I have shot AR's in .223 and 300BLK, AR-10's in .308, AK's 7.62x39 and a few more. None of those weapons or cartridges excited me like my $387 Walmart Marlin 336 in 30-30.
It is just a fine arm. Accurate, even with peep sights. I put a scout scope rail on it with a Nikon 2x scout scope ...and WOW.
The diversity of loads and bullets you can get is amazing. I could not do justice to giving you an explanation but, considering that Hornady claims that its 160gr LE round will deliver 1000 ft lbs at 300 yards, I just do not see why *I* would need anything else.
I am just getting into reloading, and so, the fact that I can use a variety of .308 bullets, which are easy to find, inexpensive, is just great. The 30-30 cartridge seems easy to reload.
Personally, I like a rifle to be sleek. The AR and AK platform seems very clunky to me (it probably is a superior format for combat, but I did not buy this carbine for that purpose).
Maybe I am old fashioned. I like 1911's too. But, there is something to be said for a classic design that has stood out for over 100 years. It just works and works great.
Part of my decision was driven by the desire to get a carbine for hunting with friends. Collectively, it was decided that the .223 was not desirable. At that point, THEY went in the direction of the 300BLK (since they were already pretty heavily invested in the AR platform). They each have well over $1000 invested in each AR they have and tried their best to get me to follow.
When I compare the ballistics of the 30-30 with the 300BLK and 7.62x39, there was no question it was a very capable cartridge, perhaps superior. Low recoil and can take any game in NA ....it leaves nothing to be desired.
Another thing I like....able to find commercially available lower recoil loads for introducing women to shooting it.
A good friend found an old Winchester 94 for about $300. Jealous.
