336 or sks, i recently bought an ak 47 & found that i love the 7.62x39 round. i have 2 5.56/223's & 2 m1a's while i also love the the 7.62 nato it is exspensive & the 5.56/223 feels anemic to me, the 7.62x39 has some punch to it. the best part is you can buy 1,000 for $200-$240 dollars & get plenty of practice in. the 336 marlin would be my second choice.
Which would be your next rifle if you were me?
- Thread starter ATBackPackin
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Dr T
Member
I suggest you look hard at the Marlin Model 39.
It is a fun lever gun that is cheap shoot, it will keep its value well (the Model 39 is a classic), and it is a take-down gun you can pack easily.
It is a fun lever gun that is cheap shoot, it will keep its value well (the Model 39 is a classic), and it is a take-down gun you can pack easily.
You really need at least 1 .22LR rifle and handgun. Get a rifle first. The Henry isn't the best lever gun, but it will do for a while.
Everyone should also have a Ruger 10-22 and do the accurizing thing. It's a great money pit, but a lot of fun.
Everyone should also have a Ruger 10-22 and do the accurizing thing. It's a great money pit, but a lot of fun.
mastiffhound
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I voted marlin 336, my brother has one and I used to have the 1894 .44 mag model. Well built levers are great!
Arkansas Paul
Member
Marlin 336.
ugaarguy
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I went with Other, and I have two thoughts for options.
First, a CMMG complete 22LR upper for your AR can be had for under $400. I have a Ceiner 22LR conversion for the AR, but I'll be getting a CMMG unit soon. My reasoning is that I'd prefer to keep my ARs gas tubes clean, and 22LR through a conversion kit makes them filthy. The CMMG dedicated 22LR isn't very expensive for what you get.
Second, I'd look at a Kel-Tec sub 2000 pistol caliber carbine. They fold in half, and they're offered in several versions to utilize the mags of many popular pistols. It serves the same purpose as the HiPoint carbine, but lets you use the same mags as a pistol you already have (or plan to buy).
Based on your criteria of:
First, a CMMG complete 22LR upper for your AR can be had for under $400. I have a Ceiner 22LR conversion for the AR, but I'll be getting a CMMG unit soon. My reasoning is that I'd prefer to keep my ARs gas tubes clean, and 22LR through a conversion kit makes them filthy. The CMMG dedicated 22LR isn't very expensive for what you get.
Second, I'd look at a Kel-Tec sub 2000 pistol caliber carbine. They fold in half, and they're offered in several versions to utilize the mags of many popular pistols. It serves the same purpose as the HiPoint carbine, but lets you use the same mags as a pistol you already have (or plan to buy).
Based on your criteria of:
The 22LR upper covers fun, and provides marksmanship practice with the AR-15 you already have. The Sub 2000 covers fun, and (while your AR and Shotgun are better options for it IMO) wouldn't be a bad HD gun if it was pressed into that role.
ShroomFish
Member
Pretty much all the same reasons as Shroomfish, "except the Russian part, the fact that it's Russian wouldnt sway me for or against a rifle"
I am sorry, I just love (almost) all things Russian
451 Detonics
Member
I would be looking for a bolt gun for mid range (300-700 yard) use. I would lean towards a .308 for this. Possibly one of the detachable magazine versions from Savage.
wally
Member
I voted for the SKS because the supply is starting to get thin and they aren't making them anymore. But for the same reason the "older" Winchester 94 might be even better depending on when it was made and its condition.
But overall, the SKS is pretty cheap to shoot, can be used to hunt with, and is fun at the range so it seems like a good match to your wants.
But overall, the SKS is pretty cheap to shoot, can be used to hunt with, and is fun at the range so it seems like a good match to your wants.
Red October
Member
My first rifle was a Marlin model 60, so perhaps I'm biased. However, I have put tens of thousands of rounds through mine (on at least a few occasions some friends and I put about 3K through it in a day). Other than shoot the heck out of it, all I have ever done to it is clean it.
Cheap to buy, cheap to shoot, and durable. The 60 gets my vote.
Cheap to buy, cheap to shoot, and durable. The 60 gets my vote.
hardluk1
member
Get a nice marlin 30-30. Then you will have the rifles covered. You allready have a good .22 and a .223 and shotgun so all you need is a good general purpose hunting rifle and the marlin 30-30 does that well.
ATBackPackin
Member
Wow, way more replies than I was expecting. Thanks for all of the opinions friends and neighbors. Now to the good stuff.
After starting this thread and thinking about if for a while I had narrowed it down to two options, well technically three. I was either going with the SKS or one of the 30-30 levers.
Around 5:15pm yesterday evening I got a wild hair up my ......well you get the idea, and headed to Cabelas. I knew they had two models of the Yugo SKS, the 59/66 in normal length and the carbine, and they always have a ton of used levers. I went to the counter to check out the SKS's first. After looking at both they had on display, they looked pretty beat, I asked the employee if I could cherry pick from the ones that they had. I should point out that I only wanted to look at the carbines. He replied that he could bring some out for me, but they were all going to look identical to the one I had so I don't see the point. I am not saying he was wrong, but he didn't know anything about the SKS so I wasn't too confident that he knew the condition of the ones in the back. So I asked is that a no? He replied again that they all look just like this one. I didn't push it and said there were a couple other things I wanted to look at, so I'll be back later and figured I would try a different employee.
I strolled over and started looking at the used levers, they had approximately 50 on the rack. They had some really nice ones and they had some really beat ones and the prices varied about the same. The better ones for the most part were out of the price range I was looking to spend, I hate when I open my big mouth and tell the wife I'm only going to spend such and such on such and such. Then I came across a Marlin 336 in 30-30 that was in pristine condition. I mean I wouldn't be surprised if it was never fired. It was however one of the newer ones and I suspect that was why it was in my price range. I took it to the counter so they could take the lock off and I could have a closer look. After a couple of minutes inspecting it I gave the gentleman at the counter THE nod. He asked me "yeah"? "Yeah", I replied. OK, lets get the paperwork started he said. The NICS took a lot longer than usual for me and I really began to worry that someone made a mistake. I just knew I was going to get called and they were going to explain I was denied. Hearing horror stories about the appeal process, I thought I was heading for a headache.
Low and behold 45 minutes later I was walking out with my new Marlin lever.
Here are a few pics and a target from the range today. I really thought it was going to have more kick than it did. It was actually a pleasure to shoot and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The target was probably about 40 or 50 yards, I didn't walk it off. My marksmanship has plenty of room for improvement, but to my defense I do not shoot rifles a lot and I didn't have a sling. I stopped off and bought a sling on the way home and decided I am going to start shooting my rifles much more. I'll do a write up after I get a chance to shoot it more, but for now all I can say is I really like this rifle and levers rock.
Thanks again for all the help.
Shawn
After starting this thread and thinking about if for a while I had narrowed it down to two options, well technically three. I was either going with the SKS or one of the 30-30 levers.
Around 5:15pm yesterday evening I got a wild hair up my ......well you get the idea, and headed to Cabelas. I knew they had two models of the Yugo SKS, the 59/66 in normal length and the carbine, and they always have a ton of used levers. I went to the counter to check out the SKS's first. After looking at both they had on display, they looked pretty beat, I asked the employee if I could cherry pick from the ones that they had. I should point out that I only wanted to look at the carbines. He replied that he could bring some out for me, but they were all going to look identical to the one I had so I don't see the point. I am not saying he was wrong, but he didn't know anything about the SKS so I wasn't too confident that he knew the condition of the ones in the back. So I asked is that a no? He replied again that they all look just like this one. I didn't push it and said there were a couple other things I wanted to look at, so I'll be back later and figured I would try a different employee.
I strolled over and started looking at the used levers, they had approximately 50 on the rack. They had some really nice ones and they had some really beat ones and the prices varied about the same. The better ones for the most part were out of the price range I was looking to spend, I hate when I open my big mouth and tell the wife I'm only going to spend such and such on such and such. Then I came across a Marlin 336 in 30-30 that was in pristine condition. I mean I wouldn't be surprised if it was never fired. It was however one of the newer ones and I suspect that was why it was in my price range. I took it to the counter so they could take the lock off and I could have a closer look. After a couple of minutes inspecting it I gave the gentleman at the counter THE nod. He asked me "yeah"? "Yeah", I replied. OK, lets get the paperwork started he said. The NICS took a lot longer than usual for me and I really began to worry that someone made a mistake. I just knew I was going to get called and they were going to explain I was denied. Hearing horror stories about the appeal process, I thought I was heading for a headache.
Low and behold 45 minutes later I was walking out with my new Marlin lever.
Here are a few pics and a target from the range today. I really thought it was going to have more kick than it did. It was actually a pleasure to shoot and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The target was probably about 40 or 50 yards, I didn't walk it off. My marksmanship has plenty of room for improvement, but to my defense I do not shoot rifles a lot and I didn't have a sling. I stopped off and bought a sling on the way home and decided I am going to start shooting my rifles much more. I'll do a write up after I get a chance to shoot it more, but for now all I can say is I really like this rifle and levers rock.
Thanks again for all the help.
Shawn
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sixgunner455
Member
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- Aug 25, 2006
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- 3,052
Way to go! Those sure are pleasant to shoot - that's been one of the attractions to them for over a hundred years.
Now, I'm jealous. 50 of them on the rack at one store? Man, I can't think of the last time I was in a store that had more than one or two at a time. I'd probably buy one of the beat ones if I could find one, just so I could have a .30-30.
Good choice. Your grandkids will thank you for it when they take their first deer with it.
Now, I'm jealous. 50 of them on the rack at one store? Man, I can't think of the last time I was in a store that had more than one or two at a time.
I'd probably buy one of the beat ones if I could find one, just so I could have a .30-30. Good choice. Your grandkids will thank you for it when they take their first deer with it.
Personally in my opinion I would go with something in the .30 cal range like an AR-10. I would use the Mossberg 500 for a HD gun or a handgun in .45 ACP or .40 S&W. I would even consider a Taurus Judge with .410 shot shells with buckshot.
Ignition Override
Member
Only one or two SKS series were designed to operate with AK mags.
They might be the M or D series, and some report that changing mags is not as quick as with AK clones.
Many other SKS conversions to the larger (>10 rd.) magazines have had disappointing results.
Seasoned people at "SKSboards.com" can help answer many questions.
They might be the M or D series, and some report that changing mags is not as quick as with AK clones.
Many other SKS conversions to the larger (>10 rd.) magazines have had disappointing results.
Seasoned people at "SKSboards.com" can help answer many questions.
hardluk1
member
Pay attention guys . HE BOUGHT A MARLIN
Nice rifle, and all ready scoped out. If you try some hunting look for a Safari Sling. I will lay the rifle across the front of your chest while walking/staking. And you don't need to hold on to it. It is allways sits ready to just lift and shot. Makes the typical over the shoulder sling useless.
Nice rifle, and all ready scoped out. If you try some hunting look for a Safari Sling. I will lay the rifle across the front of your chest while walking/staking. And you don't need to hold on to it. It is allways sits ready to just lift and shot. Makes the typical over the shoulder sling useless.
sansone
Member
I chose marlin 60 out of your list of guns.
reason being: everybody needs a cheap 22 semi-auto
reason being: everybody needs a cheap 22 semi-auto
ForumSurfer
Member
Either that or the Marlin 336 since you are contemplating hunting. I can relate because I have the fever to replace my long lost lever, as well. Lever actions are really fun to plink with.
I have an SKS and I'd honestly sell it if my father hadn't gifted it to me. I don't enjoy shooting them even if the ammo is cheap. It is a great gun for what it is, but I can think of many more fun guns in that price range. It is reliable and reasonably accurate, but I'd much rather lug around that Marlin through the woods when hunting.
You already have an AR so home defense is covered.
If you are contemplating a lever, check out the frontier model (octagonal barrel). It doesn't have the plastic barrel band up front, instead it has a standard dovetail front sight so it is replaceable if you decide to add peep sights. If you've never tried a peep setup on a lever, you're missing out.
Badlander
Member
You made A fine choice. Enjoy your new rifle.
12131
Member
I VOTED FOR THE mARLIN 336, MOSTLY BECAUSE YOU DID NOT HAVE A REMINGTON 700 LISTED. ANY DECENT COLLECTION SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST ONE OF EACH OF THOSE TWO. MY LITTLE COLLECTION IS NOTHING COMPARED TO MANY OTHER FOLKS. BUT I DO LOVE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM.
chicharrones
needs more ammo
To the OP, ATBackPackin.
Congrats on the new Marlin 336!
From the photos you put up, it looks like a good one!
http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=7373691&postcount=39
Congrats on the new Marlin 336!
From the photos you put up, it looks like a good one!
http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=7373691&postcount=39
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