Whats the best 30-30 I can get with 300-400 dollars? Thx..

Both the Marlin and Winchester lever actions will do....however, scour the used guns and look for a Savage 99.....30-30 or 300 savage.....don't bite on the .303 however.....very hard to find ammo for that.

Why would you choose a 30-30 Win as a first rifle when there are so many better choices out there in the same price range?

The 30-30 isn't my first choice in rifles either, but it's perfectly adequate for the hunting many folks do. Both the Marlin or Winchester are fine guns. I prefer the Marlin slightly, but that's just my personal opinion.

Marlin over Winchester and the 35 Rem over the 30-30. Actually I wish I had a Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70 but that's a different story

If a 30-30 is what you want, don't let no one here talk you out of it. Look at both the Win. and Marlin and get the one you like best. I prefer the Win. 94 I have several, the latest being a 94 AE with laminated wood. A limited edition (1 in 300), that I picked up for $320.00. You should be able to pick up a standard model and equip it with a sling for around $300.00.

I like the 30-30. It's awesome up close. I've never had a deer run off after being hit with it inside 75 yards. They've all dropped in their tracks.

If you find a Savage 99, the .243 is a great deer caliber also in that rifle.

I personally like the Marlin's over the Winchesters. Especially if you want to put a scope on it. I'm kind of wanting Marlin's latest version in stainless steel/wood combo. For some reason that just looks trick to me.

Total, my family has three Marlin lever guns, a .450, a 4570, and a 30-30. There is also a 30-30 Winchester in there, and it never gets shot anymore because the Marlin is a much better Firearm. The receiver is stronger, the wood is better, it is just a stout gun. The 30-30 is about as much fun as you can have with a gun, and is more than enough for black bear, hogs, deer, antelope, and coyotes. Great way to learn how to shoot with the iron sights, and the Marlin is side ejection, making mounting a scope on it in the future much easier. It is also drilled and tapped for a one piece mount (I like the Burris signature mount or the Leupold one piece). Good luck, and do yourself a favor and go with the Marlin.

Marlin

BassNBucks what did you finally go with?
I just picked up a Marlin on Gunbroker. Used in good shape for very cheap. I have to disagree with one personj who reccomended the 35 over the 30-30. The 30-30 has better energy and maintains that energy further. you can take deer comfortabley out to 200 yards.
David