Trying a 30-30, what should I look for?

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paz

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If I wanted to try out a 30-30 lever action rifle, what should I consider when making a purchase? I wouldn't say it's for hunting, more about trying out a rifle I haven't had before, so plinking for now.

I'm new to this whole world of firearms so I don't know what may be good or bad.
-Should I go new or old?
-Traditional Winchester or something else?
-What's a good price range?
-What are red flags for the used market?
-I'd like to mount a scope so are there better brands for mounting optics?


Thank you I advance.
 
Ardent said:
I vote get yourself a pre-64 Winchester .30-30 and don’t look back. It’s the .30-30 and your hunting and sporting arms adventure isn’t fulfilled until you know one well. Plus, nothing new on the market is made to the same standard, and they’re still reasonably priced when you find the right one.
Click to expand...

like this one?

https://www.gun post.ca/firearms/rifles/owen-sound/terrific-condition-pre-64-3030-c-1960
 
I chose a Winchester 94 pre 64 , mostly because of the history.
Pre 94 holds there value more.
I personally don’t like a scope on my 30 30 and I’m using 3.00 + ready glasses lol
I can hit a 8 inch frying pan at 100 yards , that’s good enough for me.
I just recently picked up , what appears to be an unfired pre 64 model 94 (30 30) for $1000. It’s my keeper😁
 
Your last point - in old days, the old type Win 94 lever actions were not setup for scope mounts - you had to drill and tap for some brands of side mount, bases, or could use the two factory holes for aperture sights and the cover screw hole for at least one brand of side mount. And even older ones were not even factory tapped for aperture sights. The whole concept of a scope on those was a bit wonky, since the rifle ejected the fired brass straight up - so your scope had to be mounted to be "off-set" from centre of receiver, so the brass could get past.The later "angle eject" models sort of resolved that - there were bases made to fit onto the top of that rifle - the ejected case flung off at more of an angle and you could install a scope closer to, if not right on, the receiver centre line. In that regard, the Marlin lever actions always had solid tops and tended to eject more or less sideways out the right side - so IF the only consideration was about having a scope, then the Marlin was probably set up better for that. Some of us felt and feel that a "scope" on a lever action - especially on a 30-30 of those types - was sort of contradictory, though.
 
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I'm not bent on a scope but I'd like to have a lever action with a scope and since I'm keeping my Browning BL-22 without one, just traditional iron sites, I feel like I can stray a little from historical traditions.

I hear you guys on the tradition of Winchester, the newer benefits of Marlin, does anyone have any positives to throw in the direction of Henry?
 
Depends what you are using it for. If you are hunting - iron sights beyond 100yds are tough.
Marlin, Model 94's Angle ejects, Mossberg 464's, Rossi's new r95 (great rifle), all take scopes if required or use the irons.
Rossi's R95 trapper outshoots all my 30-30s except my Remington 788 30-30.
Butter smooth action. Best of the bunch imho./ I have all the above...
 
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paz said:
I'm not bent on a scope but I'd like to have a lever action with a scope and since I'm keeping my Browning BL-22 without one, just traditional iron sites, I feel like I can stray a little from historical traditions.

I hear you guys on the tradition of Winchester, the newer benefits of Marlin, does anyone have any positives to throw in the direction of Henry?
Click to expand...
Try carrying a Henry in the bush. It will end the discussion. Almost 8lbs with out a scope.
 
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Older Winchesters are better off with open or peep sights. They eject straight up and while there are work-arounds for fitting a scope, none are really satisfactory. Late '80's- early '90's Winchester introduced the angle eject, that allows the scope to be mounted directly over the action.

I like Winchesters, but if I had to put a scope on one, I'd seek out a Marlin.
 
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My Marlin 336 out paces and shoots better than all my 30-30s. ( Win, Mossberg and Savage)

As I got older, scope was added and its even better. If you get one. A mid 80s Marlin is sweet. Its all round excellent performer. If you can only own one. get a pre 64 Win. They are great and gun to plink and hold value, but you will perform better with a Marlin to get meat.
 
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Why not just pick up a used mossberg lever? Cheap enough to bang up.
Plus you can mount a scope.
I’d try a 1x6 lpvo
 
The latest Miroku made Winchesters are wonderful, and mount a scope with no issue.

The pain problem with them, is the depth of pocket needed to by one.

Me, I am a fan of the old guns, and I hate to see one scoped. It can be done, but side mount scopes are a bit of a pain. Plus a scope destroys the fast handling, balance, and light weight you wanted when you made the decision to buy one in the first place.
 
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