Marlin 30AS lever action 30-30 opinions?

[Col. Plink]

Hey y'all,

Saw one of these advertised here and am interested but a buddy expressed concern over durability/reliability of Marlins in general, and I'm wondering what folks know about this model in particular.

Anyone have one of these or know about them? Opinions on Marlin's 30-30's? What differentiates this model? Comparisons with similar Winchesters? Value?

Thanks in advance!

 

[RobNDenver]

I have an 88 year old Marlin .30-30 that belonged to my grandfather that still shoots beautifully and is as reliable as the day is long. I also have a Marlin 336 with a Leupold scope that I use for hunting white tail deer and hogs in Texas that's never given me a moment's trouble. IMHO these are fine firearms and solid as can be.

Reviewers often comment on the side ejection pattern of the Marlin and suggest that they like that better than the ejection pattern of a Winchester. I also find that removing the Marlin's (336) bolt for cleaning is really simple. One screw to take out the lever and the bolt slides right out of the receiver. Do a google search "Marlin v. Winchester" and you will find a number of opinions on the web.

 

[Badlander]

You can't go wrong with A good Marlin. Problem is it's hard to stop buying them.

 

[ColeK]

+1 on that Badlander. I've had a dozen or more over the years. Currently only have 3.
I always like a Marlin better than a Win.

 

[Badlander]

Col Plink
I just saw the one for sale here. If I were in the market for another 30-30 I would buy that one.
Hell if I had the money I would buy it anyway.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

They stink. Stay clear and tell me where to find this seller so that I can tell him or her to cease and desist foisting that junk upon the public!

 

[Col. Plink]

Thanks fellas!

 

[TUBBY1]

Havegun,will travel

I have a model 30aw. I am told it was transitional from the enfield before 336.it is a great lever gun that you can scope.don't have a winchester but do have a m92 replica in .357. Like it too but cannot scope it do to top eject.long story short...get both

 

[cmanhome]

Marlin model 30AS

Heck, I would buy em all if I could afford them. I happen to have one in my collection, I have 7 Marlins of various calibers and love everyone of them.
I even have 3 Winchesters and one Henry.
PPL who complain about most likely don't have any experience with them or they are going on what someone else told them.
Nuff said.
cmanhome

 

[Slamfire]

but a buddy expressed concern over durability/reliability of Marlins in general,

Your dofus buddy is dragging you down. Find smarter friends before you sink to his level.

The Marlin 336 Action is a proven design. Made of high quality materials. Over a century of design refinement have made it an extremely durable and reliable mechanism.

They will be around long after your buddy is compost for lawn turf.

 

[lefteyedom]

They are poorly made out of pot metal, barely able too hold together more than 2 or 3 boxes of shells. I am truly sorry if you made the mistake of buying one.

In the name of promoting the shooting sports I am willing help you out. I will gladly give you $50 for it sight unseen and will be willing to split the cost of shipping 50/50.
This is a one time deal act now.

 

[jimbeam]

I picked up the 30as a couple months ago and found out one interesting tidbit, the forearm having the end band rather than the full metal band is supposedly more accurate. Mine shoots quite well.

 

[B BRI]

You can't go wrong with A good Marlin. Problem is it's hard to stop buying them.

Bought another today.

You'll love your Marlin.

 

[CajunBass]

It's probably possible to wear out a Marlin, but they haven't been around long enough to say for sure. I'd give 'em another generation or so before I formed any firm opinion.