Home Forums Lever Action Central Marlin 336 Lever Actions Sell me on a Marlin

Hey guys,
I have owned a few Win 94's, still have one in 307, but got the itch today to own a 30-30 again. With Winchester out of the picture, started considering a Marlin. On average, how do the Marlins shoot? I know the average lever action is not going to be a tack driver, 2" groups are fine in that respect. What are the great things about a 336 vs a 94?

I collect Winchester Model 94. I shoot Marlin 336s pre cross bolt safety. Does that tell you anything?

Jim

I too collect Winchesters and Savages but I often shoot Marlins. I am currently loading for two of them this evening. They are stronger, generally more accurate. Can be cleaned from the chamber, have tigher tolerances and are generally cheaper then a comparable winchester. Don't get me wrong, I love my winchester and the son sets with my Savages but the Marlins just flat shoot. The three that I have developed loads for will damn near compete with a bolt action. I have three new ones, I'll have to let you know on.

I'm not affiliated, but I like 'em. They shoot well and I think the company is really trying to be innovative and improve their product. You can get anythuing from a traditional blued & walnut octagon barreled CB to a stainless-synthetic XLR. They are designing new guns and cartridges to take advatage of long range bullets they worked with Hornady to develop. They have even ressurected the high velocity .308 lever platform with their .308 Marlin cartridge and a new rifle to go with it. This time it has the rifle accuracy and ballistic coefficient to go with it, so who knows. There is also a growing aftermarket producing custom and "improved" parts like triggers, levers, & sights. Careful, it's addictive! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I am very partial to Marlins. I have owned many and currently own at least 9 or 10. I do not own any Winchesters at the moment. I have two Marlin 336 rifles and one 1895 that will group 1.25" or better with the new Hornady ammo. The 336 in 35 will group under an inch all day long. That is better than my pillar bedded 270 with a trigger job.

To me, the Marlin action is much smoother and more solid. With that being said, Marlin uses too much wood on their forearm especially. Also, they can occasionally develop the dreaded "Marlin jam". They are still great guns and real shooters on the whole. If you buy one, you will be hooked.

Hawkdriver;

The 94 is smaller, a little more compact, and just lighter/handier.

The 336 is much stronger, slicker, much more easily scoped, and PLENTY accurate; at least as much so as the 94, normally better.

Find one pre-cross bolt safety, and you'll be set.

I have a lot of Winchester leverguns, but, as much as I hate to admit it, the 336 Marlins are a more user-friendly design all the way around than the 94's. Not as quick handling, but they shoot well---2MG

Thanks guys, the search begins.

Don't sell the 336 short. I bought mine at walmart and with a Burris and handloads I can get 1" @ 100yds with 3 shots. If your worried about handy-ness, with a scope they are about the same. I replaced the safety with the little screw deally that somebody on the internet sells. Marlin still has a half cock and they are much easier to clean from the breach. If your looking for romance the Win is better hands down, just get a pre '64.
Hopefully somebody will resurect the '94 and make it to the old standards. Even if the cost is up with Kimber there are alot of people that will pay it. Until then buy a Marlin and you will be happy.

Don't overlook that 336 in .35 Rem. I have a couple of them. I also have two 94's in .32 Win Special. All class acts. Marlins are easier to scope and use heavy loads. Good luck.

George

Love my old Winchester levers, but the 336 in 35 Rem. usually gets the call when it's doe season and long before that, it was an original-issue 444 w/24" barrel. Never a problem getting 1" three shot groups with the 444 when it was scoped. Neither Marlin did much worse with a peep sight, but the 336 has never been drilled and tapped, so a peep sight it is.

What's not to like about a 336: Inexpensive, well-made, accurate and dependable.

Can't go wrong with a Marlin!

...... Bushwacker has said it so well for me...I like the Winchester model 92 best, in 45 Colt. it's better handling than the 94 and a stronger design as well,but the Winchesters handling beauty is obliterated when a scope is added,and peep sights are my choice on them. The Marlin is the scope friendly lever between them for sure. I too have found the Marlin generaly more accurate.

i have 3 win 94 in 30-30 i love them but i believe the marlin is better built the first marlin i bought was a 444nib from dealer auction with very surprising accuracy with store ammo then bought a nice old 336 in 32win made in 57 and this is also very accurate as i a'm a leftie the shells eject a little closer to my face but still don't hit me.my experience the marlin holds accuracy as far as function never had a problem with any of them

If you have to ask, you don't need one!

Any rifle looney will see right away why the Marlin has the edge.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I have a pre-64 Model 94 and a pre-64 Model 64 Deluxe Short Rifle. Also have a Marlin Model 336 in .35 Remington. The Marlin is slicker to operate and very accurate. Can't go wrong with it. Thanks...Bill.

Sell you on a Marlin?

Buy one and you'll sell yourself.