Marlin 336bl vs. Mossberg 464

[Jason_W]

I'm almost certainly going to re-enter the shooting game with a .30-30 rifle. I just need to decide on the make and model.

If I decide to go new, the decision will be between the Marlin 336bl and the Mossberg 464. I know Henry makes a great rifle, but loading from the front of the mag tube just looks awkward (also, it's a couple of hundred dollars more than the other two options).

I've read mixed reviews on the 464 and there are some reports that Marlin is getting over its QC issues.

 

[ECVMatt]

I find a lot of my Marlin's in pawn shops. They are usually very clean and shoot great. I would suggest taking a look around if you have any shops near you. I know you might not find the exact model you are looking for, but if you get close and it is a JM Marlin you will come out a winner.

Hope this helps,

Matt

 

[Kp321]

Go with the Marlin. Nothing wrong with the Mossberg, a close copy of the Marlin with enough changes to stay out of the court house. Those changes make it a little quirky plus parts are not as readily available.

 

[Sav .250]

Buying by committee , maybe................ bad choice.

You`ve got to handle, look over your possible choices. Like at a Gun Show.

Folks surely will give you honest opinions as they see it.

I do the opposite . I look stuff up. Do some of your own home work.

Get better educated. You learn rather than just have someone (in good faith) saying." I like this one..........buy it."

Good luck.

 

[Jason_W]

I've done plenty of research and read multiple reviews of both. This is just one of many sources of insight.

This is what can be aggravating about the internet. No matter the product, there will be a large number of good and bad reviews. There's so much information that information becomes worthless.

I know the JM Marlins are great and used is not out of the question. That said, I like the short, compact nature of the BL and the 464 is a Winchester 94 clone, which is a very sleek rifle.

 

[dvdcrr]

For me it would be the 464. The mossberg is not even close to a copy of the 336. You must be thinking the 94.

 

[Geno]

Marlins are definitely nice M94s. So long as you stick with jacketed projectiles, the microgrove rifling will not be an issue. What many people like about the Marlin, is the flat top of the receiver. I fall into that camp. However, I do wish that the barrels for the .30-30 Win barrels had traditional rifling, so it would facilitate shooting hard cast lead.

I looked on Mossberg's website about 2 minutes ago, and I did not find any specific reference to the rifling. An email to Mossberg would clarify that. Or perhaps look into some of the professional reviews of the Mossberg.

Looking at some firearms stores, for gently used Marlins, great idea. And I have to ask, why aren't you considering a lightly used Winchester M94?

Geno

 

[Jason_W]

I'm not ruling out a genuine Winchester. I just don't know how likely I am to find an affordable one in good shape.

 

[diyj98]

The Winchesters find aren't bringing the big prices that they were a few years ago. It shouldn't be that hard to find a nice 94 for not much more than a nice 336.

 

[Ash]

Older Mossberg 472's from the 1970's and early 1980's were more in the Marlin vein than the current 464.

 

[USAF_Vet]

I've got a Marlin 336, and if I were to get another .30-30, brand new or used, I'd probab;y look at the Mossberg 464 first. The Marlin is a great gun, but there's something about it I can't quite identify that just doesn't suit me. The Mossberg 464 I have handled at the LGS just felt better. Have;y had a chance to handle the tactical version of the 464, and as goofy as the thing is, If I got a good price on it, I'd certainly consider it.