It has really been 20 years since I have killed a deer with a 30/30 lever gun. For nostalgic reasons I picked up a marlin 336 in 30/30 this summer and had a Nikon 2-7x33 mounted on top of it. Figured it would be a great carry gun while doing drives in northern Michigan swamps and could be fun while on stand in the smame places. Well, I was right on all accounts. Got to tote it around for two days this weekend and actually whacked a deer with it too. I was a walker on a drive and had a couple get up in front of me. Fun fun stuff right there. The gun is so easy to carry instead of a 24 or 26" barreled bolt gun and way faster on the follow up shots while shooting at deer running through 6' high grass with trees mixex in. Have to time them on the hop. Fun stuff.

Until just a few years ago, 336C was the only rifle I deer hunted with. I bought a new 270 and love it, but I still hunt with both of them. If you havent done it yet, try the Hornaday FTX. Made for tubular magazines and does a really good job on the deer here in Louisiana. Killed 2 this year with it!

might have to try that. I stocked up on the ol plane jane winchester power points in 150 grain and I kid you not, I shot an honest 1" group while sighting in. Scope rattled loose this weekend after some shooting,(first time ever in my life) so need to re-sight. When that gun is in my hands, a 100 yard shot is highly unlikely. 1-50 yards is more like it while running.

I currently own five 336 rifles, but I haven't hunted with any of them in a few years. In complete and honest truth, I have no "need" for any caliber larger than a 30-30.

Glad to hear that your Marlin got to see some action!