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With over 7.5 million made over 118 years of production, the '94 isn't hard to find.
With over 3.5 million made over 69 years of production, the 336 is hardly rare. Plus it's based on the model 36 made from 1936 to 1948 which is, in turn, based on the Model 1893 with over a million made from 1893 to 1935.
If you can't find a Marlin .30-30 you're not looking very hard.
Both guns come in enough variations that even a Luger collector would be sated.
But why pick the Marlin over the Winchester? Especially since the Winchester is touched by the hand of Browning?
The '94 is better looking and lighter.
For me, the Marlin simply fits better and the action feels smoother.
I don't think one is stronger than the other, they both use a rising block to lock the rear of the bolt.
While it's easier to put a scope on top of the Marlin, it's not a feature I wanted in a lever gun. In fact I'm shopping for a Lyman or Redfield peep for my 30AS.
The Marlin is definitely cheaper!
Both guns are still being made and both have reputations that the newer guns are not as good as the older guns.
Winchester is Pre-64 > Post-64 > USRAC > FN > Miroku.
Marlin is No-Safety > Safety > Remlin
This is yet another gun thing that comes down to personal preference and there's no objective right answer.
I have one of the last USRAC made Model 94s which I bought new around the time they were closing down the US factory. I've never been all that happy with it... disappointing accuracy and overall it kinda feels "Meh". Pre-64 models definitely seem better made. But very spendy.
ReplyDeleteMarv has a Post-64 that was rode hard and put away wet its entire life. It's loose and rattles, but locks up correctly and shoots good.
DeleteEven new most of the Post-64 Model 94s are loose and rattle, I'd hate to see one that is worse. Mine shoots to plus or minus a pie plate... but it doesn't compare well to most of my bolt rifles. Perhaps my expectations are too high?
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