Which lever action would you buy?

3403 Views 21 Replies 19 Participants Last post by gunrunner, Apr 25, 2011

snuffy1

Discussion Starter · Feb 18, 2011

For some reason, I traded my last 30-30 a couple of years ago and although I made a good trade I now have the urge for another 30-30 or lever action.

Maybe another caliber?

I already own a Winchester 1885 in 45-70.

I enjoy shooting at the range about 2x month and usually take a few guns and fire say 50 rounds total.

I hunt in South Texas where a buck will weigh 200 lbs or greater on the hoof.

I am no hurry and curious which 30-30 you would look for as a good quality gun without going overboard on the price.

I probably will NOT scope it and just install a skinner express sight.

Does anyone know anything about a special order 1893 that is case colored?

Thanks!

1 - 20 of 22 Posts

snuffy1

Discussion Starter · #2 · Feb 19, 2011

Before you yell at me - In hindsight - I wish I had kept my 30-30.

Thanks!

Abel

· #3 · Feb 19, 2011

I hear that Marlin once made a wonderful 30-30, the model 336. ;D

marco

· #4 · Feb 19, 2011

Get another Marlin 336. I've handled new and old 336s and although I like some of the new ones I like all of the old ones. Around here they don't get shot much and when they're parted with they usually just have a little rust and finish wear. 2-300.00 is what they usually go for around here. I think that's a great deal.

Roan444

· #5 · Feb 19, 2011

Since you already have a big bore, go with a used 30-30 in the 336 Marlin.

If you didn't have the big bore, I'd recommend the 336 in .35 remington for all around.

I've been checking out the Henry 30-30's when I see them, really appealing other than they are heavy and cost quite a bit. One day, I'll have one of them too.

Brian in FL

· #6 · Feb 19, 2011

I'd look for a pre-safety 336, preferably an SC, with smooth wood, from the 60's or 70's, and, if you weren't set on a .30-30, which ain't hardly bad, I'd recommend the .35 Remington. It's all the .30-30 is ... and more. But, I'm prejudiced. ;D

cody77

· #7 · Feb 19, 2011

Hard to beat a pre safety 336!!

Cajun

· #8 · Feb 19, 2011

Any Marlin 336 that was made in North Haven!!!!!

bigjeepman

· #9 · Feb 19, 2011

Since I traded, sold, or gave away all of my 30-30 Marlins, I'm in Brian's camp on this one. There is nothing wrong with a 336 in 30-30. However, I have trekked my own path my whole life and just didn't follow the norm although there is nothing wrong with that. Right now, I have 3 Marlins in .35 Rem and they are very nice rifles in my mind anyway. I have a 1980 336C, a 1961 336SC, and a 1951 336A in .35 Rem. If I had to get down to one, it would be the '61 SC as it just feels perfect. So I am saying a .35 Rem in a SC model would be very nice to own.

My other Marlins are in .45 colt, .357 mag, and .22. If I had to get down to one in this group, it would be an 1894 in .357 mag. Though all are fun to shoot, I just don't deserve all the fun I get out of shooting .357 mag out of a Marlin.

Have fun with your choice and enjoy the journey

.

bjm

See less See more

City Slicker

· #10 · Feb 19, 2011

What Brian in FL said...

Leverdude

· #11 · Feb 20, 2011

snuffy1 said:
For some reason, I traded my last 30-30 a couple of years ago and although I made a good trade I now have the urge for another 30-30 or lever action.

Maybe another caliber?

I already own a Winchester 1885 in 45-70.

I enjoy shooting at the range about 2x month and usually take a few guns and fire say 50 rounds total.

I hunt in South Texas where a buck will weigh 200 lbs or greater on the hoof.

I am no hurry and curious which 30-30 you would look for as a good quality gun without going overboard on the price.

I probably will NOT scope it and just install a skinner express sight.

Does anyone know anything about a special order 1893 that is case colored?

Thanks!

I'd just get a decent used 336 of one configuration or other.
As far as the 1893's, case coloring was standard for most of the time it was produced, I think the last few years blue might have been standard but I'm in no way sure. The BP only guns were blued though.

wrench man

· #12 · Feb 20, 2011

The 336 is the way to go!, I like the A's the best but an R.C. is nice too, I don't care for them Stubby Carbines?, my Winchester 94 is a Trapper with only half a barrel on it, the muzzle flip is horrible and the muzzle flash would put the one in pappajohn's avatar to shame!!!

gunrunner

· #13 · Feb 20, 2011

What Brian said,word for word. A uncheckered pre safety 336 in 35,or 30-30.Rifle or Carbine. And a good peep and your all set. Ive got the rifle in 30-30 and the carbine in 35. Both are good rifles,you cant go wrong.But the 35 is my go to gun..Wish ya luck, Just dont get rid of this one

.Gunrunner,,

See less See more

2

ehunt

· #14 · Feb 20, 2011

336 336 336

ceadersavage

· #15 · Feb 20, 2011

There just hard to beat 30-30 or 35 or 444 or any of them

1895Gunner

· #16 · Feb 20, 2011

I always have a problem with this question but I have narrowed it down to these three for me. I'd be happy walking anywhere with one of them. I realize this is a 336 thread but I'd lean a little heavier than 30 cal, you know - just in case. ;D

444P
1895G
1895M

See less See more

Roan444

· #17 · Apr 25, 2011

ceadersavage said:
There just hard to beat 30-30 or 35 or 444 or any of them

Snuffy, you got me chasin' ya down in 2 threads tonite bro'??

Can't argue w/ cedar here, you choose the .35 and your good for anything!

Me thinks you'll end up with the rest later anyhow! Start there (.35) and you might end up right where you need to be.

I had a .35 for years, and didn't need for ANYTHING. then it was stolen and I replaced it with a 30-30. Then went hunting for BIG hawgs, and decided I NEEDED a .444. got it, got the hawg, life's good right?

NOT, found a '52 .35SC and NEEDED to replace the one that went with some PUNK all those years ago. Well, didn't NEED it, just WANTED it.

Start with the .35 and if we don't hear from you for a year or so, we'll know it worked.

EDIT to add that I scoped the 30-30 and .444. PEEP sights just went on the .35 if that matters to you...

See less See more

mattusmc

· #18 · Apr 25, 2011

Yeah I am thinking a 70-80's vintage 336. Easy to find a nice one for good money. My favorite .30-30 336 was purchased for $200 OTD. Factory open sights. Just a fun accurate gun I don't mind beating around the truck, four wheeler, or woods. Good Luck

Sav .250

· #19 · Apr 25, 2011

A pre-safety, 336 in a cal of your choice. Well made! Solid choice!

But I have to say, A pre-64, Win 94, really is a great lever as well. Lucky for me, I have both.

scoop10

· #20 · Apr 25, 2011

It's been said in many 'a thread (hey, that rhymed!): 35 Rem if you reload, 30/30 if you don't. A pre-safety 336 Texan is just perfect!

1 - 20 of 22 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.