Well I'm selling a gun and am going to buy a Marlin 336 with the proceeds.

I am set on putting a decent red dot on it and using it as an all-around gun.

Right now I just can't decide if I'm gonna go after a 30-30 or a .35 Rem. For the most parts it will be used for hogs, generally walking around the woods, etc. but I would also like to be able to use it for Bear and Deer in the future. I have a great long range gun already so that isn't something to worry about / consider.

I was also wondering if the recoil feels much different than a 30-30? I find it minimal to not-noticeable with a 30-30. I've shot plenty of 30-30s but have never personally shot a 35.


Thanks ahead of time.

I have shot and own both and if there is a difference in recoil I can't tell it. They are both dang good guns for what you are wanting to do. My money would be on the 35 Remington simply because its different. Ammo is a little harder to find than 30-30 but not bad. I reload for it so thats not an issue.

Either one rocks with Leverevolution ammo.

I'm well satisfied with my .35 Remington. It does have a healthy kick to it. I shot a deer that was almost around behind me last year. The way I was twisted, the butt of the rifle was on my bicept and left me marked for a week. From normal shooting position it is quite manageable. The 336 feels great and points great. I put a red dot on mine, and then changed to a scope. The "non- compensating" range is 150 yards, and that is covers a lot of shooting opportunities.

I have a 35 Remington hog gun I call Pugsley. straightened the stock and lever and shortened the barrel to 16.25. Receiver sight. It's an awesome deep woods hog gun and I think it hits a good bit harder than my 30 30. I would look for a 35!

I have always loved the 30-30..

The good ole 3030 hard to beat

30-30 because of ammo availability. Every old service station and small hardware store has a box of 30-30 ammo. I put a red dot on a Marlin 30-30 years ago, found it quite useful for 24/7 use around the farm & ranch.

I love my 35rem... everything i have shot with it has taken a dirt nap. I never notice the recoil either its not bad at all

Wow--thanks to everyone for all of the responses.

I'm glad there is so much positive support for both of these calibers and for the 336.

I guess it'll just come down to what I decide on.

Leaning towards the .35. I've never had an issue with ammo availability--Weatherbys aren't great when it comes to that and I'm particular about my load so I just always try and be prepared.


@hermano W Did you feel limited by the red dot? My main thing is wanting to be able to easily acquire moving targets.

The red dot is great for getting on target quick and easy. If you're trying for careful shot placement in the 100 yard range, I prefer a scope. Then again my eyes are 66 yrs old. I used to could do real well with open sights, but those days are gone for me...

Love both calibers. Personally my favorite is the 35 Rem. I love the way that 200 grn round nose drops pigs!

My next lever gun will be in 45-70 for many of the reasons stated in the original post. I used a friends single shot 45-70 for a while and really liked the performance on hogs. Extremely flexible reloading options.

Also, I might could be talked into a lever gun in .460 or .500 S&W.

So many guns, so little time & money....

-ww

Hog/Fun Gun = 1894 in .357 for me.

Marlin 1894C in 357...

Love the 30-30

I have the 1894 in both the .357 and .44 mag for me the .357 mag is a great general purpose ranch gun. I always go to the .44 mag for hog hunting n thick cedar.

For sights I really like the Skinner "ghost ring" type sights. they keep the classic lever action look and you never need to worry about batteries running out of power.

Doug

I bought an Marlin Guide stainless 1895 45/70, XS QD scout scoped it with peep sights. It's a blast in more ways than one.

A bit off topic but for knockaround a 7.62 Saiga with red dot using the 154gr soft points (Cabella's at $5.99 a box).works great on hogs and deer too. And doesn't look like you are remaking Red Dawn.

I love my .444 Marlin

had 45/70 guide gun, 30/30, 444 marlin and 35 remington when I went through my lever action phase!

all worked great and have pros and cons
35 Rem is sure a sweet round though

Ok
Any lever action gun (except .22 or .22 wmr) is great for a hog gun.....

The .30-30 is a great time honored cartridge. I would have to say thought for hogs, either would do but I'd be tempted to use the .35 simply for the extra punch and expansion. Either way, Marlin is a great product and I tend to favor their levers over Winchester.

Thanks for all the input. Still thinking about what to do. What's the accuracy of those .35 marlins like?

And I take it everyone agrees it would be fine with bear?

Thanks.

My Marlin .35 is accurate to 150 yds. Between 150 and 200 they start to drop quite a bit. So I call it a 150 yard gun. I shot a litte high at the 200 on this target to get the 200 yd shot on the target. I'm real comfortable with it @ 150 yds or less...

Thanks for the info. Incredibly useful.