30-30 Lever action

[ripcurlksm]

I am looking to get a 30-30 or 30-06 if possible. I have only shot my friends Marlin 30-30 lever action and I really, really liked it and figured I would ask around for any recommendations on models and calibers. It will mostly be used for target shooting. Any thoughts?

 

[Avenger29]

For a .30-30 lever action, I like the Marlin. It has the best design, and is easy to remove the bolt for cleaning. Plus, it has the most accessories for it.

It's also easy to mount a scope on top, or you can go with some nice iron sights. Plus, it serves well as a general purpose rifle.

 

[mkonops]

Look at the Marlin 1894 and 336 lines. Great guns. I have their 1894s in 30-30 and .357 Mag and a pre-64 1894 30-30 by Winchester. Overall I like the Marlins more than anything available today.

 

[Slamfire]

Well that's a pretty big spread, 30-30 and 30-06 to consider.

Your standard 30-30 leveraction is not a target rifle but will shoot accurately enough for a new person. You will not win any Regional matches, or place at the Nationals with the thing, but you would be more than adequately served hunting deer sized animals out to 150 yards.

I have always perferred the Marlin actions. You remove one screw, off comes the lever and out comes the bolt, and you can clean from the rear and wipe out a lot of gunk without having to disassemble the thing.

The "other" 30-30 is the classic M1894 Winchester. Millions of the things out there. I don't own one. I looked at the disassembly instructions in a book, the thing looks complicated.

I have read posts by gunsmiths who claim that they get 80 plus year old lever actions that have never been cleaned or disassembled. I can believe that for the Winchester.

As for a 30-06, great round, lots of rifles, actions, etc. Kicks more too. The average 30-06 is a bolt gun, and that will be more accurate on the average than a lever action. But on average, you will be less accurate than either.

Accuracy takes a good rifle, and a lot of practice on the shooter.

 

[SSN Vet]

IF your experience with center fired rifles is limited, you should seek out opportunities to shoot high powered rifle calibers before plopping down $ on an -06 imho....

the recoil can be more than you bargained for and make the shooting experience rather unpleasant. Besides that, you can develop a flinch and other nasty habbits.

My first center fire rifle was a Marlin 336 and it is still one of my favorites.

Don't be afraid to buy second hand, as many of these type rifles are lightly used and spent their days in gun cabinents waiting for dear season to open.

 

[Eb1]

Your standard 30-30 leveraction is not a target rifle but will shoot accurately enough for a new person. You will not win any Regional matches, or place at the Nationals with the thing, but you would be more than adequately served hunting deer sized animals out to 150 yards.

I beg to differ. I can shoot sub MOA groups with my 336 with my handloads.

You just have to know your gun.

 

[Avenger29]

I beg to differ. I can shoot sub MOA groups with my 336 with my handloads.

Marlins are not gaurenteed to shoot well, but they are usually uncannily accurate with loads they like.

Marlin builds good, solid, high quality rifles.

 

[ripcurlksm]

thanks for the posts, exactly the info and insight i was looking for. Keep em coming if you got em

 

[chieftain]

Everyone MUST own at least one lever action 30-30. So get it, then get the '06 if you still have a need.

Every critter in this continent and the southern division have been taken by the 30-30, although not the best selection for a very small number of them.

Light, quick on target, reliable, and proven. What was it you wanted in a rifle anyway?

I do believe the Marlin is a stronger action. But I am very happy with my Winchester 94, it's practically brand new, only 16 years old.

They shoot accurately for hunting or fighting, not so good for target practice.

Pick your venue, then have at it.

 

[scythefwd]

Everyone MUST own at least one lever action 30-30. So get it, then get the '06 if you still have a need.

I've got a bolt instead of the lever, can I get my -06 now?

ripcurlksm, look at the price of the ammo, you may decide the .30-30 is the better choice and will do fine for you for now.

 

[MMCSRET]

My personal favorite is my Savage 99, 1936 vintage 30-30, 20" carbine.

 

[_N4Z_]

They may not be moa tackdrivers on the norm, but check this out. Two Saturdays ago I had my Marlin336 30-30 out at the range, and from the 300 yard bench, off a sand bag, it was repeatedly ringing the 18" gong, with the stock open sights! Weeheee!

Wish I had pics of the looks on the faces of tacti-cool crew that happened to be there, with their high dollar scoped fancy racing toys. Ahhhhh, fine day at the range.

Mine will do 2 inch groups at 100 yards with factory Federal 170gr., again with open sights. Looking to start handloading in the near future. I would recommend the Marlin in 30-30, and then buy a 30-06 later.

 

[Bezoar]

30-30 is fine, and the marlin factory sights can be quite exceptional when you get the right cartridge load figured out.

Have you looked at a 336 in 35 remington? alot more power and range built in. if your hunting in brush a 200 grain 35 rem slug is GOOD.

 

[cardopolis]

I've owned 3 marlin 30-30s. Gave one to my brother, it's his go to brush gun, one to a brother inlaw and then sold my last one—like an idiot! i do like em, but wanted a bolt action high powered for more distance. But the new marlin and hornady combination (xlr) would be a contender for long range....if i get nostalgic, i'll go get another 30-30.

 

[ECVMatt]

One more vote for the Marlin...

You might want to look into the pistol cartridge sized Marlin 1894. They come in .44 and .357. The .357 can also shoot .38 spl., which can generally be found pretty cheap. I have a few Marlins and they all shoot really good. I like to plink with the .357 and .44.

I love the .30-30 though. It is a great round and a good starting point for beginners. I would stay away from the 06. I really like that round too, but it is a bit much someone just starting out.

Good Luck and welcome to the shooting sports.

Matt

 

[ECVMatt]

I found this...might help...

http://www.leverguns.com/articles/fryxell/marlin_1894.htm

Matt

 

[Mauserguy]

A 30-06 is more technically dificult to shoot, so for a casual shooter looking for a first rifle, I would suggest the Marlin 30-30. They are great guns and represent everything great about the American firearms industry. Later, get the 30-06 as it is a fine and versatile rifle.
Mauserguy

 

[qajaq59]

If you could find a Savage 99 in .308 it would cover both bases and be more accurate then either the 94 or the 336. But otherwise, I'd say get the Marlin in 30-30 and have a good time. They're reasonably accurate, easy to reload and if a hog is charging you, they can be as fast as any auto. Plus they are easy to mount a scope on. Generally the prices on them aren't too bad either if you look around good.

 

[Shawnee]

Hi Ripcurl...

The Marlin 30/30 is an excellent choice for beginners but it should not be thought of as "just a starter" rifle.

I truly think about 80% of American hunters seriuously under-value the 30/30 - a LOT.

With 150gr. round nose ammo you can sight it in the be 2 3/4" high at 100 yds and it will be only about 2.5" low at 200 yds., and about 11" low at 250 yards, and it will have enough power to drop a deer at 250 yds.

That makes the 30/30 one of the most useful cartridges ever.

Yes, you'll hear about all the 300-yard shots yadda, yadda, yadda.
But the Truth is - if you collect only 10 CENTS for every head of game shot withIN 250 yards - and you pay 10 DOLLARS for every head of game shot beyond 200 yards - you'll be rich after the first deer season.

Hornady's new 160gr. "Leverlution" ammo improves the 30/30's trajectory and effectiveness even more too.

Get the 30/30 and enjoy the daylights out of it !

 

[RoadkingLarry]

I've always tought it was downright UNAMERICAN not to own at least one leveraction rifle chambered in .30-30.
Another vote for Marlin.

 

[foghornl]

Levergun???

One Word.....

Marlin