Okay, I've gone through this before between the Marlin and Winchester, I ended up with Marlin 1894C in 357 and absolutely love it. Now it's between the Winchester Model 94 Legacy and of course the Marlin 336 and maybe in SS...what do you guys think. (also about the stainless steel) I really like the look of the Legacy and its length...I know, I know, go handle one at the shop an make up you own mind, but just want to hear some opinions, it helped me out last time. Also, based on your experience, how do you guys feel between the Legacy's 24" barrel compared to the Marlin's 20", how much of a difference will I notice being an lever gun and all??? thx again for the opinions....
30-30 Marlin or Winchester???
- Thread starter mrrev
- Start date
- Status
They are both very good rifles and shoot very well. I have the 336 and love it. I guess the main difference is the ejection of the shells. The Winchester ejects out of the top and the Marlin is out the side. Hold both of them and see what they feel like. If they feel the same then sit them side by side and decide which one looks best to you. That is really what it will come down too. Both will shoot well and do what you need them to do.
As for the SS It is good for a low maintenance rifle but I do not like hunting with a big silver thing that can be seen from a distance. If I would get the SS I would probably apply a coat of flat black Norrell Moly Resin.
As for the SS It is good for a low maintenance rifle but I do not like hunting with a big silver thing that can be seen from a distance. If I would get the SS I would probably apply a coat of flat black Norrell Moly Resin.
Ohen Cepel
Member
I prefer the Marlins also.
However, if you want the extra barrel length and don't want to scope it then the Winchester might be the better option.
However, if you want the extra barrel length and don't want to scope it then the Winchester might be the better option.
W Turner
Member
If you want to scope it or install a tang sight, buy a Marlin. BTW- This also makes a great platform for a pseudo-scout.
If you want to use the factory sights or a Williams peep sight, get the Winchester.
The Marlin is much easier to scope and is built more ruggedly. The Winchester is harder to scope well and has a more complicated action with more moving parts.
W
If you want to use the factory sights or a Williams peep sight, get the Winchester.
The Marlin is much easier to scope and is built more ruggedly. The Winchester is harder to scope well and has a more complicated action with more moving parts.
W
My wife got me a 336SS a couple of years ago for Christmas. I haven't shot it much (maybe 50 rounds) and I don't hunt but it is a really nice gun. I haven't compared it to a Winchester although I have heard Marlins are built better than the Winchester FWIW. I think you'll like the SS. If you decide to hunt and don't want the silver, you can always spray with that temp camo paint and take it off later.
Greg
Greg
20cows
Member
Winchester. (Yes, I've had both).
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
Much as I like my Marlin 1894C in 357 I would like to get an early pre 64 Win in 30-30 and put a Williams fp receiver sight on it.
Partyguy816
Member
- Joined
- Oct 5, 2004
- Messages
- 167
My vote is for Marlin because of the side ejection. Marlin also has a micro grove barrel, but I can't for the life of me remember if that makes it better or not?
JNewell
Member
This topic gets hashed out every couple of months, so you might do a search, in addition to reading this thread.
Both are good products, obviously, or they wouldn't have been in production for so many, many years.
Overall, in the case of the '94 vs. the 336, I prefer the 336 because it's miles easier to strip and clean from the breach and because it's better closed against bad weather and field-crud. It is also easier to scope, if you want to go that way.
One thing that you may or may not like is that the stocks on the Marlins are typically fatter, both the buttstock and the forearm. Some prefer 'em that way, others do not. Try it yourself.
Both are good products, obviously, or they wouldn't have been in production for so many, many years.
Overall, in the case of the '94 vs. the 336, I prefer the 336 because it's miles easier to strip and clean from the breach and because it's better closed against bad weather and field-crud. It is also easier to scope, if you want to go that way.
One thing that you may or may not like is that the stocks on the Marlins are typically fatter, both the buttstock and the forearm. Some prefer 'em that way, others do not. Try it yourself.
db_tanker
Member
Chevy and Ford.
I like both....
But I would get the 30-30 Winchester and a big bore Marlin 450....although...the new Winchester 450 Marlin looks absolutely beautiful....I just need to win the lottery.
I like both....
But I would get the 30-30 Winchester and a big bore Marlin 450....although...the new Winchester 450 Marlin looks absolutely beautiful....I just need to win the lottery.
George Hill
Member
Marlin.
texagun
Member
There's just nothing like that sleek, light, beautiful, classic old Winchester Model 94 like John Wayne and all my heros used to carry! There are no substitutes.
JNewell
Member
Weren't all those movie guns Model 92s? 
If we're talking Winchester or Browning Model 1892/92s versus Marlins, there's no question that the 92 is a stronger, slicker action. The only reason to favor the Marlin in that comparison would be a need to mount a sight over the receiver.
If we're talking Winchester or Browning Model 1892/92s versus Marlins, there's no question that the 92 is a stronger, slicker action. The only reason to favor the Marlin in that comparison would be a need to mount a sight over the receiver.
Peter M. Eick
Member
Most of the ones I have seen in the movies were modified 92's not 94's. Seems odd since the '73 would have been the more accurate choice or a henry or two.
Back to the topic at hand. I like my (new to me) winchester 94, 1948 version.
50 shots 100 yards, open sights off a bench rest.
Back to the topic at hand. I like my (new to me) winchester 94, 1948 version.
50 shots 100 yards, open sights off a bench rest.
Ash
Member
I prefer the Marlin, my Grandfather's 94 rattles and is loose whereas my 336 is pretty tight. Also, with the Marlin, you don't get bogged down into pre 64/post 64 issues. The Marlin made today is as good, for the most part, as the one made in 1960. Being a Milsurp man myself, the 336 is a light and handy rifle and saying it is less light and handy than the 94 is like saying a Ferrari is less fast an manuverable than a McLarin. It might be so, but for me the difference is not noticeable. Of course, the Winchester 94 remains a good rifle and those who like them (other than those who like them solely because that is what they saw on TV as a kid) have good reasons to like them. Heck, I even like my Mossberg 472!
Ash
Ash
JNewell
Member
The two of you are certainly getting on quite well together!
- Status