Itching for a 336 or 1894c and can't decide

[awaveritt]

Gotta a real bad itch for a new-to-me Marlin lever action to shoot cast boolits in. Can't decide between 1894c 357/38 or a 336 in 30-30. Only been casting for handguns (38/9mm) a couple of months now and lovin' it. But got no rifles (except 223rem) and want to return to my roots. My first handloading 25 years ago was for a 336 in 30-30 (sold it) and I sure like the looks of the Lyman 311041. But most of my shooting is at the range with handguns and I can't help but think of the convenience and economy of casting the same bullet for revolver/rifle (I have a new Lee TL-358-158-SWC). May take the rifle into the woods occasionally after deer and coyote, but mostly load and shoot just for fun.

I know, I could get both, but not enough grocery money in this lame economy. Help me make up my mind.

[targetshootr]

Get a straight grip 35 rem and you're good to go.

[Rockchucker]

Just bought a Marlin 1894 used last week and I'm loving it. My son couldn't stand me getting one without him so he bought a used one also off Gun Broker. So far I'm still getting it sighted in with some cast 158's RF boolits and may end up getting a Tang sight or something similar on the rear so I'll have a windage adjustment. Hardly no recoil from the 357's either,and I like that.

[Jack Stanley]

There's a whole lot to like in an old flat top Marlin 336 if you can find one . The thirty caliber is easy to load down to take small critters and can also put down deer . If you found one in thirty-five Remington , you could use the same mold you are using for your thirty-eight handgun ....... you might want a mold in the two hundred grain range though .

Jack

[runfiverun]

the 336 has microgroove and the cowboy really shallow cut rifling.
i'd still take the cut rifling.

[EDK]

I've got Cowboy rifles in 357, 44, 30/30 and 45/70...and like them all. BUT you would be better off with the 357 rather than the 30/30. You can afford a lot more shooting with the pistol calibers EVEN if you handload (only factory ammo I use regularly is 22 Long Rifle and 12 gauge.)

It's a crummy economy and it will be awhile until it gets better. Try to pick calibers that are economical to reload for so you can shoot regularly.

:Fire::cbpour::redneck:

[chris in va]

No real experience here, but just looking at brass availability/flexibility, I'd go for the 1894c. Load it up for hunting, pop out a few 38's for plinking. Can't really do that with a 30-30, at least not in a similar cost effective way.

[Bullshop Junior]

I had a Marlin 336 30/30 that I really liked, but find that the 357 is more handy. Fits in my SMALL truck better, and it is shorter, lighter and more fun. Shorter lever throw also. Les powder, and about the same amout of lead, unless you jump too a 220gr boolit.

[mike in co]

consider asking in the .....LEVER GUN FORUM ????

[dhansen]

I had an older 336 in 35 Remington and Ballard rifling. Worked like a champ for me.

No doubt which one I'd go for.

[peter nap]

I have both and would be hard pressed to decide which one to get rid of. Not much help, am I?

[kawalekm]

Girls I've taken shooting LOVE to shoot 38 specials in my 1894. Brings out the cowgirl in all of them. They are not so enthusiastic about shooting larger calibers like the 30-30.

Got to support anything that gets women out to the range!

[Firebricker]

Your probably going to wind up shoooting either rifle a lot. Hard to stop till the ammo can is empty ! For that reason I'd go with the 38/357 case's are usaully cheaper and easy to find. Plus you can load some good deer load's in .357 that will kill clean if you stay within range limit's. If hunting deer was your main goal I'd go with the 30/30. It's a hard choice both are very good rifle's IMO. FB

[Pat I.]

I have a 94, 94C, and a 336 and of the three the one I grab most is the 94 in 44 magnum. Hits a lot harder for hunting than the 94C and doesn't have the weight and bulk (along with that ugly stock or pregnant forend) of the 336. Just my $.02 but 336 lever guns should have straight grips like the old 336 Texan and be slim.

[kawalekm]

BTW, I took this year's deer with a 1894 in 44 magnum. At 60 yards (paced) I got 100% penetration with a 240 grain bullet. Deer went 30 feet from the spot he was shot.