Hey folks,
Thinking about a 30-30 lever action but don't know what to look for (brand/model).... Been 30+ years since I've been gun shopping and not in the best place to get advice on "cowboy" guns...
Price won't really be an issue because I'll be buying used on an online auction and know where I'll stop.
Want simple, dependable, straight shooting and steel (no alloy) action that is ready for a scope without a machinist. Don't care what the butt stock looks like.
What should I be looking for? Common on the auction here is Winchester 94's and Marlin 336's but some others also... I know a 94 today isn't the same as one 30+ years ago, so throw the ideas at me.....
Also, for the slim chance one turns up used that I want to spend the money on, any experience with the Marlin .308 MX's? I don't like a bolt action but prices and "tradition" have me dealing with one but am still looking for what I like.

Thanks, Dave

If you're going with a scope, I'd look for an older 336 with the JM stamp on the barrel.

I've heard nothing but good stuff about the Marlin 336. I've shot my grandpa's old model 94 and it's a fine shooter inside 100 yards. Never shot it past that.

I believe the new Marlins are all drilled and tapped for scope mounts, but I could be wrong on that...

The 94 is a great gun but top ejecting makes it more difficult to put a scope on. For iron sights I would choose it over the marlin...if you want a scope I'd go with the marlin.

Why a Lever action? Just curious.

Marlin 336

X2

because I'm clumsy and the bolt action aggravates me...... I'm sure I'll get used to it tho....

Winchester 94 AE allows scope mounting directly over the bore. Marlin 336 & 30 along with the cheaper Glenfield. Don't forget Savage 99, Not only was it manufactured in 30-30, there are about a dozen other calibers. Although there isn't a Browning lever made in 30-30, the BLR does offer a selection of modern rounds.

Marlin 336
Browning BLR in .308
Savage 99 in .308

I am big fan of the marlin 336 Texan with or without the saddle ring. may be listed as 336 T

Buy a henry round barrel and be done with it

Thanks folks..... Just fell in love with a BLR in .308 but they are pretty proud of it.... I'll keep watching. In the meantime, maybe spend some time getting used to the bolt action and be money ahead.......

X3!

Are you set on lever and .30-30?

There are pump and semi-auto rifles (non-ar evil black assault rifles) too. That would open your choices up a bit.

If you're dead set on lever but not the caliber, Savage and Browning have them in more modern cartidges. Or there are other older cartridges besides .30-30.

If you are game for a .308 lever action, the Winchester 88 is a fine old lever action rifle. Prices start around $700. Scope mounts, extra magazines, and other parts are generally available.

Love me some Savage 99 in .300 Savage.

No farther than you can be accurate with with a 30-30, why even scope it? I have a Winchester 94AE, love it. Put a scope on it for a while and realized it ruined what it is meant to do.

John Wayne never shot a Marlin in the talkies, just sayin. But there was that Jimmy Stewart movie, Marlin 73'...no , that wasn't it either...nary a Marlin
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/John_Wayne

What type of hunting? Thick woods or open country? If you are thick woods, I find that a carbine lever handles better, swings better, and is faster than a bolt gun...put a peep sight on it and forget the scope. Marlin 336 or 1895

Yeah. .I wouldn't bother with a scope.

An older Marlin 336 with the micro groove rifling is going to be tough to beat.

Iron sites are all you need unless you are vision impaired.

I agree. However, I do find as I get older my eyes really like aperture sights. The Lyman No. 2 tang sight works very well and looks great on a lever gun.

I've got a Marlin 336 made in the early 70's. It's a shooter. Dropped several pigs at 150ish yds no problem!!!

Any Marlin 336 built before 2009 is gonna do ya right.

Did the same thing with my Marlin 336. Took the scope off and went back to irons. In fact it's the only centerfire rifle I own with irons, and it'll stay that way. 100 yards and it, it'll kill the toughest hog, or the dumbest would-be criminal at home.

Thanks! Got a few on the auction now.... Along with a couple remington pump 30.06's..... Guess I've been living behind the moon.... Didn't know there was such thing as a pump rifle.... Like the idea real well .