The rifles are essentially the same in their current form, the difference is the 30a is a more economical version of the 336, it has a hardwood stock as opposed to the walnut stock. In my experience the 30a is not quite as slick in the action as the 336 but that is easily fixed and my experience may be related to specific guns as opposed to general models. But the action and such is the same on both rifles. I have had one 30a and it shot fine and functioned reliablely it eventually got traded off to something I liked better, it wasn't acquired as a keeper just got it cheap and so it was good trade stock but there was nothing wrong with the rifle. If you are looking for a basic hunting rifle the 30a will serve you well and it is less expensive so it leaves more money for accessories/ammo.
