lever action
- Thread starter rebel66
- Start date
I have the stainless Rossi 94 in .38 - .357, I like it for what it is. It should still be well below your price point.
Fit and finish look fine on the outside but the machining is rough on the inside. Mine functioned fine out of the box but I will be taking it down, at some point, to clean it up and smooth it out.
Biggest finish problem I noticed right away is the unusually sharp end of the loading port. It will chew up your thumb if you are not careful.
The biggest problem, for me, is the sights. With target loads it shoots much higher than you can adjust for with the rear sight adjustment. Hotter loads helped but it is still unacceptable.
So, I like it for what it is. It is a lot fun to shoot and matches the caliber I shoot the most. But do not expect anything close to out of the box perfection.
If you have specific questions I will answer if I can.
Fit and finish look fine on the outside but the machining is rough on the inside. Mine functioned fine out of the box but I will be taking it down, at some point, to clean it up and smooth it out.
Biggest finish problem I noticed right away is the unusually sharp end of the loading port. It will chew up your thumb if you are not careful.
The biggest problem, for me, is the sights. With target loads it shoots much higher than you can adjust for with the rear sight adjustment. Hotter loads helped but it is still unacceptable.
So, I like it for what it is. It is a lot fun to shoot and matches the caliber I shoot the most. But do not expect anything close to out of the box perfection.
If you have specific questions I will answer if I can.
You've got pistol caliber models and rifle calibers models listed. What do plan to do with it? Serious hunting get the 336 or the Mossberg. Fun shooting get the Rossi in the revolver caliber of your choice.
I have a older Winchester 94 (1956) in 30-30 that has hunted a lot. My Savage 99 dates to 1902 and Lord only knows how many trips to the woods it has under its lever (the 99 may be the best choice for hunting as it allows superior pointed bullets to be used in its rotary magazine). I never owned a Marlin 336 but they are superior rifles.
My M94 Trapper in 44 Magnum has enough power to be a hunting arm but I just use it for fun shooting. My Rossi M92 in 45 Colt is purely recreational.
All of the rifles discussed in this thread are good. What's your need and caliber choice?
I have a older Winchester 94 (1956) in 30-30 that has hunted a lot. My Savage 99 dates to 1902 and Lord only knows how many trips to the woods it has under its lever (the 99 may be the best choice for hunting as it allows superior pointed bullets to be used in its rotary magazine). I never owned a Marlin 336 but they are superior rifles.
My M94 Trapper in 44 Magnum has enough power to be a hunting arm but I just use it for fun shooting. My Rossi M92 in 45 Colt is purely recreational.
All of the rifles discussed in this thread are good. What's your need and caliber choice?
Mosin-Marauder
New member
I've always wanted one of the 336 marlins in .30-30 but I don't have any real use for it, other than a deer/coyote/plinker, and my .22-250 already fills those voids.
I'd get the 336. Those generally run about $400 for the W model.
I'd get the 336. Those generally run about $400 for the W model.
Lucas McCain
New member
As an owner of a whole safe full of lever actions, IMHO none of the new lever actions have the smoothness and quality that the rifles of say 20 years ago had.
If you're looking at any of todays new rifles, the Henry is the only I would recommend.
If you are looking at a lever action rifle of the 308 class your choices are the Savage 99 and the Browning BLR and don't forget Brownings 1895 model. Those are excellent, very high quality, reliable rifles.
If you're looking at a 30-30 class rifle you will want a pre-64 Winchester. In that era there isn't another lever action rifle that can match it. There are Marlins and post 64 Glenfields that are ok, but because of their micro-groove rifling design, they aren't as accurate. I only own one Marlin and that is the 35 Rem. No one else made it in that caliber. It is nothing but a safe queen, because it's a problem rifle.
If you're looking at any of todays new rifles, the Henry is the only I would recommend.
If you are looking at a lever action rifle of the 308 class your choices are the Savage 99 and the Browning BLR and don't forget Brownings 1895 model. Those are excellent, very high quality, reliable rifles.
If you're looking at a 30-30 class rifle you will want a pre-64 Winchester. In that era there isn't another lever action rifle that can match it. There are Marlins and post 64 Glenfields that are ok, but because of their micro-groove rifling design, they aren't as accurate. I only own one Marlin and that is the 35 Rem. No one else made it in that caliber. It is nothing but a safe queen, because it's a problem rifle.
William T. Watts
New member
I'd stay away from the new marlins for now, I purchased a new Marlin and had two replacement rifles shipped to me and neither one was worth keeping. Very poor quality at this time!! Fit and finish not good, head spacing and chambers poorly cut and throw in over size bores too.. I encountered all of these in the three rifles I either purchased (1st) factory replacement rifles (2). Marlin didn't leave much for Remington, eventually Remington will straighten it out, for now I would wait!! ! William
Just picked up a 336w from academy for $369. Have been wanting a gun with open sights for the truck that had a little more power than the marlin 1894c that I had been carrying. Put a fiber optic on the front since my eyes are getting as old as I am and I have been pleased all the way around. Grouping around an inch with the open sights at 50 yards from a kneeling position, which is all the accuracy needed, if I need more I'll grab a scoped rifle. I had forgotten what a pleasure the 30-30 is, only draw back on the 336w is the trigger, it takes getting used to (around 6 pound ). The stock on it is very soft, I put a few light dents on it putting the fiber optic sight on it, and it has gotten a few more from the truck but other than that a good gun, a great gun for the money.
I had the same complaint with my 1894FG (41 Mag) Marlin.
I fixed it with this:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/18...-336-444-1894-1895-steel?cm_vc=ProductFinding
zachattack2
New member
I have shot the marlin 336 a few times and would would defiantly reecommend it for other people to buy.
It has a very smooth action and shot doesn't jam or anything in that sort.
The gun is very reliable and if you want to get a good lever action gun either get the marlin 336 or the Henry. I have the Henry and I love it!
Zach
It has a very smooth action and shot doesn't jam or anything in that sort.
The gun is very reliable and if you want to get a good lever action gun either get the marlin 336 or the Henry. I have the Henry and I love it!
Zach
My impression of the guns you mentioned:
The Marlin 336 is similar to my daughter's Marlin 30A. Heaviest of the three, more rifle-like than the others. Barrel is stiffer, and has a heavier profile than the others, which are more Winchester 94ish. Stock is likewise more substantial on the Marlin. IME, the (percieved?) recoil of a Marlin is lighter than that of a Win94 .....more weight, more to hold onto.
The Mossberg is a slightly more robust (or less svelte?) copy of the Winchester 94 ...... if that's what you are after, then that's your gun.
I've never played with the Rossi, but I gather that it's a pistol caliber carbine. That would make it cheaper to feed, but of limited utility for hunting. If you are not going to hunt deer sized game, that might be your gun.
The Marlin 336 is similar to my daughter's Marlin 30A. Heaviest of the three, more rifle-like than the others. Barrel is stiffer, and has a heavier profile than the others, which are more Winchester 94ish. Stock is likewise more substantial on the Marlin. IME, the (percieved?) recoil of a Marlin is lighter than that of a Win94 .....more weight, more to hold onto.
The Mossberg is a slightly more robust (or less svelte?) copy of the Winchester 94 ...... if that's what you are after, then that's your gun.
I've never played with the Rossi, but I gather that it's a pistol caliber carbine. That would make it cheaper to feed, but of limited utility for hunting. If you are not going to hunt deer sized game, that might be your gun.
Blindstitch
New member
I could make a recommendation but I need to know the purpose first.
If it's hunting are you in a state that can use any cartridge or pistol only?
Are you just looking for a fun cool target gun.
or a fun cool cowboy type rifle.
Caliber might make all the difference.
If it's hunting are you in a state that can use any cartridge or pistol only?
Are you just looking for a fun cool target gun.
or a fun cool cowboy type rifle.
Caliber might make all the difference.
I noticed on the H&R NEF forum that the 30-30 was about the most accurate of all calibers in that single-shot rifle.
My point is a savage 99 with spitzers might be both flat shooting and accurate. And gentle on the shoulder too!
I have a very old 94 in 30-30 (used) and Rossi 92 in .45 LC (bought new).
Both cost cheaper than a new Henry. Neither of my two will take a scope very easy.
My point is a savage 99 with spitzers might be both flat shooting and accurate. And gentle on the shoulder too!
I have a very old 94 in 30-30 (used) and Rossi 92 in .45 LC (bought new).
Both cost cheaper than a new Henry. Neither of my two will take a scope very easy.
Marlin 336
Find a Marlin 336 marked JM, this is before Rem screwed up quality. 336 is easy
to scope and usually cost less than 94 Win. I have several Marlins, the 30/30
is the one that is shot the most. Another poster said Savage 99 in 30/30 with
Spitzer bullets would be good. I agree, but the cost of good 99 in 30/30 will
make your head spin. A lot of other brands mentions are nothing more than
novelties, Wanabe's.
Find a Marlin 336 marked JM, this is before Rem screwed up quality. 336 is easy
to scope and usually cost less than 94 Win. I have several Marlins, the 30/30
is the one that is shot the most. Another poster said Savage 99 in 30/30 with
Spitzer bullets would be good. I agree, but the cost of good 99 in 30/30 will
make your head spin. A lot of other brands mentions are nothing more than
novelties, Wanabe's.
people will tell you to stay away from rossi, I am not disagreeing, just sharing my experience. I am 1000% happy with my stainless 20" rossi .357. it feed about anything as long as you are mildly "fast" with the action and handle it with authority. it is surprisingly accurate and quitter than a .22 with cowboy .38 loads. I do get a hair of gas-blow on my .38 cases that I don't with .357's. the gun I ultra lightweight and gives the .357's a little kick, although not painful or anything. I don't see any reason to get the action "slicked" up as others do, it does just fine for my purposes but I have limited experience with levers in general. do your own research, but I have had my rossi over a year and probably around 1000 rounds and have zero issues with and it is a blast to shoot and light enough to carry on a hike all day. I will complain about th little bras bead front sight, it can be a PITA on a bright day
Pathfinder45
New member
Rebel66, where art thou?
There's nothing terribly wrong with wanting a new rifle..... But a great many of the best rifles that have ever been made aren't new. So why limit yourself?
I say, if you want to put a scope on it, then Marlin or Savage. If not, then Marlin or pre-64 Winchester.
Will it be a 30-30 carbine? Then the Winchester model 94's made from 1937 to 1948 are the most attractive to me. The Marlin 336T is also of interest.
Will it be a 30-30 rifle? Then the Winchester model 55 is first choice, preferably solid frame, though most were take-downs. Even older model 1894 rifles are also nice but pricier than I can abide with. The best price on some of these can often be found in one that's not entirely original, but tastefully recombined. Like a model 1894 receiver, straight-stocked, with shotgun buttstock, model 64 barrel and magazine, looking for all the world like a model 55.....
Limiting yourself to a brand-new rifle? So boring....
Now if we are talking about a, "pistol-caliber", lever-gun, well, that's full of options too. The Marlin 1894 Cowboy is very nice for a new rifle.
There's nothing terribly wrong with wanting a new rifle..... But a great many of the best rifles that have ever been made aren't new. So why limit yourself?
I say, if you want to put a scope on it, then Marlin or Savage. If not, then Marlin or pre-64 Winchester.
Will it be a 30-30 carbine? Then the Winchester model 94's made from 1937 to 1948 are the most attractive to me. The Marlin 336T is also of interest.
Will it be a 30-30 rifle? Then the Winchester model 55 is first choice, preferably solid frame, though most were take-downs. Even older model 1894 rifles are also nice but pricier than I can abide with. The best price on some of these can often be found in one that's not entirely original, but tastefully recombined. Like a model 1894 receiver, straight-stocked, with shotgun buttstock, model 64 barrel and magazine, looking for all the world like a model 55.....
Limiting yourself to a brand-new rifle? So boring....
Now if we are talking about a, "pistol-caliber", lever-gun, well, that's full of options too. The Marlin 1894 Cowboy is very nice for a new rifle.
...... then take care not to mount it too high- these things are stocked for a very low sight plane, generally.
If you do scope it, get a cheek riser/comb raising kit to get you eye elevated to the new sighting plane.
Nothing ruins the finest quality of the lever gun (quick handling) like not being able to find your target in the scope because you shoulder the gun and are looking square at the mounts ......