Need advice (or just talk) on a "NEW" lever 30-30.

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aarondhgraham

New member
Need advice (or just talk) on a "NEW" lever 30-30.

A very close friend is having his 40th birthday soon,,,
Since he is directly responsible for my career,,,
I'm considering a new rifle for his present.

He's said he wants to learn about and go deer hunting,,,
And he fell in love with a Henry .22 rifle I had.

So I'm considering getting him a lever rifle in 30-30,,,
I want to buy him a new rifle and am considering two brands.

Marlin or Mossberg,,,
Mainly because that's what I can afford.

He will be hunting in Oklahoma,,,
The 30-30 is perfectly capable for the task.

I'm at sea as to which of these rifles to get,,,
So I thought I would open this thread for comments.

I would like to hear the good and bad of both brands if possible,,,
Any little odd-ball quirks you may know of will be useful.

Thanks gentlemen.

Aarond

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Marlin 336XLR. SS, 24" barrel, easy to scope should he choose to.
Just remember that a .30-30 is not a .22. A 6 or 7 pound .30-30 pounds a bit compared to a 4.45 lbs. .22.
 
Do NOT buy a new Marlin / Remlin, sight unseen. Having said that, if you can inspect it thoroughly, a new Marlin (if you find a good one) will be better quality than the Mossberg. Although, better yet still, get a used pre-Remington Marlin or used Winchester 94.
 
Marlin, check your local pawn shops/gun shops, there's usually one or two on the used rack...
you can save a BUNDLE that way, plus you get a nice older Marlin with some history and character :)

I'm all about Pre-2005 Marlins, you'll probably want a 1985-2005, as they have the crossbolt safety,
most purists don't like the crossbolt, but for a young person, the extra measure of safety ain't a bad thing...
and once they get older & hopefully wiser, there's a kit to turn the X-bolt safety into a saddle ring mounting point ;)

Dating a Marlin...
look at the first two numbers in the serial, then subtract them from 100.
Except for the 68, 69, 70, which are the actual dates for those years.
 
Except he said he wants a "NEW" gun. Its a shame the henry is so much more than the marlin they are really nice guns. As already stated really inspect the Marlin before you commit to purchasing. If possible have them open up a bunch and pick out the best one they have in stock. Im not really a fan of anything Mossberg except old rimfires, so i cant really comment on those.
 
My nephew bought a new Mossberg a couple years ago. We've shot it at the range many times and it delivers 2 inch groups at 100 yards with FEDERAL 150grain ammo. His scope is a Bushnell 1.5 - 4.5X which is very bright and clear. He toppled a decent 6 pointer and a doe last year while hunting with this well designed carbine.

I agree that some of the new Marlins have quality concerns.

Henry 30-30 carbines are expensive and much heavier than the Mossberg described above.

Jack
 
I have a Winchester 94 with a Williams rear aperture sight. It is significantly lighter than the marlin. I think a little faster too. Dime a dozen on the used gun rack.

Something like or similar too a Remingon Model 7 in 7mm08 with a scope seems a much better deer rifle. For bad weather and heavy cover, the marlin (pre-remington) in 44mag with stock sights makes a good backup gun. So does a pump shotgun. Given a choice of only one deer gun or a first, it would be short light carbine bolt with a low power variable scope in any readily available caliber from 243 to to 7mm08.
 
I do like the Henry rifles,,,

The Henry steel .30-30 isn't all that heavy.
Click to expand...
I do like the Henry rifles,,,
And it would be my first choice,,,
But unfortunately it's out of my budget range.

After posting this I found a Marlin at Wally World,,,
I have to say that I was disappointed with the fit and finish.

The kid wouldn't take the trigger lock off,,,
So I wasn't able to feel the action.

I called around and found a Mossberg at a store in Oklahoma City,,,
That's the excuse I need for a day trip to the big city.

Aarond

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Well Pooh!

I just got off the phone with his wife,,,
She said it's a great idea for a birthday present.

Unfortunately (or fortunately for my wallet) it's also a popular idea.

She, her brother, and her Dad already have a rifle on lay-away for him.

As soon as she lets me know what rifle they chose,,,
I'll get him a nice hard case and some ammo.

But thanks for the replies gentlemen,,,
I know a bit more now than I did before.

Aarond

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