Home Forums Lever Action Central Lever Actions - General 30-30 lever guns

Already have the one
My dad's old JC Higgins/Sears/Marlin my
mother bought for him back in the 50's as
an employee of Sears. IIRC she gave like $60
for it. I don't know how many animals he shot
with it, and never kept track of the ones I've
shot besides my first deer. I used to have the
receipt and the paper "owners manual " for it.
It's never been inadequate.

I have a couple Winchester 94s and a Marlin 336. The 94s are safe queens because I shoot the 336 better because of the pistol grip and easier to clean.

Marlin 336.

It is not really a question between Winchester, Marlin or Henry, or any other brand.
Your first question should be: What do I intend to do with it?
There is a Large performance difference between a Trapper and a 26" barrel rifle. A 26" rifle will open your eyes to a new world with the .30-30.
Pick a rifle with easy to replace sights because eventually you will want to.
If you shoot primarily offhand you will find there is a good reason for a handfilling forend.
If you are a one load hunter the Skinner, XS and Williams sights are fine. Set and forget. They are all rugged.
If you experiment and change your sight setting often you need a sight you are able to adjust without a pocket full of tools.

If you are just going to plink with it pick a pretty one.

I have 20" Win 94s in other chamberings of the 30-30 family and a 24" Win 64A in 30-30. The 64A has a pistol grip and more slender forearm and for me it points and shoots much more naturally. Both models are accurate, with a slight edge to the 64A, probably because I've spent more time with it. If I had to pick one, it would be the 64A.

I have 2 Model 94s and an older parts type Savage 99 in 30-30.

Have used the 94 for critters around the farm and turkeys.

I need to get the savage out some more and get it bloody.

I guess the 94 for now.

Nice 99s Roy.

Love the 99's in 30-30

i own a winchester model 94 30/30 & a marlin 336 in 35 rem. i like them both, the 94 is more accurate than the 336. the 94 is 3/4lb lighter than the 336. both handle equally as well for me. i just prefer the marlin over the winchester.

A proper 1899 shall have a proper caliber designation


303 savage



Silly Fireball!

As mentioned above, it depends on "What do I intend to do with it?". If you intend to mount modern optics, the Marlin 336 hands down. If just having a representative iron sighted .30-30 levergun, a pre-64 Winchester 94 in the configuration of your choice..... my own preference being the Model 64 in carbine form. I have a few Marlins and several Winchesters and prefer the lighter and more svelte Winchester 94 action over the Marlin.

I've seen several worn out Winchester 94s, just run till they're so worn inside they don't work
I've never seen that in a Marlin.
I suppose that speaks of how much the 94 was used.
I suspect the Marlins get just as used, they just keep working.
Having said that, a Winchester with a peep is a light, handy joy to carry.
A Marlin with thin wood might weigh another pound.
If your looking for a rifle to pack way back in, every ounce matters, for shots in thick stuff, the 94.
I choose a scoped 336. Indestructible. Nothing dainty about a 336.

Rossi Rio Grande for the win. In reality, Marlin 30AS or 336SC are at the top of the heap. I'm still hoping to bump into a '73-'80 336A. One of these days maybe.

1930's or older Winchester 94 , I have two in 30-30 and one .32 Special. Really prefer the .32 and am planning on getting one in 38-55 . I prefer carbines with the 20" barrel and carbine butt or shotgun butt, no crescent butts for me.

I looked at a couple Uberti/Cimarron replica 73 and 94 levers today. They were damn nice rifle.

I love the crescent butts and would love to find one.

Model 64 for a repeater.

Lever single shot- 1885 low wall.

Marlin 336Y, the short barreled version

The one I currently have. JM-stamped Marlin, saddle-ring.