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Getting my first rifle...336A

2K views 14 replies 10 participants last post by  CastingSlowly 
#1 ·
Hey guys..just wanted to introduce myself, I'm new to the board. Looks like a great BB.
I'm going to be moving to Rochester NY and after an aquaintance told me about the handgun laws, I seem to have no choice but to buy something that could be used for defense as well as target shooting and hunting(which I am a complete newbie). I have a series of questions and hope I don't bore you guys...but here goes.

1. Is it true that in NY you have to be a resident for six months before you can even touch a handgun? Is it also true that it takes about 6 more months to get licensed to own a handgun?

2. I can get a Marlin 336A here in MD for about $325.00 in 30-30 new (that includes tax) and was wondering what you guys think of this model versus the more expensive 336C and others. Are there any appreciable differences? I was going to get one of their other hangun caliber models but I'm on a budget and the 30-30 is really all I can afford.

3. If used for home defense which loads would you guys recommend...I know there are not too many to choose from but any advice would help.

Thanks in advance and I hope to be able to pick your brains often.

Geoffry
 
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#5 ·
The differences between the 336A and the 336C are cosmetic, not functional. The real problem with a .30-30 for self defence is that the bullet can shoot through several walls with the greatest of ease. The 336 is a bit slow to load, but you can top up the magazine while it's ready to fire.

Bye
Jack
 
#6 ·
I had heard the differences between the two Marlin's were cosmetic, but wanted to check with the experts :).

I too was concerned about over penetration in a defensive situation...isn't there an extremely light load out there...something like a 30 grainer?

Hey..whats the scoop on the new Leverevolution? I know some got recalled but aside from that lot being a bad one...any other feedback on the round as a whole? Anyone know the reason for the recall?
 
#7 ·
If I was going to use a Lever-gun for home defense, I would use a pistol caliber gun (.357 or .44 magnum) loaded with light recoil or mid-range (lower velocity) rounds. There are 125 JHP loads for the 30-30, but penetration is still a big concern. A 44 Magnum Marlin 1894 lever gun would fill your hunting desires about as well as a 30-30, and defense ammo is available, either Cor-Bon 165 grain 44 magnum or 44 special, or Winchester 210 Gr. Silver tips. A 357 Magnum model 1894 would fill the defensive role about as well as a rifle can, but I don't know if they are legal for big game in NY.
Just my opinions, I have never really worried about home defense and when I was someplace I felt the need, the Army gave me something to carry around.
Andy
 
#8 · (Edited)
Hey Andy,
I was considering getting a pistol caliber lever action but they are outside my price range.

I figured there were some lower wieght hollow points for the 30-30, but just hadn't found them yet...so thanks for the info. Over penetration is always a concern and if I had my way I would be using one of the .355/7 rounds out of a 9mil, .38 or .357 and not the 30-30 hunting rifle.

Honestly I'm psyched about getting more familiar with rifles considering I've been a handgun man for the last 17 yeasrs. Had to sell my handguns when my baby daughter was born (we needed the money) so I have been without any type of firearm for over a year. I love to target shoot so this will be fun as well as getting into hunting.
 
#9 ·
If you are on a stringent budget. I would consider both the 336A and the 336W. The walnut 336C is about $75 more and is mechanically and internally identical. If you really like walnut, you may lean towards the 336W. The difference between the "A" and "W" is that the "W" has a barrel band instead of the end cap on the forearm of the "A". The 336W would allow easier upgrade to walnut in the future as budget allows, by simply buying new replacement walnut stocks. I do not believe Marlin makes an end-capped walnut forearm. (except on the 308MX)

I just recently asked my FFL for prices for a 30-30 for my daughter. The difference between the 336A and 336W was only $5 with the W model being more.

I think I read someplace that the front ramp sight screw placement on the 3 models vary but is only an issue if you plan to change the front site.
 
#14 ·
Hey Casting, if you are fast you can get off 6 shots in 3 seconds with your 336 which I assume is generally fast enough. I have not found a factory load smaller than 130-150 grains but I have not really looked. Looks like it might be time to start up a new hobby - handloading.;)
 
#15 · (Edited)
Eagleeye, I looked at the 336W since I had some trouble finding the now discontinued model A and got it at Walmart for 333.00 with tax new. Thanks for the heads up.

Jlynch34....thanks for the info on Wayne county...though i think that Rochester is in Monroe...either way good info.

HugeGator...thanks for the link, though i have put a downpayment on the 336W it was a cool site to know about.


Fish280...I agree the mossberg is a good choice but I can't afford the 336 and the shotgun too. I think I'll have alot more fun with the rifle than a shotgun and I'll feel pretty well protected.

Lostapiarist...after some practice I can get off 6 rounds in 3 sec...and i found that Remington has a factory loaded 55gr SP for the 30-30. I'll probably go with the 125gr HP as andy suggested in an earlier post. Now I just have to wait for the rifle to come in and it will be time to have some fun!

Thanks everyone for their 2 cents....i appreciate it.
 
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