Looking for help finding a Levergun

[kungfustyle]

Hello,
I'm looking for a 30-30 or 35 Rem lever gun and since I've never owned one what should I look for? What problems should I look out for? I've seen them from $300 to $400 on guntrader all the time. Is that the going rate? Is it worth it to get into it for that? aka Mossi, Winchester and Marlin. Looking for something that's a fun shooter that I can cast for and hunt with too (deer/hog). Thanks for your help.
Oh, buy the way, I would be looking a buying a used rifle. Thanks

[retiredPO]

There is a Rossi 30-30 .. used, good shape, with Scope on Armslist for $400

[Bullshop Junior]

Its hard to beat a marlin, but those new Mossberg 464 (not the tactical one) is a really nice gun for the money.

[kungfustyle]

Also some great deals here: http://shop.williamsgunsight.com/products.aspx just pull up the caliber you want. Floridaguntrader.com
What I'm looking for is the warning signs to stay away from, etc

[pietro]

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IMO, there's no warning signs need for dealing with the Williams Gun Sight Co - They're upstanding folks to deal with, and would never steer a buyer wrong.

I'd recommend a Marlin 336 in either .30-30 or .35 Rem, as either cartridge is nice to load for, especially boolits - the MG barrels non-withstanding - and the Marlin designs are more take-apart friendly than a Winchester design.



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[starmac]

Personally I would look for an older marlin or winchester, if not in a hurry. Myself I like the old winchesters better, but I seem to be in the minority, and you can usually get into a marlin a little cheaper. Either will do you right in a 30/30, the 35 will have you looking at Marlins for a lever.

[R.Ph. 380]

My lookin'fer gun right now is a Henry Lever in any reasonable 30 caliber. 30-30 probably my most wanted. I have a Winchester 94, Marlin and Glenfield.(Marlin in disguise). They all have their favorite little designs I love. Won't give any of them up.

Bill

[Scharfschuetze]

Don't overlook the 32 Winchester Special. For a reloader it's a pretty good choice. That choice will necessitate buying an older firearm as I don't think that they chamber it anymore, but a nice old Winchester or Marlin is always a good choice. There is a concurrent thread about 32 Specials selling for quite a bit less than 30/30s so that might also be an incentive to look into the calibre.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?232294-Win-32-sp-Value

I might add that I'd stay away from a Winchester Model 94 made between 1964 and 1968. The quality of that genre can be an issue with broken firing pins and carriers, not to mention a plated finish on the receiver that can chip or look like it is rusting underneath. I saw more than one of them fail in the field or on the range while still in high school in the mid 60s. At the time, a gunsmith acquaintance made a bundle in warranty repairs to them.

More than one member here has reported quality issues with the newly made Marlins by Remington, but I have no experience with the "Remlins" other than what I've read. I suspect that they either have or will soon get their new production up to speed and make a good Marlin again. There are a couple of threads on the subject that you can search for here.

[C. Latch]

With deer seasons freshly ended in most places, now is the time to haunt pawn shops for bargains.

A couple years back, I took a notion that I wanted a 30-30 and found a well-used but not abused 1975 model 336 in 30-30 for $250 out the door in a local pawn shop. I removed the cheap scope, installed a peep sight, and love it.


edit: and put me down as another vote of confidence for dealing with the Williams gun sight company. I've used their products and bought used guns from them with great success.

[TXGunNut]

Just cruise the used gun racks in your area, wait until you find the one you want. 30-30, 32WS, 35 Rem, 358 Win, they're all great cast boolit rifles. Or come hang around with me, leverguns practically throw themselves at me. I have to keep an empty rifle case in the trunk of my car so they don't get dinged on the way home.

[kungfustyle]

Thanks for the advice. Never heard of "RemLins" Great stuff.