I've owned a Marlin 336C (.30-.30) since I bought it in 1977. The only reason I bought it over the Winchester was the Marlin had the side ejection and was already tapped for a scope ... and it was on sale. Both are excellent rifles.
Neither gun is the winner... we are! I am a Win '94 guy, as I've hunted with one since the 70's. Was my first lever. Today I love Marlin, older Winchesters and I also love my Henrys. The lever is here to stay. Really cool these designs go back more than 100 years and still going strong.
As a Cowboy Action Shooting participant, I've shot a number of modern-day clones of the Winchester 92 (the Duke's silver screen rifle), and the Winchester 73, as well as a number of 1894 Marlins. The 94 Marlin was and is my hands down favorite pistol-caliber rifle. And although I've owned a model 94 Winchester in .30-30 caliber, I'd choose the Marlin 336 in the same caliber, for ease of maintenance, and that it readily accommodates an optic.
86 years old I bought my first Winchester 94 in 1959, I am left eye right handed so the lever gun was the gun of my choice 10 years ago my vision failed me so I could no longer use iron sights I bought a blr in 308 and Savage 99 243 add a Marlin 1949 model year 336 waffle top drilled and tapped it now I have three lever rifles and I don't know which one I like better so I use them all
I have and use them both, but prefer the Winchester. Having grown up with the Winchester, I don't like the tight little arc of the Marlin that David does.
Good review and points well taken. If you are going to shoot open sights, Winchester, If your gonna scope it the Marlin ....these days my old eyes require a scope, long gone are the days of rolling a .22 box at 50 yards with an open sight.
I own both and my preference is the Winchester for the same reasons you mentioned. The lighter weight and the balance are perfect for me. I also am a John Wayne fan and I like the old west traditional look of a Winchester.
I still own a Marlin 336 30-30 dated back to 1952 and it will shoot a 3/4 in group at 100 yards using 150gr soft nose with 30 gr of IMR 3031. This kind of performance one does not get rid of even if it is the back of the safe collecting dust.
I have had the best accuracy and better long distance with Hornady lever evolution ammo. The powder is about all i use no matter what bullet i load. The factory ammo is great too, the only draw back being at really close range, like less than 20 yards, the lever evolution bullet tends to blow straight thru deer with out expansion. Still leaves a blood trail tho.
Awesome review of some great classic rifles..I inherited a Winchester 94 from my dad and actually the only one to ever shoot it. Unique story with it I took my one and only deer with it from a deer stand at nearly 100 yards..having missed my first shot..I hit the deer on a full run off to my left... being a primary bird hunter I aimed where I thought he would be and hit him right in the shoulder and putting him down quickly and humanly. As many of you that have hunted way more than myself.. it's not always the taking of the game but the experience of the day... up before dawn to get in your stand,the coolness of the air and even the dew dripping off the leaves. If you haven't done it..make it happen..it truly is an experience like no other. Another great video as always, Thanks David for a job well done.
I’ve owned and shot both and my preference is the Marlin RC336, 1951 model. Actually my father had a Savage model 99 with both 410 and 300 Savage barrels which was by far a smoother better performing rifle. He also had a Winchester 1873 in 32/20 which was a very nice shooting rifle. Unfortunately he traded off both the Savage and 1873 while I was stationed overseas for some unknown reason.
Had several of each but my preference are Winchesters. The truth is both are fine lever guns and a hunter cannot go wrong with either especially if they have a variation before safeties, angle eject etc.. I agree with irons sight the Winchester is tops in my book and I always add a receiver sight when the receiver is tapped for one.
I have both a Marlin 336 and a pre 64 Winchester 94 . I also have a Winchester model 92, Marlin 39A Golden Boy and a Regular Marlin 39A. Out of all of them my favorite is by far the Marlin 336. Along with multiple other rifles and handguns . But the Marlin 39a gets most of the action because my grandson is always wanting his Papa to take him out in the back pasture to Target shoot and he always wants to take the Little lever gun
Just something about the handling of the model 94.,and actually the model 70 as well in pre 64 versions. Marlins have the ambiance of tools . I shied away from them when I used to handload as the Mirogroove rifling didn't work well for lead cast bullets.
You need a M1893 Marlin in 30-30, the father of the 336. Best lever gun ever made. Get an early one if you can. They are not that expensive and worth every penny.
Great review and analysis of both firearms. I myself have come to the conclusion that Marlin took the Winchester design to the next level with research and development and technology as time moved forward. Likewise, Henry has done the same with Marlin. Henry adding the side gate and keeping the tube loading feature as well, has made their rifles the hallmark of lever actions.
I have to agree though the Winchester handles so nice . I think they both look great as well. You you said they each have pros and cons. The Marlin is smooth functioning but sometimes they have carrier timing issues but these can easily be remedied by a good gun smith who can adjust it. Replacement doesn't fix it just kicks it done the road a bit. Once fixed they just work. Both awesome -good video David and I like the surprise 1911a1 appearance.
I liked the review. I would prefer, instead of a 6 minute video, that you from time to time give us a little more to watch. Say, a 15 minute episode. I know it’s outside your norm, but I’d just like to see more. Thanks so much for what you do!
I have a Ted Williams model 100 that is in reality a Winchester Model 94 Easy shooting and like you, I am a big John Wayne fan. Shooting the Winchester/Ted Williams it brings out my inner cowboy!!!
I started out with a model 94, with my young flexible eyesight open sights were not an issue. However when I passed middle age, vision became an issue, and the 336 was drilled and tapped for a scope, that is helpful. Otherwise they are pretty much the same to me, and I would have continued to use the 94 if I could have easily mounted a scope.
For me, the only thing the 94 has over the 336 is how it carries. Cleaning, Marlin wins. Action, again Marlin wins. Need a scope, Marlin wins. With that said I like the 1936 and model 36 or early Ballard rifling 336's best
I plan to get one of the new Ruger made Marlin 336s as my 30-30 gun. For my go anywhere kill everything gun, im getting a rossi r92 in 454 casull and yes ill be slicking up the action. Might wven get a cold hammer forged barrel made up for it chrome lined too cuz why not? The thin lines just make it the epitome of the term boomstick. It looks like a big stick lol. But for a 30-30 defend the house John Dutton grab it quick gun im gonna grab either one because theyre just both so damn handy.
I have a side-eject Winchester 94 with a Redfield Revolution 2-7x33 scope mounted. It still handles beautifully and can easily reach out to 150+ yards with the scope and 160 gn Hornady FTX's. Accuracy at that yardage is about the size of a 6" salad plate.
I did not know winchester made a side eject 94. Thats pretty cool for scopes. I have had really good accuracy up to 400 yards with Hornady lever evolution ammo. That kind of performance won me over. I prefer it over any other 30 30 ammo.
@@blueduck9409 Sorry Blue Duck I misstated the side eject. What I meant was angle eject which does allow for the addition of a scope. I load the 160 gn Hornady FTX's with 35.0 gns of Leverevolution powder for a muzzle velocity of 2350 fps. Don't think I would attempt to hunt with it at anything over 200 yds as the spread becomes too large. What firearm are you shooting the Hornady factory ammo in?
I haven't even watched the video, but I'll answer it right now; It's the Marlin. It always was the Marlin, it will always be the Marlin. They just began making their "side gate" Henry and Henry fanboys are making it seem like some great innovation. I always respond, "Oh...they made a Marlin?" 😂
@@drdrake63 The Mowbray Mtn Marauders, in CAS's earliest days, was MOST informal. Any levergun, single action, and break-open shotgun was gtg as long as you wore a het and boots. It was about having fun shooting. Later, Marlins of every stripe proved to be tougher than Winnies. Even the die-hard Winchester folks knew it. Much later, powder puff loads evened things out a bit.
good solid review as for me I don't mind the beefier fore-end and I love how the 336 shoots I have one in 35 remington made in 1972 and she is amazing and so fun to shoot but I agree it's all personal preference, same as some like the 1911 and some hate the platform (idiots)
I show my '67 336 in 35 Remington in the video (the one with the rear peep sight). Awesome rifle, I find that I shoot more accurately with 35 Rem than I do w/ 30-30
I have my dad's Winchester 94. It's a post 65, probably around a 66-70 because he got it used in about 74/75. I don't shoot it because I'm left eye dominant and can only shoot a rifle right-handed. I don't know if there's a way to shoot it differently that isn't just shooting left-handed. My brother is right-handed but shoots like a champ left-handed. Nice rifles, all of them.
The Marlin cross bolt safety at least doesn't change the function of action as the rebounding hammer of the Winchester does. Also the post-64 Winchesters require the lever to be squeezed shut to fire instead of just closing tight. The Winchester does have the better balance, though, TO ME.
Better? Well, once the AE (angle eject) 94’s came out they were even. But the Marlin’s win hands done on aftermarket support. There is very little out there for 94’s.
I have found the winchester to be just a little bit more accurate, especially at longer distance, and on paper prints a slightly smaller group. Both rifles have pros and cons. The marlin is much easier to take down for cleaning and repair, both hold scopes alright, both are deer slayers. I prefer the winchester tho, because of the tighter groups it shoots.
I have the Winchester but is has a ring and the cross bolt on the wrong side for a left handed shooter. It is also a very rough action and when you work the lever it often drags out of position on my shoulder. The Marlins I've tried have all been as smooth as silk by comparison so they are much better for fast follow up shots. I've been luck not to need a follow up shot with the Winchester so far.
I'll take the 30-30 Marlin 336SS stainless steel model. ~With a Bushnell AR 1-4, 1-6, or 1-8x24 variable scope. ~Add a good carrying sling (shoulder strap).
The M94 AE which came out in the early 1980's allows for easy scope mounting should you want that option. So Marlin no longer has that over Winchester. The Marlin though may be slightly more accurate still but not in every case. JMO
If you introduced someone to both guns, who was never introduced to either, I would bet my entire life on EVERYONE picking the 336. I have tons of marlins and finally got my hands on a win94, my excitement was almost immediately extinguished as I held this puny little runt compared to my 336s, 1894s, and 1895s. Every time I rack the lever on this crappier than a Daisy toy Winchester it feels like it’s going to rip apart. All of 12 seconds of dealing with this jealous of Chinese quality Winchester I realized these are famous purely for good marketing, a rich family, and not at all for quality.
Hi. I noticed the peep sight base, drilled into the left side of your Marlin receiver. I bought an old Winchester Model 12 (made in 1936) with the same two piece sight setup as yours, but my shotgun came missing the upper "arm" part that holds the actual peep hole. Any ideas where I could find a replacement part? Thanks! Have a Happy Holiday!
I'd guess the 94 has been replicated by more gun makers than any other design. Also the 1892 and 1886. Henry today is the only one I know that has closely followed the Marlin design.
I’m gonna say the specific to the Winchester model 94 that’s a pre-1964 compared to the marlin lever action The pre-1964 Winchester model 94 is smoother and is easier to operate in faster than the marlin 336 And if you had a pistol straight wall cartridge this would make an issue for years and rapidfire however for 3030 The smoothness of the action on the Winchester doesn’t really buy you very much in fast reload compared to the Marlin Having a solid top strap for the Marlin so you can mount a scope closer the in-line with the barrel I think it’s more important On a personal note my body mechanics does not match the manual of arms with a lever action I’ve never liked lever actions outside of 22 rimfire which I can tolerate it’s a personal issue
Not sure where you come up with your info but a 336 is virtually always smoother than any Winchester 94.. or any Winchester lever at all as far as that goes. I own a good number of both and totally disagree.. respectfully of course.
It’s not info that I got secondhand it’s direct personal experience with probably several dozen Winchesters pre-1964 and Marlon 336s I says that the Winchester model 1894 from that production error is smoother and faster to Actuate with the lever It might not appear that way but it is because inside the marlin 336 the fitting was not quite as nice not quite refined On that note I’ll take a marlin 336 above a Winchester 94 only because I can put a scope on top of it with a lot more ease
Yeah I miss spoke about that, and even add a note in the description. What I really meant to say is I like Marlins lever safety a hell of a lot better than the Winchester
I own both of them: a 1980 Winchester 94 in 30-30 and a 1983 Marlin 336 in .35 Remington. Fit, finish, handling, action all go to Marlin 336 in my opinion. That era Marlin was the pinnacle of quality. The Winchester’s sintered receiver and clunky action just doesn’t do it for me. I know the whole pre-64 thing, but Winchester still has to own it. That said, I think my Henry blued steel 45-70 is my favorite as far as overall build quality goes. I actually took a doe last week with that rifle; on the ground, open sights, the old fashioned way.
I have several lever action rifles. They are just plain fun to shoot. My favorite is a Winchester 1892 in 32-20. The smoothest action on any rifle I own. Dream to shoot. Well balanced. The Marlin 336A in 30-30 is a lever action rifle that has the power you need in most cases. The other lever action I own is a Marlin 1984C in .38 SPEC / .357 mag which helps keep the cost of shooting down. Last, is a Henry Golden Boy in .22LR. Just a smooth, beautiful rifle, but it is a 22. All are too fun to ever sell.
Open the chamber of both rifles, then grab their levers, and try to move them, from side to side. The Model 94 is sloppy loose, the Model 336 is not. Case closed... lol
Never had to send a Winchester to a gunsmith. Unless my horse smashed it.all the Marlene's, Henry's, or clones of Winchester's I've perched have been disappointing out of the box. Even the new Winchester's made in Japan in my opinion can be placed in the hands my children when their lives depend on it. Not so much for the clones, Henry's. Marlin if a Winchester not available.
I've owned a Marlin 336C (.30-.30) since I bought it in 1977. The only reason I bought it over the Winchester was the Marlin had the side ejection and was already tapped for a scope ... and it was on sale. Both are excellent rifles.
Neither gun is the winner... we are! I am a Win '94 guy, as I've hunted with one since the 70's. Was my first lever. Today I love Marlin, older Winchesters and I also love my Henrys. The lever is here to stay. Really cool these designs go back more than 100 years and still going strong.
I have a 1953 Marlin in .35 Rem and the wood on those Marlins from the 50s is so good looking!
As a Cowboy Action Shooting participant, I've shot a number of modern-day clones of the Winchester 92 (the Duke's silver screen rifle), and the Winchester 73, as well as a number of 1894 Marlins. The 94 Marlin was and is my hands down favorite pistol-caliber rifle. And although I've owned a model 94 Winchester in .30-30 caliber, I'd choose the Marlin 336 in the same caliber, for ease of maintenance, and that it readily accommodates an optic.
86 years old I bought my first Winchester 94 in 1959, I am left eye right handed so the lever gun was the gun of my choice 10 years ago my vision failed me so I could no longer use iron sights I bought a blr in 308 and Savage 99 243 add a Marlin 1949 model year 336 waffle top drilled and tapped it now I have three lever rifles and I don't know which one I like better so I use them all
That is a beautiful 94, one of the best I have seen.
Loved the video. I own both, carry both in the field, and love them both. That said, I’ll choose the Winchester for the ease of carrying.
I also own both. Great guns but I agree about carrying the Winchester.
I have and use them both, but prefer the Winchester. Having grown up with the Winchester, I don't like the tight little arc of the Marlin that David does.
I carry my Marlin .35 Rem with a sling and it has a scope. Love it! I bought mine new in the early 80's.
Good review and points well taken. If you are going to shoot open sights, Winchester, If your gonna scope it the Marlin ....these days my old eyes require a scope, long gone are the days of rolling a .22 box at 50 yards with an open sight.
I own both and my preference is the Winchester for the same reasons you mentioned. The lighter weight and the balance are perfect for me. I also am a John Wayne fan and I like the old west traditional look of a Winchester.
I still own a Marlin 336 30-30 dated back to 1952 and it will shoot a 3/4 in group at 100 yards using 150gr soft nose with 30 gr of IMR 3031. This kind of performance one does not get rid of even if it is the back of the safe collecting dust.
I have had the best accuracy and better long distance with Hornady lever evolution ammo. The powder is about all i use no matter what bullet i load. The factory ammo is great too, the only draw back being at really close range, like less than 20 yards, the lever evolution bullet tends to blow straight thru deer with out expansion. Still leaves a blood trail tho.
Deer should fear you. lol
Love 3031
Got almost the same one
I've owned over a dozen centerfire lever guns , and the BEST one to me is..... older steel framed Browning BLR in .308
I have a BLR in .358. Truly an advance lever design.
@@craigschaefer8764 That weapon would drop a moose, in its tracks, I'd think... lol
Awesome review of some great classic rifles..I inherited a Winchester 94 from my dad and actually the only one to ever shoot it. Unique story with it I took my one and only deer with it from a deer stand at nearly 100 yards..having missed my first shot..I hit the deer on a full run off to my left... being a primary bird hunter I aimed where I thought he would be and hit him right in the shoulder and putting him down quickly and humanly. As many of you that have hunted way more than myself.. it's not always the taking of the game but the experience of the day... up before dawn to get in your stand,the coolness of the air and even the dew dripping off the leaves. If you haven't done it..make it happen..it truly is an experience like no other. Another great video as always, Thanks David for a job well done.
It would be interesting to compare a modern Miroku-made 1894 with a Ruger made 336 once those are available!
I plan on it!
I’ve owned and shot both and my preference is the Marlin RC336, 1951 model. Actually my father had a Savage model 99 with both 410 and 300 Savage barrels which was by far a smoother better performing rifle. He also had a Winchester 1873 in 32/20 which was a very nice shooting rifle. Unfortunately he traded off both the Savage and 1873 while I was stationed overseas for some unknown reason.
Both great firearms! Both are winners in my book.👍🇺🇲
Outstanding explaining and review sir. Thanks you very much for the great work
Thanks for the video. Got love a lever rifle.
Had several of each but my preference are Winchesters. The truth is both are fine lever guns and a hunter cannot go wrong with either especially if they have a variation before safeties, angle eject etc.. I agree with irons sight the Winchester is tops in my book and I always add a receiver sight when the receiver is tapped for one.
I have both a Marlin 336 and a pre 64 Winchester 94 . I also have a Winchester model 92, Marlin 39A Golden Boy and a Regular Marlin 39A. Out of all of them my favorite is by far the Marlin 336. Along with multiple other rifles and handguns . But the Marlin 39a gets most of the action because my grandson is always wanting his Papa to take him out in the back pasture to Target shoot and he always wants to take the Little lever gun
Love them both
Just something about the handling of the model 94.,and actually the model 70 as well in pre 64 versions. Marlins have the ambiance of tools . I shied away from them when I used to handload as the Mirogroove rifling didn't work well for lead cast bullets.
You need a M1893 Marlin in 30-30, the father of the 336. Best lever gun ever made. Get an early one if you can. They are not that expensive and worth every penny.
Great review and analysis of both firearms. I myself have come to the conclusion that Marlin took the Winchester design to the next level with research and development and technology as time moved forward. Likewise, Henry has done the same with Marlin. Henry adding the side gate and keeping the tube loading feature as well, has made their rifles the hallmark of lever actions.
Then they ruin it with those massive sights. They stick out like a sore thumb.
I own both 94,336 but I really like the butter smooth actions on the Henry's have one in 38/357 Mare's leg
I have to agree though the Winchester handles so nice .
I think they both look great as well.
You you said they each have pros and cons.
The Marlin is smooth functioning but sometimes they have carrier timing issues but these can easily be remedied by a good gun smith who can adjust it. Replacement doesn't fix it just kicks it done the road a bit. Once fixed they just work.
Both awesome -good video David and I like the surprise 1911a1 appearance.
I love them both for sure.
I liked the review. I would prefer, instead of a 6 minute video, that you from time to time give us a little more to watch. Say, a 15 minute episode. I know it’s outside your norm, but I’d just like to see more.
Thanks so much for what you do!
I have a Ted Williams model 100 that is in reality a Winchester Model 94 Easy shooting and like you, I am a big John Wayne fan. Shooting the Winchester/Ted Williams it brings out my inner cowboy!!!
The Duke would be proud!
I started out with a model 94, with my young flexible eyesight open sights were not an issue. However when I passed middle age, vision became an issue, and the 336 was drilled and tapped for a scope, that is helpful. Otherwise they are pretty much the same to me, and I would have continued to use the 94 if I could have easily mounted a scope.
guns and guitars. right on.
i am a Marlin pre cross bolt safety guy but i agree with you 100%. about the winchester
For me, the only thing the 94 has over the 336 is how it carries. Cleaning, Marlin wins. Action, again Marlin wins. Need a scope, Marlin wins. With that said I like the 1936 and model 36 or early Ballard rifling 336's best
agree. pre-micro groove in good condition seems like the real winner for the 336
also, you mention carrying being your only perceived advantage of the 94. I think that's a huge factor for hunting
It would be if the Marlin was awkward to carry but it carries quite O.K.
@@garyh1449 BAM! Truth!
I plan to get one of the new Ruger made Marlin 336s as my 30-30 gun. For my go anywhere kill everything gun, im getting a rossi r92 in 454 casull and yes ill be slicking up the action. Might wven get a cold hammer forged barrel made up for it chrome lined too cuz why not? The thin lines just make it the epitome of the term boomstick. It looks like a big stick lol. But for a 30-30 defend the house John Dutton grab it quick gun im gonna grab either one because theyre just both so damn handy.
I have a side-eject Winchester 94 with a Redfield Revolution 2-7x33 scope mounted. It still handles beautifully and can easily reach out to 150+ yards with the scope and 160 gn Hornady FTX's. Accuracy at that yardage is about the size of a 6" salad plate.
I did not know winchester made a side eject 94. Thats pretty cool for scopes. I have had really good accuracy up to 400 yards with Hornady lever evolution ammo. That kind of performance won me over. I prefer it over any other 30 30 ammo.
@@blueduck9409 Sorry Blue Duck I misstated the side eject. What I meant was angle eject which does allow for the addition of a scope. I load the 160 gn Hornady FTX's with 35.0 gns of Leverevolution powder for a muzzle velocity of 2350 fps. Don't think I would attempt to hunt with it at anything over 200 yds as the spread becomes too large. What firearm are you shooting the Hornady factory ammo in?
Both are fine firearms , I like the Winchester .
I haven't even watched the video, but I'll answer it right now; It's the Marlin. It always was the Marlin, it will always be the Marlin. They just began making their "side gate" Henry and Henry fanboys are making it seem like some great innovation. I always respond, "Oh...they made a Marlin?" 😂
Always enjoy.
My experience with Cowboy Action taught me that Marlin leverguns are considerably more durable.
What cowboy action league allows 336? Or are you just talking in general other models that are cowboy action approved
@@drdrake63 The Mowbray Mtn Marauders, in CAS's earliest days, was MOST informal. Any levergun, single action, and break-open shotgun was gtg as long as you wore a het and boots. It was about having fun shooting. Later, Marlins of every stripe proved to be tougher than Winnies. Even the die-hard Winchester folks knew it. Much later, powder puff loads evened things out a bit.
good solid review as for me I don't mind the beefier fore-end and I love how the 336 shoots I have one in 35 remington made in 1972 and she is amazing and so fun to shoot but I agree it's all personal preference, same as some like the 1911 and some hate the platform (idiots)
I show my '67 336 in 35 Remington in the video (the one with the rear peep sight). Awesome rifle, I find that I shoot more accurately with 35 Rem than I do w/ 30-30
@@drdrake63 I haven't shot the 30-30 but I think the 35 rem is the better cartridge to bad I can't find any ammo the caliber here in Maine
1911 is possibly the most overrated handgun in the US. Patriotism , not performance is keeping the 1911 alive in the US. But hey , whatever man.
Marlin came out years later with obvious improvements to the winchester 94. Winnie fan boys are in love with the name. 336 is obviously better.
I have my dad's Winchester 94. It's a post 65, probably around a 66-70 because he got it used in about 74/75. I don't shoot it because I'm left eye dominant and can only shoot a rifle right-handed. I don't know if there's a way to shoot it differently that isn't just shooting left-handed. My brother is right-handed but shoots like a champ left-handed. Nice rifles, all of them.
But I think John Wayne preferred the Winchester Model 1892.
Though I own a Model 94 in .30-30, I tend to hunt with one of my Marlin 336s more often than not.
The Marlin cross bolt safety at least doesn't change the function of action as the rebounding hammer of the Winchester does. Also the post-64 Winchesters require the lever to be squeezed shut to fire instead of just closing tight. The Winchester does have the better balance, though, TO ME.
Own em both love em both!
I love both! Marlin if you want to scope it and Winchester if you want to walk all day!
Marlin has taken more deer east of the Mississippi than any other gun
Better? Well, once the AE (angle eject) 94’s came out they were even. But the Marlin’s win hands done on aftermarket support. There is very little out there for 94’s.
I have found the winchester to be just a little bit more accurate, especially at longer distance, and on paper prints a slightly smaller group. Both rifles have pros and cons. The marlin is much easier to take down for cleaning and repair, both hold scopes alright, both are deer slayers. I prefer the winchester tho, because of the tighter groups it shoots.
Interesting.. opposite for me.
I have the Winchester but is has a ring and the cross bolt on the wrong side for a left handed shooter. It is also a very rough action and when you work the lever it often drags out of position on my shoulder. The Marlins I've tried have all been as smooth as silk by comparison so they are much better for fast follow up shots. I've been luck not to need a follow up shot with the Winchester so far.
I'll take the 30-30 Marlin 336SS stainless steel model.
~With a Bushnell AR 1-4, 1-6, or 1-8x24 variable scope.
~Add a good carrying sling (shoulder strap).
Marlin marlin marlin…..
The M94 AE which came out in the early 1980's allows for easy scope mounting should you want that option. So Marlin no longer has that over Winchester. The Marlin though may be slightly more accurate still but not in every case. JMO
I own both, no big difference to me, both are real accurate, but there both 60 yrs old or more.
If you introduced someone to both guns, who was never introduced to either, I would bet my entire life on EVERYONE picking the 336. I have tons of marlins and finally got my hands on a win94, my excitement was almost immediately extinguished as I held this puny little runt compared to my 336s, 1894s, and 1895s. Every time I rack the lever on this crappier than a Daisy toy Winchester it feels like it’s going to rip apart. All of 12 seconds of dealing with this jealous of Chinese quality Winchester I realized these are famous purely for good marketing, a rich family, and not at all for quality.
Thanks.,.
JM,Marlin's is a little tighter gun heavier but I trust more I own 94 also ,marlin Win's where I stand !
Tree stand, I like the Marlin . Walking the woods, I’ll choose the Winchester
Hi. I noticed the peep sight base, drilled into the left side of your Marlin receiver. I bought an old Winchester Model 12 (made in 1936) with the same two piece sight setup as yours, but my shotgun came missing the upper "arm" part that holds the actual peep hole. Any ideas where I could find a replacement part? Thanks! Have a Happy Holiday!
the one that doesn't get you killed
I'd guess the 94 has been replicated by more gun makers than any other design. Also the 1892 and 1886. Henry today is the only one I know that has closely followed the Marlin design.
Who has replicated the 94 Winchester? Ever?
I’m gonna say the specific to the Winchester model 94 that’s a pre-1964 compared to the marlin lever action
The pre-1964 Winchester model 94 is smoother and is easier to operate in faster than the marlin 336
And if you had a pistol straight wall cartridge this would make an issue for years and rapidfire
however for 3030
The smoothness of the action on the Winchester doesn’t really buy you very much in fast reload compared to the Marlin
Having a solid top strap for the Marlin so you can mount a scope closer the in-line with the barrel I think it’s more important
On a personal note my body mechanics does not match the manual of arms with a lever action I’ve never liked lever actions outside of 22 rimfire which I can tolerate it’s a personal issue
Not sure where you come up with your info but a 336 is virtually always smoother than any Winchester 94.. or any Winchester lever at all as far as that goes. I own a good number of both and totally disagree.. respectfully of course.
It’s not info that I got secondhand it’s direct personal experience with probably several dozen Winchesters pre-1964 and Marlon 336s I says that the Winchester model 1894 from that production error is smoother and faster to Actuate with the lever
It might not appear that way but it is because inside the marlin 336 the fitting was not quite as nice not quite refined
On that note I’ll take a marlin 336 above a Winchester 94 only because I can put a scope on top of it with a lot more ease
Winchester 94 for the win
One of each please.
94 is the nicer gun to carry
1:41 Marlin does have a lever safety
Yeah I miss spoke about that, and even add a note in the description. What I really meant to say is I like Marlins lever safety a hell of a lot better than the Winchester
I own both of them: a 1980 Winchester 94 in 30-30 and a 1983 Marlin 336 in .35 Remington.
Fit, finish, handling, action all go to Marlin 336 in my opinion. That era Marlin was the pinnacle of quality. The Winchester’s sintered receiver and clunky action just doesn’t do it for me. I know the whole pre-64 thing, but Winchester still has to own it.
That said, I think my Henry blued steel 45-70 is my favorite as far as overall build quality goes. I actually took a doe last week with that rifle; on the ground, open sights, the old fashioned way.
I have several lever action rifles. They are just plain fun to shoot. My favorite is a Winchester 1892 in 32-20. The smoothest action on any rifle I own. Dream to shoot. Well balanced.
The Marlin 336A in 30-30 is a lever action rifle that has the power you need in most cases. The other lever action I own is a Marlin 1984C in .38 SPEC / .357 mag which helps keep the cost of shooting down. Last, is a Henry Golden Boy in .22LR. Just a smooth, beautiful rifle, but it is a 22. All are too fun to ever sell.
Open the chamber of both rifles, then grab their levers, and try to move them, from side to side. The Model 94 is sloppy loose, the Model 336 is not. Case closed... lol
How about the best of both worlds a Marlin 336 Texan.
I vote Winchester 92
God save the Republic!
I think the winchester 94 has a much more inherently stronger action even though the marlin 336 is strong enough
Never had to send a Winchester to a gunsmith. Unless my horse smashed it.all the Marlene's, Henry's, or clones of Winchester's I've perched have been disappointing out of the box.
Even the new Winchester's made in Japan in my opinion can be placed in the hands my children when their lives depend on it.
Not so much for the clones, Henry's. Marlin if a Winchester not available.
The Marlin is better than the Winchester but neither is as good as the Savage Model 99.
No need to watch 336 marlin superior in always just little heavier because better made no comparing Winchester just a another gun !
A Rolling Block is best.
Marlin is the better rifle...love both but lever safety is better on both marlin and henry
Neither....the Savage 99 is the best lever action.
Yep.