Should I take this trade?

H

HALLAUSTIN

New member
I was offered a marlin 30-30 for my russian sks that was only slightly molested (new stock). Both have good bores with no pitting and nice stocks. Any input?
 
Lol no pics or anything ...without giving more detailed reviews of the rifles I could not say how much money either of them are worth. My personal preference would probably be the marlin because I dislike sks :)

But I am not you and based off of the current information you are the only one that can choose which one you like the most :)
 
NO NO NO NO NO....and ummm NO..I would Not make that trade...Partially because I am not a big fan of Lever guns, and patially because of the value. A Russian SKS is worth more and will be worth more than a used Marlin 30 30....

Do what will make you happy...thats what it boils down to in the end
 
I don't know much about Marlins or SKS, but I really like my 30-30. Mine is older and has a straight stock with a shorter barrel. The one your looking at might be worth more.
 
If the Marlin is new then it's a toss up, whatever you like. If it's an old Marlin, check the price first. I have an old Marlin setting in my closet that 's worth several SKSs.
 
That Russian SKS is likely worth between around $300 with a new stock. Not sure how old the Marlin is, but it would be worth finding out and checking out gunbroker.com for rough prices of each.
 
Used Marlins .30-30's usually sell for around $400...dependant on condition & age...

The older ones that are pre-crossbolt safety in 90% or better condition are in higher demand.

Watch out for Waffle-Tops...where there is cross-hatching on top of the receiver instead of it being flat.
1948-53, I believe...then they started making them flat & D/T'd for scopes.

The waffle's are best when they've got a peep sight...and unmolested other than cleaning.

You can still find SKS's for $200 if you shop carefully...it'd be worth trading for the Marlin & getting another SKS/AK/etc later.
 
Nahh, both round are about even. The Russkie SKS will be worth more in the long run and 30-30 Marlins are in now way rare. Hit the pawn shops and see what's out there is you want a leveraction.

BTW, I love leveractions. I just wouldn't trade your gun for one.
 
I own both and love both rifles. I have watched the prices of military rifles go up over the years. I remember paying $80.00 for a Russian SKS. Now they are $300.00 or better where I live. I would keep my SKS and shop Pawn Shops like someone else wrote. I see the Marlin rifles at gun shows in the parking lot for sale and they are reasonable in price, and they are alot cheaper than the Marlin rifle for sale inside the show.
 
No dont take the trade, Marlin 30 30s are as common as fleas on a hounddog, but the Russian SKS is not.
Click to expand...

This is a good point. I can't see into what the future brings. But I can remember when a 03 could be had for cheap. (In military form) This is not the case any more. I wish I had a truck load of them. Back 30 years ago who would have thought that?
 
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I'm not a big fan of the SKS, but I agree with others - in the long run, the russian SKS is a more collectible rifle.
 
any gun is only worth something to someone who has a specific use for it , a nice engraved expensive hunting rifle is worth nothing compared to a well used AK in a war zone somewhere in africa where the Shhh is about to hit the fan. Trade if you have a use for what you will be trading for , otherwise you might as well keep what you have.
 
I own three Marlins one is a 30 30 had all three for over 40 years never had a problem with them. I noticed from your profile that you like to hunt and live in the Asheville, NC area. The Marlin levers are good brush hunting guns. I would advise you to make the trade because of my experience with marlins, however, I never owned a Russian SKS.
 
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