Which lever action?

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dmeador

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Considering buying a 30-30 lever action for silhouette shooting, but can't decide whether to get a Winchester 94 or a Marlin 336.

Does anyone have any experiece with either or suggestions as to which may be more accurate, dependable, etc?

Thanks for any input.
 
I don't know if it is more accurate or reliable, but a Marlin stock fits me better than Winchester.

For that job, I would look for a rifle rather than a carbine. My neighbor had a Winchester Canadian Centennial with 24" octagon barrel that was a fine shooter even though it was an early post 64 and not a real nicely made action.
 
I have both and prefer the Marlin. To me it just fits better and feels more sturdy. Try both and see which one calls to you.
 
buying a 30-30 lever action for silhouette shooting
Click to expand...
Now, that's an odd combination right there!
The chickens are shot at 200 meters; the pigs at 300 meters; the turkeys at 385 meters; and the rams at 500 meters.

Is this formal silhouette competition like that, or just plinking at that type of targets at closer range?

rc
 
Marlin 336, year 2008 or earlier. One of the simplest questions to answer on this forum!

Next?!
 
I have 2 winchester 64's and really can't complain, if you want to add a scope a marlin is easier. In my opinion and several others i've asked the marlins shoot softer.
 
I love the looks and handling of the 94, but the Marlin is a better built gun. Like others have said, stay away from current production Marlin levers.
 
Kept my Marlin, sold the Winnie. But you can look at Browning BLR and Mossberg's new lever. I'd be looking into test reports on all these with range data. I don't know how the new Mossberg shoots personally, but I'll guess that if it's anywhere near their bolt actions, it should be pretty accurate?
 
Is this formal silhouette competition like that
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Yes.
Cowboy Lever Action Rifle Silhouette is shot at the pistol ranges, 50, 100, 150, and 200 metres on full size targets, offhand with iron sights.

Therefore Marlin's flat top making scope installation simple does not signify.
The box magazine Browning is not a period type rifle and would not qualify.
I guess you could shoot the Mossberg. Or one of the old Stevens lever actions that somewhat resembles the Marlin. Not a Savage 99.
 
I posted a Mossberg 464 review a while back .

Quite simply, it is the best lever gun currently being produced except for the browning's.
 
I like the Marlin Cowboys for the Silhouette game.

owboys3855and3030.jpg


Winchesters are good too. Either way, buy an older one.
 
I would recommend the Mossberg 464. They are drilled and tapped for scope bases but if you aren't allowed scopes I would suggest upgrading to these sights. http://www.skinnersights.com/mossberg_464_11.html

My 464 has been extremely accurate , especially with my handloads. It cycles smoothly and has been reliable for the several hundred rds I have fired through it. I find it a good alternative to Win and Marlins.
 
dusty14u said:
I would recommend the Mossberg 464. They are drilled and tapped for scope bases but if you aren't allowed scopes I would suggest upgrading to these sights. http://www.skinnersights.com/mossberg_464_11.html

My 464 has been extremely accurate , especially with my handloads. It cycles smoothly and has been reliable for the several hundred rds I have fired through it. I find it a good alternative to Win and Marlins.
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Let me second that recommendation on the Skinner sights. I purchased the Skinner Express for my Remlin 336 30/30 and couldn't be more pleased. Fantastic sights and Andy is a class act.

Marlin_3030_Medium.png
 
If Mr Skinner's sights are not precisely adjustable and repeatable for the four very different ranges of metallic silhouettes, they will not be of much use. And they don't look like it in the pictures.

I'd want either a real Lyman receiver sight, maybe a Williams with target knobs and click adjustment, or better yet, a vernier tang like in the old days. And a globe front even though it would have to be used with a post insert, no front apertures allowed.
 
Jim Watson said:
If Mr Skinner's sights are not precisely adjustable and repeatable for the four very different ranges of metallic silhouettes, they will not be of much use. And they don't look like it in the pictures.

I'd want either a real Lyman receiver sight, maybe a Williams with target knobs and click adjustment, or better yet, a vernier tang like in the old days. And a globe front even though it would have to be used with a post insert, no front apertures allowed.
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You know, that's a fantastic point. The Skinner sights are not field adjustable; you pretty much zero them for whatever and are left to adjust with best guess "stick a wet finger in the wind". Certainly not a problem for me but I'm not competing in any action shoots or anything of the sort. My goal is to hit within 8" at ~200 meters and do it quickly so the fixed peep works fine.
 
Hard to beat one of the long barreled Marlins made from the 50s-70s. I have had some that were scary accurate.
 
I'd find one of the Winchester "Trails End" or "Legacy" 24" bbl'd .30wcf they made just before they quit in about '07.
I've got a '94 "Legacy" in .45lc that with the Hornady 250gr XTP over 20.0gr of #2400 will shoot clover leafs at 100yds. Really imbarassed a guy sighting in his Remington M700 in .270 several years ago. Mine wears a Williams 5D reciever sight. Williams makes the Sour Dough sight that has click adjustments and they sell target knobs as accessarys that can be added. This along with the 1" x 0.050 apeture would be an excellent combination.
However, an older Marlin M336C with a 24" bbl will already have the left side of the reciever drilled and tapped for most aftermarket reciever sights....
I had a 336C back in the late '80's that was near MOA accurate. Killed a number of deer with it with a Leupold 3x scope on it. Sadly I needed a 2.5" bbl'd revolver for shooting PPC and traded for a 2.5" S&W M686. Happily, I shot a National Record with the S&W that still stands....
Interesting delimma you have......Luckly, you have a number of excellent choices to chose from...fot that type shooting, the .30wcf (aka .30/30) would be my choice likewise. A 170-180gr gascheck flat-nose bullet at ~1,850fps should do the trick.....
Finding a rifle shouldn't prove too daunting.
 
I think the Marlin action is better than the Winchesters and I also hunt with my 336s so having the side eject is a big advantage if topping with a scope. Winchesters have great heritage no doubt but I believe are overrated for what they are. I prefer the older Marlin like 50s and 60s versions.
 
Why is everyone bashing the winchester....:(:(
I have a pre-1964 Winchester 94 and it is in amazing shape for being produced in the early 1950's. Lever guns are fun no matter what but I love my winchester. I'm sure you'll be happy with either one but if you go win, get a pre-64 model.
 
I have a Marlin 336CS. I can put 3 shots in center at about 100 yards. I enjoy it very much. it is light weight and easy to carry even without a sling. Mine is not flashy, if i was to get another lever action id get an older brass plated one. I never used a lever action befor but always wanted one when i was a kid after watching cowboy movies and such. I had a noise maker gun that was lever action made back befor i was born that i played with...still have it and that is heave-yer than my Marlin.....lol i duct taped a bad scope to the toy and a roll tube at the end for fake silencer.....was awesome when i was a kid now i have the real deal....Id get another Marlin in a heart beat if i could.
 
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