So I want a .30-30

[Scooter22]

Theres tons of great lever actions available for the 30-30. I have 2 Marlins and 2 Winchesters. All great guns. But I haven't seen the Stevens 325/ Savage 340 series bolt actions mentioned. Classic, accurate guns with detachable mags. PLUS you can load pointed bullets in the bolt actions. I have the first of the models. Stevens 325. I just shoot it for fun with open sights and cast bullets but it does 5 shot groups around 2" -2 1/2" at 100yds. Busts clay pigeons on the 100yd backstop 8 out of 10 times. Plenty good for deer in the woods. The latter models are set up for mounting a scope.

 

[joed]

I have 2 lever actions not counting a 9422. One is a 94 from 1966 used by a mounted police unit here and the other a 336c from 1968.

Both are good rifles in my opinion. I'll admit I don't shoot them often though.

 

[muggia59]

I have a new, scoped 336 and a used Winchester top eject. I prefer the W94.

 

[Jaymo]

I'm a lifelong Winchester fan, but I tend to prefer the pre Remington Marlins now.
Haven't tried the Mossy or the Rossi, so I cannot comment on them.
However, if anyone wants to donate either, I wouldn't turn it down.

 

[Cump]

Mossberg deserves consideration. I chose it over a new Marlin, after inspection. Mine is still pretty new (~100 rounds), but I have had no problems. Good functional accuracy for iron sight hunting.

 

[joed]

I own both a 336c from 1968 and a 94 from 1966. Of the 2 the 336c has the nicer action and the 94 just looks nicer. If it came down to keeping only 1 it would be a tough desicion.

 

[Loosenock]

No doubt the Winchesters, Marlins (Glenfields and Marlins made under different brands) are excellent choices.

But if your looking for accuracy the long discontinued Remington 788 bolt action wins hands down. I had one for about 20 years and I don't think it ever shot over a MOA. Buy a Winchester or Marlin now but don't ever pass a 788 up.

'loose

 

[Mayvik]

Love Marlins, but older 94 with a peep sight. 30 WCF does not need a steenkin optic!

 

[BluegrassDan]

If you're going to scope it or put peep sights on it, go for Marlin. If you want it to stay original and handle easily, go with the Winchester.

 

[witchhunter]

It may be just my opinion, but when you add a scope to a lever action you remove the distinct design advantage of the gun in the first place. A light flat carbine. I feel it is best left as Winchester made them. Nothing against Marlin, but an old well worn 94 just feels right when I throw one up.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

I still looking for my forever 30/30 I just have not found my sweet spot.

 

[cfullgraf]

I vote for a Winchester 94 or an early Marlin.

 

[bobinoregon]

94 Winchester with a peep sight, a scope is blasphemy on a 94, use it the way God intended

 

[hughie]

What about a Henry

 

[MrDig]

Having worked on both I prefer the Marlin, Field Stripping and Detail Stripping are much simpler.
Shooting wise they are a horse a piece.
Accessory options the Marlin seems to have more and is a little easier to customize to your liking.
So based on those criteria I would take a Marlin over a Winchester.
Your Mileage may vary but all in all I prefer the Marlins over Winchesters or any of their copies.

 

[meanmrmustard]

Savage 340

 

[SwissArmyDad]

Go grab a new 336c, an XS scout rail with ghost ring and call it a day.

 

[ugaarguy]

Folks, the OP started this thread about three months ago - the poll being closed should have been a hint. He hasn't revisited the thread since, and he hasn't been on THR in nearly a month. Hopefully he's too busy hunting with the rifle he chose. I think someone should start a new thread if there's still interest in discussing lever guns.