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Posted: 8/21/2019 7:07:43 PM EDT
[#1]
You can't get much better than a Marlin 336 in 30-30. Start there, and see if lever guns are for you. It is easy, like with most rifles to drop big $$. The 336 is a great starter. The 30-30 is cheaper and more available than .35 Rem. For plinking and fun you won't notice a difference.
I own 8 different lever guns, and enjoy the 336's. Just don't get me started on BLR's..... |
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Posted: 8/21/2019 7:34:12 PM EDT
[#2]
Thanks truenorth. I too have the same feeling. The .30-30 ammo is more widely available than the .35 Remington.
By the way what is the recoil of the .35 Remington from the Marlin comprable to? Is it similar to the recoil of a .308? |
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Posted: 8/21/2019 7:56:19 PM EDT
[#3]
.30-30 is probably the easiest and cheapest to find. .357 Magnum is good too. Or .44 Magnum.
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Posted: 8/21/2019 9:00:58 PM EDT
[#4]
I've got 3 30.30's, 1 22LR, 1 22Mag, 1 .357, and a 45-70.
30.30 is available anywhere around here. And it's decently priced. Fun to shoot and all my 30-30's are Winchester 94's. The .357 is a Henry. Awesome to shoot, accurate, just took a little getting used to the tube feed mag. They now make a side loading rifle though. The .22's are both Henry's. Magnum is a Golden Boy and the LR is just the regular rifle. The LR is a lot of fun to shoot and very accurate. It goes to the range almost every trip, especially if the wife tags along. She loves it. Now the 45.70 is probably my favorite. JM stamped, Marlin Guide Gun, without the ported barrel. You can get or load any type of load, from plinking rounds up to things designed to take out Grizzly's. Ammo can be pricey, but it is a versatile rifle. And it's just cool to shoot such a large bullet. Garrett Hammerheads are quite the round. I like the Guide Gun because it's such a handy rifle. If I had to stick to just one lever gun, I'd keep the Marlin in 45.70. The gun safe with the lever guns is in the baby's room, but I'll try to get some pics of them tomorrow. |
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Posted: 8/21/2019 9:27:28 PM EDT
[#5]
Lots of options out there these days for good levers. .30-30 is a great choice, .357 wouldnt be bad either I just prefer rifle cartridges in rifles.
Top to Bottom: Marlin 1895 .45-70 Savage 99 .300 Savage Winchester 71 .348 WCF Browning (Miroku) 71 Carbine .348 WCF  Left to Right: Winchester 94AE Trapper .30-30 Winchester (Miroku) 1892 Trapper .45 Colt Marlin 336Y .30-30 
Top to Bottom: All Miroku made Winchesters (some already pictured) 1873 Deluxe Sporting .44-40 1892 Trapper .45 Colt 71 Carbine .348 WCF 1895SRC .30-06 1895SRC .30-40 1895SRC .30-40 
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Posted: 8/21/2019 9:51:17 PM EDT
[#6]
30-30 is awesome, and cheap! Great starter round. As another poster said, 357 Magnum and 44 Magnum are good starter rounds for lever guns too.
I'm going to agree with tc2129 on the 45-70 Government. It's my favorite lever action round as well. You can shoot light cowboy loads, all the way up to nuclear loads that can handle any land animal in North America. It's extremely versatile. Mine is a Winchester 1886 Deluxe chambered in 45-70 Govt. For rifles I don't know that I'd buy a current Marlin as their quality is all over the place. The pre-2007, JM stamped Marlins are of very high quality, though. In terms of factory guns, the Winchester (Miroku) rifles will blow both Henry and Marlin out of the water when it comes to quality. Although, a JM Marlin should be pretty close in quality to a Miroku made Winchester. The only downside to the Winchesters, IMO, are they don't make them in a stainless finish. Henry rifles are fine. I'm not a fan of the lack of a loading gate, but that's a personal preference. Functionally they are fine guns. |
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Posted: 8/21/2019 10:25:35 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Lots of options out there these days for good levers. .30-30 is a great choice, .357 wouldnt be bad either I just prefer rifle cartridges in rifles |
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Posted: 8/21/2019 10:27:13 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
30-30 is awesome, and cheap! Great starter round. As another poster said, 357 Magnum and 44 Magnum are good starter rounds for lever guns too. I'm going to agree with tc2129 on the 45-70 Government. It's my favorite lever action round as well. You can shoot light cowboy loads, all the way up to nuclear loads that can handle any land animal in North America. It's extremely versatile. Mine is a Winchester 1886 Deluxe chambered in 45-70 Govt. For rifles I don't know that I'd buy a current Marlin as their quality is all over the place. The pre-2007, JM stamped Marlins are of very high quality, though. In terms of factory guns, the Winchester (Miroku) rifles will blow both Henry and Marlin out of the water when it comes to quality. Although, a JM Marlin should be pretty close in quality to a Miroku made Winchester. The only downside to the Winchesters, IMO, are they don't make them in a stainless finish. Henry rifles are fine. I'm not a fan of the lack of a loading gate, but that's a personal preference. Functionally they are fine guns. |
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Posted: 8/21/2019 11:48:00 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Nicely summarized. Would like to get a Miroku Winchester one day, what is the production time span for these by the way? Meaning from what year to what were these made? The 1886 was manufactured by Miroku starting in 1998. The Model 94 was manufactured by Miroku starting in 2010. The 1873 was manufactured by Miroku starting in 2013. Not sure what years they started making the High Wall or 1866 there. I think the 1866 is a recent addition, but I am not positive. The Low Walls were made starting in 2000. Again, not sure about the High Wall though. |
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Posted: 8/22/2019 12:10:56 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The 1892 was manufactured by Miroku starting in 1995. The 1886 was manufactured by Miroku starting in 1998. The Model 94 was manufactured by Miroku starting in 2010. The 1873 was manufactured by Miroku starting in 2013. Not sure what years they started making the High Wall or 1866 there. I think the 1866 is a recent addition, but I am not positive. The Low Walls were made starting in 2000. Again, not sure about the High Wall though. |
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Posted: 8/22/2019 2:27:36 AM EDT
[#11]
Marlin 45 Colt. Nice craftsmanship. Pretty rifle. Puts big holes in shit with no kick. Mines at least 15 years old though.
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Posted: 8/22/2019 6:56:37 AM EDT
[#12]
For my money, where the .30-30 is good, as a starter lever gun the .357 may be better. I like my Marlins and they make good, cheap plinking guns. .357 is easy and cheap to reload.
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Posted: 8/22/2019 7:07:44 AM EDT
[#13]
Browning BL92 - Miroku made - in 357
Winchester 1892 Trapper take-down - Miroku made - in 45 Colt Got them in reverse order - both really really smooth sctions Also have a Win. 94-22. lovely rimfire design and a joy to use Loved my Win 94 Trapper when I had it, but the '92 action is a huge improvement for pistol length cartridges |
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Posted: 8/22/2019 8:22:15 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Are those dates for the Winchester marked guns? Miroku made the '86, '92, '95 and 53's, High and I believe Low walls as well (there may have been others but those I know off the top of my head) as far back as the 80's but they were sold under Browning. I don't know which models were produced what years but they went back farther than that. |
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Posted: 8/22/2019 12:47:04 PM EDT
[#15]
I like the C&R/Antique Winchesters ................. 38-40 or 44-40 WCF are good rounds - low recoil - a little history .............
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Posted: 8/22/2019 6:48:51 PM EDT
[#16]
The Miroku name itself seems to have the effect of making the price go North is $1k by a few hundred on GB.
Did some homework. The finish on the newer Marlins is nowhere as close to the older ones with blued finish. Will look for older ones 30-30 and 45-70 for the Marlins. The Winchesters are a bit out of reach without shooting first in the north of $1k range. But will get those eventually. |
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Posted: 8/25/2019 9:40:37 PM EDT
[#17]
Bought a Winchester 1886 in 45-70 off of GunBroker for $930. It’s a slightly used one. Looks good. Hope I did not overpay for it. The photos are not clear but I could read Miroku in one of the pics on the barrel, meaning it is Miroku made.
Will update you guys once I get it. Recommend some good light 45-70 loads for range practise guys.  Attached File |
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Posted: 8/25/2019 11:51:32 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Recommend some good light 45-70 loads for range practise guys.https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/475536/580F76A5-4215-4096-8AD8-8C154433D343_jpeg-1067501.JPG |
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Posted: 8/26/2019 12:27:37 AM EDT
[#19]
Nice! You'll really like that Miroku.
I believe Remington 405grain is about the lightest .45-70 (as far as pressure and recoil) you can buy (factory). |
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Posted: 8/26/2019 1:42:55 AM EDT
[#20]
Thanks @Hanzerik and @HawkCreek.
Will probably be buying factory ammo as I don't reload currently. I am seeing an average of $1.50 per round. |
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Posted: 8/26/2019 2:52:46 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The 1892 was manufactured by Miroku starting in 1995. The 1886 was manufactured by Miroku starting in 1998. The Model 94 was manufactured by Miroku starting in 2010. The 1873 was manufactured by Miroku starting in 2013. Not sure what years they started making the High Wall or 1866 there. I think the 1866 is a recent addition, but I am not positive. The Low Walls were made starting in 2000. Again, not sure about the High Wall though. This is my 44 B92  Attached File |
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Posted: 8/26/2019 4:37:12 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The Browning 92 was made beginning in the mid 1980s. They were made by Miroku and do not have any additional safeties. Chambered in 44 Mag (by far the most common) and 357 Mag. This is my 44 B92 https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/33552/47D34A5F-A4B3-40F5-8788-A43C2B62E87B_jpeg-1067723.JPG Same a .308 Browning Miroku but not sure how a lever action would be in .308 when compared to a 30-30 or 35 Remington. |
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Posted: 8/26/2019 8:33:54 PM EDT
[#23]
Also, what are some good Miroku made pistol grip Winchesters or Brownings? Any of you guys got those?
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Posted: 8/26/2019 8:40:58 PM EDT
[#24]
I picked up a 1968 Marlin 35 Rem, Love it, amazing shooter. I reload though ...I'd say recoil is no issue.
Bullet variety is poor, but adequate.  Attached File |
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Posted: 8/26/2019 8:53:24 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That looks like a very nice and clean gun. Will be on the lookout for browning Miroku made levers. Same a .308 Browning Miroku but not sure how a lever action would be in .308 when compared to a 30-30 or 35 Remington. This is another Miroku, or Japchester. It’s an 1873 Trapper Limited in 357 Mag.  Attached File |
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Posted: 8/26/2019 9:01:56 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Also, what are some good Miroku made pistol grip Winchesters or Brownings? Any of you guys got those? And as for the .308 BLR you mentioned above, I've had three BLRs. One in 30-06, one in 308, and one in 243. All three of them shot sub-MOA with factory ammo. |
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Posted: 8/26/2019 10:29:59 PM EDT
[#27]
The Mossberg 464s in 30-30 are really nice cnc winchester 94s made in Texas
https://www.mossberg.com/product/464-centerfire-lever-action-rifle-pistol-grip-41020/ 
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Posted: 8/26/2019 10:55:29 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The Mossberg 464s in 30-30 are really nice cnc winchester 94s made in Texas https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/3097/B3B8B4F2-6248-4CDB-83CB-DBE763F31E1E-1068630.jpg 
That said, of the 8 leverguns I own, hands down my favorite are my 2 Rossis in .357mag. I first got a 24" Rifle that I set up for 300yd shooting with a target aperture tang rear and globe front sight just to see if I could. Shortly after, I also picked up a 20" Carbine that's a blast to 'woods walk' in the Rockies with my SA Cavalry (7" barrel) model also in .357 Mag strapped to my leg. 
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Posted: 8/27/2019 1:01:40 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The Browning 308 would be a BLR, nice enough hunting rifle but it’s nothing like an old Winchester lever action. This is another Miroku, or Japchester. It’s an 1873 Trapper Limited in 357 Mag. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/33552/7518CD12-F934-4EFF-9484-1B2E3020A641_jpeg-1068488.JPG |
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Posted: 8/27/2019 1:40:05 AM EDT
[#30]
I love my Hartford arms 1892
.45 Colt. Light Cowboy loads up to Bear loads and anything in between. 
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Posted: 8/27/2019 10:59:50 AM EDT
[#31]
In truth, every one of the leverguns pictured here, as well as some that aren't yet such as the Winchester 88 and Savage 99, have a special place in the hearts of many of us who love leverguns. One warning though. Once you start with one, you'll find they are a lot like potato chips; you can't stop at just one.
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Posted: 8/27/2019 11:33:38 AM EDT
[#32]
Now take the Winchester 94 made by Mossberg make it handier and thread the barrel
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Posted: 8/27/2019 12:09:39 PM EDT
[#33]
45/70 or go home
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Posted: 8/27/2019 3:53:14 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Now take the Winchester 94 made by Mossberg make it handier and thread the barrel https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/3097/IMG-20170129-171716-136247.JPG |
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Posted: 8/27/2019 4:24:15 PM EDT
[#35]
I have 2 lever guns I would never sell and one is The new production SS 336 Marlin 30-30 is the best shooting lever action I ever owned.
Groups @ 100yds average just over an inch with 130 Speer hot cor handloads using 35.5 CFE223, many times with 3 shots under an inch, fit & finish is perfect. I love my Winchester Trapper 30-30 too, but it don't come close to the Marlin in F&F, smooth action & trigger. Handling the little Trapper is sweet, shooting it is fine but it's action is not butter smooth like the Marlin. I also have a couple of Henry Rimfires but never liked the center fires without the side gate.  Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 8/27/2019 4:30:26 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My eyes! The pain! My eyes! 
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Posted: 8/27/2019 6:34:40 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
1873 Deluxe Sporting .44-40 1892 Trapper .45 Colt 71 Carbine .348 WCF 1895SRC .30-06 1895SRC .30-40 1895SRC .30-40 |
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Posted: 8/27/2019 10:44:54 PM EDT
[#38]
Bob9181
I have a bunch of leaver guns Winchester, Marlin, Browning (Miroku). In 32/20, 38/40, .357, .44, 30/30 & 45/70 made between 1906-1987,love them all. IMHO, if I was looking for one rifle for food or defense, I would look at local auctions (not online) for a Winchester 94. 30/30's made between 1930 to mid-50's in good shape can be had for under $400. Well made in Winchester's prime easy access to ammo (35 Remington not so much)and not on anyone's hit list. |
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Posted: 8/28/2019 1:39:00 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Bob9181 I have a bunch of leaver guns Winchester, Marlin, Browning (Miroku). In 32/20, 38/40, .357, .44, 30/30 & 45/70 made between 1906-1987,love them all. IMHO, if I was looking for one rifle for food or defense, I would look at local auctions (not online) for a Winchester 94. 30/30's made between 1930 to mid-50's in good shape can be had for under $400. Well made in Winchester's prime easy access to ammo (35 Remington not so much)and not on anyone's hit list. 30-30 is relatively cheaper. Will explore the world of .357 or .44 mag lever actions once I get my 30-30. |
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Posted: 8/28/2019 8:09:07 AM EDT
[#40]
I decided to get a 30-30 during the Obama ammo scare. The wallmarts had hunting ammo on the shelf when all other calibers were out of stock.
The SPX is an awesome size for pickup truck hunting and with a red dot, it brings home the bacon at 70 yards. |
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Posted: 8/28/2019 8:39:45 AM EDT
[#41]
Lever Actions are addictive.
1. Browning BLR .308 Winchester 2. Winchester 1894 AE Ranger w/o cross bolt safety .30-30 WCF 3. Winchester 1894 AE Ranger w/ cross bolt safety .30-30 WCF 4. Winchester 1894 AE Trapper .357 Magnum 5. Winchester 94/22 Trapper .22LR 6. Winchester 94/22 .22 Magnum 7. Winchester 1894 (Pre '64) .32 Winchester Special 8. Henry Rifle .22LR 9. Henry Carbine .22LR 10. Marlin 1894CSS .357 Magnum 11. Marlin 1895G w/ factory ported barrel .45-70 Government 12. Marlin 39A Golden Boy .22LR 1950s production 13. Marlin 39A Golden Boy .22LR 1957s production 14. Marlin 336 .30-30 WCF Look for a store branded Winchester 1894 or Marlin 336 in .30-30 WCF. They were sold under the Ted Williams, JC Higgins, etc. for Sears, JC Penney, Western Auto, etc. Pretty affordable and all they are are rebranded Winchesters and Marlins for the chain stores of the era.. |
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Posted: 8/28/2019 11:44:51 AM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Lever Actions are addictive. 1. Browning BLR .308 Winchester 2. Winchester 1894 AE Ranger w/o cross bolt safety .30-30 WCF 3. Winchester 1894 AE Ranger w/ cross bolt safety .30-30 WCF 4. Winchester 1894 AE Trapper .357 Magnum 5. Winchester 94/22 Trapper .22LR 6. Winchester 94/22 .22 Magnum 7. Winchester 1894 (Pre '64) .32 Winchester Special 8. Henry Rifle .22LR 9. Henry Carbine .22LR 10. Marlin 1894CSS .357 Magnum 11. Marlin 1895G w/ factory ported barrel .45-70 Government 12. Marlin 39A Golden Boy .22LR 1950s production 13. Marlin 39A Golden Boy .22LR 1957s production 14. Marlin 336 .30-30 WCF Look for a store branded Winchester 1894 or Marlin 336 in .30-30 WCF. They were sold under the Ted Williams, JC Higgins, etc. for Sears, JC Penney, Western Auto, etc. Pretty affordable and all they are are rebranded Winchesters and Marlins for the chain stores of the era.. |
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Posted: 8/28/2019 11:58:37 AM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I decided to get a 30-30 during the Obama ammo scare. The wallmarts had hunting ammo on the shelf when all other calibers were out of stock. The SPX is an awesome size for pickup truck hunting and with a red dot, it brings home the bacon at 70 yards. I handload for my 30-30's, I can load ammo with the 30 cal 110 speer HP I get for $8.99 a hun that will shoot inside 2", if worse comes to worse they would work for getting venison. |
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Posted: 8/28/2019 12:16:43 PM EDT
[#44]
My favorite rifles are lever rifles. All JM Marlins. 39a-22 , 30 -30 , 45/70 , 44 mag.
 Attached File |
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Posted: 8/28/2019 12:46:35 PM EDT
[#45]
Quoted:
ARCOM mates! Want to add a Lever Action gun to my collection. Never shot one. Just got to handle a old .35 Remington chambered Marlin at my FFL that someone had for sale (dates to around 1960s I guess). What would be a nice gun? Also, saw some good deals for Marlins chamber in .30-30 (with some cheep scope) at Classic. What is the recoil difference of a .35 Remington vs .30-30 if I may ask? Please recommend some good lever action guns, and show me the pics of ones you have please. Just picked up this pre-80 Model 94 for $300 yesterday: 
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Posted: 8/28/2019 1:31:14 PM EDT
[#46]
I own a 30-30, a 35 Remington and a 45/70. All (JM) Marlins. If you don't hand load, I would recommend a 30-30. Ammo is cheap and plentiful.
You asked about recoil? It's a rifle. They have recoil. I seriously don't get all of the questions about recoil. It isn't ballet, it's shooting guns. Just deal with the recoil. The one levergun I wish I had back was a pre-Miroku era Winchester Trapper in 44 Magnum. I shot a nice buck with that rifle bone stock with a big, heavy hardcast bullet. DRT. It was definitely not as well put together as my Marlins, or as smooth, but it was handy and fun to shoot. I actually know the guy that has it but he won't sell it back to me. :( |
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Posted: 8/28/2019 2:33:48 PM EDT
[#47]
With the people talking about recoil here, before we get all excited, just want to set the record straight.
The question was - what is the recoil difference difference between a 30-30 WIN and 35 Rem Mag from the people who have shot both. There wasn't a question about finding a low recoil rifle or avoiding it all together. Recoil itself is not an issue - I've shot 50 BMG Barretts and own several 12-guage shotguns. If one asks what is the recoil difference between a 12-guage and 20-guage , the answer would be, all other things being equal, 12 gauge shotgun with 12 gauge slug or shots would recoil perceptibly more than a 20-gauge one. Not - its a shotgun. All shotguns have recoil, get over it 
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Posted: 8/28/2019 5:42:04 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yep, Coast to Coast & Montgomery ward were some big sellers back in the day also. The Marlin 30TK was a special for KMart.  Attached File |
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Posted: 8/28/2019 6:28:43 PM EDT
[#49]
I just wrote up a Henry in 35 Remington with the side loading gate.
RECOIL I was thoroughly impressed with this rifle and think it's better made than anything put out by Winchester or Marlin since the 80s for Winchester and 90s for Marlin. 35 Rem can best be described as a 30-30 +P in terms of Recoil. Not quite a 308 but a bit more than a 30-30. I could shoot it all day. |
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Posted: 8/28/2019 11:43:23 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I just wrote up a Henry in 35 Remington with the side loading gate. RECOIL I was thoroughly impressed with this rifle and think it's better made than anything put out by Winchester or Marlin since the 80s for Winchester and 90s for Marlin. 35 Rem can best be described as a 30-30 +P in terms of Recoil. Not quite a 308 but a bit more than a 30-30. I could shoot it all day. |
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