View Full Version : Winchester or Marlin
I am getting the itch to purchase my first lever action 30-30. Thought I wanted a Winchester Model 94 Traditional CW until I handled one at the local shop followed my a Marlin 336C. I am new to lever actions but have been reading up on them. The recurring theme I read is that Winchester quality went down the tubes some years ago. The one I checked out looked and felt cheap next to Marlin. I could not cycle the actions.
I am interested in getting opinions of others concerning the choice between these guns.
Thanks !
<I work on gun. I have had both come into my shop. The marlin just fits better, and seems to be a stronger gun, parts are more available, and simpler to work on.
peter_<
I've owned both models, prefer the Marlins.
Old Judge Creek
09-16-2004, 10:36
Marlin - period.
i got a marlin 336 last weekend and i love it, went to the range and had a blast, going again this weekend, :)
michael word
09-16-2004, 22:25
I have a Winchester 94 and has been very reliable. I have droped it in the mud, been rained on, etc. and just keeps on working like new and is very accurate.
Originally posted by buzzer@Sep 15 2004, 07:24 PM
The recurring theme I read is that Winchester quality went down the tubes some years ago. The one I checked out looked and felt cheap next to Marlin. I could not cycle the actions.
If your dealer won't let you try the actions on his rifles, I'd recommend a different dealer. At least part of your decision should be based on the feel of the gun and its action. You will shoot better with a gun that feels natural when shouldered and aimed.
Winchester didn't give up strength or accuracy in 1964, just modified their manufacturing processes to keep prices reasonable. Compared to the hand-fitted pre-'64 guns, the post-'64's feel "cheap." However, they seem a bit better when compared to similarly priced guns from other manufacturers.
I was just in the local Bass Pro store which is a large camping and outdoor store - Wal-Mart sized. I was not even there to look at guns - I was trying to buy batteries and propane (I live in Florida).
They have a gun counter and sell a lot of hunting rifles, shotguns and supplies. All their lever actions are held shut with wire ties. They are not really a gun shop.
There is a show coming up in my area. The dealers there usually have a good selection of lever actions, and are more accommodating. The prices are better too. If I buy one, it would probably be at the show. I will take a closer look at a Winchester but I am pretty sure my choice will be Marlin.
Thanks to all.
I've owned both and found them both to be fine rifles. The Winchester seem to have more quality issues from rifle to rifle than Marlin, which seems to be more consistent. I used to have a Winchester .44 mag, but the accuracy was so bad I got rid of it.
I have owned both makes over the past 25 years, one of my Winchesters was a cheapo from the early '80's, sold around here for less than $100 in those days. It was fine but a top ejector. Never had a problem but I take very good care of my rifles. My 336 Marlin was a Caddy of the lever guns. This fall I fianlly made a purchase of a new levergun, a .45-70 guide model by Marlin. It has fine quality and is a great gun! The only thing I don't like about the Marlins is their sights. My Marlin will be host to a new ghost ring set up soon, I didn't buy it for open ground so no scope is planned but Marlins are tapped if you so desire. Buy a Marlin and you won't be disapointed. :usa:
April 1972, my father purchased a Winchester model 94 Lone Star Commemorative 30-30.
January 1985, I purchased a standard Winchester model 94 30-30.
I ask my father to get out his model 94 since I had not seen it in a nunber of years, so I could lay both guns side by side to compare them.
The next day, I traded off my Winchester for something else; it did not even begin to compare to my father's Winchester Commemorative. :(
A few month's back, I noticed a number of these Lone Star Commemoratives for sale on the GunsAmerica website; some new & priced as low as $350; and almost purchased another, for in my opinion, that is one heck of a gun for the money.
(I inherited my father's Lone Star Commemorative, a few years back.)
Anyway, I just checked the site again and although none are currently listed quite so cheap, I still feel this is where I would go to purchase a 30-30.
I would assume, the other Winchester Commemoratives are of as high a quality as the Lone Star.
You can find them here . . .
http://www.gunsamerica.com/2680/2680-random-1.htm
:D
Of those currently listed, this is the one in which I would personally inquire:
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976485734.htm
AR15_Fanatic
01-04-2005, 17:35
Gotta go with Marlin. As a kid, I learned how to shoot with a Model 39A Mountie .22 Carbine that my father owned and liked it so much I bought my own Model 39AS as an adult. Marlins are just classy and classy feeling in your hands. Its the coolest levergun out there.
RJSIXGUN
01-05-2005, 07:14
I own many Marlins and Winchesters.......here's what I think.
Winchester 1895 is the Rolls Royce of levers
Marlin 336 is the Cadilac
Winchester 94 is the hard working old reliable pick-up truck
That being said, I myself carry a Winchester 94 in .44mag when I go camping. reason why I carry that instead of my Marlin 336 is simple. The winchester is lighter and slimmer. But both are great guns and accuracy and craftmanship ar on par with each other.
Levers that I have:
Winchester 1895 Original in .30 US GOVT-1906
Winchester 1894 in .30WCF
Winchester 94 in .44 Mag.
Marlin 336 CS in .30-30
Marlin 336 SC in .35 Rem.
Marlin 39A in .22
either way Winchester or Marlin, you'll love it....buy both if and when you have a chance.
HouLlama
01-18-2005, 14:27
I've got a Marlin 336 and its a great shooter. My only complaint came once I replaced the wood stock ( wrist crack ) with a synthetic. That made it too light for my liking. But $3 worth of pennies and 1/2 lb. hi-temp wax in the butt took care of that. And for being about 15 yrs., its in better shape tightness wise than the Winnies I've looked at.
swill269
01-19-2005, 09:20
:o
i have always had win lever rifles, i have none now. my next one will be marlin. three main reasons: better selection, better workmanship/quality, side ejection port. :eek: :beer: :usa:
:cool:
Ivanimal
03-03-2005, 00:56
3 marlins and counting
0 winchesters
fit my hands and shoulder just right. :D
marksz71
03-15-2005, 19:45
I have the marlin 336C, in 30.30, with a nice bushnell scope and I love it. It is smooth, and decent trigger pull, fits well, isn't too heavy. I don't have problems packing it around on my shoulder while deer hunting, and it is a blast to blow sutff up with. I have read a lot about them, and it doesn't seem like anyone can touch them in the large bore lever guns. My opionion based on personal use and literature. (national rifleman did an article on them last month) Mark :ar15:
SKS does the same job, plus others, for 1/2 the money, and 1/4 the ammo cost. Let the lever join the SA revolver in its proper place (as an expensive plinker). Corbon's 150 gr softpoing load in 7.62x39 is 2400 fps, every bit as powerful and with a longer range (due to having a pointed bullet) than the 30-30 offers. So why pay 30+c a shot for practice ammo, when you can pay 8c a shot or less?
Originally posted by R&R.45@Mar 16 2005, 06:38 AM
SKS does the same job, plus others, for 1/2 the money, and 1/4 the ammo cost. Let the lever join the SA revolver in its proper place (as an expensive plinker). Corbon's 150 gr softpoing load in 7.62x39 is 2400 fps, every bit as powerful and with a longer range (due to having a pointed bullet) than the 30-30 offers. So why pay 30+c a shot for practice ammo, when you can pay 8c a shot or less?
Funny, I consider the SKS an expensive plinker (compared to any .22). Cost is not necessarily the defining factor in shooting. I enjoyed shooting my Sharps .45/110 although the empty brass in this caliber ran about $3.00 each (that's right, $60 for a box of 20 empties).
You forget there are places where a semi-auto is illegal for hunting (like right here in Pennsylvania).
There are other places where a semi-auto rifle is just plain illegal.
In such places, a lever gun is a good alternative to a military-type rifle. Most people don't get upset when they see a lever gun ("Aww, he's got a cowboy gun!") vs. seeing a military semi-auto ("Is that one of those 'militias' or is it a terrorist?"). Sad but true, the antigun liberal media has successfully demonized military semi-autos in most peoples'minds.
Also, simply because a gun like a SA revolver or a lever action rifle is "obsolete" doesn't mean it's ineffective for self-defense or hunting. Your SKS might be considered by some to be just as passe as the 19th century weapons you mentioned.
I never heard of such a thing. The sks is legal to own anywhere, and I doubt that it's illegal to hunt with, altho you probably do have to block the mag to 5 rds. I've hunted all my life, and never once met a game warden in the field, so I don't concern myself with such things. I"ve lived in CO for 4 years now, bears at my garbage can all fall and spring, and I've never seen one in daylight, and only a flash of their butts fleeing at night. I've looked high and low for a rattlesnake, here and in N Mex, too. :-) People worry about nothing. The sks matchs lever action performance, for 1/4 the cost, and offers twice as fast repeat hits.
I repeat, in PA it's illegal to hunt game or varmints with a semi-auto rifle or pistol (I'm not certain about other states). I don't feel handicapped by this restriction. Most states that permit semi auto rifles require a magazine limited to 5-round capacity for hunting.
As regarding the statement about not concerning yourself with trivialities like magazine capacity restrictions, never having seen a game warden, all I have to say is I prefer to know and obey the law. Then I don't care whether I see a game warden or not.
My post merely suggested that there ARE reasons for the selection of a lever action over a semi-auto in some areas. Both types of actions have their place.
Ivanimal
03-18-2005, 17:12
I live in the most regulated state there is CA I own 2 sks's and when I can afford it will probably buy more. I give then to buddies to hunt deer with if they dont own a gun of their own. They are great simple and cheap if they mess them up I dont care. Please tell me where they wont let you hunt with semi autos. I will never go there. I own a BAR in 30-06. I love to use it on piggies here. How can these be illegal.
Game laws vary from state to state. With the exception of certain federally regulated or protected species, each state's game commission or wildlife regulatory agency sets the game laws such as minimum calibers, open seasons and bag limits for the state. If you hunt, you're responsible to know those laws. The game laws have little to do with gun laws.
Ivanimal, all I can say is your BAR and SKS's would be fine to own in Pennsylvania, just don't get caught shooting any animals with them. I can't speak for California.
Ivanimal
03-21-2005, 23:23
Yeesh! I understand the need for safety in flat areas as being a good reason not to use centerfire rifle, but to regulate semi autos for hunting is just inhumane for the prey. I like to give novices a semi auto for hunting. I saw a guy last year take a deer at 75 yds. It took him 3 shots to do it. He admitted later after he almost pped himself with joy, that if it was a bolt action he never would have had a second shot. the deer was moving away and if he had to think it would have gone away with a bullet in its thigh. Rant over. :(
Just a suggestion, but another point of view to consider in the debate of semi-auto vs. manual (bolt, lever, pump or single-shot) for hunting, is the tendency of many people with semi autos (especially when under the influence of buck fever) either to spray bullets at the animal (because they can) or to rush a shot, simply because they know they have a real fast follow-up. When carrying a rifle that requires a bit of manipulation before a second shot, the same people will take a fraction of a second longer to make the first shot count, simply because they're aware the opportunity for that second shot may not arise. Not a condemnation of semi-auto rifles or the people who carry them, just an observation of human nature under stress.
magnomark
03-22-2005, 11:14
;) Well stated Surbat6-I've seen the same happen multiple times and especially when training "younger" shooters.I tell them "first learn to shoot accurately-then learn to shoot faster".Sometimes it sinks in. <_< :sniper:
I've got three Marlins .357, 375 win, 450 Marlin and two Winchesters both 30/30's. When I find a good Marlin in 30/30 I'll probably get rid of the Wins. YMMV, dmen
Theres a little more nostalgia with a winchester. The marlin has a pistol grip while the winchester is a straight stock. Pesonally I find the marlin to be better handling because of this. The marlin by design is much smoother in the cycling action resulting with more comfort on the hand when cycling. The marlin is side eject which allows for scope mounting and is drilled and tapped for scope mounts while the winchester is top eject. Both are rugged and well built, rumor say that marlin may be a little more accurate. Either way they are both great guns.
Don't forget, Marlin makes several straight-grip models.
Surbat6 your right, guess it adds to the more options list that marlin provides
including stainless models and wood choices. I hunt with a browning lever 308. Very smooth and accurate. Just not as classic as the winchester or Marlin, kinda on the pricey side too.
A bit pricey, but that Browning's got an action slicker than snot on a doorknob. And you can work the short-throw lever quicker than an alligator can chew a puppy.
I'll go...out of colloquialisms.
Nighthawk
04-30-2005, 10:54
I have the Marlin Model 336C in .35 and 2 chambered for the 30-30.I also have an older Model Winchester and can tell you that the Marlin is the better gun by far,there's no comparision between the two.The Winchester is a good Rifle and I use it often as a truck gun,I have no intention on scopeing it but if I did it would have to be side mounted.
Best!! :usa:
Nighthawk
04-30-2005, 10:55
I have the Marlin Model 336C in .35 and 2 chambered for the 30-30.I also have an older Model Winchester and can tell you that the Marlin is the better gun by far,there's no comparision between the two.The Winchester is a good Rifle and I use it often as a truck gun,I have no intention on scopeing it but if I did it would have to be side mounted.
Best!! :usa:
Timberland
05-03-2005, 16:50
Winchester all the way, as long as it was made before 1964, or around 2,550,000 serial number. I collect them if they were made before WWII. Fine craftsmanship back then and lots of variations since you could order them almost anyway you wanted. Prices aren't too terrible. Plenty to choose from at gunshows.
I shoot big game rifle competiton in Australia. We have an 8 shots in 32 seconds event that is a real adrenaline rush. I had problems with very rapid cycling of my Marlin 1895 .45/70 on three occasions when the (side ejecting) empty case was jammed by the next round from the tube mag impacting it. It seemed that the case rim of the next round could hang momentarily on the front rim of the loading gate flap and then "ping" back without the lever controlling it onto the lifter, bouncing and clipping the empty before it cleared. My friend had the same problem with his .30/30 336 during two boar hunts. Disconcerting!
I emphasise these problems with Marlins have only occurred in rapidfire mode, but when it happens, you need a screwdriver or knife, time and a third hand to clear the jam! I presently use Winchesters: .44/40 1892, .38/55 1894 and a .444 1894 Timber carbine. Another friend uses a .40/82 1886. All of these are reliable in "panic" mode in our competitions and hunting so far.
Has anyone else had a similar experience?
i own a marlin 336 in .30-30 and its one of my favorite guns i own, i was at the same debate when i first was considering purchasing a lever gun back in the fall of 2004, after much research and input from knowledgable gun owners, marlin seemed to be a much better choice, and from personally handling, it seemed to suit my likings loads more than the winchesters did.... and as for rr 45, i dont understand why you bring up the sks in a topic like this, has nothing to do with marlin vs. winchester, and i own an sks myself, and although it is a very reliable rifle and is pretty cheap to shoot, its existence does not pertain to this specific topic, so maybe you should start your own forum about sks's vs lever guns :usa:
anyway was the sks one of americas most popular deerhunting rifles, dont quite think so, for any kind of hunting or outdoors trips, i would pick a .30-30 levergun over a sks anyda ;) y
Enforcer
10-19-2005, 01:50
There is a way to get around the Semi Auto hunting dealy. Simply pop the SKS magazine out and it will be a single shot. Then when you get back home after your day hunting just pop it back in. Heck you could even hunt with an AK-47 or AR-15 as long as you dont bring a mag with you and shove single rounds into the chamber. But if I was hunting I would either bring my Mosin Nagant M/91-30, or a Winchester 94 30-30 rifle. I know both are very reliable rifles, I don't have a Lever Gun yet but im trying to get one for Christmas. And im going for a Winchester 94 30-30, they look much more classic and traditional than the Marlins, and they are one of if not THE oldest American gun company. I think Winchester is a company you can trust, they make quality firearms that are reliable and priced right.
:usa:
Travis Morgan
11-19-2007, 21:51
SKS does the same job, plus others, for 1/2 the money, and 1/4 the ammo cost. Let the lever join the SA revolver in its proper place (as an expensive plinker). Corbon's 150 gr softpoing load in 7.62x39 is 2400 fps, every bit as powerful and with a longer range (due to having a pointed bullet) than the 30-30 offers. So why pay 30+c a shot for practice ammo, when you can pay 8c a shot or less?
SKS's suck. They're just a cheap ammo waster. As for the SA revolvers and .30-30's, they're both just fine for someone that's more interested in accuracy or hunting than they are for ****ing away ammo.
vBulletin® v3.7.0, Copyright ©2000-2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.