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Winchester vs. Marlin pros and cons

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02 December 2004, 07:01
Critter_Killer
Winchester vs. Marlin pros and cons
What r the pros and cons of these 2 lever guns in 30-30? i would like a scope maby 4x. but i would rather have a nice open sight than a sh*tty scoped 30-30.
03 December 2004, 06:51
Critter_Killer
Angle ejection: it eject out of the top of the rifle but at an angle as not to come in contact with the optics? is that right? or is angle ejection like marlin rifle is loads and ejects out of the side of the rifle?
20 December 2004, 14:35
DigitalDan
You fellas that are breakin' bad on the 30-30 is plum full of hooey. Nothing wrong with bigger but it won't really kill 'em any deader.
20 December 2004, 16:57
Frank Martinez
My point isn't really with killing them deader it is more to the point of leaving a very healthy bloodtrail if the animal even gets out of sight before succumbing. The destruction of a heavy for caliber bullet travelling at moderate speed seems to drop animals of all sizes more quickly than light for caliber rockets. I thouroughly believe that Elmer Keith was on to the truth with his claims that larger diameter bullets do a better job of killing, of anchoring and of providing large holes for blood trails.
Accurate shooting is still required! Nothing more being needed to support that statement.
Trailing animals through rough country; country where the levergun really shines, is difficult enough but the very substantial damage caused by the larger calibers makes tracking that much easier even in rough country.
I have noticed that the Hawk, The Barnes Original and other large caliber round and flat nose bullets leave a substantial amount of damage even at the slower velocities offered by the leverguns.
Of couse it is all based on my limited experience and opinion. But I think Keith believed it too and that is really enough for me to continue following that path.
Frank
03 December 2004, 02:11
Slim
Why does everyone seem to think it is difficult to scope a modern Winchester?
02 December 2004, 11:04
courtney plater
Quote:

So if you people were to buy a 30-30 lever gun for close range deer huntin in swamps and fields. Which would u buy and would u put a scope on one?



I would go short barrel, apeture sights, which ever feels best in your hands.
02 December 2004, 10:40
Jim in Idaho
Quote:

So if you people were to buy a 30-30 lever gun for close range deer huntin in swamps and fields. Which would u buy and would u put a scope on one?




Have owned IIRC about 5 or 6 Marlins over the past 36 years - one .44 and the rest all .30-30�s. Have owned perhaps 4, maybe 5 Winchester Model 94�s all in .30-30.

The Marlins are overall more accurate and tighter. The Winchesters are lighter and feel handier, but not by much. I prefer the Marlin pistol grip as it is fuller and allows better trigger control.

At age 52 and starting to suffer from a bit of presbyopia such that I can no longer focus the front sight properly, I would buy a Marlin and put a Leupold 2.5X Compact scope on it. Since I was 16 I have always put a Williams Foolproof peep sight on them*, however even during my twenties with excellent eyesight I have had trouble at times seeing the target properly at dusk.

So � armed with experience, even were I younger with young eyesight I would still buy a Marlin and put a Leupold 2.5X compact scope on it.



*Have tried a drilled out aperture, brass circled �twilight� aperture and removed it completely for a �ghost ring� sight. A scope is still better when the world is grey at dawn and dusk.
03 December 2004, 07:43
courtney plater
Quote:

Angle ejection: it eject out of the top of the rifle but at an angle as not to come in contact with the optics?



Yep, that way. Winchester lowered the right side of the frame, and move the extractor and ejector to spit them out the top at an angle to miss the optics.
03 December 2004, 08:48
Critter_Killer
Well then, a winchester sounds just like what me and my dad needs. With some of those see-thru mounts (the ones that let u see iron sights and optics) and a good 4x scope i think it will suit both our needs, his for a western style lever action and mine for a close quaters deer cannon. Now for deer and maby a cat or coyote what is a good weight/load? Who makes a good, but cheap box of hunting ammo? im partial to federal premium myself but anything will work.
03 December 2004, 13:06
Slim
You may be happier with Weaver bases and Millett angle-loct rings. The Millett rings are adjustable for windage and you can bore sight the scope with the reticle centered. Some scopes, mostly older ones, do not have enough windage adjustment for the Angle ejects as they are drilled to slightly favor a right handed shooter. I am left handed and they work fine so this should not be an issue.

With a good modern scope such as the Burris 4X compact you really are better off with the low rings as this reduces canting and makes it easier to shoot more precisley. If you must have access to your irons try the Leupold quick detach rings for Weaver bases.
03 December 2004, 13:14
Critter_Killer
I dont buy expansive scopes for close up rifles. for my long range rifles only the best. But some weaver see-thru mounts and a $25 BSA 4x should do me fine