Sighted-in Gunshow .30-30's Today

[Rangr44]

My neighbor& I had both gotten .30-30 lever actions, at a gunshow last weekend.  I paid a little more for my peep-sighted one, but my neighbor got his as-NIB Marlin-marked Glenfield for $200 w/the issue open sights.

We zeroed them @ 50yds (we hunt a jungle/swamp), and checked the zero @ 100yds by snap-shooting at a paper plate.

Well - we both only hadda take one shot each @ 100yds, although we did shoot more (because we couldn't believe it) - 'cause each plate had a nice, .30cal hole near the middle. 

Two weeks to deer season - we can't wait!

[demented]

Sounds like two things to me.   First the price of $200 is really good compared to what I see.  $275 for a average condition used rifle is about the best price you'll find here.  Second, it seems both of you are ready to take that buck if on happens to walk out. Good luck!

[PeterCartwright]

100 yards!  Come on now.  We all know the .30-30 won't reach that far.  Musta been a strong wind at your back...or maybe you guys were standing on a chair?  And the bullets actually penetrated the paper plates?

Good shooting, guys!  Gotta love those Marlins!  Look out, Bambi!

[Rangr44]

       We were shooting from straight above the plates.   

Yeah - We couldn't believe our luck - considering we got the guns from different sellers.

My gun had slight receiver freckling in the blue, but a new peep sight; my friend's had only a slight tinge of rust at the rear open sight.  Maybe his was priced low due to the Glenfield name & hardwood stock - but I sure woulda sold it for more $$$.

Maybe, just maybe, the crazy prices/markets are starting to get back to reality - I'm starting to see slightly better (lower) prices at the last two gunshows I attended, with the exception of one or two dealer/holdouts that are sticking to sky-high pricing.  I didn't see anyone buying the high-priced spread, though.

[PeterCartwright]

If a guy keeps his eyes open, there are deals to be had (and "deals" to be had by, but that's another story).  Sounds like you guys did very well.  I picked up a very nice 336 (walnut stock) .30-30 for $199+tax this Summer.  The gun had a cheap set of rings and a little rust on the left side of the receiver and on the barrel near the muzzle.  A little steel wool (0000) and some oil cleaned off the rust and some Perma Blue repaired most of the damage caused by the rust.  The innards of the gun (and, for that matter, the stock, too) are pristine.  Shoots great, too. 

My son got that rifle as his first "deer rifle" on his 16th birthday in August (complete with an Ebay 2.5X Burris Fullfield).  Hope he gets a chance to get it bloody on November 15.  As for me, I'll be carrying a 30 AS (also in .30-30) I found on another used rack for $200 OTD two years ago.

I'm not "anti-magnum" (in fact, I own and enjoy shooting them).  It's just that I really enjoy hunting with these Marlins (both .30-30 and .35 Rem.)  Obviously you do too.

[Cottonwood]

 I have the Glenfield that I paid $200 for and its a real shooter, my son has a newer 336 both 30-30's are great

Don't tell those deer they are armor plated okay.

[demented]

Around here there is no difference when checking prices between Glenfield, Marlin 30's, 336's with Birch or Walnut stocks, all will be priced the same, condition being the only real factor.  35's will usually be at least $50 higher than 30-30's.

[Rangr44]

[It's just that I really enjoy hunting with these Marlins (both .30-30 and .35 Rem.)  Obviously you do too.]

Yes, I do - Those cartridges have been doing the job on deer for over 100 years - I've only been at it for 40.