Buying a lever action

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Marlin 336 vs. Winchester 94 in .30-30 is a Fords vs Chevy discussion. For pistol calibers, however, the Marlin is the way to go. The Win 94's in pistol calibers have a reputation among SASS (cowboy action) shooters for being a bit tempermental in feeding. A '92 pattern, like the Browning or the Rossi would be a better bet if you simply want something different, but I believe the Marlin 1894 is superior. Simpler design, easier to maintain, easier to clean, more support for them by parts makers and gunsmiths.
 
In reference to some comments about .357 for deer, I have never used it but based my comment on Chuck Hawk's comparison table which shows the .357 magnum (from a rifle) 180gr having a muzzle energy of 920 ft/lbs. Many states require 1000 - 1200 for deer. The .30-30 170gr is listed at over 1800 ft/lbs of muzzle energy, very nearly twice that of the .357. At yardage the gap between the two widens. I don't doubt that many deer have been taken with the .357 and less, but those numbers were my basis for recommending the .30-30 over the .357 as a deer rifle. Frankly, I think everyone should have one of each :)
 
If you want a pistol caliber marlin, check your local cowboy club. The italian repro toggle link guns rule the game, these days, so the marlins aren't in that much demand. I've seen a lot of used '94s go for like $300-350. 336s aren't that hard to find. If you're planning on deer, hogs, or other decent sized game , definitely go for the .44, or a rifle caliber. Not much difference in ammo prices for .44 vs .357, and a LOT more power.

As to other levers, I really like my big marlin 1895 cowboy. it's an absolute tackdriver. Only problem is that .45-70 ammo is just about as pricey as they get, short of the african game cartidges.

The other options are Winchester/Browning/Rossi/EMF 1892s, which is a top ejecting pistol caliber rifle, and the Winchester 1894, which is available for either pistol or rifle calibers. In rifle calibers, it's a fine gun, but difficult to scope, because of the top ejection. In pistol calibers, it makes a good doorstop. Ugh. No comparison to a marlin for reliability, or smoothness.

If you're wanting to use it with modern magnum ammo, stay away from the italian toggle link guns. Although they are smooth and fast, they are not strong.

~~~Mat
 
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