My first Lever Action

[mjwcaster]

I finally got my first lever action.
Marlin 336 30/30.

I work part time in a gun shop and a guy came in the other day wanting to dump it, so I got a steal of a deal on it.

I almost feel bad, but we offered him other options and he didn't need the money, just wanted to dump it.

Serial# 2211####, so it is a 1978 model from what I could find, is that correct?

The stock is scratched up, but no major dings or gouges.
It came with a Simmons scope and cheap chinese rail, already pulled those off.
The sling will stay on it for now, until I find something I like better.

While I have always wanted a lever action, I was not really in the market for one, too many other guns on my list and several already waiting on me at the shop.
And I really wanted a 38/357, I already have brass and dies for that.
But when a deal this good pops up, you don't ask questions you just dig the wallet out.

I plan on buying a box of ammo, making sure the gun works, figure out how to clean it up and then put it away for a while, until I can score brass, dies, mold etc to be able to feed it.
Too many other projects ahead of this right now.

Pics to follow.

[mjwcaster]

173756173757

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Nice! I'd say that you didn't have any choice--had to buy it!

[dverna]

When I was young and stupid, I wondered why anyone would want one of those inaccurate, underpowered guns.

Now that hat I am old and stupid I have six of them.

[jimb16]

Over the years, I've had Henrys, Marlins, Winchesters and now a Uberti clone of a Winchester. I've had .22s, .357s, .30-30s and now a .45 colt. I feel like I've been slowly moving up. I'm really happy with where I'm at now. At 67 years of age, I don't think I'll be going any further. This one is super accurate and is legal for deer, so it will do everything I need and I love the look and feel. I'm gonna stick with this one.

[Gtek]

Be very careful, lever guns are like potato chips. Try just doing one! Check back with us please after you run the box through.

[rondog]

Yeah, I never was that keen on leverguns as they were common and cheap. I'm up to three now and still twitchin' for more.

[dverna]

Lever guns....the original assault rifle

[Scharfschuetze]

Like all the posters above, I agree that you'll find your new levergun enjoyable and well worth the effort to load for.

My second high power rifle as a youth was a Model 94 in 30/30 and it has somehow procreated into several of 'em from 22 RF and 25/20 to 45/70 and many calibres in between.

[TXGunNut]

Well done, step up when the opportunity presents itself. I've been in a levergun rut for the past few years and it seems every decent (and even some pretty nice!) levergun I run across follows me home. Picking up my latest tomorrow, as a matter of fact. ;-)

[Hick]

Very nice. 30-30's really have a lot going for them because you can load with so many different bullets (both cast and jacketed). Some you might have to fire single shot, because of other limitations (such as the magazine), but the huge variety makes it very worth while.

[Bzcraig]

Very Nice AND at a great price......doesn't get much better than that.

[blikseme300]

One of my favorite rifles is a Western Auto Revelation 30-30 that when I got it was beat up bad and neglected. After a good clean-up and replacing the mangled scope mounts I found that it was more accurate than my other Marlins in this cartridge, some of which were bought new.

So far I have taken a number of white tail deer and feral hogs with it and it has become one of my favorite rifles for hunting.

[popper]

You can get the 30/30 to do about anything you want inside 200 yds. 110 plinkers to 190gr thumpers. Brass is cheap. Better get rid of the 336 NOW or your wallet will stay empty. Not all Simmons scopes are trash.

[Ken in Iowa]

Lever guns....the original assault rifle

So true!

[quail4jake]

Congratulations...now you can never turn back! My first levergun was a Marlin 1893 in .38-55...that was 1974 and look at me now. You can check out any time you like; but you can never leave.

[mjwcaster]

Yes I have wanted a lever for a long time.
At the NRA show this year the biggest thing I was interested in for myself was the lever actions.
So when this one walked in there was no question, I put my name on it immediately and brought cash in the next day I worked.

Sent from my Z958 using Tapatalk

[mjwcaster]

Also as far as the Simmons scope goes, I just don't want a scope on this gun, and it was loose.
I will probably throw the scope on something else in the near future, maybe even back on the 30/30 for load development and to see if it will hold zero.
But this lever action will get peep sights at some point, even my 10/22 wears tech-sights aperture sights.

Sent from my Z958 using Tapatalk

[MostlyLeverGuns]

Now that you have a .30-30 you WILL NEED a .35 Rem and at least a .444 in Marlin's, then a Winchester 94, but in .32 Special, then you'll discover the Savage 99's - first a .300 or .308, then a .358, maybe a .243, .250, or .284 and lose all interest in other rifles for all North American game. A .358 Winchester or .45-70 takes care of most anything. Most of the Marlin's and many Savages will do MOA. That's handles most any REASONABLE distance for HUMANELY killing big game. I have a few Simmons scopes, I haven't had any problems with them on a .30-30 and a Marlin .32 Special or a couple .22's.
Oh yeah you'll need a lever .22 - Henry's are accurate and work well, but a 9422 or Marlin 39 should be part of the bunch/accumulation/collection.