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It's time to try something different for deer hunting. I haven't carried a lever action that didn't say Savage on it for over 40 years now. I want to pick up a Marlin 30-30 and kill a deer with it. Not looking for anything rare or fancy, just a hunter grade shooter. It will have a scope on it, as my eyes just don't tolerate open sights any more.
What should I look for? I don't really want a gray rat, but it certainly doesn't have to be pristine. Any suggestions on where to start, and what to stay away from? I am a Savage guy, so I really don't know a whole lot about the design changes over the years, so any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys.


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Hit some pawn shops, or look on the classifieds. They come up. I'd look for one made before 1982 when they put the safety button on. They have been d&t the receiver for a long time but you definitely want that done already. Make sure it's smooth and reasonably tight, and has all the parts. Hopefully no one has put a sling swivel in the bullseye on the bottom part of the stock. Check for cracks around the grip. Be open to 30-30 OR 35 Remington. I have both because I can't decide. smile


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Thanks Jack. I will want a sling on it. Any suggestions in that area? What's the deal with that bullseye thing anyway?


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The Marlin bullseye is shown in pic...Marlin put it on their

stocks so they could easily be seen on display in gun shops...

Some guys....think its a target for the rear swivel stud...NOT

The swivel or stud is about 2" closer to butt plate...if you're

set on a 30-30...they are very common...like CJ said....pawnshops

or even GunBroker...or post an ad here 'WTB Marlin 30-30'

Also in agreement the pre safety/pre 1983 models are most desirable

The 'Gold Trigger' stands out too...along with the 'JM' stamp..

FWIW too....I will be listing a 1980 336 35 Rem next week...

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]


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I'm thinking I'll go with a 30-30 mainly because the ammo's readily available just about anywhere.


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here ya go......

pre safety......gold trigger..swivel studs (after market)

price is fair at $399

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/639552281


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again another.....these guys are super G O O D to deal with

woops....x/bolt safety...built for Walmart (W)

http://www.mcclellandgun.com/PreOwnedGuns/PreOwnedGuns/preownedrifles.html

Last edited by tikkanut; 04/20/17.

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Another thing I like, that you can barely see on Tikkanut's picture, I really like the thinner fore end like his rifle has. Some have a real thick fore end. In my eyes at least The more slender fore arm is more appealing. Everyone has their own taste.

Uncle Mikes has sling swivels available, the front connects to the tube, the back like is shown on the picture. Some already have those attached so don't run out and buy a set till you have your rifle and know what you need. Let me know when you get one and I'll send you a picatinny type base for a scope. The way the mounts are set up with their D*T you don't have much adjustment for a scope. They tend to set too far back for me.


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never liked the mag tube swivel adapter....

some Marlins are shipped with these from factory...

others not......

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/8...-336-30-30-winchester-35-remington-1894c


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Originally Posted by tikkanut

never liked the mag tube swivel adapter....

some Marlins are shipped with these from factory...

others not......

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/8...-336-30-30-winchester-35-remington-1894c


Also a good alternative.


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My first deer rifle was a .32 Win Special Model 94. I've always liked the 336, and have traded through several of them. I bought one in .35 Rem. from a pawnshop and really wish I'd have hung on to that one. It really shot good.


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Originally Posted by Cariboujack
Originally Posted by tikkanut

never liked the mag tube swivel adapter....

some Marlins are shipped with these from factory...

others not......

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/8...-336-30-30-winchester-35-remington-1894c


Also a good alternative.
I'd rather have the mag tube type. I've seen several of the barrel band type that the stud pulled out of the band.

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Originally Posted by gophergunner
My first deer rifle was a .32 Win Special Model 94. I've always liked the 336, and have traded through several of them. I bought one in .35 Rem. from a pawnshop and really wish I'd have hung on to that one. It really shot good.
I've had several 336's over the years in both .30-30 and .35 Rem.. My current 336 .30-30 thinks it's a bolt action and routinely punches nice, neat little 3/4" triagles at 100 yards. It's been my favorite and most used deer slayer for over 20 years now and it ain't going anywhere till I'm done hunting for good.

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Want to pick up a Marlin 30-30 and kill deer? Nothing rare or fancy, just a hunter grade shooter? If you come across any of the Marlin economy models like the Glenfields or Marlin 30-AS models give them a good look. They can usually be had at a very good price because they were the low priced range to begin with. But they will generally shoot as good as any 336 because that's what they are. A 336 in a less expensive stock and less or plainer features. I've got a 1991 made 30-AS in 30-30, it's in a birch(?) stock that's walnut stained with no checkering, even had to add sling swivels myself. But it was factory drilled & tapped and now has a Leupold 1-4x 20mm. Shoots as good as any 336 I've ever seen and has become my go-to woods rifle for rifle zones. Those economy Marlins are a real good deal if they haven't been too badly abused. "Hunter grade shooter" sums them up nicely.

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Yeah, I don't need or want a fancy one. My stuff gets hunted hard. Not abused, but it may pick up a scratch here and there getting into or out of a tree stand. Dad used to look at a well worn rifle and say, "Son, those scratches were EARNED."

I hope to find a pre-safety shooter grade and go from there.


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Marlin Owner's......today....1970 Cent

$375 + ship

[Linked Image]

Last edited by tikkanut; 04/24/17.

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Have a couple Marlins w/ the 24 " half magazine! Love 'me.. A 30-30 $ a rebarrel job in 25-35.. That style Marlin is the one I would spend my $ on.. Good luck 👍


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Yeah, I kind of like the half magazines too. I'd never get a full length magazine load of ammo off at a deer anyway, so why carry any extra weight? I'll probably never put more than 4 rounds in it anyways.


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