I came into some extra cash from a bonus at work. I've always wanted a 30-30 ever since I was a kid. I grew up shooting my dads Marlin 336. I like the looks of the Henry Repeating Arms 30-30 too. My dads 60's era Marlin was awesome but I'm not sure how they are now. What would you choose? Pros and cons of either. I really appreciate the assistance.
Looking for a lever gun
- Thread starter Gerlon2fingers
- Start date
I really like lever guns myself and have a few, some of them vintage and shootable. The best lever gun I have for shooting groups is a Marlin 336 30 30(early '50's vintage). Saying that I must say my favorites in that caliber are the Winchester 94 carbines and rifles. I may someday buy a Henry but at the moment I don't have one. If you want to use a scope the Marlin is more easily adapted to that with the side eject while the newer Winchesters have an 'angle eject'. The older Winchester fits me better for offhand and quick shots at game with open sights but that is a very subjective quality...there is a large fanbase of the Marlin that feel the opposite of the way I do. I say go for it, there are many choices and no shortage of inventory of any of them...A well worn Marlin 336 is a good quality long gun, tho I am not familiar with newer ones and if they are as good as the older ones. There is a Marlin forum and may even be a Henry forum where you can get more answers...
Thanks for the reply. I'm reading a few things regarding the quality of Marlin has suffered since being bought out by Remington
joshb
Gold $$ Contributor
Buy an old Marlin with the JM stamp on it. They're the good ones and a good investment. The newer ones are spotty at best. A few good ones and a lot of crap. Marlin if you want a scope. An old Winchester or Henry if you like open sites. I bought one of the newer Miroku made Winchesters in 45-70. It's a nice gun but not really going up in value like the older ones do. Good luck, Josh
jonbearman
I live in new york state,how unfortunate !
I prefer the 336 marlin as it is a robust action and side eject from the oldest to newest. I would get the marlin as long as you will be shooting jacketed bullets. I haven't had breat luck shooting lead through mine but one of the micro groove does pretty good with lead where my others aren't as good. If you can find one with ballard rifling it would be a great all around gun. Some of the new ones were sold that way even in later models for cowboy action and the new ones I am not sure if they have micro groove or conventional. I have one of the std models with birch instead of walnut,that is the only difference. Call me if interested,it is like new. 1-315-986-2915 Jon
I have a Henry 30-30 Rifle and it is a beautifully made rifle, with a smooth action and it is very accurate for a lever action. They make a number of models, mine does not have the brass, color case hardening or octagon barrel but that is a matter of taste. One thing many do not like, it is fed through the magazine tube, like a .22 rimfire, and not through a loading gate on the side of the receiver. I have come to like that feature but it is also a matter of taste.
Most Henry owners visit the Marlin owners forum for general lever rifle information.
There is something very fun about shooting a lever action 30-30.
Most Henry owners visit the Marlin owners forum for general lever rifle information.
There is something very fun about shooting a lever action 30-30.
I agree. Thanks for the info
I have a Marlin 336 30-30 with the JM stamped on the barrel. What would it be worth? I bought it new in 1978 ( I think that was the year). Never finished shooting a couple of boxes of shells with her.
Lever guns do have something special about them to me.
.22lr lever gun was my very firearm.
Gotta love a 336 marlin with some character, usually can find them in a pawn shop after deer season.
Other than those 2, my 450 marlin is just too cool.
.22lr lever gun was my very firearm.
Gotta love a 336 marlin with some character, usually can find them in a pawn shop after deer season.
Other than those 2, my 450 marlin is just too cool.
If you don't necessarily want an older model lever with some history behind it, there are some really nice more modern rifles. I like the Browning in 7-08. Real smooth action and a real nice deer cartridge. If you could find a decent deal on a Model 88 Winchester you would have a really quick pointing rifle which will likely go up in value. Never used one but I seen one on auction that their asking $500.00 for. Nice looking rifles. I know they came out in .243 and .308. Good luck on your search.
DR
DR
Gerlon,
I have 3 lever guns (all inherited) a 1930's Win 94 in 30 WCF, a 1928 Savage 99 takedown in 250-3000 and a mid 60's Marlin 336in 30-30. They all 3 shoot very well, although I'm partial to the Savage and Winchester, the Marlin shoots just as well. The savage feeds from a rotary magazine, and the other two are side loaders. I've seen the Henry's, but never shot one (heard the accuracy was good). You probably won't go wrong with any of the four. I have shot a Sako .243 lever and, well, it's a Sako, very accurate. Also, +1 for the brownings. Good luck in your search
I have 3 lever guns (all inherited) a 1930's Win 94 in 30 WCF, a 1928 Savage 99 takedown in 250-3000 and a mid 60's Marlin 336in 30-30. They all 3 shoot very well, although I'm partial to the Savage and Winchester, the Marlin shoots just as well. The savage feeds from a rotary magazine, and the other two are side loaders. I've seen the Henry's, but never shot one (heard the accuracy was good). You probably won't go wrong with any of the four. I have shot a Sako .243 lever and, well, it's a Sako, very accurate. Also, +1 for the brownings. Good luck in your search
snert
Silver $$ Contributor
I have two 88's, from late 1950's, 308, original. VERY nice lever gun, points like an 1100, hits like a...well...308, and is a fine rifle, going up in $ I see minty ones going for $900 or more, and if you find a 358 or 284, the price is premium.
I have a Winchester 71 rebarreled in .450 Alaskan and "used to have", before my Son claimed it to circumvent any inherentance issues, a M88 in
.308 Winchester. Both shoot very well with the 88 being a solid MOA shooter after stock and bedding work. Get yourself a classic from any of the manufacturers and enjoy! Have read great reviews on the Henrys also. Now I'm confused....
.308 Winchester. Both shoot very well with the 88 being a solid MOA shooter after stock and bedding work. Get yourself a classic from any of the manufacturers and enjoy! Have read great reviews on the Henrys also. Now I'm confused....
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How about an old square bolt Marlin 36? Beautifully made and the proportions are more generous - definitely 'rifle', not 'carbine'.
They're not thick on the ground, but I think they're outstanding. I've worked on several over the years and recently restored one for a customer and I'm always impressed with the build quality.
They're not thick on the ground, but I think they're outstanding. I've worked on several over the years and recently restored one for a customer and I'm always impressed with the build quality.
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