|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 18,033
Campfire Ranger
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 18,033 |
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.
molɔ̀ːn labé skýla
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17,737 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17,737 Likes: 1 |
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.
NRA LIFE MEMBER GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS ESPECIALLY THE SNIPERS! "Suppose you were an idiot And suppose you were a member of Congress... But I repeat myself." -Mark Twain
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 18,033
Campfire Ranger
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 18,033 |
Thanks Jack. I will want a sling on it. Any suggestions in that area? What's the deal with that bullseye thing anyway?
molɔ̀ːn labé skýla
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 30,961 Likes: 23
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 30,961 Likes: 23 |
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...
T R U M P W O N !
U L T R A M A G A !
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 18,033
Campfire Ranger
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 18,033 |
I'm thinking I'll go with a 30-30 mainly because the ammo's readily available just about anywhere.
molɔ̀ːn labé skýla
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 30,961 Likes: 23
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 30,961 Likes: 23 |
here ya go...... pre safety......gold trigger..swivel studs (after market) price is fair at $399 http://www.gunbroker.com/item/639552281
T R U M P W O N !
U L T R A M A G A !
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17,737 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17,737 Likes: 1 |
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.
NRA LIFE MEMBER GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS ESPECIALLY THE SNIPERS! "Suppose you were an idiot And suppose you were a member of Congress... But I repeat myself." -Mark Twain
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17,737 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17,737 Likes: 1 |
NRA LIFE MEMBER GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS ESPECIALLY THE SNIPERS! "Suppose you were an idiot And suppose you were a member of Congress... But I repeat myself." -Mark Twain
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 18,033
Campfire Ranger
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 18,033 |
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.
molɔ̀ːn labé skýla
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 19,313 Likes: 24
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 19,313 Likes: 24 |
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 19,313 Likes: 24
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 19,313 Likes: 24 |
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 10,526 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 10,526 Likes: 1 |
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 18,033
Campfire Ranger
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 18,033 |
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.
molɔ̀ːn labé skýla
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 30,961 Likes: 23
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 30,961 Likes: 23 |
Marlin Owner's......today....1970 Cent $375 + ship
Last edited by tikkanut; 04/24/17.
T R U M P W O N !
U L T R A M A G A !
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 17,813 Likes: 3
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 17,813 Likes: 3 |
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 👍
Molon Labe
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 18,033
Campfire Ranger
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 18,033 |
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.
molɔ̀ːn labé skýla
|
|
|
|
563 members (160user, 21, 257Bob, 257 roberts, 1lessdog, 1_deuce, 55 invisible),
2,558
guests, and
1,227
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,194,368
Posts18,527,313
Members74,031
|
Most Online11,491 Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|