Author Topic: Question Marlin 336A 30/30 with scope or Remington 710 30/06 with scope ? (Read 1758 times)

Big Burtha · « **on:** November 01, 2006, 07:33:52 AM »

I would like to know what rifle would be best at all around hunting in and out of cover. I can get the Marlin 336A 30/30 with a scope for $300.00 and free bore siteing or the Remington 710 single shot 30/06 with scope and a hard case for $350.00 that has a synthetic stock on it (I realy don't like the plastics) Of these two rifles, which one would serve me best and last with no problems for years to come ? I like the Marlin best, but I also want a rifle I can use at 125 to 150 yards and use it on deer and black bears. Which one would you buy ? Also , just how much recoil will there be as compared to a 12 gauge single shot shootgun ? Thanks for your help. D in NJ.

corbanzo · « **Reply #1 on:** November 01, 2006, 07:46:45 AM »

For deer and bear at up to 150 yards either one of them will suit you just fine, it really depends on preference. I have a 710 and it shoots straight and reliable. I've shot the 336, and I like it, I actually think I'm going to buy one in .357 for an action shooting rifle. With those specifications, I would say that it all depends on your preference. Go hold em and let your fingers tell you.

wncchester · « **Reply #2 on:** November 01, 2006, 11:45:54 AM »

My strong preference is for bolt rifles. Except my 336 in .35 Rem. That's my "go to" rifle for most deer hunting inside 150-175 yards. There is little effective difference between the .30-30 and .35 trajectories and either will do the job on deer quite well, all advertising hype aside.

It's always been amusing to hear some "expert" drone that a 300 mag of some sort is an effective killer at 400 yards but a .30-30/.35 isn't, even tho the impact velocities at 400 on the one hand and at 150 on the other may give the old round's an advantage at the closer distance. It's the bullet that does the job, not the case, and I get few shots beyond 90 yards anyway.

So, my beloved -06 and the .243 usually sit in the safe while I hunt with the Marlin. I'd suggest you get the lever gun and mount a low power variabale scope on it, in low mounts/rings, not those god awful "turkey neck, see-thru" mounts. Or put peep sights on it and leave the small target shooting apature disc at home.

Bore sighting a scope should be free, it only gets you started fowards a zero and even then it frequently doesn't work very well. Just set your first target at 15 yards or so and get a coarse zero on that, then go a longer distance for final tweaking.

TribReady · « **Reply #3 on:** November 01, 2006, 12:23:10 PM »

Given the 2 choices you presented, I'd go with the 336.
I'm not a huge lever fan, but less of a 710 fan.
The 336 "feels" like a deer gun to me...the 710 I shot was too "impersonal"
Either one would serve your deer/bear needs with the right bullet at the distances you set.
Kick on the 336 is pretty light--much less than a shotgun slug gun.
You'll have that 336 for a loooong time......

ggeilman · « **Reply #4 on:** November 01, 2006, 03:42:20 PM »

Well I work with a guy at Lackland AFB. i got the Marlin 336 in 30-30 and he got the Remington in 30-06. Personal choice I guess. I like the option of taking a second shot.

ggeilman · « **Reply #5 on:** November 01, 2006, 03:52:48 PM »

Well I work with a guy at Lackland AFB. i got the Marlin 336 in 30-30 and he got the Remington in 30-06. Personal choice I guess. I like the option of taking a second shot.

greenjeans · « **Reply #6 on:** November 02, 2006, 04:13:24 PM »

I must be missing something. The Remington 710 is a bolt action with a 4 shot magazine. Early ones had some problems, but supposed to be fixed now. Would still buy the Marlin.

WyoStillhunter · « **Reply #7 on:** November 03, 2006, 09:53:20 AM »

I have several bolt guns and several Marlin leverguns. They all get the job done. Reading between the lines in your original post, especially your reference to a single-shot 12 ga., makes me think you will be very happy with the scoped Marlin in 30-30.

With practice and good ammo the 30-30 is a 200 yard gun for whitetail deer or black bear if you have an open, broadside shot. It is plenty of gun and the ammo just got better with the introduction of the Hornady LeverEvolution ammo. Practicing to develop shooting skill is the key.

The exposed hammer on the Marlin will feel very familiar if you have a similar hammer on your shotgun. Anyone who has the skill to hunt to within 150 yards or less of undistrubed game and who can place a bullet in the vital area, can be highly successful shooting a 30-30 with appropriate modern ammo.

The Rem. 710 in 30-06 allows for more range and power at the cost of more recoil, higher ammo prices, and a less "handy" firearm. Either setup will do the business on deer and blackbear. It's your choice.

old06 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 04, 2006, 01:06:34 PM »

I like the Marlin over the 710 Remington and under 200 yds you have more then enough gun for deer and black bear

Dune · « **Reply #9 on:** November 06, 2006, 11:05:47 AM »

The marlin is steel and wood, something just right about it, the remington something just not right about that, if you really want a 30-06 look for a used remington 700. Dune

jvs · « **Reply #10 on:** November 06, 2006, 12:38:25 PM »

I have nothing against the .30-30 but my preference is still the .35 Rem for both of the hunting scenes you describe. The .30-30 is capable of doing the job, but if I had a choice, I'd take the .35.

There's always something right about owning a .30-06 too, although a .30-30 is the perfect beginners caliber. Will it kick like a 12 gauge? That all depends on if you are shooting 2 3/4", 3" mag or 3 1/2" mag loads. A .30-06 will not hammer you as hard as a 3 1/2 mag Rifled slug out of a 12 gauge. But a .30-06 will hit you harder than a 2 3/4" shotgun load.

.30-30 ammo is by far the least expensive factory load you can buy, besides .223.

.308 and .30-06 are basically next as the lowest priced factory loads.

I would pick a Marlin over the 710, but I wouldn't cancel the .30-06, only postpone it for now. I'm not that crazy about the 336A. Since there are better Marlins out there - IMO.

yellowtail3 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 30, 2006, 12:25:49 PM »

Quote from: jvs on November 06, 2006, 12:38:25 PM

I have nothing against the .30-30 but my preference is still the .35 Rem for both of the hunting scenes you describe. The .30-30 is capable of doing the job, but if I had a choice, I'd take the .35.

Why? What does the .35 do better, other than make a hole four-one-hundredths of an inch larger at lower velocity with a loopier trajectory?

Quote from: jvs on November 06, 2006, 12:38:25 PM

There's always something right about owning a .30-06 too, although a .30-30 is the perfect beginners caliber.

True - and it is also great for the older guy (like myself) who has gone through .270/30-06/shotguns/muzzleloaders, and found that he likes a short, handy, accurate, sweet-shooting levergun in wood & blue steel. My Marlin 30-30 is by far my favorite rifle.

For the guy considering 710/336... I say go with the 336. When you hear someone say it's good kid's rifle or beginner rifle, just ignore that - it is a very good rifle and cartridge (30-30), PERIOD - no caveats needed.

yellowtail3 · « **Reply #12 on:** December 30, 2006, 12:26:44 PM »

Quote from: jvs on November 06, 2006, 12:38:25 PM

I have nothing against the .30-30 but my preference is still the .35 Rem for both of the hunting scenes you describe. The .30-30 is capable of doing the job, but if I had a choice, I'd take the .35.

Why? What does the .35 do better, other than make a hole four-one-hundredths of an inch larger at lower velocity with a loopier trajectory?

Quote from: jvs on November 06, 2006, 12:38:25 PM

There's always something right about owning a .30-06 too, although a .30-30 is the perfect beginners caliber.

True - and it is also great for the older guy (like myself) who has gone through .270/30-06/shotguns/muzzleloaders, and found that he likes a short, handy, accurate, sweet-shooting levergun in wood & blue steel. My Marlin 30-30 is by far my favorite rifle. It absolutely hammers the deer.

For the guy considering 710/336... I say go with the 336. When you hear someone say it's good kid's rifle or beginner rifle, just ignore that - it is a very good rifle and cartridge (30-30), PERIOD - no caveats needed.
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ScoutMan · « **Reply #13 on:** December 31, 2006, 01:06:01 AM »

Nothing wrong with the 30-30 nor the Win 94 or Marlin 336. Rifles might need a little "tweaking", mainly trigger and sights. Sights should be ghost ring/post.

A telescope is not really necessary and add weight, which also reduces the fast handling qualities of these fine guns.

Generally I like a weight of 7# or less, and a length under 40".

Swampman · « **Reply #14 on:** December 31, 2006, 01:10:57 AM »

This is a really apples/oranges comparison. The 336 is a handy deer rifle. The 710 in .30-06 will take any game in North America and is pretty accurate out to 1000 meters. I hunt mostly with a .30-30 single shot, but if I could only have one rifle it would be a .30-06 and it would be a Remington.

yellowtail3 · « **Reply #15 on:** December 31, 2006, 02:59:34 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on December 31, 2006, 01:10:57 AM

This is a really apples/oranges comparison. The 336 is a handy deer rifle. The 710 in .30-06 will take any game in North America and is pretty accurate out to 1000 meters. I hunt mostly with a .30-30 single shot, but if I could only have one rifle it would be a .30-06 and it would be a Remington.

1000 meters, huh? How far is a 30-30 accurate to?

If the prospective rifle buyer is looking for a hunting rifle... he can safely ignore that '1000 meter' business. His original post:

Quote from: Big Burtha on November 01, 2006, 07:33:52 AM

I would like to know what rifle would be best at all around hunting in and out of cover... I like the Marlin best, but I also want a rifle I can use at 125 to 150 yards and use it on deer and black bears.

You already prefer the Mariln, and is completely capable at the distances you mention - in fact, is a fair to call the Marlin in 30-30 a 200 yard rifle. The 30-06 is undoubtedly more powerful, but more powerful doesn't mean a better choice. If you're hunting game, you don't want to be shooting past distances where you can hit a 6"-8" circle from field positions - standing, maybe kneeling, from your treestand, whatever.

Either will do. The Marlin is prettier, handier, classier, has more panache and is just as deadly at the ranges you mentioned... get it. I've had 30-06 and .270, fine cartridges, I prefer the Marlin in 30-30.

Swampman · « **Reply #16 on:** December 31, 2006, 03:08:33 AM »

I hunt with a .30-30 that shoots MOA groups, but I wouldn't take a 150-175 yard shot with it. A Winchester 94 is prettier, handier, classier, & has more panache but the Marlin is easier to scope. The bottom line is buy what you like. The Marlin in .30-30 is a good thick woods carbine.

yellowtail3 · « **Reply #17 on:** December 31, 2006, 03:17:15 AM »

yellowtail3 · « **Reply #18 on:** December 31, 2006, 03:18:08 AM »

yellowtail3 · « **Reply #19 on:** December 31, 2006, 03:23:39 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on December 31, 2006, 03:08:33 AM

I hunt with a .30-30 that shoots MOA groups, but I wouldn't take a 150-175 yard shot with it. A Winchester 94 is prettier, handier, classier, & has more panache but the Marlin is easier to scope. The bottom line is buy what you like. The Marlin in .30-30 is a good thick woods carbine.

Well, I'm a guy who needs a scope, so mine wears one.

I'm fairly new to the 30-30, and smitten by it. Why wouldn't you take a 150 yard shot with a MOA 30-30? MOA... doesn't that mean... it'll put all shots at 100 yards into a 1" circle? In that case.... your rifle and your shooting is better than mine. Best I've managed at that is 2"

View from the tree with Miss Marlin

A Doe, a Deer, a Female Deer...

Swampman · « **Reply #20 on:** December 31, 2006, 03:55:06 AM »

Mine wears a scope too. I'm just not that comfortable shooting that far at game with my .30-30, I'm sure some folks can do it. Here's mine.

dpastordan · « **Reply #21 on:** January 02, 2007, 10:53:19 AM »

If the gun was my first and only gun - the .30-06. That is what I did. My first bolt action was a J.C. Higgins [made by Winchester - a model 70 with a birch stock] model 51 in .30-06. Did not scope it for four years because I hunted the swamps of NC where the longest shot was about 100 yards.

From what you hunt, either would work. I have used both the .30-30 and .30-06 on game. I have not used the new Hornady bullets in .30-30 but I do swear by the Nosler partitions in .30-30. I would not hesitate to use that bullet on bear.

The Remington 710 is so-so...I would go with a Savage Package gun. Good value and accurate.