winchester or Marlin

[C6NY No Quarter Find all posts View Profile Close C6NY]

Looking for the next addition to my collection. I don't own a lever and it's about time to add one. Looking at the 94 or the 336. Trying to go with the less expensive versions and don't know a whole bunch about them. Looking for advise from those who have experience with both brands. Any tips welcomed. Oh yeah, 30-30 will be the cal.

[Happy Camper Newbie Find all posts View Profile Close Happy Camper]

I've heard that Marlin had some quality issues when they were taken over by Remington. Not sure if they got them figured out.
That said, I have an older Marlin and it's great. You can probably find a used one cheap and put the savings towards a good scope.

[dougfxdl Newbie Find all posts View Profile Close dougfxdl]

The Marlin will likely be more accurate, but the Winchester is a classic. They'll both work, but to me, the 94 is the way to go.

[bigbore44 Donated Member Find all posts View Profile Close bigbore44]

Justkeep in mind that the 94's are top eject, except for the much later 94AE mdls(angle-eject). And with the Marlins, you want an older model (pre-Remington), with a JM rollmark on the barrel/left side, near the rear(usually that is). JMO

[Helmup Registered User! Find all posts View Profile Close Helmup]

The Miroku Winchesters are well made.
I've read that Marlin's quality has improved since the transition.
If you think you will scope it, the Marlin is probably the way to go.
Other than that, decide what barrel length you want, and handle a few.

[Destro That guy Find all posts View Profile Close Destro]

Get a JM stamped, used 336 (the Remlins are hit or miss and the pre-big green JMs hold value better). Plenty in that model/caliber around, a N. Eastern deer gun, classic Marlin.

[Idiocracy Cars Bikes Guns...Freedom Find all posts View Profile Close Idiocracy]

A used JM Marlin will likely cost you more than a new 336. I can't speak to the quality of the old ones, but I have no issues with my 1895gbl. Only that 45-70 ammo is too damn expensive for something so much fun to shoot.

[Destro]

Bought an excellent condition 1986 JM Marlin 336 with a scope at a LGS a few months ago for just about (a few under) the price of a new one. There are a ton of 336s out there, one of the most ubiquitous deer rifles in the Northeast.

The thing with the Remlins is that you really have to inspect them. Some are just fine, but when they're bad, they're bad (sharp burrs on the metal, horrible fitting, ejection issues). It's a QC issue. I wouldn't buy one online sight unseen. Inspect it in a shop.

[C6NY No Quarter Find all posts View Profile Close C6NY]

Thanks for the posts guys, appreciated.
Here's a pretty good comparison between the two I thought. I've been leaning slightly towards the 336 and has been interesting reading.
http://www.chuckhawks.com/compared_marlin336_win94.htm

[Bobbytaz Big Bore Fanatic Find all posts View Profile Close Bobbytaz]

I love the older "JM" Marlins, its my go to hunting rifle.

[vmtcmt The Mod nobody likes Find all posts View Profile Close vmtcmt]

Have you considered a Henry?
https://www.henryrifles.com/rifles/the-henry-3030/

[Destro]

Henry makes beautiful rifles, and is a great American company that stands by it's product. Definitely something to consider in the mix.

[NRATC53 Grumpy Old Fart Find all posts View Profile Close NRATC53]

The Marlins are a lot quieter in the woods, the Winchesters sound like a coffee can with a lot of loose bolts in them. Marlins are easier to scope, and better in bad weather. As well said,by Destro and others, the QC on the transition guns are hit or miss and the older guns hold their value better. Some don't like the cross bolt safety but it does have advantages....A friend had his hat blown off his head by a hunting buddy who slipped. I have both. they both work well but I take the Marlin into the woods (but my go to Deer rifle is one in .35 Rem)

[C6NY No Quarter Find all posts View Profile Close C6NY]

Have you considered a Henry?
https://www.henryrifles.com/rifles/the-henry-3030/

Henry is definitely in the mix but running in third place as of now based mostly on cost. I'm trying to keep the price down at this time and they seem to run higher for comparable models. The 336 seems like the better bargain and I'm leaning towards it. I understand the early teething problems with the Remington takeover have been sorted out and the quality is where it should be.
Thanks to all who offered posts.