I want a lever GUN

[MEHavey]

"In 1963, Marlin added the .44 Magnum cartridge as an optional chambering in the Model 336T carbine,
which featured a straight grip, a 20-inch round tapered barrel, and a full-length magazine. However,
the rifle experienced continuing problems in loading and chambering the short .44 Magnum cartridge,
and in 1964 Marlin abruptly dropped the .44 Magnum option."

Boy, THAT was a real bomb. (But given the
length of the 336 action, very predictable.)

 

[Bobson]

while the 99 savage was chambered in .300 Sav, and 30-30, it was also chambered in a .308 Win

No disrespect, but may as well go with a bolt action if a guy is lookin for a .308. It's a great round, but for me, part of the appeal of a lever rifle is the .30-30 caliber itself, and the history behind it.

Getting a lever rifle in .308 would be like buying Remington's M700 Ultimate Muzzleloader. You get a muzzleloader, legally; but none of the joy of truly owning and using a piece of Americana, complete with any limitations of that piece of history.

Me? For a hunting rifle, I'd be looking for a Marlin 336 made before 1985, or a pre-64 Winchester.

 

[2ndAmendmentNut]

Another vote for a used pre-safety Marlin. There are a lot of 30-30s out there for under $650.

 

[AKElroy]

Pre-safety marlin all the way. If it locks up tight and the bore is bright,I would completely ignore cosmetics. They are great shooters.

 

[Ky Larry]

Marlin-336 in .30WCF is hard to beat. Also, Win Model-88 is about the slickest lever gun I've ever handled. Savage Model-99 is a fine rifle. I'd be hitting the used racks at my LGSs asnd checking GunBroker.com. This is a nice problem to have. You have several choices and they're all good.

 

[txcookie]

went 30.30 shopping today.
Torn to say the least. Loved the feel of the winchesters and mossbergs. Really felt like I had a solid built rifle with the newer Marlins even though I have heard so much negative about them. I would have buaght a Mossberg had it not been for the plastic safety and that STUPID little button under the lever. Those marlins feel really good I felt as though it cycled the best and seemed th tightest. asked the guys if they had been having problems and they told me that the screws were stripping out bad went they were mounting scopes. That sucks but they said nothing else negative.


I found a Pre safety marlin 336 at gander for 299. From a 1-10 I would give it a 6. Is that a decent price?

 

[Ks5shooter]

.444 marlin outfitter all day

 

[stiab]

No disrespect, but may as well go with a bolt action if a guy is lookin for a .308.

Opinions vary. I have two .308 lever actions, along with a .357, .358, .35 Rem, and two .30-30's. Hard to beat that .308 M88 for grace, beauty, and function as an Eastern deer rifle.

 

[back40]

I found a Pre safety marlin 336 at gander for 299. From a 1-10 I would give it a 6. Is that a decent price?

i've found price varies with location. when i bought mine it seemed that guys in other parts of the country were finding better deals. however i scored one much about $75 lower than what i saw the same going for on gunbroker. private sale will typically come with a lower price. $299 isn't bad, but it depends on what a "6" out of 10 means.

 

[mac66]

$299 for a pre-safety 336 is a good deal IMO. Though I have 1990s era 336 with a safety that is slicker than my 1980s era 336 or my 70s era 336. The safety IMO is a non issue, use it or not. Buying a used one with a safety might be a good excuse to try and talk the price down (as it is a less desirable feature to some people).

Also be aware that lever actions may be carried around but used very little. They are hunting guns, not target or game guns. Except for some people who do cowboy action shooting most people don't put many rounds through lever guns. Maybe a few rounds a year to sight them in for hunting (if that) but that's about all. Consequently used levers are usually pretty good guns. Some may look bad from lack of care but they usually still shoot well.