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    #1

    winchester or Marlin

    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.
    "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction" R.R.
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    #2
    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.
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      #3
      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.
      NRA Patron Life Member
      Caribou R&P Club Range Officer
      NRA RSO
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        #4
        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
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          #5
          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.
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            #6
            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.
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              #7
              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.
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              • Destro
                #7.1
                Destro commented
                05-12-2016, 11:45 PM
                Editing a comment
                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.
              #8
              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.
              Marlin Model 336 and Winchester Model 94 compared
              http://www.chuckhawks.com/compared_marlin336_win94.htm
              "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction" R.R.

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                #9
                I love the older "JM" Marlins, its my go to hunting rifle.
                "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms."
                - Thomas Jefferson

                "Americans have the right and advantage of being armed, unlike the people of other countries, whose leaders are afraid to trust them with arms."
                - James Madison
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                  #10
                  Have you considered a Henry?
                  Steel Lever Action .30-30 Side Gate | Henry Repeating Arms
                  https://www.henryrifles.com/rifles/the-henry-3030/
                  The first smokeless cartridge ever introduced in America in 1894, the .30-30 put more venison on the table and more antlers on the walls than any other caliber. Designed from the get-go for the lever action, it's been the definitive medium game hunting cartridge ever since. The blued steel Henry Lever Action .30-30 Side Gate is built from the ground up to wring top performance from this respectable cartridge. Handy at just seven pounds, this well-crafted firearm offers excellent accuracy, striking power sufficient to anchor the biggest deer, and moderate recoil thanks to the modest chamber pressure and the rubber recoil pad. A 20-inch round barrel provides enough open sight radius for effective close to medium range engagements. A drilled and tapped receiver offers the option of easy scoping for reaching out further. Side ejection keeps fired casing off the scope and out of your line of sight, with spent brass going towards the front to make it safe for left-handed hunters too. The five-shot tube magazine can be loaded from the front or topped off through the side gate. While deer seldom require 5+1 capacity, hogs or coyotes might. Smooth and rapid cycling of the crisp, perfectly machined action gives fast follow-up shots while keeping the sight picture. Great balance and compact 39-inch overall length let this rifle shine in dense brush and hill country, with plenty of accuracy and punch for open country hunting too. In a pinch, it's a competent defensive option with a classic, benign image. All over North America, the .30-30 rifle remains the most popular choice of whitetail hunters. 100% American made, like every Henry rifle, it marries genuine American walnut stock and forearm with finely machined blued steel for a timeless appeal. An outdoorsman upholding family tradition and a deer hunter eager for tasty venison alike will find a Henry .30-30 suitable to their goals. Relive the golden era of deer hunting and start outdoorsman traditions of your own!
                  Steve
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                  • Destro
                    #10.1
                    Destro commented
                    05-13-2016, 11:05 AM
                    Editing a comment
                    Henry makes beautiful rifles, and is a great American company that stands by it's product. Definitely something to consider in the mix.
                  #11
                  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)
                  Take a young person shooting.... Take 2 or more if you can...
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                    #12
                    Originally posted by vmtcmt View Post
                    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.
                    "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction" R.R.

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