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.

I've got 2 1894 Winchesters and a savage 99 and a Rossi 92, you know you just can't have one

I've got 94s and 336s I like them both but the 94 just feels right

Scoped 336 Marlin is my primary deer rifle. I like Winchesters and pick one up every few years, but always end up moving them along. The lever I'll always keep is a little Browning B-92 in .44 mag.

Winchester Model 94

30-30, My favorite subject! I've still got my first Marlin I got in 1981, it being a 30-30 20" brl made in 1977, from a good friend who got it new. All I owned for almost 25 years where Marlins, having been around and handled others M9d 94's.
I've probably got as much trigger time behind a 30-30 as anyone, reload em, have killed all my deer but 1 with a 30-30. I have an outstanding Tikka 30-06, Rem 700 270. And couple more cars.
Now, I wouldn't trade my Win Mod 94 or 64 for a any Marlin! I know full well the quality and dependability of a Marlin they're top notch. More accurate? Everyone's different! My Winchester's will outshoot, out handle, out everything from my perspective! I hardly ever pick up my only Marlin now, the original 1st I bought!
And it's hard for me to say which Ein I like best it's according to the day, I love them both!
For iron sight hunting distances, I'll always choose a Mod 94 or 64 Winchester! I won't scope a Levergun, it's not f9r me!

Very nice, Windknot!

I got my first M94 30-30 when I was 11 years old. Busted my butt, saved all summer and paid half. My dad paid the other half. $89 at Service Merchandise back then. No longer did I have to just tag along deer hunting. I was a deer hunter too.

Sadly, I have my dad’s M94 30-30 now. I took it out the other day on his birthday and fired some nice groups with it. A great way to commemorate some great memories spent hunting with him.

Oh, yeah, I hunt with and enjoy shooting lots of other calibers now. I’m a big bolt gun fan. But the ole 30-30 will always be special to me!

Oh, and no scopes on a M94 for me either!

I don't want to sound like I'm bashing a Marlin, I know full well how good they are! But after I finally tried a Mod 94, even knowing all them years their rep from friends, even shooting em, I was just a Marlin addict! But when I got my Mod 64, gave it a real try, I said, where you been all my life!
Then I actually bought the Mod 94, because it was an early 60's clean as a dinner plate, great shape, for my granddaughter. No way I thought I'd prefer it anywhere near the Mod 64 or even the Marlin! Now i love that rifle, maybe even little more than the Mod 64!
Where I hunt you just about never need a scope, steep as cows face thick and rough! Can't beat a Mod 94 for around here!
Gotta love a rifle when you carry it in one hand, at balance point, and your f8nger and thumb will touch, and you can hold it and shoot it like a long barrel pistol, and bunch more reasons! Now when I pick up my Marlin it feels to me like a WWll BAR, and that's just honest opinion from experience!
Most people got wrong impression of the 30-30 too! I remember reading long ago, a writer? Who wrote a quote from Jack O'Connor saying, "He knew a Hunter in a western state? Don't remember which state, that had killed 17 Elk with one 20rd box of Rem CL 30-30!"
And pretty common knowledge that elk are the toughest of all deer species to bring down!

Marlin with the straight grip from the '70's or up to '83 w/o the X/bolt safety

My safe votes Model 94's...but I wouldn't toss out a Marlin or Savage.

Get the first best deal you can I say and build from there...I like em all.

My favorite hunting arm is a Mossberg model 464 featuring a 16 inch barrel, laminated stock, and marine coat finish. Very accurate with any brand or weight of bullet! - Sherwood

henrys look and feel like dogshidt to me, pass me a Win 94. if I had my choice make it a 64 deluxe

This is a bit like a “do you like blondes, brunettes or red heads (Savage 99’s)” type question.

Everyone has different taste and picks what they like best.

There’s no right or wrong answer.

I have a little Marlin 336Y Spikehorn (12.5" LOP, 16.25" bbl.) w/Wiliams Fire Sights. Awesome little brush gun.

NYH1.

Just stopped in a local gunshop and they have a Marlin 30-30 made in 1969 in nearly mint condition for $500. The scope and see thru rings are free! Even has the front sight hood on it. Doc Hollidays Grants Pass Oregon if anyone wants a really good one.

That's a good buy fireball2. Mb

I like my levers but I got a "lever on the side" Carbine, that is my pride and joy. A Sears & Roebuck 30-30 (sav. 340) I got for $15 at a garage sale.
And the "turd polishing" began. Actually she was pretty minty but still, worked trigger best I could (became a believer in Nano lube) off came the beech, on went the walnut, fabbed a scope mount, fit stock for it, Leupy/Redfeild 2x7, fun project, shoots great, looks pretty nice too, if I do say so. Don't feel "undergunned" anytime she comes out, and got a half dozen guys on the death list for it when I kick! Never imagined I'ld have a death list for a $15 gun.

A Marlin 336A with a 24" barrel if it was going to be scoped.

A Winchester 64 with a 24" barrel if it was going to have a receiver sight.

I have a few lever action 30-30s and the only one that I have shot within recent memory is a Mossberg 479.

I have had it for years Marlin with a 24" barrel and half magazine. Also a 25-35 to match. Have 2 model 94s, my dad's .32 spl and my neighbor's 94 in .30-30. Both made around WW2 and both carbines.The long barreled Marlin is my favorite.

You have a custom Marlin 25-35?

have been an addict of 30-30 levers for 65 years.
have 1 94 win xtr that just showed up in my case not too long ago.
next to it is a 1951 94 rifle
on the other side is a 1926 99 savage takedown 30-30.
snug up to that one is another 99 303 savage which is just a much cooler 30-30

I am down to just one, pre 64 model 64.
I need to put a peep on it .. or maybe drill and tap it for a scope😂
Maybe I need a Marlin 336 my eyes are getting tired

I would not drill a pre 64 . That's what post 64's and Marlins are for.

This

That was a little bit of a troll hence the laughing face.
Im with you guys on not drilling it

I have a Winchester 94, and 336 and a Savage 99 in 30-30

The Winchester is the lightest and the most sexy
The Marlin 336 is the the best all arounder of the bunch
The 99 is by far the most accurate and has the most panache and can shoot pointed bullets................

I’d go for the Winchester 94.

The first rifle I carried deer hunting was my oldest brothers 336 30-30. Since then I've had 1 336 in .35, an 1894 44 mag and now a 1895 and about 3 or 4 94's in 30/30. I might have a slight preference for the 94's in general. They are all spectacular but I think I like the current 94 best of all of them. It's an angle eject XTR Deluxe with a scope. More than accurate enough and better looking to my eye than any of the others.

I've got two 94's, one with a receiver sight, the other with a red dot and a scoped Marlin. I never could stomach those ugly ass Savage 99's.

I’ve got the Marlin 336 but I wouldn’t mind having a model 94 Winchester again.

Friends, it's hard to beat one like this for hunting in the woods as I do. The 3x Weaver with post reticle helps with my old eyes!

Very nice Joe. Rarely do you see someone with one like it now a days. Most of the younger hunters have the synthetic bolt guns with way too much glass.

Agreed and thanks.

Now friend Blackheart, it looks like we need to have a come to Jesus talk to straighten out your twisted thinking on the subject! LOL

That's hunting rifle for sure, and perfect for these mountains here in KY! My model 64 Win & Williams Sight is my favorite rifle for here. But I see me using my 06 & 3-9× more in my old age!

A waffletop Marlin 336A with a good, steel, Redfield 70 or Lyman 66 receiver sight.
Easy to maintain, accurate, fine handling and balance. They also happen to be gorgeous...

Winchester model 64 rifle with a 24” barrel. Other than that....a Marlin Texan. Total opposites however both are great in my eyes.
Thanks, Tom

Don't believe I saw a single recommendation for Henry. I'm surprised

Why should you be surprized? the conversation was about nice guns.mb

Anybody who has spent time with the Marlin 336 family, the Savage 99 family, the Winchester 94 family, and even the Mossberg 464/472/479 family of lever action rifles chambered in 30-30 in unlikely to care for anything made by Henry.

Not much market for nine pound 30-30s.

I wouldn't want one. Plus Henry just missed the mark on the overall styling so they're kinda ugly and heavy.

I figured you'd see that sooner or later. LOL

my dad (RIP) had gotten me my first shotgun, Savage m67 pump in 20ga. it was also my deer gun, i think it was Foster rifled slugs. the next year, my dad's friend let me have an old Winchester m94 in 32 Win Spl. to go hunting with. i just turned 14yo when my grandpap gave me my first rifle (given to me on Christmas day). it was a used 1972 Winchester m94 in 30-30. i killed alot of deer with that rifle, but i put it in the safe and i just plain forgot about her. then about 12 years ago, i've read a little about the 35/30-30 and then the seed was planted in my mind. about 5 years ago, i sent the 30-30 to JES Reboring and he did awesome job of making it the 35/30-30. as my eyes ain't what they once were, i put on a Williams FP aperture sight. i also got the CH-4D reloading dies and 500 pieces of 30-30 Starline brass. i also got a 200gr RCBS FNGC mold.

this is 25-30 or more shots, fire forming the 35/30-30. it was with open sights at 50 yards.


Winchester m94 in 35/30-30 with 200gr RCBS FNGC and 2400/tuft of Dacron going 1726fps. this is sighting in with the Williams FP at 100 yards.


i have taken the m94 out hunting for 4 years. last year, the first Monday of rifle season i had a heart stint done, so i only have 2 days to hunt. the other 3 years were good, 2 doe and a buck. the doe were at ranges of 20 and 30+/- yards and the buck was at 53 yards.

it took me about 25 years to do the 35/30-30, but i luv it!!! as long as eyes are ok, there is no need for a scope or a reflex sight.

how fast will the 35/30-30 go? the 35/30 will be close to the 35 Rem speed (fps), but not enuff to make a difference. where the 35/30 shines is the weight of the bullet. the 35/30 is around 280gr, while the 35 Rem is maybe about 250gr. i was going to go with a 270-280gr WFN GC mold, but i already had the 200gr mold, so i decided to try it and i'm glad that i did. i use 2400 because i have enuff of it to last and my sons' lifetime.



i have, or rather my youngest son has a Savage m340 in 30-30. he has killed deer with it, with either a factory load or a handload. he likes the 170gr FN (Remington factory load or 170gr Hornady or Speer FN). it was his first rifle that my dad loaned to him.

Winchester 64 Deluxe Rifle
or 1899 Savage

Henry is 7 lbs

Winchester 94 first for me. Nothing wrong with a good Marlin 336 either.

I got one recently, a 1893 Marlin. Single digit.

Pick up my first one 2 weeks ago. It’s the lone star addition

I bought my Mossberg model 464 several years ago. It features a 16-inch barrel, grey laminated stock, and marine-coat finish which appears as brushed stainless steel. This carbine will shoot any brand or bullet weight into a 2-inch group at 100 yards. It's my top choice for hunting wild hogs and deer in thick cover. 30-30 is a keeper! - Sherwood

I bought my Mossberg model 464 several years ago. It features a 16-inch barrel, grey laminated stock, and marine-coat finish which appears as brushed stainless steel. This carbine will shoot any brand or bullet weight into a 2-inch group at 100 yards. It's my top choice for hunting wild hogs and deer in thick cover. 30-30 is a keeper! - Sherwood

I have 4 Winchester 94's, A Marlin 336 and A Savage 99. The Winchester is by far the easiest carrying and quickest on target for me. Man, I think I need another 1!

Sav 99 30WCF

The new Ruger made Marlins seem to be really well made, and that's what I'd buy if I wanted a new one. They aren't cheap, but neither are the older JM Marlins. Do not buy a Remington era Marlin. I think they all have "REP" stamped on the lower left of the barrel instead of the original "JM". They are hit and miss on quality control.

Pre 64 model 94.....

I'd love a 64 DeLuxe.

Until then, this will have to do...

Your wood has me drooling.

Uhhh let’s keep it clean here 😂

I like Marlins and Winchesters. The first deer I ever killed with a rifle was with a Marlin 336 shooting red-box Federal Hi-Shok flat tip soft point 150 grain. I bought that rifle in the early '80s when I was in high school with money I saved. Bought it at BEST department store. Kept it for many years until I stupidly sold it. It had nice wood. But a front sight that would never stay tight (I didn't know what thread locker was back then.) I've owned a Remington Marlin (Remlin) 336 since then. It was fine. No problems, accurate, cycled fine, and looked good. But I never loved it like my first one, and have sold that one off. I always liked the smooth stock of my first gun better than the chekered stock of the Remlin. The only Marlin I have now is my great grandfathers's 1901-built Marlin 1893 .30-30 takedown with an octagon barrel and Marbles sights. It's got a broken ejector tip but it still functions and ejects fine. My great grandfather used it Pennsylvania to hunt deer and turkeys. It's a safe-queen at this point.

I owned a Winchester 94 Ranger in years past. I liked it a lot. It had a smooth hardwood stock. It was very plain. I must have rubbed up against it in the safe with a sweaty arm because I pulled it out one day and it had rust freckles on the barrel where I must have touched it. Kept if for years and actually ended up giving it away. For a couple years, I had no .30-30 at all other than that ancient Marlin mentioned above.

Then I bought a Miroku-made Winchester 94 Short Rifle. Wow. Very nice gun. Wasn't sure I'd like the safety, but learned to use it only when I was cylcing rounds emptying the gun. Otherwise, it cycles very smoothly, and it's very accurate. Fit and finish is superb. Since I bought that, I bought several other Miroku-made Winchester levers - an 1886 and a 92. All are superb. But so far they've only been used on the range. I do love the smooth wood.

Here's mine and one picture of what it looked like when I got it. Bought it cheap. Needed a major clean up job.



Tore it completely apart end to end, and top to bottom. Went over every piece externally and internally cleaning, polishing where needed, both wood an metal. Cleaned up like a new one.

Picture of the receiver parts after they were cleaned up.




End result. I'm not real up on M94's but it's a newer angle eject. Kinda proud of it just because of the shape I bought it back from.

Shoots well, action works slick and cycles as it should, and handles very well. Weighs 5 lbs 13 oz as it sits.










Edit to add: Forgot to put a picture of the left side, it's old enough yet to be a New Haven CT rifle. Beyond that don't know much about it.

I think the angle eject 94's were the best looking 94's

It wont have a scope on it while I have it so the angle eject isn't really necessary, but yeah it's a decent looking little 94 IMO. Cleaned up nice. It was a mess but I got it in time and is why I got it dirt cheap. If I get to using it I will probably mount a Skinner peep, and get a sight blank for the rear sight.

Here's a pic of some of the ammo that was in the stock ammo holder that was on it to give you an idea of what I was dealing with on the rifle. I almost couldn't get them out, they were galded fast. The wood had a haze on it that wouldn't wipe off. Needed deep cleaning, then waxed. Metal and wood probably look better now than when new.

For me the necessity of Angle Eject is that it made for a better looking rifle.

Just scratched that itch a few days ago. Rossi R95 Carbine. Holosun HS510C.

How is the fit and finish on the Rossi? These sure are tempting from a distance.

@ShadeTree

You did a great job bringing back that AE. Beautiful rifle!

Respectfully disagree on that point, but to each their own. I do love the '94 and have more than a couple. Nice job resurrecting that abused '94!

The one I like the most is a waffle top Marlin.

I agree Moosemike. I know most prefer a pre ‘64, but ever since I received one as a kid for a Christmas present, I’ve always loved those early AE’s.

I own and use a pre 64. I don't even have an angle eject. But I do prefer their looks. Maybe I'll get one. I used to have a couple 44's years ago

Thank you. That was a 3 rifle buy and still have all 3. Each one needed tore down and gone over in the same manner, and they all 3 came back looking and functioning like a new one.

One of the better buys I ever made. Cheap to start, rifles came with 10 boxes of ammo and scopes. Sold the ammo. Sold the one Nikon, kept the other Nikon. Into the 3 rifles for absolute peanuts, but were I to even find a gunsmith willing to be as thorough and meticulous as I was to do what needed done on all 3 and get them where they are, it would've cost me pretty good money.

Well done Shadetree, I like 94's as well newer or older and them in-between..that little AE is nice as is or would be the tits with a 2.5-3× on it. Sometimes a scope can sort out what's between you and the game..mb

A JM Marlin 336 XLR (and Shoot LeverEvolution ammo) Flat shooting to 200 Yards with that combo. Hornady & Marlin partnered to bring out that combo in 2006ish the barel length, rate of twist etc is tuned to that ammo. to make the lever gun a longer range shooter. Shoots regular 30/30 just fine too.
Its built for the out door, XLR stands for extreme conditions / Long Range

It’s a real tack driver .... Read up on them.