Marlin 336C vs. Winchester 94

I have both and love them both. The 94 has character whereas the 336 is smooth to the point of lacking character. The difference in accuracy is minimal. The 94 feels much smaller when I carry it (it really isn't). If you want a scope I would go with the Marlin though.
 
I have owned both and shot both, I also like the Marlin 336 much better. I really hope Remington gets the 336 right from now on its such a great gun and it would be great to see Remington keep the tradition alive. One thing I hated about the winchester is the ejector claw thingy ripped the crap out of the rim of the shells leaving sharp edges on the shell. Anybody else notice this?
 
I have both, a post 64 1894 ('77) and 90's model 30AS.
The 94 wears a peep and is deadly accurate with cast boolits and shoots 170gr Hornadys FN just as accurate.
I bought the Marlin specifically to mount a scope. With the Microgroove bbl she loves Speer RN on top of 38.5grs of LeverEvolution powder with 1" groups at 100yds.

If I were buying just one 30-30 I'd buy a Marlin hands down! Scope or peep she'll reliably perform for ya!
 
Can-down said:
G, Good call on the 30-30! It's a pleasant gun to shoot with minimal recoil.
When I was younger I thought the pistol grip on the Marlin looked all wrong (think cowboy movies) but the fact is I find the pistol grips more comfortable on the wrist.
I've come to appreciate the Marlins and they are a better design mechanically as well.
I'd look for a nice used Marlin on the EE and maybe if a nice old Winchester pops up grab it too.....
Then you can decide for yourself! :)

PS I wouldn't listen to guys at the gunshop........specially since they won't even let you handle their wares.
Click to expand...


Same here, I used to think the Marlins looked goofy with that pistol grip. Now I think they are a thing of beauty! I do how ever have a soft spot for old Win 94 SRC's, nothing in my mind looks more classic then one. I would say buy one of each and be happy knowing you have two classic beauties that work great.

What ever you do buy used and buy old, Pre-64 Win and Pre 2007 Marlin (But older pre safety is even better)

Two Win 94's built in the 20's, left 30-30 right 25-35


Older pre safety Marlin 336 in 35 Rem (looks the same as a 30-30) with XS sights on it which are absolutely awesome!
 
Last edited:
For me, I go with the pre-safety Winchester 94's in any barrel length and have both straight grip & pistol
grip models. Best huntin' rifles I've ever used. The older Marlins are great, but for us cast boolit shooters,
Micro Groove rifling sucks for warm or hot loads. Winchesters carry better for me and are just plain artful
in appearance.

XS sights are perfect for me as well.:)

1970 Model 94 NRA .30-30
View attachment 14771

1983 .375 Big Bore 94 XTR
View attachment 14772
 
If recoil is an issue, then buy the marlin. I am always surprized at the recoil of my M94.

With a marlin, a fixed 2.5 or 3X scope is perfect (mount it as low as possible), or put on a Williams Foolproof rear sight, and you will have a rifle that is fairly accurate and does not kick too hard.

The older Marlins are well made. I would buy used.
 
Ganderite said:
If recoil is an issue, then buy the marlin. I am always surprized at the recoil of my M94.

With a marlin, a fixed 2.5 or 3X scope is perfect (mount it as low as possible), or put on a Williams Foolproof rear sight, and you will have a rifle that is fairly accurate and does not kick too hard.

The older Marlins are well made. I would buy used.
Click to expand...

I agree on the recoil statement. The 94 stock isn't overly forgiving in that department and doesn't seem to be scope friendly either. The Marlin however takes to optics like it was designed to.
 
I own a Winchester 94 and a Marlin 336 and shoot both. The Winchester seems lighter and more compact, but the Marlin is more accurate, mounts a scope properly, and is easier to take apart. My vote goes to the Marlin.
 
I've owned and like both , but as I've turned into an old fart ( it came as a shock ) my eyes don't handle iron sights , even peep sights , that well . My Marlins , a 336 in 30-30 and an 1895 in 45/70 , both wear low power variable scopes . The Marlins are easy to scope compared to most 94's , angle eject models excepted , and IMHO feel better scoped than the 94 AE's . In the end , it's all a matter of personal preference , pick the one that feels right in your hands . Maybe some of the local CGNers could let you handle both to help you decide , and try and find a gun shop that's a little more friendly to future customers , just a thought .
 
i have both if you buy new the marlin is half the price. its also cheaper than when marlin was making them by quite a bit so it might not be as good although i never owned an original marlin. the marlin is better for shooting especially if you replace the sear with a trigger happy. i have the xlr the extra 4 inches of barrel is better for sighting and will add take a few years off your eyesight compared to a 20 inch barrel. the marlin is simpler and functions just as well i dont know which is better engineered but when i look at the win after the marlin it looks awful fussy. the winchester is for having a gun in your travels and the marlin is for shooting. i like the looks of the marlin even the bulkier forestock but the winchester seems finer and handier. the quick takedown cleaning of the marlin means i use it much more but i would use it more anyway.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom