[Rusty75]

Found a new old stock 30aw from the late 80’s for $400. Was looking for a 336 of older vintage for iron sight deer and hog hunting. Is the 30aw a good one or should I hold out for a 336?

 

[richardtriple4]

Rusty
It depends...the aw does not have walnut (birch instead I believe) but for a working gun that will spend much of its life in the field, that wood would not bother me (see what I did there?). It doesn't have the end cap on the pistol grip like the 336 but again, a working gun does not need that. I also like the old style front sight and barrel bands in front of the sight on the 30aw.
Prices are also subjective...in my area, a 30aw in very good condition would be $350 to $400 for sure (with a higher asking price much of the time).
As I have some 336's, I would be very happy with a very clean 30aw in that price range...add a receiver sight, dial it in and go shoot some hogs.
RT4

 

[shawlerbrook]

Welcome to the forum. Like Richard said, the 30aw is basically a 336 with different furniture and some exterior hardware. Internally they are identical. Not sure when your deer/hog hunting begins, but if you are happy with the aw, go for it. The price is fair.

 

[Youper]

$400 sounds a bit pricey for a used AW, but that's your call not mine. Funcionally the rifle is a sound design that will work as well as any 336.

 

[cub308]

Welcome to MO from Fl.
New old stock 30aw for 400.00 is reasonable around here. That future BBQ won't know the difference between a 30aw and a 336.
Hope it works out for you.

 

[Downbeach]

Welcome aboard from Delaware.

 

[denny d 55]

You can get a plain jane 336 for less than that, if it was me that's what I would do, but you're not me.

 

[Rusty75]

Thinking I might hold out, especially since I just discovered what a 336 sc is. If I am going to have 1 lever, I’d rather it not be an a-Walmart

 

[Rusty75]

Looks like I'm back to the 30aw.
It just feels right in the hands and I don't mind the hardwood stock. It is still new and unfired.
I plan on shooting with just the iron sights. What type of accuracy can be reasonably expected?
Any tips on things to make sure it's a consistent shooter?

 

[edcknives]

Welcome from New England. Give it regular diet of the same ammo that you choose after trying some out and you will get it dialed in. Just don't run it too hot when shooting so the barrel doesn't potentially shift. Let it cool down for a bit between either 3 to 5 shot rounds.

 

[mattusmc]

Rusty, My advice would be to get some good iron sights. I put peep sights on all the Marlins I own that are not scoped. XS and Skinner are two good ones. I think I get better groups with a peep sight too. I never cared for the factory iron sights. Good luck and post some pics

 

[.DIRTY-.THIRTY]

See that 2nd buck from the left in my signature. He did not care at all for my 30aw. I happen to like mine. It was a Christmas present from my parents as a youth. It does have a an old ugly birch stock with pressed checkering, but by god it is a genuine JM Marlin!! lol .DT

 

[Rusty75]

Just bought the 30aw and took the stickers and tags off. Still brand new. I think I'm going to like it!

 

[shootrj2003]

Depending on who interprets the lettering a 30AW might mean a 30a with walnut stocks, a 30as might mean a 30a with beech stocks,I m not real sure what the lettering system means, I’ve heard many contradicting claims through the years,I actually don’t believe 30 AW means a Walmart sold Marlin,although you probably could buy a 30AW from Walmart.My 30AS came with a cap ,not a barrel band,it also came from with extensive water and extinguisher damage and was $25 o t d ,it is now a 30 AW ( brand new unused New Haven barrel),and though the beech stocks were salvaged and refinished beautifully by me,It now has proper walnut stocks also beautifully oil finished by me with a bullseye and a cap not a band.it’s also being rust blued by me,Collectors in the far future may assume it to be a New Haven custom shop creation. Unless I develop a penchant for checkering it will stay smooth walnut.the most recent value quote for a 30AW was $890,but you could probably find one used ,if your lucky,and shop small backwoods stores,for about $400-500. …or even$25.00.if you don’t mind some work..and a little more money!