Model 94 or 336?

I own both, and prefer the Marlin.

I've owned a mod 94, but have carried or shot several 336's. I would chose the Marlin but that is just my opinion.

I've owned both as well. Prefer the 336 also, but also prefer the 35 Remington caliber to the 30/30.

Reasons for the 336? Only one. It's easier to mount a scope. Action is smoother, yes, but the model 94 is trimmer and lighter, if memory serves.

Marlin 336

I can vouch for accurate. I've got a 336 (in .35) and a 444 that are both pretty amazing with the right load.

You can get the parts and swap to a straight stock pretty easily. (IIRC, you just need the stock, the lever, and the trigger guard plate from the straight-stock version of the rifle.)

I've got plenty of time in with a 94 and that's a fabulous gun, but the 336 is just a more developed design.

By the way, a 336 uses a ROUND bolt, but it isn't a "rotary" bolt in the sense of turning to lock up.

The Browning Lever Rifle (BLR) uses a true rotary bolt.

-Sam

Marlin for me.

I bought a new model 94 back in 2003. I was very dissapointed in it and sold it. Right next to it was a 336 for $100 less. I am pretty sure I would not have been dissapointed in the 336 and would not have sold it.

However, old 94s are really nice...but they're old and some have seen hard service.

336. Marlin has in fact been the pre-eminent lever-action rifle manufacturer for at least the latter half of the 20th century and certainly for all of the 21st so far. Look at all of their lever action products...everything from something that would have looked and been at home in the old west to ultra-modern versions with fully up to date materials.

I have both and overall like the Marlin better. I have 10 Marlins and 2 Winchesters. All of them have the straight stock. Marlin has made a lot of the straight stock versions over the years. You just have to look for them. They are the best of both worlds. The tighter feel and better accuracy of the Marlin combined with the lighter weight and better handling of the Winchester.

The Winchesters quality have varied a lot over the years. Some are great. others, not so great. Marlin has been more consistent and you are more likely to get a good one if buying used, which I highly recommend. If you find a good Winchester they are about the same in quality and accuracy.

Well fellas, I went Marlin. Thanks for the reassurances that it was the right move!

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You chose........ wisely.

You will be even happier when you see how easy it is to clean compaired to A Winchester. Good choice

The only reason I mentioned the mod 94 is the one that I had/have is the all steel model pre 64 passed down from the grandfather. It was a shooter though and had taken more deer, coyotes, rabbits, mountain lions and various other game over the years.

Boy, it didn't take long for you to make your choice! The wrong one unfortunately. I prefer the 94 over the Marlin mostly because I don't think there's a rifle ever made that handles in the field as nice as a 94 carbine does. And no scopes for me on my traditional lever action rifles, thank you, and that would include my Marlin 336. I've equipped them all with a Williams "FoolProof" receiver sight.

But, seriously, I don't think you could have gone wrong with either choice. One of those times when what one prefers in a firearm simply can't be measured objectively.

I have always liked the Mod 94. i grew up in the U.P of Michigan (stump jumper I hate "yooper") and the 94 was a damn fine "brush gun" and its a good looking rifle too.

I can't tell you which one is more accurate, stronger, lighter, etc, but the Model 94 just LOOKS better................

the Model 94 just LOOKS better................

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..........and weighs less.

I'll put my Winchester 94 made in 1942 up against anyones Marlin 336. Marlin makes a crap gun, I have never shot one worth a damn (in any caliber). Get a Winchester 94 and don't look back. If anyone wants to shot with irons send me a pm.

Winchesters are in a league far above Marlin.

Not wanting a scope mounted to just calls out for a pre-64 Mod 94. They are much better handling. I've never weighed them, but in hand the Marlin seems several pounds heavier to me. The Winchester has much better balance.

Well I just went back and saw you've already made your purchase. I agree with SwampWolf that you couldn't make a BAD decicion. But I do believe the Winchester is the better gun. If I decide to take a lever gun hunting, I'll grab for the Marlin first. (Unless I get real nostalgic and decide to carry my 1873 in .44-40.)

Wyman

I had a Marlin 336 in my younger days, and it was a fine rifle, but I got really poor for a while, and had to sell it.

A few years ago, I found an old used Winchester 94 in my local gun shop; out of deference to my older eyes, I put a Williams Foolproof receiver sight on the rear and an Ashley Express blade front with a white centerline on the front.

I've killed several hogs with this rifle; it's light and handy and plenty accurate at the 100 yard and less ranges where I usually hunt.

Marlin makes a crap gun, I have never shot one worth a damn (in any caliber).

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Wow. BOLD statement. Enjoy the flaming!

I have (well, my sister now has) my great-grandfather's '94 from about the same period of time as yours. Beautiful gun.

I grew up feeling that the Win. was far superior to the Marlin. Never even wanted one.

But then we got a 444 (mid '90s mfg.) and it was SO good I couldn't believe it.

Now I have a 336 (from about 1975) and both of them EASILY out-shoot that '94.

The Marlin can't erase the '94's place in American firearms history, but it is a better gun (well, let's say a more capable design) in several ways.

YMMV, of course.

-Sam

Not trying to stir the pot or make statements to make folks angry, but I have several Marlins and they all shoot good. I have pistol calibers, 30-30's, and two .45-70's. I am amazed by the accuracy of these rifles. They are also much easier to clean than a Winchester and are easy to completely take apart.

I would say that anyone who says they are horrible shooters probably hasn't given them a fair shake. Anyone who says they are poorly made has not spent any real time examining them.

All that said, I have a Winchester and love it. It does weigh less and has a more trim receiver. It was made in 1954 and is a work of art. The later models that I have seen come out of the factory in the 70's and 80's are not near the quality of the earlier guns. Early Winchesters are becoming very hard and expensive to find and buy.

I am glad you choose the Marlin. You will be served well by it for at least the rest of your lifetime. Enjoy that rifle.

Matt

Re-read my original post, #10. I will summarize. Some Winchesters are indeed great rifles. Depends on when they were made and the pre WW-2 guns are the best. Many of the rifles made from the 1970's on were horrible, some OK. Once again it depends on which one you get. Marlin quality has been much more consistent although some bad ones turn up as well.

The weight and balance isue is not impossible if you search out one of the straight stocked Marlins. I own 10 and know where one in excellent shape is for sale at the moment.