Marlin 336 or Winchester 94 .30-30?

[Weasel6]

Going to buy a .30-30 soon as a backup/scout gun. Are there any significant differences between the Marlin and Winchester? I know the Marlin is a side eject and the Winchester is a top but can you still put a scope on the Winchester even though it is a top? There is only a $10 difference between them at Wal-Mart. Does it come down to a money and name preference as opposed to a quality one.

[akbound]

Actually the new model Winchester 94' s are called " angle eject" . They were redesigned to eject the cartridge case at an angle out of the ejection port to the right side of the receiver. This allows the top mounting of scopes in a " conventional" manner. The current Winchesters are well made and rival Marlin in " fit and finish" . Handle them both, (they each have a slightly different feel to them), cycle the actions of both, (again they feel slightly different), and decide which you like best. I have owned examples of both, and appreciate them both for what they are. Many have strong opinions one way or the other. The biggest real difference between the two is mostly in the minds of their users, (that is guaranteed to provoke someone).

But today' s models are both nicely finished, have their merits, and are equally effective! Buy the one that appeals to you the most and enjoy!!!

Oh yea....have fun deciding, (and just as much fun arguing the merits of either with those that own the other)!!!

[popeye]

All of the 336' s that I' ve shot are much better guns than the 94' s. The action appears to be of higher quality and gives a more positive feel. The 94' s action is not as tight and has a " sloppy" feel to it. Accuracy with the 336' s also seems to be better.

I also need to say that I haven' t shot either a 336 or 94 that has been made in the last 7 or 8 years so my observations may no longer be true.

[akbound]

There were a number of years that the quality of Winchesters really fell! But since USARC the quality has returned. If you happen to pick up a used Winchester made from about the mid 60' s through the mid 70' s or a little later...you very well may be disappointed by their quality. Look closely however at comparable models (ie. price range) from recent years and quality is closely equivalent. They do however both have their distinctive feels that are different!

[NE Hunter]

I find it much easier to remove the bolt in a marlin than in a winchester for cleaning purposes. Other than that they do have a different feel so you should handle them both and buy the one that feel sgood to your hands.

[Vapodog]

The Marlin is available in a pistol grip stock which might be important to you.....then again it might not be.

Personally I' d pick the Marlin...but it' s your money. I think they are equivalant in functioning.

[diyj98]

I' ve always prefered the way the Marlin operates and handles.

[neweboarhunter]

I think the action is smoother in the marlin. For me the marlin stock fits better. Also it has been my experiance that the marlin will outshoot the winchester, everything being equall. LOL, NBH

[Smitty_nc1]

336. It has a much better feel to it than the 94. There is no question on the scope mount for the 336. Great gun. I' ve been thinking about getting a 44mag in the marlin as well.

Go for the 336. You will have no regrets.

[James B]

It a matter of choice. I prefer the function of the Marlin but like the looks of the New Winchester with the Tang safty a little better. Both shoot about the same. I would get one of each.