Lever-Gun Questions

Have a Winchester 9422(1977-78 vintage) but thinking of a center-fire rifle of this type. It will be a something to go in my car trunk or behind the seat of my pick-up. Consider it the civilian equivalent of a "patrol rifle"(at least the non-AR type).

Questions:
* 30-30 or a pistol round? (handgun-wise my main EDC is either a 9mm or 45 ACP)
* Marlin,Winchester or Mossberg?
* New or used? Don't want to spend a fortune, but new levers are NOT crazy like AR's(even before the recent craziness)
* Any particular advice on iron-sights...stock or after-market?
* Must have accessories?

THANKS GUYS!

I don't have much to add other then i'm getting the same setup here soon in 357 to help match my current ammo supply.

If its intent is defence, I'd get the .357 Mag for the additional rounds over a .30-30.

Attachment 67102Attachment 67103Marlin 1894 in 44 magnum or 357

or

Marlin 336 in 30-30 which can be found new for well under 400.00

sights-I alwas mount a Lyman aperature target sight. The Marlins are already drilled to accept them. The iron sights work well enough as they are, I just like back ups.

I was just about to say you should ask glockman...

I am actually thinking about the same thing. lol I am looking at the Marlin 30-30 so I can use as a Deer rifle, I have no real need to shoot past 100-150 yards

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by old grunt

Have a Winchester 9422(1977-78 vintage) but thinking of a center-fire rifle of this type. It will be a something to go in my car trunk or behind the seat of my pick-up. Consider it the civilian equivalent of a "patrol rifle"(at least the non-AR type).

Questions:
* 30-30 or a pistol round? (handgun-wise my main EDC is either a 9mm or 45 ACP)
* Marlin,Winchester or Mossberg?
* New or used? Don't want to spend a fortune, but new levers are NOT crazy like AR's(even before the recent craziness)
* Any particular advice on iron-sights...stock or after-market?
* Must have accessories?

THANKS GUYS!

---

1. 30-30... great defensive round with ballistics similar to 7.62x39

2. Marlin... Personal preference due to side ejection of spent cartridges (easier to scope mount if desired)

3. Used... Definitely used. Check local LGS or pawn shops and also compare to new. Quality has suffered in the recent years.

4. Aftermarket... Buckhorn style sights suck. I went with a peep sight rear, blade front combo from Skinner.

5. Butt-cuff and sling...

Not saying this is all a must...

But I recently spent months trying to figure out exactly what you describe.

Good luck.

:hand15:

edit: add'l info...

1. 30-30 is also cheap (relatively) and available everywhere (at least around here)

3. I forget when they started using cross-bolt safeties on the Marlin 336's, but I think mid-80's. I'd try to find one made before this.

4. Lymans were mentioned and they are great sights... I just didn't like how they mounted on the side of the rifle. (personal preference I guess) I imagine that the Lyman sight is much more adjustable than the Skinner, not sure. I also figure the Skinner's are more durable. They have available the same style with side wings to protect the sights further. Also when you change from the buckhorn barrel mounted rear sight and go to the receiver mounted type you increase your sight radius which should lead to increased accuracy.

I got a Marlin 1894C in .357 Magnum 5 years ago. Shoots both .38 and .357 and I have several .38 Snubnose revolvers, a .357 Snub, and a large frame .357 Revolver. I have tons of both .38 and .357 on hand. You should see what a stout .357 Magnum will do to a quarter inch steel plate out of a rifle barrel. It's not shabby.

I am in the same boat as you. But I think availability has chosen for me. There is a Marlin 336 30-30 Winchester for $367 at my local Wal-Mart and there are a couple places that have ammunition for it right now. So I think Friday I will go get it. I also am limited on money and wanted something for home defense and hunting deer and boar.

Marlin 336 models are easier to find and cost less than the models in 357. Hard to go wrong with either. I'd replace the 336 sight with a peep sight. Either Williams or Skinner, both are good.

The buckhorn sight on the 357 I had was excellent, that is to say I shot it well. Kicking myself for having sold that rifle.

I love my Marlin 336 in .30-30. Came with a mounted scope and sling for under $500. I like scopes on defensive rifles - helps with target identification even at closer range in situations like dim light and shadows.

Only thing I added was a butt cuff for 10 more rounds on the gun. 6+1+10 should handle anything you are realistically going to face.

I use 170 gr JSP ammo - the ballistics are significantly better than the 7.62 x 39.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ctr

Marlin 336 models are easier to find and cost less than the models in 357...

---

Why are lever guns in 357Mag so dad-blamed expensive? I want one so bad! :rant:

If you're getting just one, I'd favor a .30-30. Fewer rounds than the .357 or .44 cal models, but there's no question about "fighting your way to a rifle." Plus, there are more .30-30s available on the used market than any other caliber.

i'd say a 357 from henry or marlin, the up side is you can run 38 spl too

Funny, I have been looking into this too.

My eye on Marlin and Henry's 30-30....but thought about the .357 and .44 options as well.