Marlin 336 or Winchester 94???

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Which rifle would you rather have in 30-30 for a bush deer gun?? I have the choice of either a 1975 Winchester 94 with a 20" barrel and the traditional lever style safety. Or a 2 year old Marlin 336 with a 20" barrel and the cross bolt style safety.

The reason im asking is I currently own the Winchester 94, but I have a lead on a straight up trade I could make for a new Marlin 336, Both rifles are in mint condition. I am wondering what rifle is more accurate, reliable and will look better for the next 50 years? What rifle has better fit/finish and quality of construction? Thanks
 
I only ever owned one 1894 and it was ok. Then it just seemed clunky to me. Now I like them for that reason. I have owned several Marlins and I personally believe their better built and better enginered. If you want to scope it, the Marlin is the obvious choice. If you want a light fast handling rifle, the Winchester is more trim. In the end, it's what you find more comfortable.
 
I had a model 94 and there was nothing really wrong with it, I just didn't like the feel of the action. Now I have a 336 and I don't plan to ever sell it. As an earlier posting said, it just seems better engineered. I prefer the way the action feels. The ability to scope the 336 is a plus. It seems to me that the 94 is a bit lighter, which is a plus for it.
 
Stupid question here but do the new in box Marlin 336C still come with the gold trigger? I was on the Marlin site and it looks like the picture shows a black trigger. Anyone bought one new recently??
 
savage-man said:
Stupid question here but do the new in box Marlin 336C still come with the gold trigger? I was on the Marlin site and it looks like the picture shows a black trigger. Anyone bought one new recently??
Click to expand...

We just got new Marlin 336C's in last week. As you can see, black triggers now. The Marlins seem to have decent wood on them. Most co's the wood quality is going down but these seem a little better than before. Here's the two just arrived:
.30/30:
IMG_6704.jpg

IMG_6705.jpg

.35 Rem:
IMG_6706.jpg

IMG_6707.jpg
 
If your going to scope it, I'd say pickup the Marlin. If not keep the 94. Even better yet, keep the 94 & buy the the Marlin. Just a thought...
 
my 94 usually stays home..I just love my 336 in 35 rem..it just I cant xplain..

if I am gonna take a win. I take my mod71.
 
I'd get the Win, if you want a wall hanger and conversation piece. Ever try to disassemble one of those buggers?? Too hard to clean once they get dirty. And I don't like the accuracy compared to the Marlin. The marlin is also a breeze to take the bolt out of and field strip. Plus I think they are just plain more accurate, built better, and not as sloppily made as the Winny's.
Not saying I dont appreciate the winchesters, I do own one, but I never shoot the thing, I just always take the Marlin if I actually intend to fire the thing.
 
sgt.rock said:
I'd get the Win, if you want a wall hanger and conversation piece. Ever try to disassemble one of those buggers?? Too hard to clean once they get dirty. And I don't like the accuracy compared to the Marlin. The marlin is also a breeze to take the bolt out of and field strip. Plus I think they are just plain more accurate, built better, and not as sloppily made as the Winny's.
Not saying I dont appreciate the winchesters.
Click to expand...

This post reflects my sentiments exactly! Eagleye.
 
I have two 94s and last Spring a guy gave me a basket case rusted shut 1958 Sears Model 45 (Marlin 336 made for Sears) with no sights or butt stock.

I stripped, cleaned, reblued and stocked it and despite its previous condition, it is still a better rifle than my 1974 '94.

The 1927 saddle ring carbine is beat up but a better made '94. It has its own charm.

The action on the 336 is WAY slicker and tighter and you can scope it.
 
Yup, another Marlin supporter here (336CS in 30-30). I hummed and hawed for the longest time trying to decide between the Winchester and the Marlin. As much as I wanted to pick up a 94 Trapper, I couldn't get over the fact that the Marlins just seemed better/solidly built as compared to the Winnies... I've had the 336 for over two decades now and it's still one of my favourites. Now having said all of this, I still wouldn't mind picking up a nice Trapper sized 94... Lol!

hsld.
 
Marlin.
The only reason I have a Winchester instead is because I inherited it and really only need one .30-30, but I sure wish I'd kept my Marlin carbine. I don't like the crossbolt safety, but that's removeable.
I do like the easy clean-from-the-breech design, and the ease of mounting a scope as my eyes are aging. And I find the Marlin a tiny bit slower to get on target than the 94, but only a tiny bit.
 
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