Marlin JM 30-30: should Everyone have one?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Huntolive

Huntolive

Member
Joined
Apr 20, 2012
Messages
1,139
Location
Virginia
I have an excellent condition Marlin JM stamped 3030 that I bought in like new used condition recently to have as my first lever action rifle.
I have many 308 both semi-auto and bolt action, 2 300 Win mags, 7 mm Remington Magnum, 2 243s, and 375 Ruger and H&H among other calibers not including handguns.
I also recently got a very nice 4570 governor lever action which I'll be keeping forever.

So the question is just as a matter of principle
Should every man have a lever action 3030?
Or given my collection is it just a heavy, chunky but nostalgically cool piece of metal and wood taking up room in my gun safe?
I have it listed for sale currently but even though it's not a special old model it does bear the JM stamp at least and is in outstanding condition.
I have it for sale with a basic Leupold 3-9 by 40 mounted and 3 boxes of ammo first $600 and there's a lot of interest from folks to buy it.

What would you do and why and given my collection why would you keep it or would you get rid of it?
 
Yes, every collection should have a 30-30. It's right for most situations and good for young shooters too. There's nothing fancy about it and that's what makes it great. First centerfire rifle I ever bought was a jm marlin 336 in 30-30. I would never sell it.
 
I bought my son a 1971 JM 30-30 a few years back that is a year match for mine because that is what he wanted. It is in my safe and he has lost interest in shooting and hunting. I will buy it back from him if he decides to sell it. My wife would use it.
 
I think that one is ok, but more is better! I have a few JM'S in 30/30 and love to shoot them. Although the 336 is slightly porcine, it is a great platform.
 
I’ve got a Glenfield 30a. JM stamped in 30-30. I got it because I wanted a hunting rifle with iron sights and a non detachable magazine for use in thick woods and mountains.

I looked at several other rifles and action types but kept coming back to a lever gun. Found this one, used but in great condition for a good price. Really couldn’t stand the stocks at first but they’ve grown on me. I like how solid it feels. The only downside to me are the simple budget sights that are part of the 30a package but I do plan on adding a rear peep.

upload_2020-4-18_23-52-1.jpeg
 
Well that was fast!
I see there is a lot of enthusiasm for this rifle.
I will say this sucker is very chunky and heavy for what it does; it's heavier than my thirty-ought-six Browning BAR.
What is the appeal?
What is there reasonable effective range?
What is a reasonable price for a newer model JM 336 30-30 in outstanding condition?

What makes them so great that many of you have several.
Quite frankly the gun seems very impractical.
Feel free to make me a believer and lead me to the Kool-Aid:what:
 
The marlin 30-30 is just a well made classic.
Huntolive said:
it's heavier than my thirty-ought-six Browning BAR.
Click to expand...
I'm suprised by that. Weight can be a good thing if you're not walking far.
Huntolive said:
What is the appeal?
Click to expand...
Good quality, smooth action, effective cartridge without all the recoil and blast.
Huntolive said:
What is there reasonable effective range?
Click to expand...
250 yards us reasonable but if you do your part it can be effective further- most critters are shot closer though.
Huntolive said:
What makes them so great that many of you have several.
Click to expand...
Nostalgia. Quality. Americana . availability of ammo.
 
The gun is a classic - but if it doesn't move you or it's not your style, that's okay.


Not everybody is a fan of lever actions. If you're in this camp, may as well let the gun go to someone who would enjoy it more.
 
I actually do like the lever action I have shot which is an 1895 SBL4570 governor
 
Last edited:
Perhaps I should take my Marlin JM down the hill tomorrow and get acquainted with it before I make any rash decisions about selling it.
they definitely are rich in the stalgia I just don't see them being nearly as practical as a bolt action 243 and it weighs twice as much as my sons Ruger American compact 243 or at least it feels like it does, weighs more than my Sako 300 Win Mag
 
Last edited:
Naw, make mine a 7-30, .375, .38-55or a PCC.

Classic lever guns are sort of a novelty for me, they arnt ment to be scoped, and i scope everything.
In good light I can shoot them well enough with peep sight, but unless im running fiber optics or illumination, Im very limited in poor lighting.
Lack of a magnified sight also dosent allow me the confidence when shooting thru holes in brush and trees, or when making that last identification before the shot.

Thus, if im gonna have a novelty, lets chamber it in something amusing.
 
30-30 just works for what it is designed for. I kind of think of the Winchester 94 and the Marlin JM 30-30 as the fly rods of deer hunting.
There are better ways to catch fish than fly fishing, but no better way to go fishing...
 
film495 said:
I think of the Winchester 94 and the Marlin JM 30-30 as the fly rods of deer hunting.
There are better ways to catch fish than fly fishing, but no better way to go fishing...
Click to expand...


While I reside in @LoonWulf ’s camp, your statement can be no closer to the poetically beautiful truth than it is.

Sometimes, less is more.
 
Huntolive said:
I have an excellent condition Marlin JM stamped 3030 that I bought in like new used condition recently to have as my first lever action rifle.
I have many 308 both semi-auto and bolt action, 2 300 Win mags, 7 mm Remington Magnum, 2 243s, and 375 Ruger and H&H among other calibers not including handguns.
I also recently got a very nice 4570 governor lever action which I'll be keeping forever.

So the question is just as a matter of principle
Should every man have a lever action 3030?
Or given my collection is it just a heavy, chunky but nostalgically cool piece of metal and wood taking up room in my gun safe?
I have it listed for sale currently but even though it's not a special old model it does bear the JM stamp at least and is in outstanding condition.
I have it for sale with a basic Leupold 3-9 by 40 mounted and 3 boxes of ammo first $600 and there's a lot of interest from folks to buy it.

What would you do and why and given my collection why would you keep it or would you get rid of it?
Click to expand...
My wife has a micro-groove Marlin that sits very well.
I prefer pistol caliber leveractions. They're lighter and are a dream to shoot.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

G
  • Locked
Marlin JM
Replies
16
Views
5K
bikemutt
bikemutt
M
  • Locked
How much for this Lever action 30-30?
Replies
15
Views
778
mshootnit
M
J
  • Locked
Marlin 336 30-30...
Replies
20
Views
3K
BSA1
BSA1
E
  • Locked
If you were to purchase a NEW 30-30...
2
Replies
45
Views
2K
T.R.
T
H
  • Locked
have the new 1894 marlins shipped yet???
Replies
14
Views
1K
B_Li_Ber_Tar_Ian
B
Back
Top