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Posted: 8/16/2001 7:45:46 AM EDT
I was at the local sporting goods store and spotted this little cutie while eyeing the bolt actions. Truthfully I never considered one of these before, but I liked the way it looked and felt. I imagined riding the old Chisolm Trail with my little rifle tucked in it scabbard ready for action. For a mere $265 it can be mine...Just wanted some opinions on the 30/30 cartridge, lever actions and Marlin.
Thanks in advance, Roy D. Mercer |
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My first centerfire rifle was a Marlin 336 in 30-30. Used it for several years and killed several deer with it. Light, handy carbine with a good short-med. range cartridge. Traded it for a Winchester Model 70 in 280 Remington for more reach. Wish i had not traded it away. Everyone needs a 30-30 in their gun rack!
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I've got a Marlin lever in .44 mag. I love it. It was my first hunting rifle. My brother got the 30-30 model the same year. The Marlin levers are nice guns definately pick one up if you can. It's also fun to teach yourself how to cock the lever with the rifle in one hand, just like the cowboys. Watch those fingers though!
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I have two Marlins, a 336 on 30-30 and an 1985 in 45-70. You can't go wrong with these.
Theyare well made, simple, rugged and absolutely dependable. They are also a great value. Buy it. |
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I had the Marlin 336 in 35 Remington caliber. Other than sighting the scope in, I only fired the weapon 3 times. Dropped two bucks, literally in their tracks. I sold it when I moved to a state that doesn't allow rifles for deer hunting. Wish I hadn't sold it.
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Quoted: I had the Marlin 336 in 35 Remington caliber. Other than sighting the scope in, I only fired the weapon 3 times. Dropped two bucks, literally in their tracks. I sold it when I moved to a state that doesn't allow rifles for deer hunting. Wish I hadn't sold it. View Quote I wish you had sold it to me... |
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Here in FL, the Marlin .30-30 is practically THE standard hunting gun. There always many in stock at the gun stores and right before hunting season, the range fills up with folks sighting in their beloved .30-30s. Keep shots under 150 yards and it is a great gun. Here, we rarely take shots over 50 yards in the dense woods and swamp.
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Dealer cost for a new one with walnut stock is just over $300. If the condition is good or better, the price is good. As far as the cartridge it is generally considered a good deer killer out to 150 yds.--about 100 more than the average deer ends up being killed. Forget the crap you have probably heard about the lack of accuracy in a lever action rifle. They will routinely shoot into 2" @ 100 yds. Many, if not most, "experts" can't do that well, especially if you choose to use the iron sights. My only beef with them is it is a little tough to clean them and prevent rust with that type of action. Of course, cleaning must be done from the muzzle. The bolt is difficult to remove and keep clean, but that does not seem to cause problems--most guys just don't clean them, and have no problems. I would buy it if I were you. Good luck with it, if you buy it.
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Thanks for all the input...this rifle appears to be a model 336A. I am guessing this is their bottom of the line model with birch stock in walnut "finish". But $265 for a NIB gun sounds awesome. I thought I remembered that a Marlin 30/30 was one of those "essential" rifles everyone had to have (like a 10/22). I have never shot one before, but I can see how it would be a great woods rifle. I thought I was gonna save up for that bolt action .308 or 30-06, but she may have to wait....now that I found a cheaper floosie that's ready to put out!!!!
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I have to go into the "me too" category. I've had my 336A in 30-30 for a loooong time. Wouldn't trade it for anything.
[i][b]"If you're not part of the Solution, you're part of the problem"[/i][/b] sgb |
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I am not clear on the purpose of lever 30/30s. What can they do that a Model 7 in 308 can not? Same rate of fire and same size, but he 7 has more power, better accuracy, and is much better at longer ranges. You are talking maybe double the point blank range.
I bought a 30/30 from a store that going out of business and got a real deal on it, but it is the only gun that I have ever not regretted selling. If I were you, I'd save my money. What is the point of having a bunch of crummy guns that you did not really want just because they were a deal? Better to have a few guns, but exactly what you want. My opinion, feel free to ignore it. |
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I'm new here but someone mentioned that you had to clean from the muzzle because the bolt is difficult to take out. Actually it is rather easy on the Marlins. Just open the bolt about half way and remove the lever pivot screw. the lever comes out the bottom and the bolt can slide out the back. Reassemble in the reverse order. Just remember to put the ejector back ing place. It's a lot simpler to do than on the Winchesters. BTW, I really like Marlin lever actions (all types). Havev a 39A and want a 1895 45-70.
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Marlin lever actions are terrific values. My 39A is a gem of a rifle. Only lever action I own though, we can't use rifle to take deer here and they don't chamber them in many varmint cartridges.
I'd buy it. |
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I am not clear on the purpose of lever 30/30s. What can they do that a Model 7 in 308 can not? Same rate of fire and same size, but he 7 has more power, better accuracy, and is much better at longer ranges. You are talking maybe double the point blank range. I bought a 30/30 from a store that going out of business and got a real deal on it, but it is the only gun that I have ever not regretted selling. If I were you, I'd save my money. What is the point of having a bunch of crummy guns that you did not really want just because they were a deal? Better to have a few guns, but exactly what you want. My opinion, feel free to ignore it. View Quote Roy Rogers never carried a Model 7 in .308! I think it is the romantic lure of the lever action itself. Form should follow function, but doesn't every kid wanna grow up to be a cowboy? Why own a Single Six or a Vaquero? Well, because they are just plain COOL! Glocks and Sigs are much more advanced, and tactically speaking, better choices. But do they have the same appeal? ...not knocking your opinion...just responding with mine. Never underestimate the aesthetics of a gun. [;)] |
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More white tail deer have been taken with the 30/30 than any other caliber. The Marlin or Winchester lever actions are a must have for any respectable gun collection. They are light fast handling, easy and fun to shoot, accurate, reliable, inexspensive, come in a variety of calibers, have a good ammunition capacity, can use optical sights and ammunition is plentiful and cheap. Plus they are as much an American icon as the M-1 Garand or the Colt Peacemaker. Get one if you have the means.
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A lot of modern lever-action rifles have their receiver drilled and tapped for iron receiver sights, as sold by by Williams, Lyman, etc.
Do yourself a BIG favor, and install a rear peep aperture if at all possible. They take inserts of various peep sizes, and without insert act just like a ghost ring rear sight. Trust me on this, your accuracy and speed will improve more than you would believe. |
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Another "me too" here. I have an oldie, a Western Field (sold at Western Auto stores many years ago) made by Marlin that's accompanied me on many a deer hunt. It's a real plain jane, no checkering on the stocks. I swapped the factory fixed 4X scope that came with it to my Marlin .22 and put a Simmons 3X9 on it. Everyone should have a lever action in their collection. Go ahead and get it. Here's a pic but it's kinda hard to see...
[img]www.ar15.com/members/albums/Big%5FBear%2Fhunting%2Ejpg[/img] |
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I don't know anything about Marlin's or even guns that fire 30/30 cartridges BUT I do have a Rossi Model 92 lever action (45Colt) that is a total RIOT to shoot.
I'm never selling this gun -- it's my favorite even though 45Colt ammo is a "bit" expensive. So, my recommendation is to get a lever action rifle -- it's a fun change of pace from the usual AR-15 stuff. |
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Quoted: Roy Rogers never carried a Model 7 in .308! View Quote I can't argue with that. I guess I just did not watch enough westerns of something, because that does not do anything for me. But to each his own. No Single Six or a Vaqueros for me either. |
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[img]http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/smilie/cowboy.gif[/img] [i]"Where'd I put them silver bullets"[/i]
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First rifle I ever owned was a Marlin 99 .22 Single Shot, the first 30-30 I ever owned was a Marlin 336, it's a fine hunting rifle. If it makes you feel any better, the ballistics are similar to the 7.62x39mm round used in the AK-47, etc. I may get some argument, but I will say, that probably, more deer have been shot with the 30-30 rifle, in the first half of this century, more than any other round. This ought to stir something up. Ha !!
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I own two Marlin's one in 30/30 and one in .450 Marlin. Both guns are fun to shoot and would not give them up. The Mod. 336 was the first "real" gun that I purchased on my own, way back in 1966. Shot lots of deer with it over the years. Just thinking about them makes me want to go buy another one.
Shadowjack1 |
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Quoted: First rifle I ever owned was a Marlin 99 .22 Single Shot, the first 30-30 I ever owned was a Marlin 336, it's a fine hunting rifle. If it makes you feel any better, the ballistics are similar to the 7.62x39mm round used in the AK-47, etc. I may get some argument, but I will say, that probably, more deer have been shot with the 30-30 rifle, in the first half of this century, more than any other round. This ought to stir something up. Ha !! View Quote Edit: I meant in the first half of the last century (1900-1950) |
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I think I'm a gonna git 'er!!!! she is just too sweet not to dance with. Thanks fer everyone's input. Seems like most of ya'll have had good experiences with this little rifle. I guess that's why they call them classics.
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Roy D. Mercer, I like your user name, I bet a lot of guys on here don't know where it came from. Where are you at in OK? Send me an e-mail maybe we can get an Oklahoma shoot together. [beer]
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Mine is 35 rem (which I recommend) and I have a 357/38 carbine.....both are beautiful rifles that I will never sell....(hopefully give to my grandkids)....30-30 is ok....just get one,you`ll love it.....(I had two winchesters....got rid of both) not that there are not nice winny`s....just that marlins are REAL NICE............[:)]
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[b]If you are going for 30/30, buy a Winchester M94....the most famous "cowboy gun" , and the original. The Legacy model has a longer barrel, prettier wood, and is just more sleek/sexy than the 336.[/b]
BTW, I [i]do[/i] like the Marlin .450s in stainless. PRETTY! [i]Also[/i], the new Winchester M9410 (model 94 in .410shotgun) is just a ****ing dream to shoot. By far the funnest shotgun ever made, IMHO. I have long ago stated that the lever-action is my favorite gun. Just something romantic, like RoyDamnMercer said. |
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I wonder what was the caliber of the lever action rifle that was used in by John Wayne in "True Grit" ? Didn't some of the pre-1900 lever actions use pistol ammo ? I'm not a gun collector (except for AR-15's) so I don't really know.
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Quoted: Roy D. Mercer, I like your user name, I bet a lot of guys on here don't know where it came from. Where are you at in OK? Send me an e-mail maybe we can get an Oklahoma shoot together. [beer] View Quote By God!!! I'm actually in Georgia, not Oklahoma. Just wanted to keep true to the namesake though. |
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Model 336C is in my Gun cabinet right now .
Cool gun and accurate , Never jammed either . Just a good gun and good value . |
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I'd have to agree with imposter here. Save your money and buy a [b][i]REAL[/i][/b] lever-action, like a Savage Model 99, a Browning BLR, a Winchester 88, or a Sako Finnwolf. The 99's design came from the same time frame as the Marlin's (early 1890s), but it has managed to keep up with the times (the Marlin has not). There'll be some emotionally charged hand-wringing, no doubt, because someone's ol' grandpappy killed a b'ar in the Alaskan wilderness with his old trusty "thutty-thutty." African tribesmen take down elephants with spears. So what. Behold, the Model 99 is below.
[img]http://communities.msn.com/_Secure/0OwAeGtYTgSjUoK3Py7xQMeXHAgXp7xmCozNKdWu!Sw2Pojk*OQOV9KFgdMqiJ5CQVOEvREJ3WDvJC5ED2VTwclSqwyuyhvMJ/DSC000010.jpg[/img] |
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I wonder what was the caliber of the lever action rifle that was used in by John Wayne in "True Grit" ? Didn't some of the pre-1900 lever actions use pistol ammo ? I'm not a gun collector (except for AR-15's) so I don't really know. View Quote John Wayne used a Model 1892 Winchester chambered in .44-40 caliber (he used this rifle in more than one movie, it was his trademark like that particular rig for his Colt that he wore on his hip), which was actually a rifle chambering before Colt (and S&W) started chambering their SAA in that caliber. And yes, the Winchester Models 1873 and 1892 (and derivatives like the Models 65 and 53) were for the most part (except the .25-20) chambered in rounds that were also available in handguns. BTW, I am familiar with Mercer's origin on that idiotic Tulsa morning show. |
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I have 2 Brothers--I bought (with a few dollars help from the other brother) each of them a Winchester Model 94 in .30-30. (To be techinical, one is a Sears Ted Williams stamped gun--made by Winchester). I have one myself.
They are the perfect short (100-150yd.) range gun for deer. My youngest brother took his Ted Williams/Winchester and took a 10 point buck at about 50 yards in S.W. VA--dropped like a stone. He used mine the year before to take a spike buck (much better eating than the older deer) at about 75 yards--that one was hit behind the shoulders and ran about 10 yards before dropping. Mine has a Peep sight, and I have gotten consistent 2" groups (occasionally better, occasionally worse) at 100 yards off the bench with handloads (the peep helps over the buckhorn rear sights). I definitely consider the lever gun a Requirement in a complete gun collection: Lever gun (in any caliber) Black Powder rifle Bolt Gun (in a 300 yd. minimum caliber) O/U or SxS shotgun Autoloader and/or pump shotgun Single Action revolver (preferably big bore) D/A .357 revolver (6" preferable, 4" OK) .22 Target pistol .22 Target and/or Combat Shotgun AR-15 AK series and a Semi-auto Battle Rifle (Garand, M1A, FAL, HK or AR-10) If you have one or more of all the above, you have a pretty complete collection. Other nice add-on's--.50 caliber rifles, Machine guns, etc. AFARR |
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Damnit Roy D.! How big of an 'ol boy are you? I may just have to come down there to Georgia and whoop your a$$. [:D]
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I have a number of firearms but my favorites have always been Leverguns and large revolvers.
If you spend your time in heavy brush or timber it's tough to beat a levergun, if you spend your time in open country it's hard to do worse than a Levergun. The problem is after I carry a Levergun for a while anything else fills slow and somewhat awkard, I spend most of my time in the bush so I carry a 45-70 Levergun. I think everyone should try a Levergun at least once. Have a nice evening, Rabon... |
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Hate to say it but you might find an even better deal at WallyWorld. Thats where I got my 336c. My very first gun and damn proud of it.
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Quoted: Quoted: I had the Marlin 336 in 35 Remington caliber. Other than sighting the scope in, I only fired the weapon 3 times. Dropped two bucks, literally in their tracks. I sold it when I moved to a state that doesn't allow rifles for deer hunting. Wish I hadn't sold it. View Quote I wish you had sold it to me... View Quote Hell cerberus, I'll sell you one. I've got two 336-Cs, one mint unfired (w Scope), & one in 35 Remington. The 35 Has never been fired either, it's in perfect mechanical condition, & has the fancy (NA Black Walnut) furniture. BUT the blueing sucks, & needs to be refinished because some idiot left the box on the back porch in the rain for two days when it was delivered. It's not pitted, AMOF, there is no rust - but the damned blueing is a weird color wherever the packing paper was touching it! Didn't even phase the wood, the bore is bright, everything is clean (The rifle didn't really get wet, the paper was just damp). It'd also make a great work gun left just the way it is, it'll sure the hell last a few lifetimes. That 35 Rem. hits like a truck. [i]Interested for $185, or $115, & $60 to GB?[/i] |
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There was a guy at the range that let me try out a Kanadian Komemorative edition 30-30 lever action. Can't remember if it was a Marlin or not, but I was able to hit everything I aimed at.
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Quoted: There was a guy at the range that let me try out a Kanadian Komemorative edition 30-30 lever action. Can't remember if it was a Marlin or not, but I was able to hit everything I aimed at. View Quote |
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Just went to Glayan's...They have the 30/30 for $259.00 (NIB). Looks great but then I saw the Marlin 1894(?) in 45/70....whoooodoggie!!! I likey. They wanted $419.00 for it. Decisions, decisions!!!
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I know nothing of the 30/30 caliber, nor of Marlins in particular. But this past weekend I picked up a Winchester 94 in .357 Magnum for the wife. She shoots a .357 handgun, so I wanted to match the caliber. Damn if that isn't a fun rifle to shoot! If she won't let me borrow it whenever I want, I'm gonna get one for myself. One of the better purchases I have made I must say. Get the lever gun and have a blast.
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Well, 30-30s are fine, but I've had a little trigger time with a Marlin Outfitter, kinda like the 45-70 Guide Gun but in .444Marlin. My buddie's rifle is a keeper. the damn thing is almost 1 MOA accurate at 100 yds with Remington factory ammo (he has a Leupold 2-7 on it). Definitely nice guns. R-D-M, check out the guide Gun series before you buy.
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It is a good solid gun. Go ahead and get it. Everyone needs to have owned a 30-30. Even if you sell it later it won't depreciate much. Best. Watch-Six
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Roy
Buy my Marlin 336 RC. It's made in 1953 so it doesn't have the horrible "warning" on the barrel or the unholy safety on it. It also has the old style non-hooded front sight. It isn't Microgroove so you can shoot cast bullets out of it without jumping through hoops. It's accurate too. It's about 85%. The only thing about it is the buttplate is cracked but is still hanging in there. It has blue wear on sharp edges but nothing bad. Nice even wear. I'll ship it to your favorite FFL for 185. I'm going out of town Fri around 3PM if your interested let me know. This is a solid gun that needs a home with one of the faithful. Dave |
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Yes, buy it! You have to have a lever gun. I think Marlin makes a couple different grades of there 30-30. The "C" model is cheaper.
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Quoted: I wonder what was the caliber of the lever action rifle that was used in by John Wayne in "True Grit" ? Didn't some of the pre-1900 lever actions use pistol ammo ? I'm not a gun collector (except for AR-15's) so I don't really know. View Quote Some lever actions are chambered in 45 COLT, the same cartridge used in the old single action revolvers. |
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Some lever actions are chambered in 45 COLT, the same cartridge used in the old single action revolvers. View Quote There were never any lever action rifles chambered in .45 Colt in the "old" days. This is only a recent development. |
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I possess a Marlin 36RC (a carbine from 1937-1940 something...). My uncle bought it in 1949 for $2.00 at a Highway Patrol auction. It is funny how long it takes the bullet to reach the target. Would anyone know whether the current Lyman tang sights for a 336 would fit a model 36RC?
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