[HerkyBird]

Here's the deal. I, like everyone else here, love Marlins. I own 3; a Model 60, 880SS, and XL7. Notice there is no lever gun listed. I have a burning desire to fill that void. My question is, with which one? 39? 336? 1894? 1895G, maybe? I have a Rossi/Puma 92 in .44, so if I bought an 1894 it would be .38/.357, I think. The 336 I think would be a .30-30. I want something classic (read "no XLR"). Something enjoyable to shoot is a must. So...if you could have just one, which would it be and why?

 

[17950]

336C in 30-30. The ammo is reasonable and available everywhere. The Marlin 30-30 is classic.

 

[NAILER]

HerkyBird- as rono said, the marlin 30-30 is a classic and if you dont reload, ammo is everywhere. There are, however, many variations of the 336. i have a 336a( pistol grip with 24" barrel and 3/4 magazine) but only because i think it looks great and its a classic. take the time to check out the different mods of the 336 before you decide. You will not go wrong with which ever one you decide on. welcome to the site.

nailer

 

[HerkyBird]

Y'all are confirming what I was already thinking. Can't go wrong with a .30-30. I like the nostalgia of a .45/70, but ammo is so dang expensive and I don't think you could quite classify it as "pleasant" to shoot. An 1894 in .38/.357 would be cheaper to shoot, but I already have a pistol caliber Rossi, and my dad has an 1894 in .44 as well that will probably end up in my collection (although I hope no time soon). The .30-30 seems to be the perfect compromise. The rifle is cheaper than the '94 or '95, and like y'all said, the ammo, while more expensive than .38 spc, is nowhere near the price of .45/70 and is abundant. It also carries just about as much nostalgia and an aura of "classic-ness" as the .45/70. I appreciate the opinions, folks. I guess I'll be spending a fair amount of time in the 336 section of the forum to learn more.

 

[Mr Fixit]

3030 won't do you any wrong for sure, but if you're really feeling feisty....the .444 Marlin will make you smile! I'm in awe of the one I have every time I pick it up. Mr fixit

 

[Pard]

1895CB in 45-70
Everyone needs one cannon in the closet


I might lose a lot of them tools, but they will take my 45-70 from my cold dead hands

 

[Carolina Sorillo]

Everyone needs one cannon in the closet

I agree. However, my .45/70 hardly ever got shot so it found a new home. The cannon in my closet now is an 1887 brand "W" 10ga. w/20" barrel!!!

HerkyBird,

You've got 2 .22's, 1 rifle caliber and 1 pistol caliber. Looks like to even things up you need a .30-30 and a .357!! Hey, I'm just here to help. ;D

Seriously, you can't go wrong with either one.

Personally though, I have an 1894CB .45 for anything from 25-125 yards, I don't plan to shoot any farther than that. For anything closer I've got a Ruger Vaquero in .45 too. I like to it simple.

C.S.

 

[shawlerbrook]

This is one of those situations where you can't go wrong. 30 30, 35 rem, 32 spec, 444. 45 70 450 marlin..................

 

[44-40 Willy]

A 357 will just about keep up with a 30-30 out to 100 yards and is cheaper to feed. Just saying.....

 

[marlinman93]

If it was possible to have just one (I couldn't do it!) it would be a lever acttion .22RF, as that would allow for lots of cheap shooting, which equals more fun!