Never used ghost sights? Also known as a peep or aperture sight. No need to buy the rifle to find out what they are like. Punch a 0.200 inch hole in a thin, stiff piece of cardboard about 2" by 2". Hold it by a corner and look through the hole at a sheet of newsprint at a distance of two feet. See what letters you can pick out with the card and without. It might improve your focus a little. A 0.040 inch hole works much better but is slow to find the fore sight, unlike the big hole.

 

Welcome. I'm new here myself, but I've been owning Marlins for over 15 years now.
I know you said you weren't interested in used, but maybe you should reconsider. A pre Remington-Marlin is a fine rifle.
Mine shoots 1"-1 1/4" groups at 100 yards with factory ammo, and handles great.

Sorry I can't really comment about the Henry, I've never shot or even handled that model of Henry. Nor do I know anyone who has. I do love Henry .22's, though. Looking at your pros and cons list, it seems you prefer the Henry.


I really hope freedom group takes a hike. They're ruining some of Americas greatest sporting guns.
Two of my favorite rifles are the 336 Marlin, and the 700 Remington.

 

If you are determined to purchase new, go Henry. IMHO

 

...I agree.....their 'aftercare' is remarkable. Don't try the aftercare with Remlin......you might see it back after hunting season's over

 

After what I have seen lately in the LGSs--buy Henry if you want a new rifle--there is no comparison in quality. This newest batch of 336C Remlins have all kinds of QA/QC issues--most have been covered in previous Rant threads that date back to 2010. Remlin STILL can't get it right.

 

I own a 2014 built 336C, it was a bit tight in the action to start with so I followed some of the great directions on here to slick it up and also lighten up the trigger. Easy jobs to do yourself and a great way to familiarise yourself with the rifle. Trigger let off is now 1.6 kilo and the action is nice and smooth. The timber is nicely figured walnut, nothing special. The checkering is pretty average. The blueing is nice and deep. Most importantly is the accuracy, I use a Vortex SPARC red dot scope, my eyesight ain't what it used to be, with Federal 170gr I get 1.75moa in a 3 shot group, opening up to 2.5moa in a 5 shot group. I'm happy with that and recently used it on a pig hunt up to Cape York, I also took my Browning X Bolt in 308. I've always used bolt action rifles and this was my first hunt with a lever action, I shot many big hogs with both rifles, but I had the most enjoyment using the 30/30 Marlin, I loved it. It was faster to aquire targets, follow up shots and less recoil, even nailed a good scrub bull too. I can only comment on my Marlin, never owned a Henry.

 

Geoffo,

Please tell us how your 30-30 performed on the scrub bull. Where did you place the shot? How did the animal react to the hit? How far did the animal go after being shot? Was a second shot required? Any other observations you may have based on your experience with the scrub bull.

Thanks!

T.S.

 

I purchased a new Remington made 336ss (stainless) in 30-30 and I'm very happy with my purchase. The gun is well made, functions well, and is accurate. I've seen the Henry's in the store and they are nice, but I like the convenience of the side loading gate. I have a pre-Remington JM-marked 336w that is an awesome gun as well. The JM marked gun has a slightly nicer finish and a lighter trigger weight, but the new 336ss shoots and functions as well as the older CT-made gun.

Whenever I'm in the local gun shops, I take a look at the Marlins on the rack. The ones made in the past couple of years really seem to be nicely made.

Good luck with your decision. The 30-30 is a nice round. The recoil is very manageable and has decent accuracy. Plus it's really easy to find (Walmart, Bass Pro, etc.).

 

Well Turtlerock:

You've done your research and have nailed the Pros and Cons. The biggest objection is the price of the Henry compared to the Marlin. The Henry chambered in both 30-30 and 45-70 have the same retail price. However, there is no doubt in my mind that the Henry build quality is much better than the Marlin.

You might want to reconsider buying a new gun being that you are going hunt with it anyway. You can pick up a used JM Marlin cheap in 30-30. I would say that a used JM 30-30 can be had starting at $250 depending on where you live. The average price I see in Central PA is about $350. I've seen them price much higher but typically they don't sell or move slowly, unless the rifle is in almost new or unfired.

When I contacted Henry a few years ago asking about cycling problems with Hornady ammo in their H010 chambered in 45-70, they told me not to use it in that rifle. I never inquired about cycling their 30-30 with Hornady, but I don't know how much difference the caliber would make.

I have seen newer Marlins that have been built pretty well in the last year. The only caliber that I was not impressed with was the 336 chambered in 30-30. Just a few months ago I examined three of them on the rack at Grice's Gun Shop in Clearfield PA. The fit and finish on each one was very poor. If I was in the market for a 30-30 I would not have bought one. So I'm back to the used gun option again. If you were going to buy it to shine and wax to impress your friends, buy a new rifle. If you are going to hunt with it, the last thing you need to be concerned about is getting your firearm scratched up. Concentrate on the game, your target, and filling the freezer. Buy used to hunt, new to shine.



Cheers!


Mike T.

 

There are times when selectioning a weapon, you just make the choice. What folks say may or may not sway you. In the end you are going to use it. cal is also a consideration.

How it feels to you. The look, etc. All factors.

Let me add to your possibles . A good used ,non cross bolt safety Marlin in great shape would be my choice.

 

Never had a Henry, but, I prefer a straight stock lever gun. I've never really been comfortable with the pistol grip levers. I also prefer the pre-silly safety Marlins by far. Hold out for a nice Texan & you'll fall in love.

John...

 

I hunt in Central Florida where you're bustin through palmetto, and thorn bushes/thick brush and I'm still trying to figure out how you scratch and ding up a rifle hunting?

Maybe climbing to stands, i don't know; mine somehow don't get scratched or dinged.......and if they do as long as it's "my ding", it's cool; part of the character. I don't want to carry around someone else's ding

I assume you're talking about the round barrel steel Henry 30-30, not the brass as it is heavier and even more costly.

One "Pro" I didn't see mentioned is Henry customer service. I have never called, but I have heard numerous stories of free gifts along with replacement parts to include some very nice and expensive items.

If you're problem requires more than a quick fix, don't be surprised to get an email from the president of the company, and i'm not talking about some stupid "form" email, but a personal email. No, I am not exaggerating.

The Henry forum is just now starting to take off, and it's a great group if you have any questions. Just google "henry rifle forum"

On the other hand, I am very happy with my new XT-22ml, and plan to buy another XT-22 in 22lr as well as a model 60 within the next year or so. The horror stories about the Remlins have died off on youtube; most of them being from 2 or more years ago. I also prefer the side loading gate of the marlin, but I prefer the straight stock of the Henry.

Really this is a win/win as both are fine rifles.

Good luck with your puchase and please let us know what you decided.

 

Scratching a hunting rifle is pretty simple for me. I just take it hunting. :hmpf: I've leaned them on barbed wire fences to allow myself to climb over safely and as a result the rifle (unchambered) slides to the side, Scratch #1. Then while still hunting I suddenly see a glimpse of a deer sneaking along out in front of me, freezing in place I steady my rifle alongside a tree and drop the hammer, Ding #2 in the forearm as the recoil bumps it into the tree bark. After I get the deer gutted and back to my ATV, I again lean my rifle (unloaded) against the thing to pull the deer up onto the rack, bumping the scooter making it roll and the rifle hits the gravel road, Booger #3 is only on the scope. In my rush to get home before dark, I hastily load my gear and end up setting my unused tree stand on top of my rifle. Another boo boo on the barrel. Then I curse myself for not putting the rifle in the padded case first and bang it into the door jamb of the truck doing that.

Now I don't think I've done all of these things on the same hunt, but I've done them, while hunting with a few of my rifles. My handguns also get dinged and bumped into stuff along the way. My binoculars were accidently left on the 4 wheeler box as I drove away one time, to later be found by my hunting buddy before I knew they were missing. They are Steiner Military Marine binocs and only got good and muddy, that time, but it's just the way things go for me.

Am I the only one that this stuff happens to?

Anyway, not to get too lost in my thoughts, my point is to agree with others that said, Go with a used 336. They do shoot your favorite ammo well and that side loading gate is handy if you load and unload them as much as I seem to do. I do hope to get a Henry myself someday, when I grow up and learn how to hunt without dinging it up. :biggrin: After about 35 - 40 years of practice, I'm almost there.

 

Personally, with the number of nice JM stamped Marlins out there, I don't know why anyone would buy a new one.

Maybe at some point the price will rise on the old guns, and it would make sense, but not in today's market.

I have only owned henry 22's. But, have handled enough of their rifles to be impressed with the quality of their fit&finish.

As for a gun getting beat up, I guess it all depends on the person, it's not too hard to take care of a rifle, even in tough conditions if you just try. I hunted with a browning citori for ducks from the mid 80's until just a few years ago, and it's still in very nice condition. They don't have to get beat up if you just keep an eye on things. Ya, a few dings and dents are eventually gonna happen, but it's not hard to keep them from getting all beat to heck. That said, some people just don't care if they beat them up, and that's ok too.

I once read an article on gun owners who hunt with their guns. It said there are two types. Those that feel the firearm is an integral part of the experience, and those that feel the firearm is just a tool used to kill the animal, no different than a shovel. I am in the former camp, and not the latter... ;D

 

I once read an article on gun owners who hunt with their guns. It said there are two types. Those that feel the firearm is an integral part of the experience, and those that feel the firearm is just a tool used to kill the animal, no different than a shovel. I am in the former camp, and not the latter... ;D

I know all about that. The weapon is more than just a tool to me.
On the VERY rare occasion I use a borrowed rifle, my hunt isn't as enjoyable to me.
I also prefer my guns to have wood. Plastic is for toys, to me.
I wish my 336w was really a 336c. When I bought the rifle I had no clue there were different models. I just figured that's how they were made at the time. But, it sure shoots.

 

Welcome to Marlin Owners from Eastern Ontario, Cda. (Ottawa)

I bought a used (but still in the box) Remlin 336 BL. I fired it 20 times and sold it back to the same store where bought it, still in its original box.
I did not like the balance nor the extra weight. There was nothing wrong with the rifle as far as I could see. The store had sold it again, before I left the store. I left the store with a 336RC made in 1951 (H xxxxx). Best trade I ever made!

Sincerely,

MilPsych

 

Both American made. Costing more don't necessarily mean better.

 

New pick through the new Marlins until you find a nice one. I like Henry rifles and have a 45LC Golden Boy and it is not light. I would think the steel .30-30 may be a little lighter. However, I'm still partial to my Marlins. Used you can find some that are straight stocked.

Marlins are easily disassembled, for cleaning and tuning. Heard that the Henry rifles not so, but I wouldn't know. I haven't tried.

 

Great advice and feedback so far, I really really appreciate it.

Never used ghost sights? Also known as a peep or aperture sight.

I've used aperture sights, more familiar with open irons though, and then a bunch of different ACOGs, but honestly never heard of the term ghost sight until looking into a new rifle - didn't know if ghost sights were somehow different from others, so please forgive my ignorance. If the Marine Corps didn't give it to me to learn to fire, then I don't know it.

I purchased a new Remington made 336ss (stainless) in 30-30 and I'm very happy with my purchase. The gun is well made, functions well, and is accurate.

I was considering the SS, appears to be the exact same rifle compared to the C besides being stainless steel. Then I read on a couple different forums that carbon steel may be preferred to stainless because stainless can get hot quicker, and is more prone to damage, any insights on carbon vs stainless? I don't plan to put a giant bucket of rounds through any rifle I purchase - maybe a handful of range visits each year and then hunting season.

You might want to reconsider buying a new gun being that you are going hunt with it anyway.

I know you said you weren't interested in used, but maybe you should reconsider.

Personally, with the number of nice JM stamped Marlins out there, I don't know why anyone would buy a new one.

I appreciate the feedback on the older/used JM Marlins, and I've definitely heard great things about them, but I'm a little turned off from used because I really don't know that much about firearms except how to fire, dismantle, and clean the ones I've owned or been issued. Basically I just wouldn't know what to look for in a used rifle other than fit/finish (wobbly, unfitted parts, etc.). Not knowing exactly where that rifle has been, what kind of work has been done on it, etc, leaves me leery. Plus, I imagine, if something did go wrong with the rifle, then there is no manufacture warranty and I'd basically be forced to pay a shop for repairs and what not. How is buying a used weapon at a shop - should they be providing some kind of guarantee? I've poked around just a couple of my local GS and one only had some used Winchesters (very small shop) and the other (much bigger with indoor range) looked like it had maybe a couple used, but I didn't ask if they were Marlins. Based on considerations here, I'll at least go back there in the next couple days and ask which used models they have and what prices. They also had both the Marlin 336C and Henry .30-30 new, $580 and $780, respectively (there's a couple other shops in very close neighboring towns/cities that I plan to visit this weekend and friends say there are better prices at the places I haven't been to yet). My brother suggested going to online gun sales sites, but I'm definitely not sure about that, I'd prefer talking to someone face-to-face for this purchase, and I hear that most online purchases are no returns, so I'd want to at least hold and inspect the rifle myself before purchase.

With that . . .

buy Henry if you want a new rifle - there is no comparison in quality. This newest batch of 336C Remlins have all kinds of QA/QC issues

One "Pro" I didn't see is Henry customer service.

The Remlin QC issues are exactly what I'm afraid of in new. I'd rather spend the extra $200 up front for a Henry of it's more likely to be of higher quality and, all else equal, experience less QC issues. Anyone else agree or have experience with new (last couple of years) Marlins not turning out so well? Anyone that feels the new Marlins hold up and are a fine purchase?

Henry88, you're absolutely right, I have been reading great things about Henry customer service and that should be considered a pro, IMO.

Just watching a lot of the more extensive review videos and reading articles, the Henry does appear to have higher quality make - from the butt pad to the stock, from the matte black finish to the smooth cycling of the action - all things that I don't see standing out in too many Marlin reviews.

As a side note, I haven't seen the movie yet, but apparently Chris Pratt's character's weapon of choice in Jurassic World is a Marlin 1895 SBL in 45/70 and that rifle looks very nice.

Thanks again for all the insights and hopefully I can get some more responses and get any new questions answered. I would plan to post my decision here and even post a couple pics.

 

New, pick through the new Marlins until you find a nice one. I like Henry rifles and have a 45LC Golden Boy and it is not light. I would think the steel .30-30 may be a little lighter. However, I'm still partial to my Marlins. Used you can find some that are straight stocked and some beautiful firearms.

Marlins are easily disassembled, for cleaning and tuning. Don't know about the Henry rifles.

Plenty of sight options for the Marlins too, ghost ring, peeps(receiver and tang) and different rear leafs. I would not trade any of my Marlins for a Henry. Then again this is a MarlinOwners.

 

Personally I still like the tube feed of the Henry where you do not need to jack the action for every cartridge to unload. Lots of cartridges get messed up in the loading gate experience. While I cannot say about the 30-30 my Henry 22 magnum is a great little rifle. I would opt for the steel Henry.

DP

 

I understand the reluctance to buy used, but at the same time... I sure wouldn't want to have to pass on a whole world of nice firearms because of that.

Find someone you know and trust and take them with you. Nice used JM stamped Marlins are relatively easy to find.

If I couldn't buy used, I'd never know the joy of owning a pre-64 Winchester or a waffle top 336.

Good luck in whatever way you decide to go.

 

Yes, you can mount XS Ghost ring sights on the Marlin. They make a version that is threaded to accept aftermarket apertures of different size and that may (or may not) be something you want to consider.

I would not worry about the quality of a Remlin but I would inspect it well before accepting it. I would do this with either rifle, though. All my Marlins started out stiff but broke in smoothly in short order.

I personally prefer the loading gate.

 

I am also of the mind set that you should look for a used jm gun. I think of it this way. The Remington guns, even with zero defects are cosmetically not as nice as the older guns and you said you like a gun to look nice. You even were willing to pay extra for that. Good news is that you can get a really nice JM 336 in 30-30 for less than a brand new Remington. Seriously! Now, you said you had concerns about what to look for in a used gun right? Just so happens there is a sticky up above about just that subject. Bottom line basic common sense should guide you. If you find a jm marked rifle that looks good outside and has a nice shiney bore, I'd say buy with confidence.

I will say, even with all the quality issues the Remington guns have, accuracy is not usually one of them. Most shoot just fine but trigger pulls can be heavy and/or rough and the actions tend to be a bit stiff and gritty until well cleaned and broken in. My personal issues usually have to do with poor stock fit and terrible checkering. Mostly fixable stuff but things most of us feel shouldn't NEED to be done to a new rifle.

My only gripe with the Henry guns is the painted receivers. No matter what the rest of the gun looks like, the receivers look cheap to me. They certainly cycle smooth though and I've heard nothing but good about their customer service. Also not sold on the tube feed vs side load.

I just think your best deal would be a used jm gun. Quality and looks will be a "given"and you'll likely save a fair bit of money too.

Marlin actions are very strong, they are easy to scope or install a peep sight. Taking one apart for cleaning only requires removing one screw and aftermarket and used parts are super common. All things to consider when shopping. Also, value of a JM gun is almost guaranteed not to go down.

 

I picked up a used 336c. 1980. Looked at a new one and figured I would rather have a broken in JM. Not a regret. Not a fan of top loading the magazine at all. Side loading is where it's at. You can top it off while walking up to what you shot and be ready for a follow up shot if need be. Great for pig hunters.

 

Turtlerock, I own the following:

1. 2013 "Remlin" Marlin 336W .30-30, purchased new
2. 2013 Henry H009 .30-30 purchased new
3. 1982 Marlin 336C .30-30 purchased used

I really like all three rifles, and they are all good shooters. You probably think you're hearing a broken record, but if it were me, I think I'd look for a nice used "JM" Marlin. Now, before you conclude that I'm just parroting everyone else, here are a few thoughts.

1. I'm a huge Henry fan. I also have a Henry .22 that is probably my favorite .22 rifle. The H009 is a beautiful gun. Excellent fit and finish, beautiful walnut, slick as snot action right out of the box, awesome trigger, XS Ghostring sights...

But it's also got some faults. Depending on the length of the ammo used (different brands of .30-30 vary in length), it doesn't always hold as many rounds as Henry claims it does. Sometimes, if I put one too many in, the lever pops open and the rifle is useless until it's unloaded and then loaded again. Some brands of ammo don't work in my Henry. Possibly they are loaded too "hot," and the brass expands and sticks in the chamber. Lastly, while the Henry does not have a cross bolt safety, which is a good thing, it also lacks a half cock safety- not a good thing in my estimation. It does have a transfer bar safety, though.

Henry does have astonishingly good customer service. In the unlikely event that you have an issue with your rifle, they will take really, really good care of you. Oh, and one other thing. The Ghostring sights are being discontinued on the H009 steel version. The newest ones have a brass bead front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight, just like the sights on the brass receiver version.

Oh, and one last, last thing- it's a softer shooter than my Marlins, possibly because of the nice butt pad it came with.

2. My Marlin 336W is a rifle I bought because I couldn't find a new 336C and I couldn't find a used JM 336 that was in nice enough condition. The 336W has a laminate stocks, and also comes with an inexpensive Allen camo sling (which actually works and looks kinda nice). I was well aware of the problems Remington was having trying to build Marlin lever guns in Ilion, and I saw a lot of really crummy ones in stores until I found the one I ended up buying. I went over mine with a fine tooth comb before plunking down my cash.

It's not perfect, and it's no beauty queen, but it shoots straight. Wood to metal fit is about a B+. The pressed checkering looks, well, pressed. Other than that, the laminate stocks are actually pretty nice, and have a very hard, durable finish. The action and trigger were a tad gritty when brand new. But a few nights spent cleaning, lubing, and working the lever and trigger smoothed things out a lot.

If I had to decide between this one and the Henry for a hunting trip, I'd take the 336W.

3. 1982 Marlin 336. I bought this rifle used from an LGS that had it on sale on consignment. The seller agreed to come down a bit on his asking price, and everyone went away happy. Once home with my new-to-me Marlin, I ended up really happy. The rifle, which in the store had looked pretty nice, but definitely also used, miraculously came to life after a short session with a soft cloth and Ballistol. The previous owner may have used it, but he treated it very, very well. I don't know what else to say, Turtlerock, but it's just better than the other two rifles. That's not to take anything away from either of the others. The older JM Marlin is just better.

One final suggestion. If you think you want a new 336C, go to realguns.com, and look up Joe D'Alessandro's review on it. He includes a comparison with an older JM 336 he owns. Excellent article and review.

 

JM Marlin is the way to go ... There's to many used JM's out there to take chance on anything else.... For my use I'd rather have my old Glenfield than take a chance or gamble on any Remington.. big green will not make a penny from me...

 

Well said ditto 1958.

 

Wow, so much great info and advice! I thought about it over the last couple days and decided not to go with the Henry .30/30, but instead go into a few of the LGS and see what used JM Marlins they have.

ditto1958, thanks for all of the insight - glad you can give your feedback from owning both rifles, and I've seen lots of your other informative posts while lurking elsewhere on the forum. I had no idea they were discontinuing the XS ghost ring sights on the Henry .30/30, but then it made sense because when you look at the model on the Henry website, it's shown with a semi-buckhorn rear sight and indeed a description on the side of the web page says so! That's a bummer and takes away a pro of purchasing the Henry, especially considering the price. Another consideration I made in my decision was all the confirmed reports that the Henry doesn't handle some ammos well, particularly the Hornady ammo, which I mentioned I planned to use, while it seems the Marlins (old and new) handle that ammo fine. Also, I reconsidered the idea of the top-tube loading on the Henry and figured I really prefer the side-loading gate.

I decided that the advice to at least look at used JM Marlin 336's was too overwhelming to ignore. I'll try to stop by a few LGSs this weekend and see what they might have in store, but like your experience ditto1958, I'm thinking there might not be too many JM Marlins in good enough condition to justify a purchase. From the two shops I got to last weekend it didn't look promising - maybe a couple used Marlins to look at. I don't want to go to a whole bunch of shops further away and don't feel like waiting longer than the next few weeks. It was mentioned there is a thread on what to look for in buying used, but perusing the thread tittles quickly I didn't see anything. Would anyone be able to give some pointers here? I understand that it should be okay for used (depending how old) to have some light scratches or dents in the stock, but no chips or cracks. I plan to look at the fit, and at the sights for straightness, of course. I'll check the bore for cleanliness and damage. . . are there other big points I should hit?

My idea is to make the rounds to the LGS to check out used JM Marlin 336's, and if I find one I like in good condition, then I'll make an offer. I know this might be a pretty "open" question, but what kind of price point should I be looking at? The old 336's I see online in pretty good condition on gun broker are right around the $400 mark.

If I don't happen to see any decent used JM Marlin 336's, then I'll pick up a new model 336C. I understand the action on a new model won't be as smooth, so I'd be back here looking for some tips to help that along too.