New Levergunner: Win 94 AE and Marlin 336

[dubious]

Hey folks, I'm new to the levergunning world. I just bought two carbines at auction. I planned on just getting a .44 mag, but I ended up finding such a deal... a 30-30 followed me home too! Well, its still gonna be a couple weeks before I get to shoot them. Does anybody have any good info on my guns? Any good reloading advice too?

So I bought a near mint Winchester 94 AE 16" in .44 Mag, which I love because its so incredibly handy. Does anyone know how much this gun weighs? I've been reloading for my .44 mag Redhawk for awhile now, so this is going to be my companion brush gun. I got it for $350, which seemed reasonable but not amazing.

I also bought a Marlin 336 RC 20" in 30-30 with a bit more wear, but still in nice shape. It was $225 and I couldn't resist. Now I'm going to have to start reloading 30-30 too!

Here's some pics:

The Winchester 94 AE:

And don't forget the Marlin:

 

[ArmedBear]

Actually, since the 94 is no longer made, the 16" .44's are in demand. That might have been a better price than you realize.

Nice Marlin, too! I like those things.

 

[JustsayMo]

Wow! two nice rifles for less than $600! I think you will be happy with both.

On reloading for the 44 mag, find a bullet that cycles reliably and then work up a load from there. In 44 mag I've had the best results with 2400. For hunting I like the Speer 240gr soft flat nose or a cast bullet.

Those old Marlins are typically good shooters too. 30-30 is fun caliber to reload for even though factory ammo can be found inexpensively and performs well. Find out if your rifle has a preference for 150's or 170's. Two of mine seem to prefer the 170gr Hornady bullet. One does well with the 150 grain Hornady too. I've had the best luck with IMR 3031 and HVarget. For a fun, low recoil, rimfire like report and impressive 50 yard accuracy get some cast bullets (sized .310 ish) and load 'em over some Red Dot (data at www.GMDR.com ).

 

[unlearned69]

Just bought a Marlin darn near identical to yours. They are awesome guns. My grandpa used to have one, and I saw the one I bought and had to have it.

 

[ReadyontheRight]

That is a great deal on both. Enjoy!

 

[Kman]

your "94" is a pre-safety SRC "trapper", and is worth $500+ I'd put it away. the marlin however is very shoot-able and just as nice a lever gun to hunt with, enjoy using it, but the winny is a collectible.

 

[dubious]

Pre safety? Collectible? Sheeeeyooot. I just wanted a brush gun. Now I've got a dilemma! Safe queen or brush gun?

 

[Wakal]

Shoot it!

A gun you don't shoot is a...oddly shaped paperweight




A

 

[qajaq59]

Just because you hunt with it doesn't mean you have to smash it against trees or use it as a canoe paddle. Shoot it and have fun. And both those calibers are very easy to reload.