[B]I am getting another gun this summer and am thinking about getting the new 338 marlin express. Has anyone out there shot this or heard much about it? I know it is supposed to be similar in balistics to a 30-06. I like a malin lever gun and would love a flat shooter for elk and long distance mulies. other thoughts are a rem 700 cdl sf in 300 wsm, 30-06, or 308. 1st choice is a lever gun though. any help would be appreciated.[/B]

I would HIGHLY recommend you also check out the Browning BLR. It's available in all the standard cartridges as well as the magnums. All the BLRs I've seen except 2 exhibited excellent accuracy-especially for a lever rifle. Also BLRs feature quick removable magazines. There's nothing wrong with the Marlin 338 but it may be hard to find ammo/reloading componets for.

I think that 338 Marlin Express will be the cat's pajamas!
IF Browning ever chambers the BLR for it, it would be a good acquisition. Or the 338 Federal.

+1 with stalkingbear's advice on the BLR.

Hope this helps




http://www.chuckhawks.com/338_marlin_express.htm





I like the .338 Win. Mag. - so do some others.




The 338 Winchester Magnum: King Of The Elk Cartridges

Guns Magazine , Nov, 2000 by Holt Bodinson

I am not really familiar with Browning. Somewhere along the line , a friend or someone i talked to steered me away from looking into them. i dont even remember why. Something about Marlin had a better action or just made a better gun? why is it that browning can make a mag lever gun with standard ammo and Marlin has to make there own special platform to make it? now im really confused. Thank all of you nice folks for helping me.

How much difference in accuracy is there between a bolt action and lever? I never heard about that. My 44 mag marlin lever gun is dead on. This gun is very old, Dad gave it to me. Thats why i like the marlin so much. I really want to do the best i can for my money. I have also been looking at Rem 700 cdl in stainless. I am open and interested in hearing anyones views on this.

FireWalker,

I too hunt with a lever gun. A bolt gun is inherently more accurate. Especially at longer distances. But lever guns field better, are a little faster, and cooler if you ask me.

The trick is to know the gun's limitations as well as your own and work within those. If you do that, you won't have any issues at all. Happy Hunting.

To add to that, you should also consider the animal you are hunting and more importantly, the terrain. If you're gonna be in wide open country with the possibility of long shots, then you should consider a bolt gun.

If your gonna be in dense cover, with most likely short range shots, and the possibility of needing faster follow up shots, then consider the lever gun.

They both have their place. One thing about the lever gun that I've always liked is the usually higher magazine capacity. I hunt deer in very thick cover in dense bear country. Never had to defend myself, but I like the fact that I have 8 quick shots if I need them.

All that being said, my honest opinion is............... GET BOTH!