should I buy that 30-30?

[daniel craig]

I recently say a marlin model 336w for sale for 400 bucks, it had literally 10 rounds through it and was brand spanking new. I Kind of want it but the only thing stopping me is the price of ammo. I already have a Mosin that I use for my deer rifle (for which the ammo is cheaper too) should I buy this gun, or do you think I will regret it? Note I'm not really a big fan of "collecting" guns. I buy guns that I intend to use.

 

[peptoe]

336

It's classic rifle in a classic deer caliber. I'd personally opt for a older one without a safety. I usually see them in for $250-300, I personally don't think the new ones are worth the asking price. IMO the 336 is a much better hunting rifle then the mosin and you will grow to love leverguns if you buy one.

 

[Hunterdad]

Absolutely! Everyone needs a levergun in their stable. The older ones are nice, but I have one that about 3-4 years old and it shoots awesome.

 

[Abel]

If you have $400 to spend on a 336, save it for a used 336C. The newer Marlins are not as nice as the pre-2007 models. Plus the 336C has a walnut stock. Most places that sell used rifles will have a couple of 336C models cheaper than $400.

 

[RevDerb]

$400 is a bit steep for a 336. $325 is pretty much top dollar for one (even with a scope). The $75-100 that you'll save if you wait for a more reasonably priced 336 in .30-30 will buy you a lot of ammo. Don't spend too much time looking for a specific letter designator after the model 336 (such as 336C, 336SC, 336CS, 336W etc.) They are all pretty much the same rifle but they used different letter designators from time to time to indicate different things. Check out this link: http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,41250.0.html for an understanding of what the different letters mean.]If by "brand spanking new" you mean that it was made in the last 4 years, pass. 2007 and earlier mfg (before Remington bought them) are much higher quality rifles. Look for a "JM" proof mark on the barrel. If instead, it has an "REP", pass. I must caution you, though. There is a disease going around called Marlinitis and once caught it is almost impossible to shake. Good luck on your decision.

 

[Sav .250]

The price of ammo is stopping you? If your just cutting holes in paper, I guess so. But for hunting at around $14 a box, your having a problem.
Maybe you need to re-think this whole gun ownership thing over some more. J s/n.

 

[jmr40]

$400 is way too expensive for a W model, even a little high for a used 336C. You can get a brand new 336 W from Walmmart or most any other place for around $300 or a little more.

3030 ammo is about as cheap as it gets.

 

[waidmann]

Put me down in the: you need a .30-30, buy used (but quality), shop around or reload--category.

Last month I bought a Savage 340 bolt-action (in .30-30) for $200 out-the-door. It can happen. I agree with the others $400 for a working .30-30 is too much.

 

[JShirley]

If you don't shoot over 150 yards with irons, or will scope, this is a great hunting rifle. 100% better than the M-N for the purpose.

 

[230therapy]

I bought my Marlin 30AS for around $225. Look around and you'll find some great deals on these guns.

 

[03Shadowbob]

30-30 ammo is about the cheapest ammo you will find for medium size game hunting. If you are concered about the price of ammo, don't mistakenly buy a Marlin in .35 Remington. The rifles look the same but the difference in ammo is at least $20 a box down here.
The lever action 30-30 is a superb rifle and good out to 150yds or so. I agree with everyone here that said buy an older model 336. You can find very nice good condition 336s in the $300, even down here where everything gun related is more expensive.

 

[sixgunner455]

If it's an earlier model that just wasn't shot much, then it's a fine price for something you can't really get. If it's the same thing that you can go to WalMart and get for $356.xx + tax, then ... you have to decide if you want to get it from your acquaintance or WalMart. $14.00 a box is less than .308 ammo, but it's a lot more than you're spending on your Mosin ammo. It's a better rifle in many respects than the Mosin. It will be more accurate than many Mosins that have muzzle wear. It's lighter, and is very pleasant to shoot.

I would get one, if it is adequate to your hunting area. I would have one now, if I lived in a more forested climate. Where I am, shots over 200 yards are quite normal, and that is really pushing the .30-30.

 

[heeler]

I too am in the camp of buying a clean used pre crossbolt model.
I found one a few years ago on a GunBroker auction and grabbed it for $275.00.
Mine was made in 1981 and is very accurate.
But I can say I considered that fairly cheap.
If you go over to the auction sites you will see that the neglected ones with rust and stock gouges are generally the ones going for around $250-275.00.
The cleaner pre crossbolt models are easily cresting $300-375.00.
Some of this pricing is regional.
In otherwords some that say 250-275 is all they are worth may be from a region that these guns are just not so popular.
But in all honesty for $400.00 you can find a really nice one and if you go the auction bid route that $400 can get you one shipped to your ffl for that price with some change left over.
If you live in a big city hit the pawn shops on Saturday and see what you come across.
Lastly,I bought a box of Remington Corelokt 170 grain ammo for my Marlin just the other day for $12.97.

 

[Badlander]

The letter designation Does mean something on some models
C= Carbine
CS Carbine with safety
RC= Regular carbine Will generaly be the same as A C
SC= sporting Carbine Will have the end cap instead of barrel bands. i prefer this model
Older A models will have A 24" barrel
A straight stocked RC is A Texan

There are more variations. Expect to pay A bit more for an SC or model A or A texan.
Oh yea! Go for an older model!!


And if you run into A 336 ER don't buy it!!! PM me right away.

 

[ThomasT]

I have to go with everyone else. $400 is a little steep. I still see them at gunshows and pawnshops for $225 and up depending on how clean they are.

And don't worry about the crossbolt saftey. You will never know its even there. And it will let you safely cycle ammo through your gun and unload the gun without any chance of a unintended discharge. They don't bother me at all.

If you do buy one save your brass. You may not reload now but you may in the future. And 30-30 rounds are cheap to reload. They use around 30grs of powder and there componant bullets can be found on sale if you watch. Lots of people shoot 30-30 but not as many load for it so brass can usually be picked up right off the range for free.

I could do all the big game hunting I will ever do with a 30-30 and never feel the need for a bigger gun. Every deer and elk I have killed has been 80 yards or less except for one whitetail buck at 300 yards. And if I had of been more careful with my first shot he would have been killed at less than 150 yards.

 

[slowr1der]

Yep, $400 is way too steep for that one. I also am not a fan of the new post 07 ones either, but if you can get one made before 07, these are amazing rifles, and I'd have no reservations recommending them. Infact, I'd love to pick one up for a truck gun myself. These really are great guns.