I want a lever rifle - help me choose!

[meketrefe]

Again for range use either the .44 or 30-30 will be just too expensive.
.38 special is pretty cheap and .357 Magnum will certainly satisfy the desire for something with "kick".
@meketrefe is the BRL available in .223?
That is the goto range round for centerfire rifle.
Or 7.62x39.
Actually I see that it is. They are expensive rifles though. For range plinking the best rifle calibers are .223/5.56 and 7.62x39 due to cost.
If a bigger boom is wanted the .308 can be had for a reasonable price online. Retail though its $1 a shot and to me at least that is too much.

The standard is 308 that is a service round, and yes, go and find a used one because one will save big and a used one of these
is better than any other new. So many benefits in the way they are designed and manufactured.

With the 308 one can shoot 7.62x39 and other 30 bore calibers using inserts. Also subsonic ammo.

With the 358 winchester one can shoot 9mm. 38 spc, 357 and several others in 35 caliber using inserts.

It is just a matter of inverting on the inserts vs. reloading and then refilling the insert but in the end with a couple of magazines is
a about teh same time as filling a tube. with the original ammo one can actually reload so much faster (actual magazines)

A rimless like this can do many calibers including some rimmed int he same bore and for practice.

There are many ways to skin a cat.

 

[Mk44]

I own a few older Marlin's in various calibers (.357 to 45-70) I prefer the older Marlin's. I had 2 Remlin's (Marlin is now owned by Remington) & I didn't like them (had issues.)

As you stated OP.. you want the rifle for target practice and you "don't hunt". The cost of ammo in a rifle caliber (30-30, 32 spl, 35 Rem, etc) will get expensive for target practice. 30-30 ammo is around $12-$14 for 20rds. while .38 spl is $14 for 50rds. it's obvious which one is cheaper to shoot. Yes, an 1894 rifle cost more than a 336. but it will pay off in the long run in ammo cost. Plus it's a lot more fun to shoot targets with a 357/38 or 44mag/44spl than a 30-30. Don't get me wrong, you can shoot targets with 30-30 if you don't mine the cost of ammo.

I would take a Henry, Winchester, Rossi over a Remin just because of my experience with them. Just my preference.

 

[Calculon]

Lever-Action Ballistics: .30-30 vs .357 Magnum - The Truth About Guns

 

[Podmonkey]

The standard is 308 that is a service round, and yes, go and find a used one because one will save big and a used one of these
is better than any other new. So many benefits in the way they are designed and manufactured.

With the 308 one can shoot 7.62x39 and other 30 bore calibers using inserts. Also subsonic ammo.

With the 358 winchester one can shoot 9mm. 38 spc, 357 and several others in 35 caliber using inserts.

It is just a matter of inverting on the inserts vs. reloading and then refilling the insert but in the end with a couple of magazines is
a about teh same time as filling a tube. with the original ammo one can actually reload so much faster (actual magazines)

A rimless like this can do many calibers including some rimmed int he same bore and for practice.

There are many ways to skin a cat.

View attachment 36306

The inserts are interesting. So you load the cartridges in the inserts then the inserts ontonthe magazine? And the inserts cycle through the action? I wonder how a 9mm does out of a barrel with a twist rate intended for. .358 Win?

 

[meketrefe]

The inserts are interesting. So you load the cartridges in the inserts then the inserts ontonthe magazine? And the inserts cycle through the action? I wonder how a 9mm does out of a barrel with a twist rate intended for. .358 Win?

The 9mm is perfect for a 358 winchester. The key is the quality of the insert and how is intended.
In some other guns you have semi permanent inserts that you stick in the chamber with blue locktite but then
you have milder ammo that cycles w/o problems for the given magazine.

In reality I never fully understood tube fed lever guns specially with the type of bolt actions one has today with detachable magazines
and the whole nine yards. They are faster, more accurate, more reliable and repeatable.

I understand some folks like the cowboy style but for any practical and modern use why go back in time? so many options with lever action including straight pulls
and rapid actions. Also can be run w/o interference prone and from a bench unlike lever guns.

 

[togmaster]

Its hard to beat Dicks

Not according to @Darth

 

[zorro]

Thanks guys

I have my NY and CT PP so no issues with that

I know Dicks are dicks, but that Marlin at $349 is a great price - I am upstate in a cabin in the woods in Forestport at the moment and not back till Saturday, so that deal may have expired by then

But I agree would prefer the 10 capacity of the 357 to the 6 of the 30-30

And the ammo price is fairly different........

30-30 around $0.70 per round

45 LC is around $0.53 per round

357 Mag around $0.35 per round

So a big difference, especially for basic range use

Looks like the Marlin in 357 is around $700

In 30-30 around $349 ( based on the current Dicks sale price)


Need to think this through a bit I think !!!!

 

[GTN]

Avon Gun Shop in Avon NY has all sorts of older levers

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Thanks guys

I have my NY and CT PP so no issues with that

I know Dicks are dicks, but that Marlin at $349 is a great price - I am upstate in a cabin in the woods in Forestport at the moment and not back till Saturday, so that deal may have expired by then

But I agree would prefer the 10 capacity of the 357 to the 6 of the 30-30

And the ammo price is fairly different........

30-30 around $0.70 per round

45 LC is around $0.53 per round

357 Mag around $0.35 per round

So a big difference, especially for basic range use

Looks like the Marlin in 357 is around $700

In 30-30 around $349 ( based on the current Dicks sale price)


Need to think this through a bit I think !!!!

If you are that concerned with cost per round for range use, get a .22.
Anything that is going to "kick" is going to cost you more. Consider reloading if you are shooting enough that .70 cents per round is prohibitive.

 

[Jmac00]

I own a few older Marlin's in various calibers (.357 to 45-70) I prefer the older Marlin's. I had 2 Remlin's (Marlin is now owned by Remington) & I didn't like them (had issues.)

As you stated OP.. you want the rifle for target practice and you "don't hunt". The cost of ammo in a rifle caliber (30-30, 32 spl, 35 Rem, etc) will get expensive for target practice. 30-30 ammo is around $12-$14 for 20rds. while .38 spl is $14 for 50rds. it's obvious which one is cheaper to shoot. Yes, an 1894 rifle cost more than a 336. but it will pay off in the long run in ammo cost. Plus it's a lot more fun to shoot targets with a 357/38 or 44mag/44spl than a 30-30. Don't get me wrong, you can shoot targets with 30-30 if you don't mine the cost of ammo.

I would take a Henry, Winchester, Rossi over a Remin just because of my experience with them. Just my preference.

you wouldn't be in the mood to sell that 45-70? I have been after an older 45-70 for the better part of a couple years. I have a 336, but I want a brush gun with T-Rex knock down power. Im planning on a few trips to Alaska and want a heavy hitting lever gun. I LOVE my 30-30

 

[Jmac00]

Avon Gun Shop in Avon NY has all sorts of older levers

really? I wonder if they have a 45-70 laying around???

 

[GTN]

really? I wonder if they have a 45-70 laying around???

I don’t remember seeing that but you never know

 

[Jmac00]

I don’t remember seeing that but you never know

ROAD TRIP, Saturday

 

[tony]

Get the.30-30 on sale for $349, you can also buy a Henry .22 for around $300... (Bud's Gun shop, Cabelas) and be around your budget or, If you look around you might be able to pick up a used Marlin 39A for $450 or so instead of the Henry... that was easy. now it's decisions, decisions.

 

[zorro]

I think I am leaning towards the $349 Marlin 30-30 from Dicks ( assuming still that price when I get back Saturday) cause that is just a great price

 

[kev74]

Dicks has anti-gun lobbyists on staff.

Yeah, its a good sale. But there are better places to spend your money.

 

[FrankenCub]

I was very lucky a few years back...

I was able to pick up a used circa 1960, Marlin 30-30 at an absolutely crazy low price.

I love it.

One of my uncles offered to sell me his old octagon barrel Marlin 30-30 stupid cheap when I was in my 20s. I wasn't into it then but now kick myself all the time for passing it up. Now he won't sell it.

OMG ..........decisions, decisions!



So in the Marlin, the 336 (30-30) could be an option at a pretty good price - currently $349 in Dicks........which seems crazy low!

Marlin 336 | Available In-Store at DICK'SProposition 65 warning iconProposition 65 warning icon

Buying ANYTHING from Dicks should be a permanently ban-able offence! You support them by a sale, you are supporting gun control.

 

[zorro]

I realize Dicks are an issue but the saving is pretty significant unfortunately and I am not throwing away $150

Increased gun control may be on the agenda but it is wider than a dicks issue

But totally understand your point .......... but can’t get that 30-30 for anything like dicks are selling if I go down that route

Permanently banable offense? - entirely up to the mods


And to confirm I am not a gun control advocate ........... by any means

 

[FrankenCub]

it is wider than a dicks issue

I agree, but shopping at what used to be a decent true sporting goods store, you are now directly helping further more gun control. The only reason they still sell any firearms at all is because their FUDD sales base is big.

You need to read things with some sarcasm here, which the ban comment was. But IMHO, spending money at a company sells firearms, yet supports gun control, is just as bad as advocating for it. You may not have a problem with it but no way could I consciously give money to someone when I know a portion of it is supporting gun control. I'll happily spend more somewhere that actively fights gun control. I'm certainly not wealthy, not even close. Every penny I spend has to be planned carefully. But sometimes it's worth it to know I made a spending decision based on my morals.
To each his own

 

[ArmedCorgi]

I realize Dicks are an issue but the saving is pretty significant unfortunately and I am not throwing away $150

Increased gun control may be on the agenda but it is wider than a dicks issue

But totally understand your point .......... but can’t get that 30-30 for anything like dicks are selling if I go down that route

Permanently banable offense? - entirely up to the mods


And to confirm I am not a gun control advocate ........... by any means

At the end of the day, you have to do what you have to do.

 

[Jmac00]

I realize Dicks are an issue but the saving is pretty significant unfortunately and I am not throwing away $150

Increased gun control may be on the agenda but it is wider than a dicks issue

But totally understand your point .......... but can’t get that 30-30 for anything like dicks are selling if I go down that route

Permanently banable offense? - entirely up to the mods


And to confirm I am not a gun control advocate ........... by any means

ammoland has a very nice write up on the 30-30, I have a 336 and I LOVE every asspect of this firearm. Light, quick to aim, easy to clean. Great all-around-gun.

I have mine sited in at 200yards with LeveRevolution 160gr FTX bullets.

.30-30 Winchester Ammo: Ideal for Personal Defense?

 

[Mk44]

you wouldn't be in the mood to sell that 45-70? I have been after an older 45-70 for the better part of a couple years. I have a 336, but I want a brush gun with T-Rex knock down power. Im planning on a few trips to Alaska and want a heavy hitting lever gun. I LOVE my 30-30

Sorry, not looking to sell it (it's one of my favorite ). Although 45-70 is a popular round for Alaskan guides (nicknamed the guide gun.) Imo, if you're looking to hunt Alaska, I would look to hunt with a 30-06 or better. It will have better range than 45-70. 45-70 is more of a close range cartridge.
But if your into lever guns like me, you'll want a 45-70 in your collection . Another cartridge that I feel is better than the 45-70 is a triple 4's. but the 45-70 is more popular.
Good luck with your hunt.

 

[tony]

Bud's gun shop has quite a few different model Marlin Lever actions. I see they do some price matching and wonder if they would match that $349 price if you purchased another rifle at the same time???

 

[nortatoga]

Henry long ranger rifles 223,243 and 308 detachable magazine.


https://www.henryusa.com/rifles/the-long-ranger/

 

[nortatoga]

There are a few Ruger 96/44's on Gunbroker?



They have a detachable rotary magazine like a 10/22! I have the 96/22 as I too dislike tube-fed rifles!

 

[zorro]

The Dicks offer for the 336 is no longer available and back up to around $450

Buds have it for $435 or $462 for the scoped version ( plus FFL fees


Looks like Dicks had it on offer for 2 days


Cheapest Marlin in 357 Mag is around $823 from Buds..........a lot more than the 336

 

[Target]

Gander will price match Dick's.
my buddy recently got a 336 from them.
Walmart has a Henry 22 for $278 ( H001).
Runnings is about the same. I opted to upgrade to the Big Loop .22 ( H001L) for $299.

 

[Target]

ROAD TRIP, Saturday

There is a Marlin 45-70 on Armslist in Rochester (Fairport) for $600 . Claims never fired.

 

[Jmac00]

Sorry, not looking to sell it (it's one of my favorites). Although 45-70 is a popular round for Alaskan guides (nicknamed the guide gun.) Imo, if you're looking to hunt Alaska, I would look to hunt with a 30-06 or better. It will have better range than 45-70. 45-70 is more of a close-range cartridge.
But if your into lever guns like me, you'll want a 45-70 in your collection. Another cartridge that I feel is better than the 45-70 is a triple 4's. but the 45-70 is more popular.
Good luck with your hunt.

Im looking to go into full-time RVing, we are probably going to be boondocking A LOT, and I want something for close range protection from four and two-legged critters. Specifically Black bear, Grizzly bear, and Polar bear. Im also going to be hunting Elk/Bear in Idaho, I have a cousin that lives there. I have a 30-30.

I have a buddy that has a 444, he doesn't want to part with that either LOL

Thanx anyway

 

[Jmac00]

There is a Marlin 45-70 on Armslist in Rochester (Fairport) for $600 . Claims never fired.

got a link ???