Which rifle is more accurate, a Marlin 30-30 or a Winchester 30-30? Which rifle is stronger. The Winchester 30-30 has a steel block that comes up behind the bolt and locks it in place. Is this why Marlin was unable to make a 307? Was their rifle not stronge enough?

Hi,

Marlin did in fact chamber for either or both of the .307 & .356 Winchester cartridges. So both the 336 and Win 94 have been available in 50,000CUP chamberings.

Take a look around, we have hashed this out plenty of times, no end to the discussion, all very interesting.

Don't believe you could ever 'prove' one rifle make more accurate than another, till you get to the world of bench-rest or 1,000 yard target shooting.

I figured that it had been discussed before, but I am new to this forum and have not seen the other posts. I just purchased a Winchester 356 and have located a 307 Winchester. I have not gotten a chance to shoot the 356 yet. It is the first Winchester rifle that I have owned.

Marlin did make two prototype 307 rifles, but destroyed them for reasons unknown. I thought maybe the 336 action was not strong enough for 307. On the Marlin board (before it died), there was speculation that the receiver/barrel threads were the problem. But I differ in opinion. The bolt is locked in place by the end of the lever in a Marlin 336. It is not as strong as the Winchester. The Winchest bolt is locked in place by a steel block, much like a rolling block rifle.

Marlin has chambered for the .356 Win for sure, I've seen a few, not many, and it's the same pressure level as the .307 or quite close, 52,000CUP per Speer.

Although at first glance it may appear that the lever is the only thing holding the bolt on the marlin, there is a vertical bar that slides up to lock the bolt. Not as obvious at the Win but it's there.

I figured that it had been discussed before, but I am new to this forum and have not seen the other posts. I just purchased a Winchester 356 and have located a 307 Winchester. I have not gotten a chance to shoot the 356 yet. It is the first Winchester rifle that I have owned.

Marlin did make two prototype 307 rifles, but destroyed them for reasons unknown. I thought maybe the 336 action was not strong enough for 307. On the Marlin board (before it died), there was speculation that the receiver/barrel threads were the problem. But I differ in opinion. The bolt is locked in place by the end of the lever in a Marlin 336. It is not as strong as the Winchester. The Winchest bolt is locked in place by a steel block, much like a rolling block rifle.

Taylor or Mike, I have a question for you. In general which one, Marlin or Winchester, has the superior "action.?" That is which is smoothest at ejecting a spent case and chambering a new round?

I own a Win M94 in .30-30 caliber. I'm currently looking at either a Marlin or Winchester in .44 Mag. Got an opinion on one or the other for the .44 Mag?

Many thanks

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/upload/Marlin.gif

Marlin produced a total of 16,315 Model 375 rifles .375 Winchester using the same 336/1895 action.

Marlin produced a total of 2,441 Model 336ER rifles in .356 Winchester using the same 336/1895 action. They advertised but never put into production the .307 Winchester. According to Marlin these rifles were discontinued due to limited interest among sportsman at the time they were produced.

The action is more than strong enough for these cartridges. The bolt is not locked in place by the end of the lever. The receiver is machined from six steel forgings. The round breech bolt is completely encased in the area of the locking bolt by a solid bridge of steel in the receiver. Round type breech bolt is made of alloy steel and is chrome plated. This massive locking bolt is firmly supported in the receiver and engages in the broad, deep locking surface of the breech bolt, furnishing a strong, safe breech.

Taylor or Mike, I have a question for you. In general which one, Marlin or Winchester, has the superior "action.?" That is which is smoothest at ejecting a spent case and chambering a new round?

I own a Win M94 in .30-30 caliber. I'm currently looking at either a Marlin or Winchester in .44 Mag. Got an opinion on one or the other for the .44 Mag?

Many thanks

Fastdraw, I like Marlins, but it's a Ford-vs-Chevy argument and I won't say one is inherently 'better' than the other.

On thing to consider is that you can get the .44 in two different Winchester (or repro) actions, the 92 or the 94. So I'd say you are just going to have to look at them all and see what suits your fancy.

Cool diagram! I have taken my bolt out for cleaning, but never really "saw" how it all worked.

Thanks!

I looked at the picture and you are right, the bolt is locked in place by a steel block on the Marlin. I am glad you put the picture on the screen. Now if I just get it to print off.

I own a 41 Marlin and a 30-30 Marlin. The Marlin action is much smoother and easier to lever when on the shoulder. Marlin makes good guns. I just wonder why Marlin will not make a high performance gun like the 307.

It'd be tough to get a definitive answer where strength of action is concerned. I'm sure that someone has tested both to the point of failure, but it'd be tough to get your hands on those test results.

Accuracy varies so widely from one gun to the next that it's hard to state categorically that one make/model is more accurate than another. Certainly both are more than capable of minute-of-venison accuracy. I don't expect target rifle performance from any lever gun.

The big advantage Marlin has over Winchester, IMO, is simplicity. One screw removes the finger lever and the bolt is free for breech-first cleaning. The Marlin action has fewer moving parts and is a model of simplicity. OTOH, the Winchester 94 action is complex, practically impossible to clean from the breech and has a ton of tiny parts...

Fastdraw, I like Marlins, but it's a Ford-vs-Chevy argument and I won't say one is inherently 'better' than the other.

On thing to consider is that you can get the .44 in two different Winchester (or repro) actions, the 92 or the 94. So I'd say you are just going to have to look at them all and see what suits your fancy.

Mike, thanks for your reply. Let me throw in another consideration. I really want the most "packable" gun, one I can best carry on a sling for fairly good distances. Finally the primary purpose of the gun would be "protection" in the woods against 4 legged beasts, that is black bear, etc. It's primary role would not be for hunting per se.

Do you have an opinion on which (Marlin or Winchester) would be the easier, most comfortable to carry? Thanks again.

Bottom line is profits, and there just wasn't enough interest shown in the market towards the .307 to justify the tooling costs of the new gun. I agree that the Marlin 336 action is ideal for the .356, and .307 chamberings, and would be great.

[QUOTE=Taylor]Marlin makes good guns. I just wonder why Marlin will not make a high performance gun like the 307.

Get a guide gun by Marlin in 450 or 45-70 (non ported if you can find it). Hand load with a good hard cast gas check bullet or purchase Corbon shells. The gun is short and easy to handle and made to carry in Grizzy country.

Fastdraw: IMHO the best bang for the buck for your needs would be a Winchester 94AE Ranger Compact in 44 Magnum. I have not seen nor heard of a Black Bear that could not be dealt with using a 44 mag from a rifle barrel. I picked mine up new for $270.00. These come with a 16" barrel, and are quite compact, and relatively light weight. Another option if you feel you need more power would be a Rossi made model 92 clone in 454 Casull chambering available from Legacy Sports, alot of bang for the buck.

THANKS, LMM for the great image! In my three years at Marlin Talk, I never saw that transparent view before!!! Now I know what it looks like from the inside out!

Do you have or know of any other images of the 336? Besides the marlins parts listing.

Mike, thanks for your reply. Let me throw in another consideration. I really want the most "packable" gun, one I can best carry on a sling for fairly good distances. Finally the primary purpose of the gun would be "protection" in the woods against 4 legged beasts, that is black bear, etc. It's primary role would not be for hunting per se.

Do you have an opinion on which (Marlin or Winchester) would be the easier, most comfortable to carry? Thanks again.

Fastdraw, if you want the lightest, handiest rifle for carrying, get one of the 92 Winchesters or copies by Browning, Rossi, etc.

Can't mount a scope easily but that would defeat the purpose anyway.

If you REALLY want a compact thumper - get the Rossi .454 (based on the 92 action).

A Win 94 action is actually a bit larger than it needs to be for a .44 mag, so that's just extra weight.

The Marlin 1894 falls in between the two Winchesters as far as size and weight go, although it's closer to the 92.

LMM . . .

GREAT diagram! So, how come you never posted that on MT ! ? ! ? :D :D :D :confused: :confused: :confused:

That cross-section has been sitting here for 2 years.
http://www.shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=1802

There's parts diagrams here. Use the 336 diagram cause the .35 Remingtons don't work.
http://www.gunuts.com/view.php?view=model&man_id=20&type=2&man_name=Marlin

Bye
Jack

Fastdraw: IMHO the best bang for the buck for your needs would be a Winchester 94AE Ranger Compact in 44 Magnum. I have not seen nor heard of a Black Bear that could not be dealt with using a 44 mag from a rifle barrel. I picked mine up new for $270.00. These come with a 16" barrel, and are quite compact, and relatively light weight. Another option if you feel you need more power would be a Rossi made model 92 clone in 454 Casull chambering available from Legacy Sports, alot of bang for the buck.

Ganjiro, Thanks for your reply. I looked at the Win Model 94 "Trapper" today. It has an overall length of 34.25 " and it very light. Also, looked at the Marlin 1894 PG. Worked the action on both. Set them side by side on the counter. Still couldn't make up my mind on these two .44 Mag lever actions. Very tough decision, one I will put off a few days.

Like many of us in this group I don't "need" either one, but I really do "want" a compact size .44 Mag lever action.

You may already be sold on the traditional lever actions from Winchester or Marlin, but there's always the Ruger 96/44...

It's definitely NOT a traditional lever gun, but it does have some nice features (hammerless action, detachable magazine). And, you can always buy a 96/22 as a practice rifle!

LMM . . .

GREAT diagram! So, how come you never posted that on MT ! ? ! ? :D :D :D :confused: :confused: :confused:

This was posted on Marlin Talk........

This image is sourced to this site....... :D:D:D