Range Report: M94 & Marlin 336

Ganderite

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Today I took some rifle to the range for some casual plinking. The shoot included a pair of rifles I have had for some time but never fired yet. (I have some rifles yet to be fired that have been in my lock up for over 30 years.)

My marlin 336 in 30-30 has never been tested. Last night I mounted a 1 -4X Leopold scope and boresighted it. At 50 yards the first shot was only about 5” off.

I also took my 1975 vintage Winchester 94. This rifle has a Williams Foolproof receiver sight and has been hunted a few times. I like the way it handles.

My eyes aren't very good, so I shot at 50 yards. I can see the aiming mark clearly at 50 yards. All ammo was loaded with CCI standard primers, a very old non-canister lot of BLC2 and Hornady 150 gr RN bullets. Velocity is about 2300 fps.

Both rifles shot very well. The Marlin has a fatter fore end, pistol grip and is about a pound heavier. It is a bit more comfortable to shoot than the Winchester (off a bench) but for hunting I think I would rather carry the handier M94. Certainly good enough for local deer hunting where typical shots are in the 20 to 60 yard range. The Winchester shot a fabulous group. Just a reminder as to how effective a peep sight is.

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I modified the front sight of the Winchester. It has a bright red bead that did not light up well under the factory hood. I was reluctant to take the hood off because I have damaged front sights in hunting situations. I compromised and cut the hood in half, exposing the bead to the light.

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Decent groups, but no real surprise about the Winchester shooting that tight at 50 yards. They are dandy rifles. I bet if you find a load the Marlin likes it will do that well or better.

BTW, I think Williams sells slotted sight hoods for Marlins and Winchesters so the light can get to their Firesights.
 
I'm surprised the 94 outshot the Marlin.
Never been that way around here.
Toss the target out to 100 and I bet the targets would change.
Thanks for the post.
 
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