Author Topic: Marlin 336 or Rem. 673?? (Read 819 times)

22rimfan · « **on:** May 16, 2005, 07:52:49 PM »

Guys I have a couple of questions. I'm trying to figure out which rifle to save my summer work money for, college really is a pain sometimes. Thanks to you fine guys on this page I have narrowed my decision down to two rifles. The first is the 336 in the 35 Remington and the other is the new 673 in 350 Remington Mag. Now let me say that I live in S. E. Tennessee and will probably use the rifle on deer, hog, and bear. I know neither rifle will go much past 200 yards but that's ok I have a 30-06 for that, and also where I hunt mostly it is close cover and shots are 25-75 yards. A trip out west or to Alaska could also be in the future and, since I don't know much about either caliber, I was hoping that you guys could help direct my path. Thanks.
Aaron

TennesseeNuc · « **Reply #1 on:** May 16, 2005, 08:11:11 PM »

22rimfan,
While you are looking, don't rule out the 45-70 Guide Gun. They are ideal for close cover and are effective out to 200 yds. or so. With the variety of loads available you are good from Tennessee to Alaska.
If you are a reloader the 45-70 will offer you any number of options. Even if you don't reload, factory rounds are available that go from "mild to wild".
My Guide Gun is one of my "go to" guns nearly every time.
Best,
TnNuc

CEJ1895 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 17, 2005, 02:11:53 AM »

22rimfan - Don't under rate the .350 Rem Mag cartridge! It's a short version of the .35 Whelen and will do just about everything that your 30-06 will do and do it even better on the bigger game. TennesseeNuc also gave you good advice on the guide gun, I've got one myself and it's my close cover, mixed woods favorite. Of the two you listed I'd pick the .350 Rem since Alaska might be in your future but I'd get it in the Ruger M77 version, it just looks better! Good luck with what ever you choose! CEJ..

victorcharlie · « **Reply #3 on:** May 17, 2005, 06:25:37 AM »

22 rimfan........I have both 1895 in 45.70 and a .35 Remington in a Marlin 336........as you live in SE Tennessee......PM me and I'll meet you at the Chattanooga rifle club and let you try both............

The 45.70 would be my first choice as it is such a versatile round......you can get mild "cowboy" loads that shoot lead at around 1200 fps.....or.....you can go with the factory loads for just a bit more punch......or you can get the PMC 350 grain +p+ at 2125 fps......or......(this just keeps getting better doesn't it?) you can go to the Garrets or Hammerheads If you feel the need to kill a grizzly.............Handloading the 45.70 gives you so many choices.......

The .35 remington has factory 150 and 200 grain loads......hand loading the .35 would allow the 180 grain and 220 grain..........

One plus about the .35 remington in the marlin........It's a little smaller and lighter......about the best balanced gun available.....the recoil is much lighter than the 45.70.............it's just a pleasure to carry in the woods..........VC

big medicine · « **Reply #4 on:** May 17, 2005, 08:35:50 AM »

Man that is one tough choice! The 35 Rem is a great cartridge as are all the others mentioned. Already having an 06 you really dont need an excuse to by any of the mentioned cartridges, the 06 will do what all of them can. BUT it most likely isnt about NEED, it is about want! :lol: The 35 Rem would be a good place to start, lets face it. It sure doesnt sound like you will be buying just this one gun and be done :lol: Two years ago I shot a large doe at 200 yards with the 35 Rem and it laided her out flat. One thing to consider being in school is the cost of the ammo. You can get 35 Rem ammo most anywhere for around $10.00 a box maby a little more maby a little less. 350 Rem mag and 45-70 will be closer to $20.00 per box if not a little more. When you get out of school and are raking in the bucks you can always buy another gun..or guns :wink:

Winter Hawk · « **Reply #5 on:** May 17, 2005, 02:59:19 PM »

CEJ,

I agree with the .350 Magnum for Alaska, to a point. But I think you may be confusing it with the .358 Winchester when comparing it to the .35 Whelen. The .350 surely whacks harder (at both ends) than the Whelen round.

Which brings up the point of recoil. You are better off with a smaller cartridge which you are confidant with and use a bunch than getting a hard hitting magnum which you don't like to shoot and so don't have enough experience with when it is crunch time. The guides up here tell folks that time after time.

I personally carry a .308 and don't feel under gunned. I like the 180 gr. bullets and they do what I ask of them. There are a whole lot of Marlins in .35 Remington up here also. My ex from many years ago ended up with mine, and a friend of hers used it to bag a grizzly, or so she told me. Not that I would recommend it, of course, but it can be done.

-WH-

TennesseeNuc · « **Reply #6 on:** May 17, 2005, 03:42:25 PM »

victorcharlie,
Not to get too far off-topic, but the CRC has been a hangout of mine since 1959. Good to meet a fellow member here.
Best,
TnNuc

22rimfan · « **Reply #7 on:** May 17, 2005, 07:45:30 PM »

Guys, thanks for all of your responses! I'm still trying to make up my mind. My gun dealer said he could get me a new Marlin 35 for around $325 . Is this a fair price? He doesn't have any in stock and says that he can not keep them when he gets some. As for the 673, he has had one and has not ordered another since the rifle debuted. He said he could but he would special order it for me. Oh decisions decisions, decisions, now if I just had some money. Oh well birthday isn't too far away, maybe I can put both on the wish list and see what happens. Again thanks for all the responses.
Aaron

p.s. victorcharlie, thanks for the invite but I will have to pass. Again thanks, it's nice to know that there are good people willing to help us novices out.