which caliber for lever gun?

I think it depends on if you handload or not. The 30-30 is a great cartridge, no argument. But, I would look at the .44 Mag for a good all around gun, I think it is more versatile. You can load from 180 gr bullets to 300 gr, lead for general purpose, .44 special for small game and cans. 180 XTP's are super accurate and fast as hell out of the carbine extending the range over 100 yards easily. All that said, If I were buying my ammo from KMart I would go with the 30-30. Common available .44 Magnum in 240 gr is loaded down somewhat and will limit the guns capability (Buffalo Bore etc. excluded).

35 Remington with 150 or 200 grain bullets.

Jack Halloran said:

Why is the Marlin 1894 so much more expensive than the 336?

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The factory just closed, for one thing. Name recognition is part of it; shooters have heard of both companies, but everybody has heard of Winchester. Collectors are driving prices up, and some folks who've always wanted a Winchester have decided that now's the time.

krochus said:

There's just sumpin about carrying a Winchester carbine!...You just feel more MANLY than with a marlin.

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Fair enough. If your goal is to feel like a crack shot, though, just remember:

Annie Oakley shot Marlins.

I have both, and I like both.

The mention of Winchester model 92's in this thread prompts me to offer this. I too have a Puma (Rossi) 92 in .45 Colt. The Winchester 92 has ,in my opinion, an unrivaled heft and balance. It is a pure joy to carry afield, with a balance that eclipses any other lever gun I've ever handled. Shooting Buffalo Bore hot loads the dainty little gun breathes on the heels of the 454 loads, and betters the 44 Magnum factory loads too. It is an absolute unbeatable little gun to carry chasing hounds, at a tree the biggest baddest bear or cougar that ever lived will quickly wilt when centered with a hot 45 Colt load ( 300gr.@1325fps). It shoots as flat as the 44 Mag and makes a fine gun to use when whitetail hunting heavy cover, or still hunting such cover.

just thought I would mention the 444 Marlin. Ammo availability is limited, but Hornady's 265-grain soft-point (.429 cal, same as the .44 mag) leaves the barrel of my 444S at around 2400 FPS, and I have shot MOA 3-shot groups at 100 yds before

second the 444 or a 45/70. that would be my choice(s) for lever action