Need some help deciding on a new rifle

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holl

holl

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Dec 24, 2010
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Brandon, SD
So I have the opportunity to purchase a new rifle this week. I can get only one and can't decide. All four of my deer rifles are Glenfield 30-30s, one for everyone in the family. I can either purchase a 1948 Winchester 94 in 30-30, it's in pretty decent shape, or a Marlin 1894, JM pre safety, in .44 mag. The Marlin is in better shape. They are both about the same price, the Winchester is a little higher. I already have hundreds of rounds of 30-30 and zero .44 mag. I'm not opposed to adding a new caliber and I wouldn't mind a lighter weight 30-30. So I'm stuck. Both will be deer, coyote, range guns.
 
Good videos. I'm not gonna lie that .44 mag looks like a fun gun! But, I've always wanted the Winchester. Going to have to sleep on it tonight. I'll take any more opinions.
 
Ive had a marlin 336 for years, its a great shooting gun. I got a winchester 94 last winter because it was just too cheap to pass up and dont regret it a bit. Always been a marlin guy but when you're used to the size, weight and handling of a marlin its amazing to handle the winchester. I hate to admit it but for an open sight, wandering around rifle the 94 is tough to beat.
I guess i would just stick with 30-30 if i were you. Im big bore fanatic but there are far more potent and flatter shooting calibers available that i don't have a single use for the good old 44 mag, its a great classic and dont dislike it at all but more powerful calibers can be loaded very mildly and easily match its performance or loaded to the max to have more than anyone sane would care for. 44 mag is a great thumper but if it would be the first 44 in your collection i would recomend the 30-30. The way ive always seen it a pistol caliber long gun is intended to pair with your sidearm, if you dont have a 44 mag handgun then to me the 44 lever gun wouldn't be my choice. Maybe find a 45-70 if you want to change it up a bit.
 
I personally would get the Winchester 94 30-30. As I have always wanted one of those as well. And it will probably be the only non Marlin lever action I collect. Having 30-30 already in your ammo selection is just icing at this point.
 
Winchester vote, despite the caliber, which is a fine enough one, just not a personal favorite. If you’ve been toting around that old Glenfield you’ll love that Winchester.

I’ve never minded taking on a new caliber so long as it wasn’t too exotic to feed, but I think if what works is kept simple you’ll not be running to Walmart for $40/box ammo should someone forget the .44s, not that they’re exotic but they’re foreign to your hunting party.

Added bonus; your family will be the coolest bunch of road warriors for the zombie apocalypse toting all those good ‘ol lever guns. Sleep on it, have a good breakfast, and go get that rifle.
 
Skylerbone said:
Winchester vote, despite the caliber, which is a fine enough one, just not a personal favorite. If you’ve been toting around that old Glenfield you’ll love that Winchester.

I’ve never minded taking on a new caliber so long as it wasn’t too exotic to feed, but I think if what works is kept simple you’ll not be running to Walmart for $40/box ammo should someone forget the .44s, not that they’re exotic but they’re foreign to your hunting party.

Added bonus; your family will be the coolest bunch of road warriors for the zombie apocalypse toting all those good ‘ol lever guns. Sleep on it, have a good breakfast, and go get that rifle.
Click to expand...
No more running to Walmart for 44 mag.
A bunch of cartridges just got bumped from the can I buy it from Walmart people's list.
In this situation I would buy the 30-30. Any other one and I would buy the 44 because I don't like 30-30s.
 
Marlin 1894 is hands down my favorite rifle. Since you have a bunch of rebranded Marlins already, why not add the 44 to the stable?

I have to admit though that getting a Winchester to compliment your other 30-30s also would be very tempting.
 
I don't have a problem with Winchester or 30-30.

Wouldn't you like to have something a little different ?

Both guns hold their value well.


Get up and go get one or the other.

Be sure to post pics.
 
Winchester gets my vote, as if it really matters. The 30-30 is better at trajectory, so stays in the kill zone beyond 100 yards. The .44 mag Marlin is a heavier rifle to carry and the cartridge kills well under 100 yards, but drops more beyond that. I think of the .44 Mag as a 75 yard deer cartridge, but others will dispute that.

You deserve a Winchester!!!
 
Well, something surprising happened today. I went to buy the Winchester, that was supposed to be held for me until opening this morning. When my son and I arrived no one could find it. After 15 minutes of looking it was discovered that it was sold this morning over the phone and was currently in a shipping box. Many people were yelled at by the dept manager and many apologies were given to me. Here's the good part. As I was about to leave I turned, standing in the used gun dept, and I came face to face with a 1971 Marlin Texan in 30-30. I have been shooting Marlin/Glenfields for 30 years now and have never seen one of these in the wild, but always wanted one. The manager offered me $50 off and I said yes. That's $200 less than the Winchester and $150 less than the .44 mag. It's in beautiful condition, I can't believe what I got it for.

I decided on the 30-30 last night for two reasons. One, I literally have hundreds of rounds on hand. Two, because of Walmarts recent decision. I for one buy 99% of my ammo from them when they "roll back" prices. I watch these roll backs closely and save a lot of money. Once they stop selling here I'll only have two other local options and they are already overpriced.

Here's a pic, she's really dirty. I don't have time to clean her or take better pics right now. Overall I'm very happy with how things worked out. Although, that .44 mag is going to haunt me for a while!
20190907_140053.jpg
 
holl said:
Well, something surprising happened today. I went to buy the Winchester, that was supposed to be held for me until opening this morning. When my son and I arrived no one could find it. After 15 minutes of looking it was discovered that it was sold this morning over the phone and was currently in a shipping box. Many people were yelled at by the dept manager and many apologies were given to me. Here's the good part. As I was about to leave I turned, standing in the used gun dept, and I came face to face with a 1971 Marlin Texan in 30-30. I have been shooting Marlin/Glenfields for 30 years now and have never seen one of these in the wild, but always wanted one. The manager offered me $50 off and I said yes. That's $200 less than the Winchester and $150 less than the .44 mag. It's in beautiful condition, I can't believe what I got it for.

I decided on the 30-30 last night for two reasons. One, I literally have hundreds of rounds on hand. Two, because of Walmarts recent decision. I for one buy 99% of my ammo from them when they "roll back" prices. I watch these roll backs closely and save a lot of money. Once they stop selling here I'll only have two other local options and they are already overpriced.

Here's a pic, she's really dirty. I don't have time to clean her or take better pics right now. Overall I'm very happy with how things worked out. Although, that .44 mag is going to haunt me for a while!
View attachment 858992
Click to expand...

Awesome deal, some times mistakes turn out for the best!
 
"All's well that ends better."

Those Texans are great rifles. Congratulations!
 
Variety. Get both the new guns. Sell one of the old if need be. Winchesters are nice, and the .44 mag can be real handy too.
 
I couldn't be happier the way it turned out. I need to find a brass saddle ring that's missing, which is not going to be easy. I can get a filler screw for now. I was able to get her cleaned today, she looks alot better now. Any one got a brass saddle ring for sale?
 
Nice gun, Love the Winchester 30-30 but Marlins are good to. 30-30 is much better in a rifle than any pistol cartridge.
 
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