Marlin 30AS - Good Price?

[Bear70]

I went looking for a Marlin 336 at a local pawn shop and I found a Marlin 30AS (obviously in .30-30). The stock is in pretty good shape but it looks like it was probably a truck gun with a few nicks and marks. Blueing looks pretty good and should clean up nice. Bolt face and barrel crown look very good. They had it listed for $299 (and I'm not stupid) so they himmed and hawwed and dropped it to $250. It still seems like a little much. If I could get them to $250 OTD do you think it's a good buy? MFG date of 1990 (no scope).

 

[Zerstoerer]

The 30 Aw is more accurate than the 336, so yes, buy it.

 

[Al Thompson]

High for South Carolina. Be about 200 here...

 

[Brian Dale]

If I could get them to $250 OTD do you think it's a good buy?

I don't know what the going rate and the best deal might be, but I'd say that it's worth it.The Marlin 30AS that I've shot deer with doesn't care about a few nicks and scrapes. Lever rifles, in terms of performance to dollars, are great deals. If I didn't already have one, I'd probably buy it, shoot it and be happy. Look for rust; rust is bad.

If you're not in a hurry and look around, you might find one for less money now that the AR-15 craze has been in full swing for a month.

 

[foghornl]

Nicks and marks....

Signs of Character. I have that same model (30AW) I bought in 1990. It came bundled with swivels and sling, but no scope. Darn nice shooter...mine is best with Rem 170-Gr "Core-Lokt", but Your Mileage Will Vary. $250 sounds OK..not an absolute screaming deal, but a decent buy around here.

Every levergun deserves a good home....

 

[CZguy]

Nicks and marks....

Signs of Character.

Plus one.

When I buy a firearm with a few scratches on it, I enjoy it more because I don't have to treat is so delicately. I can just use it and enjoy it.

 

[Shawnee]

+1 for Foghorn's remarks.

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

The 30 Aw is more accurate than the 336, so yes, buy it.

What would make the 30as or 30aw more accurate than a 336? Aren't they the same rifle with different cheaper wood furniture?

-Steve

 

[CZguy]

What would make the 30as or 30aw more accurate than a 336? Aren't they the same rifle with different cheaper wood furniture?

You are correct. +1

 

[goon]

They show up here for $175-$279 used with or without scopes, depending on condition.
I paid about $250 OTD for mine.

 

[Zerstoerer]

What would make the 30as or 30aw more accurate than a 336? Aren't they the same rifle with different cheaper wood furniture?

-Steve


Gun Test did a test on them - same barrel, same rifle, different stock - and the 30 was more accurate! Buy it cheap then buy a nice walnut stock for it.

 

[CZguy]

Gun Test did a test on them - same barrel, same rifle, different stock - and the 30 was more accurate! Buy it cheap then buy a nice walnut stock for it.

Do you happen to remember what issue? I'd like to look that up.

 

[Bear70]

Well I went ahead and got it, $250 OTD. There were too many good things about it to pass up. The stock was nice (not perfect, but nice) very good bore, nice clean crown and bolt face, and action was good. I put it on layaway until after Christmas and I'll bring her home and give her a good thorough cleaning. I'll give a range report after that. Thanks guys!

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

Just my 2 cents. If the gun had a grip cap instead of a barrel band it is generally more accurate especially when the bbl. gets hot. Generally is the key word.

 

[Brian Dale]

You won't be sorry, Bear.

 

[Bear70]

BOLT

Well I picked it up and cleaned it and it fires and cycles fine, but when I took the bolt out to clean the barrel I noticed the bolt plunger is damaged. Anything to worry about or just cosmetic? Here is a picture.

Also, are 30as and 336 bolts interchangeable as long as they are headspaced by a gunsmith?

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

A year ago, that would have been too much. Right now, it's about right, but not great. You did fine though.

 

[Bear70]

What about the bolt plunger damage? Any ideas?

 

[CZguy]

What about the bolt plunger damage? Any ideas?

Try posting your question in the gunsmithing section. There are some very knowledgeable people there.


http://www.thehighroad.org/forumdisplay.php?f=16

 

[Gbartmi]

Buying a Marlin 30/30

I've owned numerous Marlin 30/30s over the last 30 years and when they are treated and maintained well, they shoot straight and continuous until you get tired or run out of ammo - God forbid!

I just bought another one at a local gun show for $325. It was a Model 30AS, with a Tasco 3x9 scope. It is in almost perfect condition.

If you bought one already and need an Owners Manual (336 [30AS], 444, and 1895), go this link and download it:
http://d.scribd.com/docs/1zdnqrwcptfcerig61kf.pdf;
also, here is a great breakdown page:
http://stevespages.com/ipb-marlin-336.html

Safety First!