Help selecting lever action 30-30

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victoryredchevy

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I've longed for one for forever now. My buddy has a marlin and I hate that he has one and I don't. We have a reknowned gun/pawn shop here in Ft. Smith with a huge selection of new and used firearms. They've got a nice selection of used 30-30's I've been eyeing. Winchester model 94's(post 64), Win Rangers and Marlin's mainly. One 94 they have is a from 1973. I really would go for the used, broke in before going brand new on this one. I like the sleek look of the 94's. Not looking for something to scope. I also like the reputation and look of the Mossy 464's, prob the straight grip. All I know for sure is I'm looking for a used 30-30. Help, please? What to look for and pros/cons of a used one.
 
If you ever want to put an optic on it, go with the Marlin. If not, my personal tastes lean toward the Winchester as it is a little sleeker and lighter. I'm not a fan of the ones with the tang or the hideous cross bolt safeties. I like Marlins, just like the look of the Winchester better. The Marlins are much easier to break down for cleaning. The Winchester isn't bad, but more involved. Others will be by to steer you in one direction or the other.
 
I'd type up a 'Wanted' post on the rifle section here and see if anyone is selling locally. Pawn shops really mark up their guns over what they paid for them.
 
I have and have had 30-30 rifles and carbines, lever, bolt, single shot, and even a Savage Model 170 pump. I still have a couple but my all time favorite is my 99 Savage solid frame carbine built in 1936. What ever you decide I think it will only spur you to want another, slightly different , but the same.
Good shooting!!!!
 
I've got one Marlin and one Win 94 in .30-30 as well as my cowboy action lever Rossi Win94 clone in .357.

If you're SURE you never want to scope it I'd say the Winchester gets the nod just because it's the original and because of the funky action that seems to all come apart and then fold back together. It's like watching a real world old tyme Transformer.... :D

If the iron sights don't do it and you're still sure you don't want a scope there's a number of period correct peep sights that either side mount or tang mount to provide a better view for longer range duties.

And don't forget the wide brim hat to catch the falling brass from the direct upward ejection. It's part of the fun! :D
 
I'd also go with the Marlin 336, glad I did. Got mine in '71 and it's been great all these years. At the time I planned to get a '94 but had to go with a scoped 336C when I saw them side by side.
 
Pre USRAC Win 94! That's *the* .30-30. It doesn't have to be pre-'64, but it should at least be prior to the angle ejection and lawyer safety. The Marlins are beefier but not really better, at least for the .30 WCF cartridge. They aren't as poetical in the hand.
 
Every rifle loony should have at least one Winchester Model 94!
Click to expand...
;)

I own both a 336 and a 94. Since you don't desire to scope it. The Winchester 94 would be my pick mostly because they just feel so handy and right. The 94s made in the 1970s (pre extra safety) get my vote for clean lines good value shooters.
 
Having gotten a Oct 1964 win 94 in 30-30, all broken in, I keep thinking of it like my old Daisy pop gun. Maybe because the hours I spent playing in the neighborhood and all the repetitions of cocking - it comes easier than the Remigton 700.

The sleek oiled steel and smooth walnut, leaves drifting in the air, the smell of the deep woods, a crisp frost in the sun warming air, a half filled box of Leverevolution in a coat pocket - I can do that now.

You should to. Get the oldest one you can and just hunt with it. Continue it's legacy.
 
Simple. Buy either a Win pre64 Model 94 or a Marlin 336. You'll end up with both later on anyway;)
 
Simple. Buy either a Win pre64 Model 94 or a Marlin 336. You'll end up with both later on anyway

Aint that the truth!
 
Got both. 336 is new, the m94 is old but post 64. The Win is certainly cool and feels good in the hand, but the Marlin is solid. Less recoil due to wt with the Marlin but isn't bad either gun. Like someone said before, doesn't really matter as you'll like end up with both at some point.
 
Get the 1973 Model 94, especially since you don't plan to scope it! You can always get a marlin later.
 
I'm a Marlin owner, founder of this thread about the 336.

But I'm one that says you can't go wrong with either rifle,
especially since you're not interested in scoping it.

Sounds like that Winchester is knocking on your door.

Marlins will be there when you're ready, but that one may not be.
 
You know you want the Winchester, so just get one.
My personal favorite is the Ted Williams M100 . Made for Sears by Winchester , post '64, pre safety . Has 20 in bbl with rifle style forend. As far as I know not offered with Winchester name in modern times.
 
Sweeet...looks like this just may go down today. I'm going to head up to the pawn shop today and really do some soul searching. I'm leaning toward the '73 model 94 right now. I'll give it a good once over and play with it awhile. Many of you are right. I will over time own more than one 30-30 so....that's whats pulling me toward the "old" winchester. I love my buddy's Marlin..Its a 336. Eventually I will own both. Thanks all.....I will update!
 
Well, the deed is done. I pulled a flopperoo and went with a Marlin 336W! Beautiful used rifle...looks almost new. Barely any scratches or dings. Metal has all its coloring. I'm damn proud of this one. Nothing against the Winny's. I will soon own one of them too im sure.
 
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