lever gun recommendations

[gaseousclay]

i've been researching lever guns on and off for the past 6 months and I still haven't come to a decision yet as to which lever gun is the better lever gun. I know there are many makes and models out there but cost, reliability and features are all important factors for me. The two lever guns i've considered are 1) Winchester 94 and 2) Marlin 336

Winchester 94 pros:
- can be purchased used pretty cheaply
- is a well known and established brand

Winchester 94 cons:
- is incredibly expensive brand new
- has top eject which I dislike

Marlin 336 pros:
- can be purchased new cheaply
- has a side eject which I really like

Marlin 336 cons:
- the newer Marlins seem to have quality control issues from what i've read (ie. problems feeding cartridges, poorly made parts, etc.)

can anyone offer some objective advice on which is the better of the two, or if there are other decent brands out there I should consider?

[Docd]

I would say go with the Winchester. They're of top quality and I'm sure if you did encounter problems with the mechanics, it will come with a warranty. The warranty should come with a marlin too. However, if you're like me, you'd feel better (psychologically) knowing you have a Winchester repeater. One more tidbit is dont buy a small caliber. You either want .30-.30 or .45LC. A good an practical reason to get a .45LC is that you can get a SAA and both will take the same ammo.
-Happy shooting

Better yet... Buy a Garand!! .30-06 is the way to go.

[garyg]

I'd look for a lightly used vintage Marlin Model 336 in .35 Rem. I had a 336 built circa 1985, it was a horse in "thutty thutty". I've still got a pre-war Model 94 Winchester that was expensive but .. I've not looked at a Marlin 336 for some years, they used to be of better quality than Winchester. The other option is the Browning BLR, which I recall as more expensive, but comes in more "modern" calibers, if a 30-.06 qualifies as modern ....

Speaking from owning both, handling & shooting some others, a vintage Winchester 30/30 shoots as well as the Marlin, the (vintage) Marlins were more solidly constructed (and therefore heavier), Marlin had better woodwork ..

Think about whether that side eject is that important. Obviously it's an advantage if you are scoping the rifle, but there's a million or so 94's in the woods with scopes offset or mounted forward, shotgun style. Might be just me, but a 30/30 calls for a receiver sight anyway, it isn't a long range weapon.

So, another YMMV, get to a shop or show, handle a bunch of them. Your pricing observations are opposite of mine, but it has been a couple years since I bought a lever.

Not sure that helps, but hopefully gives you some points to ponder

[aceinyerface]

I'd second a lightly used 336. About $150. No one EVER shoots them enough to wear them out. If you like it, keep it. If you don't, sell it for what you paid and break even. If you decide to buy a new one, sell the old one for what you paid for it.

I have got some GREAT deals on used firearms. Letting someone else take the depreciation works for me.

[bones59]

+1 But, the bottom line is get what you like. Good luck

I'd look for a lightly used vintage Marlin Model 336 in .35 Rem. I had a 336 built circa 1985, it was a horse in "thutty thutty". I've still got a pre-war Model 94 Winchester that was expensive but .. I've not looked at a Marlin 336 for some years, they used to be of better quality than Winchester. The other option is the Browning BLR, which I recall as more expensive, but comes in more "modern" calibers, if a 30-.06 qualifies as modern ....

Speaking from owning both, handling & shooting some others, a vintage Winchester 30/30 shoots as well as the Marlin, the (vintage) Marlins were more solidly constructed (and therefore heavier), Marlin had better woodwork ..

Think about whether that side eject is that important. Obviously it's an advantage if you are scoping the rifle, but there's a million or so 94's in the woods with scopes offset or mounted forward, shotgun style. Might be just me, but a 30/30 calls for a receiver sight anyway, it isn't a long range weapon.

So, another YMMV, get to a shop or show, handle a bunch of them. Your pricing observations are opposite of mine, but it has been a couple years since I bought a lever.

Not sure that helps, but hopefully gives you some points to ponder

[deandroid]

I agree with Docd, Wincester if you can afford or get used. I have both myself(old winchester from my dad), and I have a Marlin in 45lc with two Ruger Vaquero's for cowboy shooting. Savage Arms used to make a lever gun but a think you would have to find on the used market. Have fun with the search for your rifle.

[jlanger]

As a family that uses levers exclusively I personally like model 94s. If you can find a pre 1964 model they're even better but most of them were built quite well. I have nothing against Marlins and My uncle has one with a simple 4x scope on it that's gotten more deer and other critters that I can imagine. I think the biggest issue between them would be to scope or not to scope. If you're ok with open sights, go with the Winchester, they tend to be lighter and more reliable, where the Marlin can be scoped but has a bit more heft to it (IMO) Cost is about the same for both if I can recall, used ones are running around $250-$400 depending on style and caliber.
Savage lever rifles are quite nice as well, though they're in a bit different class, I currently have a .308 and a 30/30 savage lever that both work well, the mechanisms inside need to be cleaned from time to time and you'll want to take it to a gunsmith to do it, though being able to use a higher power cartridge is nicer. They are very nice guns and work quite well with/without a scope, but they are heavy SOBs.
Lastly my current rifle is a BLR .308, this is the nicest lever rifle out there. decent weight, good firing characteristics (it doesn't kick like the savages do) and best of all it has a detachable magazine. However they are spendy, even used will run around $500-$600. However with the wide range of caliber choices and the detachable magazine If you can afford it this is the one to get.

[professorchaos]

For what it is worth, I really like my Marlin Guide Gun in 45/70. It is a solid, well made gun that has never given me a lick of trouble.

[Gustav Halbach]

Shop around and find yourself a classic - the Savage 99. It's the one lever gun I have kept over the years. They can be had at reasonable prices and you will have an American classic of which you can be proud.

-G

[jkingrph]

I have quite a few lever guns. Started out when in the second grade when dad bought me a Marlin 39a 22 LR. A bit later he got a 336 SC(sporting carbine) in 35 Rem, both of which I still have. Much much later I started playing with guns quite a bit more, and picked up several of the Marlin cowboy models, an 1894, 44 mag, a 336 in 38-55, an 1895 in 45-70, and then a few non cowboy models, a standard 1895, 45-70, an 1895 Guide Gun 45-70, like those 45-70's and finally what is becoming my favorite a little 1894CL in 32-20.

Winchesters are all specialty models, I have an old Candian Centinneal dating back to 1968, a couple of the 1894-1994 commeriative models, engraved, fancy wood, curved buttplate26" half octogen half round barrels and a 3 round button magazine, and Lyman tang sights. Lastly is a big 1886 take down in 45-70.

My last is early 1950's vintage Savage 99 eg in 300 Savage with an old Weaver K4 scope with a Lee dot reticule that I picked up for an extremly low price at a gun show that was a total flop as for as turnout. vendor and attendees, mostly due to weather, but I lucked out on that one.

My choice is the Marlin. The are good shooters, and in my opinion the action is simpler than the Winchester 94. By removing one screw, the lever screw, the lever slips out allowing the bolt to be removed and you can clean from the breech which is considered better than cleaning from the muzzle. Triggers are better than the Winchester or Savage, and if you want to improve it aftermarket triggers are available, as well as larger loop levers, which I like on the harder kicking 45-70 models.

I have not seen a new model since Remington bought Marlin, but there are a lot of excellent older models out there, just look.

[Silas A. Holmes]

Marlin is also a well known and established brand - the design of the 336 actually dates to the 1893 model which pre-dates the Winchester '94 ( Model of 1894 ).

All new firearms have quality control issues - Winchester stopped manufacturing American Made Model '94's in 2006.

I personally prefer the design of the Marlin rifles. The design creates a stronger action. The side eject is a plus as it does not throw cases into your line of sight.

The first question is what you want to use it for?

The lever action rifle has probably killed more deer than any other. The 30-30 is the most common caliber. The Marlin chambered in 35 Remington is/was very popular on the east coast as the 200gr bullets cut brush better. Not real comfortable to shoot however as a plinker, but certainly more enjoyable than the 45-70!

These rifles / carbines do not weigh enough to adequately dampen recoil so none are a "Joy" to shoot chambered in larger calibers.


I have lever guns chambered in 35 Remington, 25-20wcf, 32-40 and 38-55

I also have a Marlin 1894 chambered in 45 Colt and I have the most fun with this rifle - not a carbine. It is not uncommon for it to get passed around the range and several hundred rounds consumed mostly at an 8" steel gong at 100 yards... It rings it good!

I would always buy used - Back when the word "Craftsmanship" was used frequently.

Silas

[gaseousclay]

Marlin is also a well known and established brand - the design of the 336 actually dates to the 1893 model which pre-dates the Winchester '94 ( Model of 1894 ).

All new firearms have quality control issues - Winchester stopped manufacturing American Made Model '94's in 2006.

correct me if i'm wrong but my understanding is that all current Winchesters are manufacured by FN in South Carolina.

I personally prefer the design of the Marlin rifles. The design creates a stronger action. The side eject is a plus as it does not throw cases into your line of sight.

I like this feature as well

The first question is what you want to use it for?

The lever action rifle has probably killed more deer than any other. The 30-30 is the most common caliber. The Marlin chambered in 35 Remington is/was very popular on the east coast as the 200gr bullets cut brush better. Not real comfortable to shoot however as a plinker, but certainly more enjoyable than the 45-70!

I want a 30-30 for deer hunting for sure. I got to shoot an 1894 (or was it an 1895) a few weeks ago and it was really fun. I think it was chambered in a .38 or something.

The only reason why I question the current Marlins is because I know Remington acquired Marlin and I have read a lot of horror stories regarding the quality of their build and reliability. I don't want to buy a firearm if reliability is going to be an issue.

[Silas A. Holmes]

correct me if i'm wrong but my understanding is that all current Winchesters are manufacured by FN in South Carolina.

I have no idea where they currently manufacture the '94... the BPCR's and such are Japanese. Miroku (sp) I thought most of what they were building in SC were pistols & military? I dunno

I want a 30-30 for deer hunting for sure. I got to shoot an 1894 (or was it an 1895) a few weeks ago and it was really fun. I think it was chambered in a .38 or something.

1894's were a short action so chambered in pistol calibers...

The only reason why I question the current Marlins is because I know Remington acquired Marlin and I have read a lot of horror stories regarding the quality of their build and reliability. I don't want to buy a firearm if reliability is going to be an issue.

I would never buy new anymore - My first complaint is cosmetic . Ugly Wood, Poor metal prep before bluing, and "Surgeon Generals" Warning Dangerous stamps all over them!

I would keep my eye out for something that is at least 50 years old. Ideally postwar but I really like the old "case colored" actions $$$$$$

My 336 is a 1958 model and it has some pretty walnut and wonderful deep bluing - gotta love the gold triggers too! -

[Silas A. Holmes]

O.k. some new info. The Winchester 94 went out of production when they closed the plant in 2006 - In 2010 they made a 200th anniversary model and this year they started making "regular" models again

“Last year’s reintroduction of the Model 94 was a special commemorative, limited edition gun,” said Paul Thompson, media relations manager for Winchester Repeating Arms. “They were really high grade guns, with special engraving. This year, however, we’ve introduced regular versions of the gun. We have a traditional model, and a short rifle. These guns are being made in the factory in Japan where all the Browning replica and historical guns are made.”


So It looks like they are being made in Japan....

[MrMurphy]

Bang for the buck-wise, get a lightly used 336.

[craig87c]

My dad let's me borrow his Marlin when I'm back home. I don't really feel that you need sights for it- the rounds just go where you want! It's a fantastic brush gun, and I recommend it all the time.

[DUCK DIGGLER]

Another fan of the Marlin Lever guns. I own two a 336 in 30-30 and a 336 bin 35 Rem. both are extremely reliable and accurate. I too would look for a gun at least 20 years old as it seems everyone is into manufacturing crap these days unless you spend a small fortune. YMMV

[beau5278]

I have a model 94,first gun that I ever bought,got it when I was 15,it's the gun that I usually carry and I would recommend them to anyone.I've often seen people say that they don't like the top eject but I don't see why,I've got a Tasco 3-9 variable scope on mine on a side mount,the only issue is that the scope had to be mounted 90 degrees rotated to counterclockwise,you just have to remember that when you sight it in but it's as accurate as anything that I've shot.

[OkieStubble]

From 1981 until 2006, Winchester guns were made by the USRAC. When USRAC went bankrupt in 1989 it was acquired by a French holding company, then sold to an arms making cartel sponsored by the Belgian Herstal Group, which also owns gun makers Fabrique National (FN) and Browning.

Winchester or Browning is not American made or owned any longer. If the OP is looking for reasonably priced lever rifles of good quality other than Winchester or Marlin, you should also take a look at Rossi and or Mossberg. Mossberg has just recently started to offer rifles and not just shotguns.

[OLDMAN]

Have you checked out Henry? "Made in the USA and priced right."

http://www.henryrepeating.com/henry-rifles.cfm