For mostly hunting/GP rifle stuff with a little self-defense type use, the Marlin is a great choice. It will probably be a little more accurate than an SKS and it's easy to mount a scope or add better sights.
The SKS is more of a fighting rifle that would also work pretty well for hunting.
I've never hunted with a .35 Remington Marlin but I did use an old pump action Remington .35 for my first year of hunting. Neat rifle but IMO, it offers little if anything over the 30-30.
- 30-30 ammo is cheaper and available everywhere.
- 30-30, even it's pre Leverevolution loads, is still useable out to 200 yards if the shooter is up to it. I know people who have killed deer at that range with them.
- People claim that the .35 shoots through brush better. My question is why are you trying to shoot through brush in the first place? Shoot through a "hole" in the brush or get closer so you can get a clear shot. Shooting through trees and bushes can drastically deflect any bullet, even one from a .35.
- The rifles in 30-30 are more common used. But in fairness, the prices seem to be pretty close when you find a .35.
If .35 Remington floats your boat, more power to you though. I have nothing bad to say about it, but I also don't see what the big improvement would be.
The SKS is more of a fighting rifle that would also work pretty well for hunting.
I've never hunted with a .35 Remington Marlin but I did use an old pump action Remington .35 for my first year of hunting. Neat rifle but IMO, it offers little if anything over the 30-30.
- 30-30 ammo is cheaper and available everywhere.
- 30-30, even it's pre Leverevolution loads, is still useable out to 200 yards if the shooter is up to it. I know people who have killed deer at that range with them.
- People claim that the .35 shoots through brush better. My question is why are you trying to shoot through brush in the first place? Shoot through a "hole" in the brush or get closer so you can get a clear shot. Shooting through trees and bushes can drastically deflect any bullet, even one from a .35.
- The rifles in 30-30 are more common used. But in fairness, the prices seem to be pretty close when you find a .35.
If .35 Remington floats your boat, more power to you though. I have nothing bad to say about it, but I also don't see what the big improvement would be.