I have to agree with jumptrap. I have an old, ugly Glenfield that still shoots like a house on fire. The BIG plus is that you can find these anywhere. They're a dime a dozen, but I love mine just the same.

Nothing much to add except that the Winchester has a lighter contour barrel and is a little trimmer overall than the Marlin. I like its feel better. On the other hand, the Marlin has side ejection, so you can mount a scope in the proper place if you should want a scope, and Marlins are usually a little more accurate (less inaccurate would be more precise), and the action is probably a little stronger. The Marlin is most common in a pistol grip, while the Winchester is uncommon except in straight grip.

I prefer a receiver sight for this kind of gun, and the Williams (aluminum) is somewhat less expensive than the Lyman (steel).

By the way, a Sears (Ted Williams, J.C. Higgins) .30-30 may be either a Win 94 or a Marlin 336, depending on who was doing the contracting at the time. Other contract-produced store brands would include Revelation (Western Auto), and Montgomery Wards (can't recall the trade name).

There WAS one other American .30-30 lever saddle gun made by Mossberg, seems like in the late 60's to 70's. Can't tell you much about it, but it looked like a Win/Mar clone.

For a bargain, look for a used vintage Win or Marlin in a pawnshop or at a gunshow. I have an old 30-30 Marlin M-1936 that I purchased at a show for $150, great rifle.

Look in those tabloid want ad news papers. I dont think they print them without at least one gun that fits your description.