Home Forums Lever Action Central Marlin 336 Lever Actions Do I really need a 30-30 ?

I can buy 2 older Marlin's with scope for $200 each locally right now. I have never wanted a 30-30 due to the fact that I see too many idiots in our area wounding running deer with them and feel I have many better deer killers in the cabinet.
I really enjoy my 338ME and wouldn't mind playing around with an older model 30-30 to see what it can really do but could use an AR more for coyotes. A 35 Rem would be more attractive as would a guide gun but for $200 could I really go wrong?

What are you waiting for.....buy them. If they are pre-safety you can re-sell them to maybe...US.

Doc

Yeah, if they're in decent shape buy and put em on here. I might take one for say $250

Given what $200.00 buys in a scoped center fire rifle these days, I'd say they're a good deal if in nice shape. And they're a real good deal if they don't have the damned safety.

Once you shoot one you'll never give it up.

Keep it away from the idiots and you'll be fine. I've never seen anyone loose an animal because they were using a .30-30. An idiot is an idiot even with a .600 Nitro Express.

I concur!

Randy, when it comes to the normal, Extreme Firearms Enthusiast,
need has absolutly nuthin' to do with it! Only I Want counts!

30-30 carbines do their BEST work inside of 175 yards or so. I've had very good luck with my Glenfield carbine, made by Marlin back in the 1970's. This dandy muley was taken at approximately 125 yards after a long stalk in rough country. If armed with a 25-06, I could probably have shot this buck at long range and skipped the stalk. But I get more thrills from stalking game so this rifle matches my style quite well, indeed.

Sherwood

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If you have to ask then, no, you don't need a 30-30. Do not confuse need with want, one has nothing to do with the other.

Yes! Didn't you know that every gun owner must have at least one thutty thutty ?

The 30-30 is a fine deer round. Many press it into service successfully for bigger game. Plenty of moose and caribou are still taken annually with them. Idiots are going to continue to wound game no matter what round they carry.

Keep shots within a reasonable range, pass up marginal shots and shoot within one's ability (i.e. no running shots if you are not skilled at shooting running game). These rules should apply no matter what round a hunter chooses.

Mart

That is some of the best advice one could give.

The 30 30 has nothing to do with wounding deer its the fact their not using TSXyZ bullets!

When shooting antelope under 175 yards or so, it always seemed to me the old .30-30 gave more reliable kills than the smaller faster .243..you cannot keep house with out at least one .30-30..... ..

You absolutely need a 30-30! They are wounding animals because they are idiots, not because they are shooting a 30-30. Scope 'em or use the irons, 90% of shots east of the Mississippi are under 100yds, and the 30-30 is low recoil, plenty accurate. But don't let that fool you, it will reach out a little further. It is not a beanfield rifle.

Once you carry a 30-30 levergun, you will see why they have been around for so long, and still going strong. Marlin carries like a dream. Pretty much the perfect hunting rifle.

I started hunting with a borrowed 30-30. I have bolts, semi's etc, but could never shake the lever itch. I found one with a little bigger hole in the end. I found a good deal on a Marlin in .375 win. I do appreciate a little more punch, but I am using it on pigs too.

I agree, for $200 get both. If it is in decent shape it is worth $250-300. They are getting a little harder to find in good shape, and the new ones are crap.

I agree. Get one or even better, two. I had Marlin 336 in 30-30 with a straight grip stock I used for hunting in woods when I knew the shot would be close. I also used it as a loner. The last friend of my son that borrowed it killed his first deer with it (an 8 point). He then talked me out of it. I replaced it with a straight grip Marlin 336 in 35 Remington which is what I was looking for when I bought the 30-30. I love a good Marlin!

Do it. Can't go wrong if guns are in decent shape. You can always get your money back.

Anybody who can't kill deer reliably with a 30-30 is doing something wrong. The 30-30 has probably taken more deer than any other cartridge......

Have you bought them yet?

If not you should, because $200 is cheap!!!

I thought I didn't a couple of times over the years. When I found myself without one I got the jitters until I replaced the one I sold. Now have a pre-safety 336T with an XS front and a Williams Guide rear. Never will let this one go.