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If you only had room for 1 lever gun in 30-30 what would you choose? I got an itch and I just might scratch it.

Tough call... really a matter of preference.

I've not owned a Henry 30-30, but several Marlins and Winchesters. The Marlins general are generally smoother operating and better shooters, but the Winchesters carry and handle better, imo.

Winchester 94.

Savage 1899/99


Tube feed, I've found the Marlins to be more accurate than Winchesters but Winchesters lighter to carry around.

If you're going for a carry around a lot with no scope, I'd go Savage 99 or Winchester 94. Scoped, Marlin 336

Winchester 94

336

Marlin. I prefer the pistol grip stock and they are very easy to take apart. Winchesters are not.
Handle both and decide on how they feel to you.

Marlin 93 SC

336: Wild West trigger. Easy takedown screw. Peep or scope. Perfect.

Winchester 94, Marlin if scoped.I think the Winchester 94 has more of the classic look, and I hate those fat forearms on Marlins. I don't know if Marlin makes a 94 anymore and I could never warm up to the 336. The Marlin 94s were certainly easier to clean as you could remove the bolt very easily, clean from the breech and clean the action better.

To me the Henry is over priced for what you get. A Rossi in a Model 92 and hand gun cartridge is slimmer than the Winchester 94 and lighter, but it usually takes a little tinkering to smooth them up. I like them because they ride in a scabbard a little better with less bulge under my leg.

The old Winchester 88's are not bad, more like a bolt rifle but triggers are petty bad. I never owned a Savage 99 so I can't say.

Model 94 for me!

Savage 99. Recently fired a friend's '99 so chambered and was very impressed. The capability to use pointy spire points is a plus, and it was accurate. Otherwise a 336, or Winchester 94 would certainly fit the bill

I think Marlin has reintroduced the 336. I was thinking of finding something true Marlin if thats what I decide on but a new one may not be a bad option with Ruger currently owning them.

Yep. Make mine a Trapper Model, too.

The 94 handles the best, IMO. My 336 is most accurate of the ones I've owned. A 64 I had was just OK as far as accuracy goes. A Mossberg that my wife has is a very basic rifle but it is accurate. I've had more problems with Marlins than I have with Winchesters.

I think if I were you, I'd go down to your local dealer and pick up several and see what you like.

Model 94 hands down... I've had both and keep picking up Winchesters... they handle better for me ... both shoot great.

I have both.. Marlin is my choice.

A bigger gun safe.

Marlin 336, I have both 336 and 94 and prefer the Marlin

Marlin 336 Texan, pre-safety.

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.

Boring answer.... But the marlin 336 is boringly reliable. Kills deers dead. Carries nice.

My current one has a big loop and a skinner peep on it.

-Jake

That actually sounds like a phenomenal rifle!

My first 30-30 is the one I like best. Somehow or another a 1893 Marlin with a 26 inch octagon barrel came into our family's life when I was about 14 or 15. I used that sucker to kill owls, coyotes, black bear and even a wolf that was making for our pooch. It is smooth and shoots like those full size rifles do offhand. It is lithe and quick- kind of like a small caliber flintlocke muzzleloader. It is very accurate and fast. I have other 30-30s. I have a Model 55 Winchester from 1926. I have a JM Marlin 336 carbine in 30-30. I have a Pre-64 Winchester 94 made in 1949. I like the old Marlin 1893 the most.

Winchester 94 featuring angle-eject so a good scope can be mounted. 30-30 is a keeper! Sherwood

My vote would be a Winchester model 64 Deluxe Carbine.

I’ve got the same set up Winchester 94 in .30-30 and it’s one of the most reliable and accurate lever guns I own. Reloading and tuning the loads to the gun is key.

That 64 is cool !

Absolutely beautiful!

I’d like a 1899 B. Octagon barrel model, have one in 32-40

I have a Savage 1899 in 303 savage and its a nice rifle but I really like the 1893 and I think that they are diamonds. I own a 1893 25-36 SRC special order and a 93 in 32 Special as well. I just like that model.

Jsgwoodsman for the win!

The Marlin 336 is my personal favorite when it comes to 30-30 lever. However, I'm a guy who scopes his rifles (bad eyes) and I generally don't carry a 30-30 anymore when I'm deer hunting. I like the side eject.

For just general carry I have a .357 Mag Marlin 1894 with a peep sight. It is great on feral cats, coyotes, and the assorted vermin I find when I'm out running around the farm. It also shoots like an all-day sucker.

That's like trying to decide between my children! I've got 3 beloved 30-30's, and I do love em all! A 336 Marlin, Mod 94 Win and Mod 64 Win. If I had to choose only one? The Mod 64 but the Mod 94 Carbine is pushing right at its heals. I've had the Marlin all along and it's great. But after going the distance with a 94 & 64, there's really no comparison IMO as to total handling, shooting & hunting.
Now I'm a deer hunter and have a very fine 30-06 & 270 both scoped. And I prefer my Win 30-30 's easily over them for my hunting, reloading, shooting, all around fun! The 30-30 is a great cartridge!

Mine's a Savage 99. A 1923 vintage featherweight takedown, Redfield receiver sight, a century old this year, still gets field time.

Get one with the optional 410 barrel and you got yourself an expedition rifle combo

Marlin 336 JM or Ruger made, 20 inch barrel.

Marlin 336,pre-remlin

I got an old sears Ted Williams 30 30 that I think I will keep

I don't think Marlin ever did what I would consider perfect for how I'd use a 30-30. I have a 336W that I took in trade and it's fine for what it is but I'd say a trapper length 336 stainless but coated as to not glare with a pistol grip stock, big loop, and Skinner sights.

Marlin SS 336.

Pre 64 Winchester 94.