The downside to lever guns.

[Gewehr98]

Interesting.

I have to tell you fellows that I own a 94, and the more I handle Marlins, the more I dislike the 94.

The more I handle Marlins, the more I like my Winchester 94s. I find the former clunky, oversized, and not at all easy-handling. I figure that's why you don't see John Wayne carrying a Marlin in his movies.

Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

 

[ArmedBear]

I like the Marlin 1894...

I like the Winchester 1892.

The real difference, to me, is one of design philosophy. Marlin can build a great lever carbine, and they do -- just not chambered for .30-30. The 336 is designed and built with "rifle" in mind. The standard 94 is much more of a carbine, though they did make some with pistol grip stocks and longer barrels.

I have a pair of Marlin 39's. One is the 39A, that shoulders and feels almost exactly like a 336. The other is a 39M, that shoulders and feels a lot like a 94, or an 1894. Same action, different intention for each model of 39.

As far as John Wayne carrying his 1892 in the Civil War...

IMHO, the standard 94 design is somewhat mismatched to the .30-30 round, which will work on deer at least as far as the iron sights will. The 94's handling suggests relatively close, quick shooting. The wonderful 1892 (now made by others of course) or a Marlin 1894 will do that, arguably better, with .44 Magnum, or even .357. What Marlin did with the 336, i.e. a gun that's quicker handling than most deer rifles, but holds steady for long shots, makes good sense when paired with the .30-30 or .35 Remington.

Marlin, of course, still makes 4 different lever gun actions for different classes of cartridges. Winchester, for a long time, just shoehorned them into 2, then 1 at the end (not counting Japanese "special editions" of course).

With an infinite supply of money, I'd have a few of each, mint, just so I could do my own comparisons.

 

[Vic303]

I think the lever guns shine in the pistol calibers best. I love the Marlins in .357 mag.

 

[Z_Infidel]

Marlin's XLR line of rifles (and the 308MX) are quickly becoming known for their accuracy, especially with the LeverEvolution ammo. I personally have been impressed by my 336XLR .30-30, and from what I've read the 308MXLR and 308MX are even better in the accuracy department.

I like lever guns mostly for their handling characteristics, but then even my bolt gun is a full-stocked CZ with iron sights. Heck, shoot what you like!

 

[fiddleharp]

Back in 2001 I put three shots into one ragged hole at 100 yards with my Browning BLR in 7mm-08. My rest was a sneaker on top of a tackle box, with the butt end of the stock resting on another sneaker. I was shooting close-out Remington ammo Wal-Mart was selling for $5.50 a box.
After my second shot, I was afraid I didn't even touch paper because I couldn't see a second hole. After the third shot I still could see only one hole, but was starting to get excited because the sight picture looked good and the squeeze felt perfect on all three shots.
When the range went cold I walked out and couldn't believe my eyes. One ragged hole, two inches above the bull at 100 yards! Whoohoo!
That was many years ago, and try as I might, I've never been able to repeat that stunt. :banghead: