Thoughts on Marlin 336 (30-30)

abiggs

abiggs

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Jan 6, 2007
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Hey guys. I want to get into deer hunting and am looking for a rifle. At first, I was looking at a bolt action Mossberg or Savage/Stevens 30-06. Then I came across something that I really like the looks of, the Marlin 30-30. From talking to a few people, I understand that the 30-06 is much more versital and overall better for hunting deer. However, I also want something that will be fun to shoot. The lever action looks like it would be a lot more fun to take to the range than the bolt-action 30-06. I would just be hunting in Missouri (maybe elsewhere in the midwest), and plan on most shots being around 100 yards, maybe 200 at the longest (based on my freind's property that I would hunt on). What do you think, would the 30-30 be perfectly fine for hunting in this situation?
 
I've used a Glenfield 30-30 (made by Marlin) for years hunting in MO and it's been just fine. With Hornady's Leverevolution ammo distance isn't as much of a problem as it once was with lever action rifles. To me the lever is more fun to shoot than a bolt gun but either one will kill a deer. The 30-30 doesn't have as much recoil as a 30-06 either, which is a plus when shooting a lot at the range. The 30-06 is overall more versatile with a bigger selection of factory loads available. Marlin also makes a bolt action in the same price range as the Savage/Stevens. (the last time I checked prices anyway)

I wouldn't get too caught up in which caliber is the best. I've seen deer killed here with the 30-30, 30-06, 303, 308, 270, 35, and 223. The best thing is to find a rifle that you are comfortable with and enjoy shooting. Then practice enough to be confident that you can put the bullet where you want it. That's the most important thing.
 
I live and hunt whitetails in MO. The part of the state and individual property you are hunting should dictate the cartridge choice and action style to a degree, but even then there will be a range of suitable choices. I have killed a few deer in MO with lever guns, but the majority were taken with bolt actions in various chamberings because I hunt open fields a lot. I won't bore you with the long list of calibers I've killed deer with, I'll just say that I have preferences, but in the end it's the shot that counts.

If you are truly expecting shots up to 200 yds, I'd opt for a bolt action or a Browning BLR if you want a lever gun. If 100 yds is the realistic maximum for the property a 30-30 will serve you well, but so will a bolt action:confused: Choices, Choices;)
 
The Marlin is nice, but a bolt action is easier to use and easier to take down. The Marlin also has a tubular magazine which limits the bullet shape (no pointy bullets), and is a bit slower to empty when you are packing it up for the day. However, the lever action is a fine way to learn trigger discipline; if you keep your finger anywhere near the trigger, when you cycle the action, you will learn never to do that again. :eek::(:eek:

n2s
 
There is always a time and place for a Thuty-Thuty lever gun. And, everyone who is a gun enthusiast should own a couple. There are nice to have as intended as a saddle rifle, they also do well as a truck/jeep gun when your out and about enjoying the day scouting etc.

But for a wider range of accurate hunting applications a bolt action will be a better choice. You mentioned 30-06,and wanted something a bit more "fun" to shoot a 0-30 wih a steel but plates shooting 20 rounds can be a bit exhausting LOL.

There are other calibers to consider that will do well on Deer and Varmints (Pdogs coyotes ...) .243, 7mm-08, 308 Even though you plan on keeping your deer range to 100/200 yards given terrain etc. I think every hunter should relaibly be able to hit the kill zone of a deer sized target out to .300 yards. In doing so it helps you determine /estimate distance better ,and improves marksmenship skills
 
Shoot as many different guns as you can, and talk to as many people that you trust as you can. Then make the best choice you can and enjoy. The Marlin .30-30 is one of the top ten deer rifles of all time. A century from now it will still be one of the top ten. OTOH some consider the .30-06 the best cartridge ever. It can be found in every type of centerfire rifle, even lever guns. As long as your chosen cartridge is reasonable for the game at the range intended then worry more about practicing than which gun is better.

I love lever guns but as a Sportsman Education Instructor I have to warn you I see far more errors in safe gun handling with lever guns than I do with other action types.

On a related note, I have two generic recommendations for new rifle shooters:
1) You don't need a new rifle. You need two. Once you decide on a deer rifle you need a .22lr that matches it as closely as possible.
2) As a 1st rifle I would recommend a break action single shot such a H&R Handi rifle or a Thompson Center. They come in many useful calibers and adding to your collection is more economical. Leaving more money for practice ammo.
 
I grew up packing a Marlin and I still love the old bugger. I had a Marlin 336T back in 1974 and kept it until around 86, kick myself in the butt for ever selling it. Had 444's and .45-70's and here is mine now. So you ask Marlin, I say you bet your boots Marlin. You just have to realize the limitation and stay in those parameters. Bullet types and ranges, other than that get it and have fun!!!

 
Killed many a deer with a lever action Marlin chambered in 30/30 inside of 100 yards it as leathly as dang near anything else, from 100 to 200 it is a little less reliable even with the new leverrevolution bullets. With the new bullets it will reach out there you just will have to spend some time shooting it to know where it is going between 100 and 200. It is a great tree stand gun for hunting thick woods, it is light, short and easy to shoulder and dream to shoot. Many of the deer I've shot with the 30/30 dropped in their tracks, shooting those 170 grain bullets. Many I gotta stop hunting season is a ways off and I'm gettin all fired up.
 
abiggs said:
Hey guys. I want to get into deer hunting and am looking for a rifle. At first, I was looking at a bolt action Mossberg or Savage/Stevens 30-06. Then I came across something that I really like the looks of, the Marlin 30-30. From talking to a few people, I understand that the 30-06 is much more versital and overall better for hunting deer. However, I also want something that will be fun to shoot. The lever action looks like it would be a lot more fun to take to the range than the bolt-action 30-06. I would just be hunting in Missouri (maybe elsewhere in the midwest), and plan on most shots being around 100 yards, maybe 200 at the longest (based on my freind's property that I would hunt on). What do you think, would the 30-30 be perfectly fine for hunting in this situation?
Click to expand...

We hunt moose with the 30-30 out to 100 yds (it'sa long shot in Canada but could be done). My best shot was a deer at just shy of 200yds (downhill across an open logging road).
 
The 30-30 is a great rifle, and even though I use to collect old Winchesters, I would rather have a Marlin for a hunting rifle...
As someone mentioned, getting a 22 rifle that is similar to the rifle you will hunt with is a great idea. It gives you more trigger time for a lot less money.

Until you get some practice, be honest with yourself about the yardage you will be shooting. I've seen a lot of people that can't hardly hit a target at 100 yards with a scope, shooting off of a bench.

If you can't consistently hit a paper plate at 100 yards off hand, you need to practice more, or limit yourself to shots that are closer.

The 30-06 is a great round, but unless you are shooting at longer distances, or bigger animals, I really don't think you will notice much difference.

Both cartridges have probably killed more animals combined, than any other cartridge around.

Its more important where the bullet hits, than what caliber it is.
Within reason of course...

Good luck ... :thumbup:
 
Buy what platform you want in a fairly common cartridge.

30-30 is a dandy cartridg. Since your post is on the marlin 336, if you like that gun BUY IT. Save your empties, and get into reloading.

As mentioned a 22 trainer would be nice. I shoot about 250-500 rimfire/airguns a week. try that with a 30-30. Yikes!

If ya want to take that same 30-30 out small game hunting without reloading squib loads, look into the hammond game getter. It also allows you to shoot for ( around 5-6 cents per rimfire blank, and around 4 cents for a single 00 buck if you buy 5 pounds of hornady for let's say high 25 dollars), so 10 cents per shot. Good for practicing close range 25 yards, off hand, breathing, trigger, yada yada.

0r a 32 acp adapter if ya want.
 
The 35 Rem is a better performer than the 30-30 even though they look the same on paper .And of course the 45-70 is better yet !! The 30-30 has certainlytaken lots of deer over the years .Get som e drawings of the innerds of a deer and learn where to hit them instead of just shooting at 'the deer'.
 
You can't go wrong with a Marlin lever...! Period. The only slight drawback, if it is a drawback, is the necessity to use round or flat nosed bullets. However, Marlin has recently advertised some new ammo with a pointed plastic tip that is supposed to improve ballistics yet is safe in a tube magazine. Personally, I've never had a problem with the round or flat nose rounds and have used them for hunting for many years with great success.
 
the n.r,a. did extensive tests in the 70s on the killing power of many rifles .the animals shot were to processed as food at a large slaughtering facility. the terminal ballistics on the goats were the most effective with the 30-30. at 100 yds. the fastest kills were the 30-30 surpassing the 25-06,270,even the 7mm-mag.until they used the 3oowin mag, the 30-30 at 100 yds in good hands dispatched the animals the quickest.
 
336 in 30-30 is a great brush and short distance hunting rifle. (short being 150 yards or less) It's light, easy to handle, easy to carry in/out of rough terrain, has a smooth action, and doesn't kick bad.
In Missouri, (and my part of Kansas) it's very likely you'll never need to shoot more than 50-60 yards because of the trees. (yes, there will be opportunities for longer shots)
If the price is right and you like the rifle, go for it.
 
1066vik said:
336 in 30-30 is a great brush and short distance hunting rifle. (short being 150 yards or less) It's light, easy to handle, easy to carry in/out of rough terrain, has a smooth action, and doesn't kick bad. it's very likely you'll never need to shoot more than 50-60 yards because of the trees. (yes, there will be opportunities for longer shots)
If the price is right and you like the rifle, go for it.
Click to expand...

:thumbup: I agree! I havent used one for awhile, but I sure did like using it!

Also, ammo is readily available almost everywhere!
 
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