Took it out, got it sighted in and I am really happy with the purchase.
 
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