30-30

[searlock]

hi all i am looking to buy a 30-30 cheap! never have owned one and would like to know if there is a model or make that i should not buy for whatever reason? i dont care if it is a bolt action or what but i figure it will be a lever gun as most of the millions of them that are made, are that way.

[GLHolmes]

   Winchester Model 94.  Pre or post 1964, doesn't matter; in my opinion, most all of them are reliable and straight-shooting.  From what I've read though, it might be a good idea to steer clear of the angle-ejects (designated by AE in the serial number).
   The Marlin 336 would also be a good pick and would definitely be the way to go if you need to mount a scope.

[jlchucker]

I tend to agree to a point, GL.  A couple of years ago, before Winchester as we knew it went out of business, the 94's were selling pretty reasonably--especially the post-64 ones.  They were the ornament of choice for every truck-gunner in rural areas, were available for around 100 bucks, and were utterly reliable--not always pretty, but got the job done.  Then Winnie went out of business.  Now, every person who ever owned a beater 94 has turned into a hoarder who thinks his hundredl-dollar special is worth several hundred more.  Lots of them even get such prices.  Both Winnie 94's and used Marlins are great leverguns--no argument there.  But Searlock wants a "30-30 Cheap".  The cheaper ones these days will be Marlins.  My preference is to stay away from the new Mossberg leverguns.  They really are "cheap" from what I can see--and I don't refer to whatever the asking price on these is either.  Since he doesn't care whether it's a bolt action or not, every now and then a Savage bolt of the Model 340 surfaces, and lots of folks swear by these. Savage always did make accurate rifles. A really lucky person, stumbling around with his eyes open, could accidently come across a Remington 788 for a reasonable price, but this is rare, because the cast bullet folks treasure these as being superbly accurate.  Still, it's worth keeping one's eyes open for a 788 at a bargain price--just like King Arthur kept his eyes open for a Holy Grail.

[Dee]

Henry makes a dandy lever in 3030 but, their heavier than most if your on the weak side. I have been shooting the same Model 94 Winchester 3030 for 51 years. Dad bought it new in 1958, and gave it to me. In fact, I just came in the house from loading about 65 rounds of 3030. It's just what I had empty and I was bored.
I have shot about all the bullets made or cast, but my standard is the Remington bulk in 150 grain. I load at 2400+fps, and am good to go at about 280 yards on 7" square targets and such with a Lyman Aperture rear, and post front sight.
You can also run a 170 grain gas checked cast at 2400fps if you reload, and they will penetrate very well.

[NickSS]

Check hock shops that deal in guns.  You often can find a beater 3030 in Winchester, Marlin or Savage BA for around $130 to $250.  These wont be pretty but are more than usable. I found one a year or so ago a Winchester 94 made in the early 70s.  It was tight but the stock was warn and the action was pitted all over from what was probably a light coating of rust before it was cleaned.  The bore was good and the tang screw was replaced with a round headed bolt.  Asking price was $250 after some dealing I walked out the door for $225 counting tax.  I cleaned it up, refinished the stock and put a coat of baked on black bake on paint on the action.  This rifle will shoot 3 inch groups at 200 yards with cast bullets I shoot in it.

[Bigeasy]

For a lever, look for a post 64 Winchester, or a Marlin 336.  Both are reliable.  You can get a good deal if you are not over concerned with cosmetic looks.... a lot of these guns are carried much, and shot little.  Just make sure the bore is good (no rust, pitting).  Bolt guns in 30-30, like the Savage 340 and Remington 788 are hard to find, and usually go for rather high prices, but are fine if you can find one at a good price.  If a single shot is ok with you, there is always the H&R / NEF break open single shots, available for not much $$.

Larry

[Dee]

There are some POST 64s out there that I would not buy or want. They are easily recognizable by their shell carrier. It is folded pot metal, and will bend.

[Savage .250]

While there are other manufacturers out there , A Marlin 336 would be a solid choice,IMO.
   

[Dee]

Yes it would Savage. I prefer my Winchester but, they aren't makin'em like mine anymore, and haven't since 1963. If I needed a 3030 now, I would buy the 336, and shave some of that unnecessary wood off the stock and forearm, re stain it darker and call it a day. It is a good reliable action.

[mannyrock]

   I agree, the Marlin 336 is the most solid choice, especially  for a low price.  Their receivers are all flat on top, drilled and tapped for a scope.  Their receivers are milled from a sold block of steel, unlike the powdered shake-n-bake receivers of the post 64 Winchesters 94s.  And, on a personal note, I have found them to be more durable than the Winchesters, and they don't have that loose rattle-clatter lever.

   If you go to a big gunshow, and look around, you should be able to find one that is well used (somewhat beat up but mechanically sound), that you can bargain down to the range of $225 to $250.

   Unless you stumble upon an ignorant seller, it is really hard to find a top quality lever rifle for less than that.

Best Regards,

Mannyroc

[whelen36]

if it doesn't have to be new ,
savage also used to make a pump rifle in 30-30 , i think the model 170 or something like that ,
also there are older lever rifles made by marlin and winchester that were made under different
names because they were contracted to make them for stores like sears and there names were
revelation , western field , and i believe " ted williams " to name a few.


and if you were to consider a single shot , harrington and richardson make a fine single shot available
in 30-30 and quite affordable new as well .

[1marty]

Like Dee my Dad gave me a Win 94 52 years ago. It was my first deer gun. Although I bought and sold many firearms through the years I still take it deer hunting. I shoot a 150 grain Winchester 30-30 white box. It is as accurate as the first day I shot it. The 30-30 is a great bullet and I drop them right where they stand. My wife says I love that old gun more than her. It's a close race.

[searlock]

well guys you only told me about the wichester AE and the post 64 pot metal shell carrier model to stay away from so it looks like i will be good to go if a 30-30 comes up. around here the pawn shops want new price for their used 30-30 guns some want more than new price, go figure. i can afford to wait on a good deal  because i have plenty guns and i have a 500 handi that i can get a 30-30 barrel put on when remington opens their new hammer mill plant. so one way or another i should get me a 30-30 cheap. thanks guys.

[wreckhog]

Prices are regional. By my house, post 64 94's are 400+. I don't even look. I got my last 336 with a scope for 235. On the other hand check out ktpguns. I have seen post 64 94's in the last week as low as 225. 336's start at 100 more.


30-30 is a great caliber. I have levers in 30-30, 35, 45-70, 22, 357, 44, and 45lc. 30-30 is still my favorite.