Home Forums Lever Action Central Lever Actions - General Winchester 94 sporter or Marlin 336

What would be the better choice for all around use ( hunting and target shooting)? Chambered in 30-30.

For carrying and for it's handling, I prefer the M94. Just a personal preference.

If I were to bet on one being more accurate, based on what I've seen, the 336.

I bet that really helped....

If you want to scope,the 336,if not the 94

+1, however I do really like a 94 with a side mounted peep.

I hunted as a kid with a Win 94 in 32 Special with a side mount scope. About 6 months ago I put a side mount on a 94 in 30-30 and took it to the range expecting to shoot a full box of shells sighting it in given that the scope does not rest over the bore/receiver. To my amazement, the first shot was perfectly aligned (windage) and only needed to be lowered a few clicks. I had that little rifle punching bullseyes after three shots!

Re: Win 94s, the newer models are angle eject so no need for a sidemount.

As far as Win 94 vs Marlin 336 (I have quite a few of each in various chamberings), the 94 carries and handles better. As far as function and durability, I would have to award that prize to the Marlins. I think it's a toss up based on personal preferences. They are both fun levers.

The winchester is lighter and handier. If I had to scope, I think the Marlin is a better choice.

Accuracy depends on the individual rifle more than the brand, though most of us will shoot better off hand with a heavier rifle.

You can scope both (at least those M94s with angle eject), but I wouldn't go over board with it. The one I had on my M94 was a 1.5-4x20. A straight 2x or 3x would be nice too I imagine. I always preferred how the Win M94 handled/carried to the Marlin. The Marlin locks up tighter, but I think the Winchester was designed looser to operate in dirty conditions. So, the Winchester rattles a bit when working the action. If that doesn't bother you I'd get the Winchester.

As others have mentioned:

If you're going to scope it, get a Marlin. Even with the angle eject, go ahead and get a Marlin. Once you scope either one you've detracted from the great handling of a non-scoped lever action, so might as well get the Marlin.

After owning and loading for about 3-4 Model 94's and that many 336's, all .30-30's, I'd say overall the 336 is slightly more accurate than a 94. But we're talking 2 1/2" vs. 2" averages maybe?

If you're not going to scope it, get the Winchester. I love Marlins, but nothing handles quicker and shoulders as easy as a Winchester 94.

There are tricks to getting either model to shoot better, mostly not tying the magazine tube to the barrel tightly and both will benefit from that treatment.

A straight grip Marlin 336 Texan handles about as well as a 94. I have one of them set up with a Williams FP reciever sight and it is a very handy rig. I have just never been able to warm up to the 94 mostly because of the slop in the action compared to the Marlin.

A Marlin Texan is as good as it gets.

This thread has me laughing...remembering as a kid listening to my Dad (Marlin) and my Uncle (Winchester) have the same discussion. It would go back and forth and my Dad would always end by saying he could scope his Marlin easier...but he NEVER scoped it. I killed my first deer with his gun, and still have it now.

I guess to honor them both I have have both.

I wonder how many camp fire arguments were over the same topic?

Dan

So they say and I've done the loose barrel band/loose forearm treatment to a few in the past. None were as accurate as my current 336 and 94 however and both of those have tight barrel bands, forearms bedded solidly to the barrels/receivers and buttstocks bedded solidly to the rear receiver abutments. My 336 so set up will put 3 shots inside an inch at 100 yards over and over again. So much for the wisdom of the experts.

Its a toss up. If you want a good carry gun get the '94. If you want to use a scope get a Marlin. Top eject or side eject on the '94 don't make no never mind. If you scope it you dick it up. Marlins were born waiting to be scoped.

I have both..But the marlins have 24 in barrels with half mag..the 94's are carbines..I much prefer the Marlin..

I've handled both and I personally like the Marlins better. It always seemed to me that the Winnies rattled and the Marlins didn't.

Find yourself a JM stamped Marlin and you will be hooked. Just be careful because Marlinitis is a very real condition.

Whatever feels better in your hands. I have a one 94 Winchester and 7 Marlins. I prefer the feel of a Marlin, you may not.

'66 336CS 30-30
'72 336CS 30-30
'80 M375
'82 1894c 38/357
'94 336CS 35 Rem
'02 1894 44mag
'02 1895GS 45-70

What's this "Winchester" you mentioned?

the best reason to get the Marlin is... the "Happy Trigger"

The "slop" in the action of the 94 has never bothered me. When the bolt closes it locks up tight. Both are fine rifles and I have a lot of top and angle eject winchesters and several Marlins. With the lever mechanism hidden in the receiver body, the 94 is just more comfortable to carry to me. The Marlin lever attachment is a little more obtrusive, but still carries well.

I personally haven't seen much difference in the accuracy of the two, but a better shooter than myself might. Buy one for each hand!!