Author Topic: Winchester 94 or Marlin 336 in a 30-30?? (Read 1380 times)

Arick the Red · « **on:** September 12, 2005, 07:27:40 PM »

I got a good friend who is wanting to buy a used 30-30 in either a winchester 94 or marlin 336. I have no clue what to tell him, I haven't spent too much time with lever action rifles. :?

What kind of price would he maybe be looking at? And what are the advantages/disadvantages of going with either Winchester or Marlin??

I actually think he's been looking at a used Winchester 94 for $225. Does that sound about right?

Any help will be greatly appreciated!! :-)

Thanks,
Arick the Red

Mikey · « **Reply #1 on:** September 13, 2005, 02:56:37 AM »

Arick - a used Winchester Model 94 in 30-30 for $225 is a pretty good deal if the rifle is in good shape. These things hardly ever get 'shot out' and last for many years. The only problems I have seen with Winchester levers is the untrained owner taking them apart and then trying to put them back together after cleaning them, or just not cleaning them and having the actions finally gum up. Most used decent Winchester 30-30s in the shops around here go for over $300.

I have two Model 94s - a 1927 30 WCF Saddle Ring Carbine and a 1975 Standard Rifle. Luv'em both.

Some fellas prefer the Marlin rifle, some prefer the Winchester. Chevies and Fords actually.

Sometimes we have some of the smaller local guns shows where plain folks get a table to sell off some of their stuff and I always see winchester or Marlin 30-30s on those tables. You can tell these are personally owned huntin' rifles and the people selling them are doing so for a good reason. I have saeen Winnies going for $150 - $200 at those shows - if I see another one I will add it to my battery. Mikey.

Savage .250 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 13, 2005, 04:42:11 AM »

Both good. I guess it`s just a matter of choice. Win 94 brings back memories of the "old-days". while the Marlin 336 is a sound weapon and easy to scope. I think in todays market the marlin is the better made gun. IMO.

" The best part of the hunt is not the harvest but in the experience."

Keith L · « **Reply #3 on:** September 13, 2005, 10:57:08 AM »

I have one of each and if I had to part with one it would be the Winchester. I have had the Marlin for years and have grown attached to it. It seems better made to me, but I like the Winchester plenty also.

Harry Snippe · « **Reply #4 on:** September 13, 2005, 06:52:38 PM »

Here we are again with the chev Vs ford thing
Then lets go with the virtues of the 35 over the 30/30
Each a bit different to work on and clean.
I have both
Found they all kill deer dead :wink:

Happy 2 hunt

Keith L · « **Reply #5 on:** September 13, 2005, 09:38:44 PM »

I would love to be able to shoot and hunt enough to wear either of them out.

brasschaser · « **Reply #6 on:** September 14, 2005, 09:14:13 AM »

This was exactly what I was about to ask! I've been looking at both rifles. Do any of you cast lead bullets for reloads in your 30-30? That's my only concern with the Marlin since it has the micro-groove rifling. Will lead from tire weights shoot ok in a marlin or will it have have some other metals added for it to work out without trouble?

I also see Marlin has a .35 Remington which would be nice to have.

jgalar · « **Reply #7 on:** September 15, 2005, 01:19:29 AM »

All I shoot out of my Marlin are bullets cast from wheel weights. The micro groove works fine for cast bullets.

Mikey · « **Reply #8 on:** September 15, 2005, 03:07:10 AM »

brasschaser - the only issue with the Marlin Micro-groove barrel and cast bullets is the need for borelapping. Marlins will shoot cast or cast-gaschecked very accurately. One of the posters used his old plain jane 336 to shoot cast bullets to 500m on the silhouette course, and that says a lot for micro-groove barrels and cast bullets. Also says a heck of a lot about that particular rifleman.

Two places to go for info on borelapping: either Veral Smith's forum down the line or go to www.BeartoothBullets.com for Marshall Stanton's write-ups on borelapping and cast bullets. HTH. Mikey.

Mulegunner · « **Reply #9 on:** September 17, 2005, 12:11:42 PM »

Ive own both 336's and 94's. Each has its merits. You really have to handle both to see which suits you the best. As far as prices go....I picked up a used 94 a while back for less than $200. Sure it is older, showing some wear and handling....but still is very good condition. It shot wonderful and the action felt tight and sure. :grin:

Dee · « **Reply #10 on:** September 18, 2005, 01:48:05 PM »

I have a 57 Model 94 Winchester in 3030 that was bought new. It ain't for sale. I have a Navy Arms reproduction Model 92 (Winchester) in 357 mag that I slicked up and it ain't for sale either. To me nothing feels like a Winchester. However, with that said. I also have a Marlin 1895 Cowboy in 4570 that I disabled that stupid safety on and slicked up the trigger. It ain't for sale either. Admittedly it feels more like a Winchester than a Marlin (at least to me). My point is; go to a store that has both and ask to see (handle) them both at the same time. Alternate, which FEELS the best in your hands. If your not wanting a scope (either will accommodate a peep site equally well) go strictly by feel and what appeals to YOUR eye . Either will do the job.

brasschaser · « **Reply #11 on:** September 18, 2005, 03:09:37 PM »

Mikey, thanks for the links! That beartooth bullets really has tons of info. I've got another question though, and that is do you have to limit bullet velocity with the Marlin with lead bullets? Was just reading in my Lyman loading manual and they say to limit velocity for Marlins to 1600fps. Has this been the case for most of you all?

JJ79 · « **Reply #12 on:** September 18, 2005, 07:40:16 PM »

Quote from: Arick the Red

I got a good friend who is wanting to buy a used 30-30 in either a winchester 94 or marlin 336. I have no clue what to tell him, I haven't spent too much time with lever action rifles. :?

What kind of price would he maybe be looking at? And what are the advantages/disadvantages of going with either Winchester or Marlin??

I actually think he's been looking at a used Winchester 94 for $225. Does that sound about right?

Any help will be greatly appreciated!! :-)

Thanks,
Arick the Red

I've shot both...own two marlins...I'd definitely say the marlin feels "sturdier", while the winchester feels more "loose" and is probably a bit faster.

marlin would be my choice, ESPECIALLY if he's ever gonna put a scope on it!!!! the winchester is a pain in the butt to scope!!! :?

but...if I had a chance to get my hands on a pre-'64 winchester, you better believe I'd buy it in a second!!

as far as pricing...I wouldn't pay over $250 for one...you can find one in great shape for less than that...tell him to look for one of the older Marlin 336s without the safety!!

Ganjiro · « **Reply #13 on:** September 21, 2005, 10:49:42 AM »

In this Chevy vs Ford debate I shall add the Dodge, I have a Mossberg 472 which sort of combines the Marlin 336 design with that of the Browning BLR. Basic lines are similar to the Marlin but the lever is like the BLRs in that the trigger drops with the lever thus preventing any finger pinch. It also lacks the tangs for butt stock attachment which has been a weak point in older levergun designs this gun using a bolt thru the butt stock into the receiver ala pump shotgun. No bolt for lever but a spring loaded pin not requiring any tools to remove lever & bolt thus making routine maintenance that much easier. It's actually a very cleaver design which never caught on due to it's lacking the history, and mystique of the Winchester, and Marlin leverguns. I picked mine up with very little use for $115.00

ScoutMan · « **Reply #14 on:** September 22, 2005, 12:07:39 PM »

They are both great guns, but does anyone on the forum have any ideas of to get a trigger pull weight of 3 lbs. or less with no creep and no backlash.