I want a lever gun !

[vernb]

I've been wanting a 357 to shoot for fun . I already load wad cutters for 38 sp. But I can't find a deal on one. So I got thinking in Michigan it's pretty easy to get a deal on a 30/30. Would this make a good plinking gun for speed shooting cans or should I wait for a 357. I originally wanted a Henry 22 . But ammo is stupid and I fell in love with my 38 sp.

[Outpost75]

The .30-30 is a natural for cast bullets and is fun to shoot with light, plainbased loads which approximate. 32-20 or. 32-40 levels. Try #3118 or Saeco #322 cast from wheelweights with 6 grains of any pistol or shotgun powder you have lying around, or the RCBS 30-150CM with 11 grs. of #2400, 14 grs. of 4227 or 16 grs. of 4198, RL7 or MP5744.

[Taylor]

I want one in .22,brother has a 39A,won't come off it though.

[frkelly74]

On that TV show "Wild West Guns" I saw them building a Marlin lever gun into what they called a "co-pilot". It was weatherproof stainless and plastic and had a 16" barrel chambered in 45-70 and a 2 round magazine. It was machined so that the barrel and mag could be taken out of the receiver for transport in a very compact package. They never mentioned price but I would bet it was a couple thousand $$$.

[Jack Stanley]

I'd vote for the 30WCF in the lever rifle , I have both and the thirty caliber is much easier to get bullets feeding than the thirty-five . I've noticed that after deer season good thirty calibers can be had at reasonable prices . The three fifty-seven carbines though tend to be high priced all year .

I have a Marlin from about 1950 and it just loves light loads , to bad my old eyes can't see the front sight any more . People talk about "ghost ring" peep sights , this one is a "ghost bead" .

Jack

[45-70 Chevroner]

I think the 30-30 lever gun is a great choice, Marlin or Winchester. I personally prefer the Win. I had a Rossi 357 but traded it off, bad mistake. The 30-30 Winchester really likes just about any cast boolits up to 180gr at least in my rifle. I plink a lot with PB boolits in the 100gr up to 130gr range. Not much difference than a 38 Special for plinking.

[starmac]

30/30 is one of my favorites for plinking. Even though I like 357 in a handgun, I just have never had the hankering for a rifle.

As far as a brother not coming off of that marlin 39, I think you will find most folks that has one is the same way. If for some reason I never got to shoot mine again, somebody else can worry about getting rid of it after I'm gone. lol

[btroj]

A word of warning, A levergun just doesn't happen. They tend to grow into multiple leverguns in multiple cartridges. I am now up to 5 and hope to keep going.

A 357 leveraction is a great choice but don't turn down a 30-30.

[micky_blue]

Consider a 35 rem. You can use the same molds for the 38 and 35 rem.

[olereb]

I have 3 30-30 leverguns and you cant go wrong with them in my opinion,they can be cheap to plink if you load your own. I also have leverguns in 44mag,45colt and 45-70 and they are all fun. I have Winchesters and love them but if you don't mind doing a bit of work don't rule out the Rossi's,they really are nice rifles.

[Jupiter7]

For the sake of cheap and easy, wait for the .357 you want. I'm with ya, the .38 in a levergun is too much fun. Fwiw, basic Rossi 92's go for about $400 new on gunbroker.

[BACKTOSHOOTING]

For the sake of cheap and easy, wait for the .357 you want. I'm with ya, the .38 in a levergun is too much fun. Fwiw, basic Rossi 92's go for about $400 new on gunbroker.

And an absolute BLAST to shoot.
Was out a few weeks ago and a familly was there also, Let them all shoot mine including an 8 year old boy and several women, The Dad said he would be picking one up cause they were so much fun.
BTS

[ShooterAZ]

Get a 30-30 first. Both the 30 and 35 cal are very versatile, but the 30-30 has more horsepower should you ever need it and can be loaded with cast at the same velocities as factory loads. There are many plinker boolit molds available too. If you are new to casting you can start with the LEE C309-150F or the C309-170F and the C309-120R (plinker). Get a 309 or 310 LEE push through sizer which comes with Alox, some 30 cal gas checks and you will be set.

[Pb2au]

30-30 marlins in the used world will run around 300-ish bucks. They handle cast well and as stated in the other posts can be load up or down for game or plinking. They are accurate and easy to deal with.
Rossi makes a good 357/38 special lever gun. It is a clone of the 92 winchester. Other than a initial thorough cleaning, they are fun guns that deliver great accuracy. Just remember, the 92 action is particular on OAL, as the cartridge is straight. So it has to make the turn into the chamber without the aid of a bottleneck. So the short story is that you might hear that they are prone to jams and feeding issues. The reality is that 99% of the time it is due to OAL being off, or the projectile in question might have a sharp leading edge that could hang up.

[Bigslug]

No sense burning rifle powder charges to plink with. .30-30's great if you plan to hunt, but slower to cycle due to the longer case and more expensive to feed. Both are good options, but for different missions.

[dverna]

I have three .38's and two .30/30's.

For plinking the .38's are the way to go. I can load 800 per hour on the Dillon 1050. A straight walled pistol case has advantages.

Get a .30/30 for $300 or so, and wait for a .38 to come along. You can always sell the .30/30 and not lose a penny on it. I do not like the 92 clones, and prefer the Marlin 94's or Uberti 1873's.

Don Verna

[TXGunNut]

I want a(nother) lever gun!

[Idaho Mule]

I'd vote for the 30WCF in the lever rifle , I have both and the thirty caliber is much easier to get bullets feeding than the thirty-five . I've noticed that after deer season good thirty calibers can be had at reasonable prices . The three fifty-seven carbines though tend to be high priced all year .

I have a Marlin from about 1950 and it just loves light loads , to bad my old eyes can't see the front sight any more . People talk about "ghost ring" peep sights , this one is a "ghost bead" .

Jack If you can't see it then that '53 oughta be looking for a new home. smiley thing JW

[HK91]

I have a 39A Golden Mountie (22LR), a 1894C (357 Mag), and a 1895 (45-70), all of which are fun to shoot. I also have a Colt Diamond Back in 38 Special and a Colt Python in 357 Mag. Tough call, but for fun I say wait for a 357 Mag lever action to show up.

I am loading the Missouri Bullets .358" 140 grain truncated cone bullet in my 38 Special brass at between 700-900 fps depending on the gun, lots of fun, shoots good, and my wife will even shoot it. If my 16 year old son goes to the range with me, it is very handy to have lots of 38 Special ammo loaded he likes to shoot the revolvers and the rifle. In this case it is nice that I have a couple gallons of 38 Special brass. None of my other non "black guns" do I have that much brass for.

HK91

[KLR]

My son has a Marlin 30-30 and my daughter just got a Rossi 92 in .357. The Rossi is much lighter, handier, and has a shorter stroke. I'll be getting a Rossi .357 as soon as I build up enough funds.

[mpbarry1]

Go get the 30-30, then a 357 will show up, followed closely by a 32-20 and a henry 22. Then you will get your grandfathers 25-20. well, thats what happened to me in the last 3 years anyway. Next you will be dreaming of a 38-55. ;)

[vernb]

Wow I can't believe how popular some posts get. I won't be hunting anything bigger than rabbits with this gun. I have close to 30 guns so I already have a deer rifle, shotgun, musket, handgun. I guess I am more concerned about action speed . I'll treat it like a 22

[smokeywolf]

If 30-30 is overkill for you, "[nothing] bigger than rabbits". Try to find a half-way decent model '92, 53 or 65 Winchester in 32-20.

smokeywolf

[starmac]

Next summer I am going to be hard on the lookout for a 25-20 just for that reason. A 357 may make more sense as far as brass goes, but everything doesn't have to make sense.

[jonp]

I saw several used 32Sp levers in a gun shop recently and they were in decent shape. You might consider one of them if you run across one.

[jonp]

Wow I can't believe how popular some posts get. I won't be hunting anything bigger than rabbits with this gun. I have close to 30 guns so I already have a deer rifle, shotgun, musket, handgun. I guess I am more concerned about action speed . I'll treat it like a 22

Oh, well then the 30/30 and 32Sp are way overkill in this for you. A 357Mag or 32/25-20 would seem to fit the bill I would think

[jonp]

Next summer I am going to be hard on the lookout for a 25-20 just for that reason. A 357 may make more sense as far as brass goes, but everything doesn't have to make sense.

Hence the 2 Hi Point 9MM's I have.

[Pereira]

I have a Puma Rossi in 357, it is a blast (no pun) to shoot and plink with. Mine is a very accurate little rifle, even took a deer with it the first year I had it. The 30-30s are just a little more expensive to shoot but not much, wanting to pick up a .35 Rem this year as said early you can shoot your 38/357 boolits in them for some nice little plinkers.

[dragon813gt]

I want a(nother) lever gun!

I want more than one. I'm thinking five more to start with :)

Wait for a 357. Any regrets you may have from waiting to find one will disappear the first time you shoot it. They have a magical way of taking any care in the world away when it's in your hands.

[Jon K]

NOTHING like a nice Levergun...

Jon

[andreadavide]

Yesterday I had a chance to shoot a 357 copy of the Winchester 1873, made by Uberti that a friend had just purchased...
To define it sweet would be an understatement.
Not cheap, tho'

[detox]

I shoot a Winchester 30-30 with the RCBS Cowboy bullet, 8gr Trail Boss powder for a velocity of 1000fps. This load is very accurate, but the large 30-30 brass is too cumbersom to collect and hold on to. I would much rather have a 38/357 lever because brass is lots cheaper and easier to handle...especially the mixed 38 brass.

[DeanWinchester]

A pre Remlin Marlin 336 in 35 Remington. If it was my last gun, I'd be just fine.

Wanna hunt rabbits, easy. 125g cast boolit like you'd use in a light 38 special. You can load it down to whatever velocity you need.
Wanna hunt some deer or black bear? No problem, an RCBS 35-200 will get it done.

Ever since I traded for mine I've been amazed to find nothing it can't do well.
Lee makes a 105g swc you could load over a modest charge of unique that bust a bunny's butt just right. After you score some brass and tooling, you can load them for around 6 or 8 ¢ each. You can't shoot .22 for that!

[runfiverun]

the 30-30 loaded with a 100 gr boolit that's pushed along by 5 grs of powder is not overkill on rabbits. [it's about the same as a 38 special with a 100 gr lee swc]

the important thing here is to get the first one.
it makes it easier to clean out the safe to make room for more of them.

[Bullshop Junior]

Ive had several guns, and I liked my marlin 357 better then any I had on the 336 frame, but my all time favorite is my little puma 92 in 454 casull

[prs]

For plinking and small game, either the .22 RF type or a model specifically designed for short handgun cartridges. The Win 92 will be hard to beat for a .357mag capable rifle; but make mine a 44/40. A Win 66 or 72 is good for .38SPCL, but not sure the toggle link is really up to .357mag recoil. The Marlin '94 CB Limited 24" rifles are accurate, strong, and can easily be slicked-up to shoot butter smooth and FAST. Mine are older 45 Colt, but I would love to get one in 44/40 or 32/20 or or or Lefties love levers!

I shoot my Win 94s in 30WCF or 32SPCL with "deer boolits" (170gr FP) and Trail Boss for plinking. The kids love that loading as it is quiet, does not have much kick, and is accurate within minute of pop-can out to about 50 yards. But the long cartridge action is relatively sloooow and clunky compared to actions designed for short cartridges.

prs

[Walter Laich]

Since SASS shooters use the .357 caliber you could check out their classified section--they show up now and then
.
http://sassnet.com/forums/index.php?showforum=14

[Dan Cash]

You can buy a good JM Marlin (pre Remington) for $300 to $400. The .30-30 can be loaded from mild (10 gr 2400 under 170 gr cast bullet) to wild. It is a cartridge which will kill anything in this hemisphere though I would like something a little larger for Brown and Grizzley bears. It is easy to cast and load for and brass is plentiful.

Pistol/rifle combinations have their place but can be costly to obtain and not always satisfactory.

[gwpercle]

I have a Winchester 30-30 and have a lot of fun with cast boolits and tin cans...but I sure would like a 357 lever, those are mighty handy and would make a great " beside the bed for things that go bump in the night" . Start saving and looking, be patient...your deal will come...get a 30-30 and a 357 mag. You will enjoy both. A friend has an old marlin in 357 but he will not part with it...it is a whole lot of fun to shoot. The short stroke and many rounds keep cans a jumpin.
Gary

[captaint]

I saw an ad in, I think, American Rifleman, for the new Winchester (Miroku) '73 Lever gun in .357 mag. Quite a stack of bills, though. Certainly, it will be a sweet piece. I was thinking, to try to talk myself out of it, a 44 mag would be more fun and more useful all around. I'm pretty sure it's only available in 357 mag. Still, a lot of money, either way. In the 41 mag, I would have to bite the proverbial boolit. Mike

[Bullshop Junior]

I handled one of the 73s in 357 and it was nice, but big and heavy. I much prefer the 92 or the 94 marlin.

[TJF1]

I have 12 but i want more

[Bullshop Junior]

I just have my little 92. It does everything I need

[Steel185]

I have a few lever guns and love them all. I'd like to get a 30-30 for a simple deer gun but my 45-70 does the job now. I'd get the 357 in Rossi or Puma. The nice part is you can use your revolver ( assuming that's how you shoot 38 spl right now) and this future lever and keep the same loads brass and boolits. I do that with a 480 in lever and revolver, it's nice. I didn't see if any mentioned the lever revolver combo but it's nice to have.

[StromBusa]

I prescribe a good case of Marlinitus ....

[LowNleft]

I have 7 lever actions. 5 are 30-30, one is a 45-70 (great deer gun) and the last one (so far) is a 45 Colt. ALL of them are fun to shoot, even the 45-70 with 300 gr. boolits and it is probably one of the most accurate guns in my safe. The Winchester 94 is a pure joy to carry in the woods and kills deer just fine. The Marlin 45 Colt is the one that my friends always want to shoot because it is just so much fun. I guess I'll have to keep an eye out for one in 357 in order to feed my lever action addiction. Get a lever gun, you won't regret it.

[Steel185]

In case you aren't set in the 357. My friend got his first lever gun in 44mag and just loved it. He already loaded and cast for 44 mag and was familiar with the cartridge so it was a good "gate way" for him. It is nice, he hits ram sized targets at 125yds with iron sights.

He now was 3 levers and is eyeing 2 more.

[Bullshop Junior]

My brother has a puma like mine in 44mag and he loves that thing. It goes everywhere with him. He has shot that gun more then anything else he has put together

[Artful]

A word of warning, A levergun just doesn't happen. They tend to grow into multiple leverguns in multiple cartridges. I am now up to 5 and hope to keep going.

A 357 leveraction is a great choice but don't turn down a 30-30.

Truer words - I'm up to
1) 22LR
2) 357 mag
3) 44 mag
4) 30-30
5) 308
6) 358
7) 375 Big Bore
8) 45-70

Hmmm - looks like I need to put some more on the list
- missing 256 win mag, 30 carbine, 32-20, 25-20, 45 colt, 250 Savage, 243, 7mm-08,35 remington, 444, 348, 405, 50 cal - Oh, my

[Bullshop Junior]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/23/ypa6uje4.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/23/7y5emude.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/23/sabyhypa.jpg

Thats my little puma 92 in 454 casull. Its my all time favorite lever gun. Only thing I dont like about it is the tube is styled like the 22lr tubes where you can open the tube up, but it has a loading gate as well, so I think at some point I'm gonna swap the tube out for a standard style.

[vernb]

I do load and cast for casull already but I'm thinking lighter bullets equals more fun per dollar

[mpbarry1]

Hmmm - looks like I need to put some more on the list
- missing 256 win mag, 30 carbine, 32-20, 25-20, 45 colt, 250 Savage, 243, 7mm-08,35 remington, 444, 348, 405, 50 cal - Oh, my

Dont forget the 38-55!

[Steel185]

Truer words - I'm up to
1) 22LR
2) 357 mag
3) 44 mag
4) 30-30
5) 308
6) 358
7) 375 Big Bore
8) 45-70

Hmmm - looks like I need to put some more on the list
- missing 256 win mag, 30 carbine, 32-20, 25-20, 45 colt, 250 Savage, 243, 7mm-08,35 remington, 444, 348, 405, 50 cal - Oh, my

308? I'm curious, what make and model is that lever gun? That sounds like a real nice all around light weight gun. I thought the didn't make then in 308 or traditional rifle calibers because of the tube magazine and point bullets and primers not mixing well. More info on this one please.

[dragon813gt]

The 308 is most likely a Savage 99 or Browning BLR. They're fed from a box magazine.

[Artful]

308 is Winchester 88 - also fed from box magazine
http://www.nadeausauction.com/auctiondata/1066/images/260_1.JPG
- Sako made a lever 308 also at one point

[Bullshop Junior]

Sako made lever guns......why did no one tell me this?

[Artful]

SAKO Finnwolf
http://www.armsbid.com/uploads/lots/32/1501.jpg
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=410659

Honestly - like the Savage 99 better

[TCLouis]

I think you will find a reasonably priced 30-30 or 35 or 32 WSPL long before yo find anything decent in 357.

[Bullshop Junior]

SAKO Finnwolf
http://www.armsbid.com/uploads/lots/32/1501.jpg
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=410659

Honestly - like the Savage 99 better

I cant stand the 99. I think they are clunky qnd I just cant make myself like them. I havnt found one that i even half way liked yet.

[starmac]

Can't stand the 99, man it is a good thing you went to Texas. lol My all time favorite of any levergun.

[dragon813gt]

A 99 clunky? First time I've heard that one. The action does have it's drawbacks. But I'm a big fan of the 250 and 300 Savage. I only wish brass for the 250s was easy to find and the price for the rifles lower.

[GSP4EVER]

I love my lever guns. My favorite one right now is my 308 Win Browning BLR. That is until the weather warms up enough to take out the pre "Remlin" Marlin 336 RC 35 Remington out to play. I also have a Marlin 1894C 357 Mag. Also a Ruger 96/22 22 Mag Lever action. I kick myself for ever getting rid of the matching 17HMR Ruger. Love em all. Great shooters.

[Bullshop Junior]

A 99 clunky? First time I've heard that one. The action does have it's drawbacks. But I'm a big fan of the 250 and 300 Savage. I only wish brass for the 250s was easy to find and the price for the rifles lower.

It can be fireformed feom 22/250 easy enough.

[sawzall]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/23/ypa6uje4.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/23/7y5emude.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/23/sabyhypa.jpg

Thats my little puma 92 in 454 casull. Its my all time favorite lever gun. Only thing I dont like about it is the tube is styled like the 22lr tubes where you can open the tube up, but it has a loading gate as well, so I think at some point I'm gonna swap the tube out for a standard style.

Unfortunately, the mag tube on the 454 Casull Rossi is not interchangeable with the other mag tubes. It was designed to stay put under recoil and is attached differently. Besides, the tube loader is great for unloading it without cycling all the rounds through the action. I just acquired a pre safety Rossi 454 myself, haven't had the chance to load for it or shoot it yet though.

My lever gun collection is now as follows:
.22lr Henry
30-30 Winchester 94 (1974 same age as me :D)
45 Colt pre safety Rossi 20" M92
45 Colt Rossi Ranch Hand with factory and carbine stocks (I'm Canadian eh!)
454 Casull pre safety Rossi 20" M92
45/70 Marlin 1895GBL - Remlin but a 2013 good one!

I too want a .357 Rossi with a 16" or 20" barrel. I may buy another Ranch Hand and carbine stock if I can't find a long barreled action though. I would prefer the added barrel length for velocity gains though. I cast for them all but the .22lr obviously. I have just ordered a couple of new NOE molds for them and can't wait to receive them! I ordered a SC311-165-R Ranch Dog for the 30-30 and a 454325 for the Colts and Casull. I already have a couple Ranch Dog molds, a Lyman a Lee and an RCBS for the 45/70. Fun times!

[Bullshop Junior]

My rossi has the saftey but I dont mind it. Ive thought of taking it off to give it a cleaner look though

[DW475]

I've got 5 lever guns and would like to add one of those Bighorn 500s to the collection.

[Pereira]

Dont forget the 38-55!

And he didn't say anything about a .450 either!

[Pereira]

Here are my levers.http://i846.photobucket.com/albums/ab25/sidinman/20140106_121235.jpg (http://s846.photobucket.com/user/sidinman/media/20140106_121235.jpg.html)
From the left are Henry H001 .22lr, Winchester 94 Ranger 30-30, Marlin .444SS, Marlin 336 30-30, Winchester 94 Classic '66 30-30, & a Puma .357 Mag w/24" Oct. barrel.
Wanting to add .44Mag, .41Mag, .35Rem, & a .444P sometime in the near future.

[Steel185]

I think you will find a reasonably priced 30-30 or 35 or 32 WSPL long before yo find anything decent in 357.

That's right! Here in Iowa I was looking for a lever gun in 45-70 and I'd check every lever gun at every gun show and I'd find maybe one in 45-70 and about 24 in 30-30. I kept thinking, I wish he was looking for 30-30.

[foxtrapper]

From 22lr,44mag,45-70 and 50ak. Think I got it covered! http://i806.photobucket.com/albums/yy345/smackythefrog/100_0278.jpg

[Steel185]

http://www.arcticshootingsupply.us/catalog.lever-action-rifles

lots of lever guns, different makes, model, calibers. not sure what your "deal ballpark" is but they have several of all of them. Prices seem to line up with what my friends are paying at local places for lever guns.

[smokeywolf]

foxtrapper, I've never seen a scope on a trapper's model before.

[pmer]

I have to throw in a .32 Winchester Special in a 94 Winchester. It's like a dedicated cast boolit rifle with its slower twist barrel.

Hated by deer or bunnies on how ya load it!

[foxtrapper]

foxtrapper, I've never seen a scope on a trapper's model before.
It's a Burris scout scope on a xs scout scope mount. With Williams as a backup. The 44 mag is a 1894P .I have only run cast hand loads through it in 44 mag and special. Feeds great! Also put one of the wild west triggers in it. Great rifle( carbine)!

[dondiego]

pmer - I have 2 of the Win .32 specials made in the 1940's. They work!

[DLCTEX]

My next lever rifle will be one in 480 Ruger caliber. I have been fixated on this since Ranch Dog mentioned he had one. Perfect companion for my Raging Bull pistol in the caliber.

[pmer]

pmer - I have 2 of the Win .32 specials made in the 1940's. They work!

Air cooled gas checked coww at 2200 fps without a hint of leading. And no big fight to get there either. 6 grains of BE groups tight too. Definitely worth looking into if you can find a 32 WS.

[Steel185]

My next lever rifle will be one in 480 Ruger caliber. I have been fixated on this since Ranch Dog mentioned he had one. Perfect companion for my Raging Bull pistol in the caliber.

I have a puma M92 in ruger 480 to match my SRH. The M92 is my favorite gun. It's my "old reliable", easy to carry, drops anything I can hit. Which is a lot. Got a cow elk at 70yds with the original iron sights. One shot dropped it in its tracks. They are had to find now days.

[Jack Stanley]

If you can't see it then that '53 oughta be looking for a new home. smiley thing JW

Ohhhh no ya don't !!! I see ya castin' yer wonton eyes upon mah fine ol' Browning an' hit ain't agonna happen !! Ah kin jest put mah glasses on an' ad-mire th' fine an' purty wood on dis ol browning ...................ah cousre if'n ah wanna shoot it ah'll hafta git me one o'dem Merit disk thangs fer mah safety glasses .

It's very nice of you to think so highly Of me I.M.

Jack

[Idaho Mule]

Ohhhh no ya don't !!! I see ya castin' yer wonton eyes upon mah fine ol' Browning an' hit ain't agonna happen !! Ah kin jest put mah glasses on an' ad-mire th' fine an' purty wood on dis ol browning ...................ah cousre if'n ah wanna shoot it ah'll hafta git me one o'dem Merit disk thangs fer mah safety glasses .

It's very nice of you to think so highly Of me I.M.

Jack I hope one day we can get together and share a cup of coffee or a few beers. I bet it would be fun. JW

[Jack Stanley]

Hyyeeepppp !! Dontcha know I'd have an armed guard posted near the Browning he he he he !!!

Some rifles a feller can just appreciate for what they are not what the owner can do with them . I saw another Browning fifty-three at a gun show about two years ago . I almost bought it just "because" , not that I can shoot them well .

Jack

[Tn Jim]

I'm 50 and never owned a lever in my life until this past September. I bought myself a Henry 44 mag as a birthday present. Somehow, a slick little Henry 22lr followed me home a couple months later. Be forewarned!! Darned things breed like rats!

[Menner]

Just Bought my first Levergun just before Christmas ( Merry Christmas To Me!!!!! ) 1972 Marlin 336 in 35 Rem How come I am always on the look for another I always wanted one but until I bought this one I was not zeroed in on them like I am now. is this Marlinitus and can it be cured?

94957

[dondiego]

Looks just like my Marlin .35 when I got it. I took the scope off and added a Williams receiver sight.

[Shiloh]

Broke my heart when my son wanted me to bring him his guns in Texas. The late model Win 30-30 was one of them. It is the one I miss.

Shiloh

[Biggs300]

My favorite caliber of all the rifles I own is the under-appreciated 358 Win. Very manageable recoil, hard hitting, and one of the easiest calibers to reload. If I didn't already own a Ruger M77 in 358 Win (one of my favorites), I'd buy a Browning BLR 81 Takedown in a second.

[Down South]

I have lever gun fever, just not the funds for the cure. I bought a 1980 Marlin M375 from one of our members over a year ago and it's a great shooter with cast or jacketed. I got a mould, 1-K in gas checks, two boxes of Hornady 220 Gr FN bullets and a few extras.
My bucket list is for a 336 30-30, a 1894 44 Mag and a 1894C 357 Mag, all JM Stamped and without the cross bolt safeties.
I've got a buddy who has a 39A that he keeps hinting that he will sell me.

Oh, I forgot. I also want a 1895G 45-70 Guide Gun.

[JWFilips]

I have a lead for anyone interested: I have a co worker today that asked me if I new anyone that may want to buy his "Hunting Rifle". I asked what he had and he said it was a Marlin 336C in 35 rem. with scope. I asked him what he wanted for it but he didn't say...but I do know he could use some money right now. I told him to take some photos of it & I would post them here. I have a 336 in 30-30 & 35 Rem myself so I'm not in the market ...however I am buying this brass and factory rounds ( now that I know what he has). When he gets me photos I will post them here . If I can I would like to help him out

[starmac]

Just Bought my first Levergun just before Christmas ( Merry Christmas To Me!!!!! ) 1972 Marlin 336 in 35 Rem How come I am always on the look for another I always wanted one but until I bought this one I was not zeroed in on them like I am now. is this Marlinitus and can it be cured?

94957
The only cure I know is to buy an old winchester. lol

[Steel185]

There IS a cure??!!

[montana_charlie]

Broke my heart when my son wanted me to bring him his guns in Texas. The late model Win 30-30 was one of them. It is the one I miss.
I have one that I don't use. My Dad bought it new in '86 or '87.
It's too nice to let it go "cheap", but we could talk about it ...

CM

[Jack Stanley]

Yes there is a cure , all it takes is one rifle of very poor quality to slip out of the factory followed by customer service telling you they won't fix it so enjoy your new rifle .

Never bought a new Marlin since .

Jack

[hickfu]

On that TV show "Wild West Guns" I saw them building a Marlin lever gun into what they called a "co-pilot". It was weatherproof stainless and plastic and had a 16" barrel chambered in 45-70 and a 2 round magazine. It was machined so that the barrel and mag could be taken out of the receiver for transport in a very compact package. They never mentioned price but I would bet it was a couple thousand $$$.

I actually have a Co-Pilot from WWG but I left my barrel at the 18.5" it came with... I Love this rifle!! it is my prized possession and will be passed on to my son when I can no longer shoot it (hopefully never!!)

I Love the Marlin 30-30 and will own another one some day but when I went looking for another lever gun I picked the 336 in .35 Remington. Its the 30-30's big brother (I still have 4 more days before I am allowed to pick it up.. (damn 10 day waiting period!!) Im going to get the NOE version of the RCBS 35-200 mold and I cant wait to start casting for it.


Doc

[Down South]

Yes there is a cure , all it takes is one rifle of very poor quality to slip out of the factory followed by customer service telling you they won't fix it so enjoy your new rifle .

Never bought a new Marlin since .

Jack
That's one reason a lot of people are looking for the "Older" Marlins. I believe most of the problem Marlins are the newer ones.

[Jack Stanley]

I'm a customer they lost during the time customer service was fired from the company . I got into surplus rifles instead and haven't supported them since . And since they added the "safety" I likely won't get another lever rifle from them ... ever . From what is said of the Remington made rifle , they may be following in Marlins footsteps .

Reckon how long you think it'll take me to wear out the two old ones I got ?

Jack

[Steel185]

My friend got a new 1895 and did some research, told me marlin was bought by Remington. I didn't know that. There is a stamp in the barrel to tell if it's a Remington or older marlin. I guess I need to keep up with brands better.

[Down South]

JM stamp=Marlin.

[Biggs300]

I would love to own a Winchester 1895 in a 405 caliber, but I like big bore rifles. This particular model has a history.

[Idaho Mule]

Just out of curiosity what do the newer Remlin guns have in place of the JM stamp??? I have not seen one so don't know, can anyone here shed light on this?? JW

[starmac]

Just out of curiosity what do the newer Remlin guns have in place of the JM stamp??? I have not seen one so don't know, can anyone here shed light on this?? JW

IIRC it is rm.

[dragon813gt]

IIRC it is rm.

They are stamped "REP".

I added this one to my collection over the weekend.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa39/dragon813gt/Firearms/0D52AB95-C8E9-4E75-8357-974AA2B61DB0-28188-00001439A4F8E282_zpsb2bcb3e2.jpg

[Idaho Mule]

starmac and dragon, thanks guys, I was just curious about it since I have not met one yet. dragon813gt, nice looking 99 there, what's it chambered for?? BTW, I added another lever over the weekend myself and as soon as it gets here (next week) I will have the wife post pics of it. JW

[starmac]

Nice score Dragon, that one should not have any of the marlin or rem problems. And again what caliber?????????? Where is Paul Harvey with the rest of the story??

And Dragon is right on the marks.

[dragon813gt]

I have a recent production 1894C so I'm not scared to buy one.

The 99 is in 300 Savage. The metal is in great shape. The stock not so much. I overlooked two small cracks on the tang. I purchased it from Cabela's and it was in the Gun Library. I learned a valuable lesson about that place. Make sure you take the rifle out of the Library where the light is good. Over looking the cracks was my fault. And I paid fair value so it's not like I over paid. This is also a rifle that will be with me for the long haul. I've been looking for the right one for about two years. I've come across plenty of collectors and beaters. But this one is in just the right shape to take into the field. I ordered a new stock from a duplicator so I have a project ahead of me. And the Skinner barrel mount sight I ordered for it should be here on Friday. Hopefully the snow/sleet/freezing rain cycle(every other day)stops here soon. But there is a possible Nor'Easter predicted for Sunday.

[MBTcustom]

Marlin is starting to get their feet under them again. I have two Marlins on my bench right now. One is a late model JM and the other is one of the new remlins. front to back, top to bottom, the new one was the better made of the two. This is the first time I can say this, but they are stepping up their game.

[Artful]

Marlin is starting to get their feet under them again. I have two Marlins on my bench right now. One is a late model JM and the other is one of the new remlins. front to back, top to bottom, the new one was the better made of the two. This is the first time I can say this, but they are stepping up their game.

Tim, I'm really glad to hear this.

[MBTcustom]

Tim, I'm really glad to hear this.

Its just one example, but take it for what it's worth. The cutter marks on the new marlin are sharp and clean, the finish under the beadblasting was well done, the bolt was tight in the reciever, the sights were clocked correctly, the barrel is clean and sharp, and the lever is not overly loose in it's slot.
A well made piece.
It's about time.

[Idaho Mule]

Its just one example, but take it for what it's worth. The cutter marks on the new marlin are sharp and clean, the finish under the beadblasting was well done, the bolt was tight in the reciever, the sights were clocked correctly, the barrel is clean and sharp, and the lever is not overly loose in it's slot.
A well made piece.
It's about time.

This is all good to know guys, thanks. The one I have on the way is an 1894FG in 41. I am pretty exited about it and can't wait for the weather to warm up a bit so I can try it out. JW

[starmac]

Dragon, be sure and post pics of that sight when you get it. Mine is scoped, but I have picked up a williams in case I pick one up that isn't drilled. I am glad mine was drilled though, as I do like a scope on the 99's.

[dragon813gt]

Mine is drilled and tapped for a scope. I'm just tired of scopes on my hunting rifles. The woods are to thick around here. I haven't taken a shot outside of bow distance in years. I don't know how well a barrel mounted aperture will work. But it's worth a try since the cost is minimal.