[redbaron586]

Hi everyone. I'm looking at buying my first rifle for target shooting, and deer hunting. I was wondering if y'all could recommend some makes/models and calibers for me. I like Marlins and went and took a look ath the 1895GS, but I also like the 1895 and have been told that the ammo for the 45/70 would be easier to find than the 44. Any thoughts?

[redbaron586]

edit- both of those are in the 45/70

[lawson]

Marlin 336 .30/30. i've used the same one for several years. has open sights for target shooting (though ammo is a bit pricey for target practice), and the newer ones are drilled and tapped for a scope mount.

it's a great first rifle.

[Roudy]

Either one would be a good rifle. The 45-70 round is still a good cartridge. If you are going to do some target shooting I'd recommend that you take up reloading. Will cost a lot less per round which means that you will shoot more.

[Deer Hunter]

+1 on the Marlin 336 30-30. It'll serve you well. I'd pick it over the 45-70.

[lawson]

both are great cartridges, but the .30-30 is a bit more versatile IMO, and a bit cheaper to shoot. the .45-70 will give you quite a bit more power and range, and is a bit overpowered for deer hunting.

+1 on reloading. you aren't going to find cheap target ammo in either caliber. i shoot a couple boxes of .30-30 to sight in my scope and practice for deer season, and i probably only shoot my .45-70 about once or twice a year (when i wanna play Quigley).

[redbaron586]

yeah, I started looking at the 336's when I went back to the site. from the reviews that I've read, it seems to be like a better choice over the 1895 due to the long dependability and its overall versatile use.

I have a couple questions thouch. what are the differences b/w the 4 models of the 336. I understand that the 336C can hold a .35 cartridge, unlike the 336A, but can't seem to tell the difference b/w the 336C and the 336W. All I see is a gold trigger?


Oh and since there aren't any gun stores open right now, what are the prices on the 336's? somewhere around 350-400?

[lawson]

the 336C has a walnut stock, and the W and A have a "hardwood" stock, so if you're picky about wood. the W has a bit more cosmetic features than the A.

the A is the most affordable (usually running in the 300-350 range). if you want a good deer rifle on a budget, it's a good route to take.

[redbaron586]

I called a local gun store and they quoted a price of $329.99 with a scope for the 336A. didn't ask about the man. and power,though

[redbaron586]

I was picking some things up at wal-mart tonight and went by sporting goods and lookedi n their gun gase and they have the marlin 336w for $295.97. This seems like a really good price

[Mad Bodhi]

Are you looking specifically at lever guns or are you open to bolt or even semi-auto's ? How much you looking to spend? Do you intend to scope it? What type of terrain do you hunt in?

[Lupinus]

I have a winchester up for sale right now. Has a scope already on it chambered in 30-30, PM me and maybe we can work something out.

[redbaron586]

I'd be mostly in mountain terrain. I like the feel and the styling of the marlin, plus with the long reliability reputation it has, I figure I can't go wrong. Although, I am not opposed to a bolt action or auto-loading

[GigaBuist]

I'm not too sure what moutain terrain offers as far as shots, but you might want to take a gander at the Savage rifles.

They're not too pricey, and I don't know of anybody that's ever complained about one, aside from myself. The Mark II .22Lr rifle I've got has a craptastic trigger -- but that's VERY odd for a Savage aside from this model.

One in .243 or .308 might do you well.

Shelve the 45-70 idea. That won't make for a good first rifle.

[coyote204]

I like the Marlin 336 myself. If you have the money, Marlin offers the 336 XLR (laminated stainless) with a 24" barrel in .30-30 for $575-600.

It's on the Marlin site here: http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/xlr/336.aspx[/URL]

The longer barrel will give you more range and accuracy especially if you use the new Hornady Leverevolution ammo. Plus, it's a fine looking piece of firearm.