Loaded question I know but could use some thoughts from guys who know a lot about these as I have always used bolt actions. I have my dads pre 64 Winchester but don't want to hunt her as it has a lot of memories for me and don't want to bang her up. I don't like the newer 64's and was looking at the marlins in a 30-30. I reload and will use the new hornadys(if that's what you guys like best which seems to be the case). My major auction is would I try and get and older 336 or newer one? In handling 94's I think there is a big difference between older and newer models(may be my sentiment.

You will find a much larger difference in the handling of a 94 v. 336 than you ever will between and old or new 94. I've got plenty of Marlins, and I like using them, but only considering the handling I strongly prefer my 94s.

Get the one with a JM proof mark on the barrel near the receiver. this will be a used model. IMO, the straight grip (Texans) handle very much like 94s, maybe a bit heavier. Much easier to scope if wanted. jack

+1 on both above! Nothing handles like a 94 though the straight stock 336 models will likely be closest out of the box. I'd wanted one for years - a friend found me one and it's not going anywhere, nor are my other 336's. I consider a 94 or 336 to be a necessity in everyone's toolbox and add to the pile when I can. Along with each new grandchild comes the need for another 336.
Attempting to come up with a Marlin that handled like a 94, I reworked one 15yrs back or so for my youngest son by slimming the forearm and buttstock, adding a Decelerator pad with 13" LOP. He found it much more manageable in the field and it's still a favorite of his and his wife.

I don't think you can go wrong with either, just personally prefer the Marlin.

Myself, I'd get an "older" Marlin to avoid the safety. Actually I'd more likely hunt the '94 and make more memories with her. Don't know about you, but I don't "bang up" my rifles when I hunt with them, especially when they mean something to me. I have my fathers Winchester 64 and the deer I've taken with it mean more than all the deer I've taken with my other rifles combined. Try it, you'll understand what I mean.

The 80's and 90's Marlins are fine; an easily installed cross-bolt safety plug is the answer. And you can put it back in if you ever sell it. This is a CT-made .308MX, with a CBS plug. But "tmitch" is right, too; nice older guns are out there, at good prices.
Bob

Guys. Thx for all the help/advice!!! I have 2 young boys getting into hunting and remember how rough I was on my guns in my younger and dumber days. I will let them use the 94 after I have taught them to respect and care for their guns(lessons taught and learned the hard way).

The Winchester '94's weigh considerably less than the 336 Marlins, so felt recoil is much greater.

My 1971 336.

700, I would agree not letting the young-uns have at your dads '94 just yet. It takes a few years to develop an appreciation for the old classics.

To my eye the rifles made in the 1970's look and feel best. The wood on the fore end is trimmer and the guns lighter. If you take your time and look around there are some of the straight stocked Marlins out there. The best of all features in one rifle. Still a bit heavier than the 94, but only a couple of oz.

Couple of Winchesters in there, and one 2005 made Marlin. The rest are 1958-1975 made Marlins.

Love my early '70's 336.Now that my eyes are old (not me of course) the ability to mount a scope is valuable. Chances are, younger hunters will gravitate toward optics of some kind. I think the earlier 336 is smoother than current and has nicer wood. As opposed to a 94, there is the matter of caliber. In my Northeast woods group we gravitated to .35s based on experience so that made a difference, so 336s by default.

All good advice. Get a JM stamped barrel. The Marlins are great rifles but the Win. 94s handle better than any rifle I own including my Marlin levers.

Regarding the cross bolt safety on the newer models - most if not all of the Marlin aficionados despise the safety. Me, I'm an old fart like most of those guys but I like the safety. You have to cycle each round to unload the rifle. I much prefer doing that with a safety engaged. Also, with your young sons using the rifle, the safety is a plus.

Do not get a "Remlin".

And....if it were me, I'd get one chambered in 35Rem. (that ought to stir things up. LOL)

yeah its late in this post but I just recently picked up a Marlin Guide gun and it handles so close to my 94's that it is fast becoming my "grab it" gun on the way out of the house.
I have a 336 and am thinking of doing a makeover on it to match the 1895GG

WOW! Nice collection!