Marlin 30/30

[Acelaw]

Here's my dilemma - I have a $200 gift card to Dicks and no idea how to spend it.

I'm not interested in paying inflated ammo prices with it so I figured I'd grab a rifle. I've already got a couple semi auto 22s and a bolt action 30.06 so I figured I'd try out a lever action. I wish the company had shown some cajones after Newtown - I'd probably look at another AR type rifle. Is the newer edition Marlin worth getting or should I look in a new direction? I've read pretty rough reviews

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

i wouldn't mess with a Freedom Group Marlin. too many nice older ones in pawn shops to spend my money on one.

i'd see what Dick's has on the rack that isn't made by Freedom Group.

 

[john316]

I just got a 336w from ww the action is very rough i have worked it over 800 times........on a scale of 1-100 ...i am up to an 8..i have not fired it yet.......? How many rounds do i need to break it in?,john

 

[Acelaw]

That's what I feared... thanks for the replies

 

[RBH44]

I know that you said that you already have a bolt gun in a large caliber. How about another bolt gun in a smaller caliber? They stock a couple of Excellent Savage bolt guns in either 22 WMR or 17 HMR.

 

[RBH44]

Oh and my recommendation is also to stay away from the current production of freedom group Marlin lever guns.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

They stock a couple of Excellent Savage bolt guns in either 22 WMR or 17 HMR.

i'll second this suggestion. i'm not a big fan of Dick's, but i picked up a Savage 93 in 22 WMR there. it was a Dick's exclusive with a green plastic stock and a heavy, fluted barrel. it shoots great and the price was good.

 

[BluegrassDan]

Go used if you want a Marlin 336.

 

[History.Doc]

I looked at a new 336 yesterday and it was terrible. The stain is horrible. I don't even know what you'd call the "checkering." Until they get it fixed. It is really depressing. I love 336s. You could always buy one, hope that the action is ok and just plan on replacing the wood. Or look for a used one. Good luck.

 

[dprice3844444]

ace,need my address,i can find a use for it

 

[Abel]

Use your $200 gift card on a new Shimano Chronarch.

 

[Onewolf]

I got a Marlin 336 (35 rem) for Christmas last year. It had the well known problem with jamming while feeding but I was able to fix that by slightly bending the carrier as described on the Marlin owners website.

I also polished the action components as described in this video and it is now smooth like butter. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTO4M5jOk1c

Of course it would be better if the factory delivered the rifles in a reliably working condition.

I also replaced the Marlin iron sights with the Williams rear peep sight and red optic front sight which really helped my accuracy with the rifle.

 

[osteodoc08]

Depends on what you want. For a $200 savings, I can think of worse things to spend my money on. Personally, I'd look over the particular examples and pick one out. The 30-30 is a ubiquitous firearm.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

Maybe you could use it on some shooting accessories like a laser range finder, spotting scope, swinging targets for the .22, or a shooting mat or pad. I hate to say this too loud, but there are things other than guns or ammo that come in handy on occasion.

 

[maxyedor]

I have been happy with all my Freedom Group guns, Remingtons and Marlins, while they are not up to par with some of the offerings of the past, they were spot on in terms of value for the dollar. I wouldn't shy away from a new Marlin, and will be picking up a 45-70 soon enough.

That said, try and score a used 336, if only because so many people have them and fail to appreciate them. That leads to some stellar deals on used guns that have been shot very little. For $200 you should be able to find a scoped 336 that comes with a few boxes of ammo. My older 336 is a tack driver with cheap factory ammo, and unbelievable with my handloads, it was cheap, and it's easy to handle and carry. Honestly a tough decision between that and my M1 Garand if it came down to only owning 1 rifle.

I'm sure Dicks has $200 worth of other stuff you need, they sell socks, and who doesn't need more socks?

 

[3212]

I bought a Marlin 336 30-30 in 1964 from the Navy store when I was discharged.It was my only deer rifle for 25 years.I was happy with it and took 16 deer.It would shoot 2 inch groups at 100 yds.I only sold it because it did not have the cross bolt safety and my grandsons are starting to shoot.I replaced it with a youth model Ruger M77 in .243.I've taken 2 deer with it(had to test it out for the kids).