I've never owned a Winchester lever-action rifle. I have always hunted with Marlin lever-action rifles and enjoyed them. I never liked the Winchesters because they seemed to rattle and make a little noise that I thought might scare the game animals. Now I see this Winchester Deluxe Sporting lever-action rifle, and it is just gorgeous. For me, it has just enough customization...not gawdy and overdone. I love the excellent wood, case hardened receiver, and fine checkering on that nice straight stock. Is there anyone out there that has used both Marlin and WInchester levers for hunting? How do they compare? Thanks in advance.
Marlin lever-action rifles compared to Winchester lever-action rifles
- Thread starter WRC
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I assume we are referring to Winchester made after 1965.
A Winchester 94 30-30 is about a pound lighter than a Marlin 336 in the same caliber. Of course the Marlin kicks a lot less. Both are good but I think the Marlin is better quality. They are both good for hunting. I have taken many Texas deer and hogs with a beat up 1972 Winchester 94 in 30-30. If you have always used the 336, the only reason to get a Winchester is to reduce weight. If you are sacreligious enough to mount a scope on a lever gun, the Marlin is better suited.
I shoot Hornady Leverevolution ammo in both of these.
On .22 LR lever actions, I think nothing is better than a Marlin 39A. They are simply amazing rifles. I don't think Winchester made .22 lever actions before 1965. Some people prefer the Winchester 9422, but I think they are in the minority.
None of my lever guns have had the crossbolt safety, so obviously my experience is with older rifles.
Another advantage of Marlins is they are easy to mount a Skinner sight on.
Now Winchester is making a Ranger 22 lever gun, hopefully someone here has one and can chime in.
A Winchester 94 30-30 is about a pound lighter than a Marlin 336 in the same caliber. Of course the Marlin kicks a lot less. Both are good but I think the Marlin is better quality. They are both good for hunting. I have taken many Texas deer and hogs with a beat up 1972 Winchester 94 in 30-30. If you have always used the 336, the only reason to get a Winchester is to reduce weight. If you are sacreligious enough to mount a scope on a lever gun, the Marlin is better suited.
I shoot Hornady Leverevolution ammo in both of these.
On .22 LR lever actions, I think nothing is better than a Marlin 39A. They are simply amazing rifles. I don't think Winchester made .22 lever actions before 1965. Some people prefer the Winchester 9422, but I think they are in the minority.
None of my lever guns have had the crossbolt safety, so obviously my experience is with older rifles.
Another advantage of Marlins is they are easy to mount a Skinner sight on.
Now Winchester is making a Ranger 22 lever gun, hopefully someone here has one and can chime in.
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Neon Vernon
Single-Sixer
I've owned and used both, the Winchester designs have always seemed a bit more refined but there aren't really any shortcomings with the Marlins other than the lifter wear/Marlin jam issue, and that usually only crops up with high round count or abused guns. Accuracy-wise I think Marlin wins by a bit. They've evidently always known how to make a barrel.
There both good/great rifles. Your making a comparison to the whole line of each. Pick out a model, caliber and era of what you want. Then we can compare apples to apples.
contender
Ruger Guru
I've always preferred the Marlins. If nothing more than the side ejection vs the top ejection.
But the new Marlins,, TOP Quality!
But the new Marlins,, TOP Quality!
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My order of preference
pre safety Marlin
Pre 64 Winchester
Ruger Marlin
Post safety, but pre Remington Marlin
Post 64 Winchester
Rossi
Henry
Definitely prefer Marlin side eject and ease of takedown over Winchester.
Rim fire? Pre safety Marlin 39a and Winchester 94/22’s are equal in my mind, both are very high quality guns that would cost a lot to make today.
pre safety Marlin
Pre 64 Winchester
Ruger Marlin
Post safety, but pre Remington Marlin
Post 64 Winchester
Rossi
Henry
Definitely prefer Marlin side eject and ease of takedown over Winchester.
Rim fire? Pre safety Marlin 39a and Winchester 94/22’s are equal in my mind, both are very high quality guns that would cost a lot to make today.
If an optic is going to be mounted on the rifle, the side-ejecting Marlin is the better platform. My first new deer gun was a Win 94 in 30-30. My Mother got it for $99 from the store where she worked. I did not like that it wouldn't allow for a scope in a typical position on the receiver so I traded it for a Savage 99 in 308 and was much happier.
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Do you still have the Savage? Those were great rifles. They should bring back.
I bought the only .308 model 99 I’ve ever seen locally.
I bought the only .308 model 99 I’ve ever seen locally.
Okay. Let's start with the Marlin 336 vs the Win. '94 in 30/30.
I'm selling the Savage 99F (.308). I thought I'd like it, but I'm probably going to get another Marlin 1894 when they come out in .45LC. I'm also looking at a '94 Winchester...the new Deluxe Sporting. in 30/30.
Paul B
Hunter
Well I suppose my prejudice shows but I have five Winchester 30-30 rifles, only ony one that isn't a lever action. Two are M94s and two a M64s with is an M94 94 done right. I only have one Marlin, a Texan with a straight stock like the M94s. The odd one out, the non-lever acton is an M54 bolt action that is some kind of dead nuts accurate.
Almost all my deer hunting early on was with an M94 serialed to 1911. The rifle originally belonged to my Great grandfather and passed on down through the ear until it came to me. I killed my first deer at age 11 with that rifle back in 1949. The other M94 is a 1979/80s issue I got on the cheap. $89 NIB at JC Penney. My wife worked there and they were clearing them out. I got her employee discount plus the 10% off they were advertising. I came home with four new rifles that day.
The two M64s were a deluxe version of the M94, 24" barrel, nicely shaped pistiol grip stock and one of the most well ballanced rifles I own. The deluxe version was made in 1938, my birth year aand the othe in 1957, the last year they made them. There was a later m64 but it couldn't hold a candle to the pre 64s and only kind looked like one of the originals. I don't hunt with the 30-30 and use them as fun guns running my cast bullet loads. Closest thing to a hunt would be a walk in the desert with one loaded with cast. I might take a jackrabbit or two on a good day and on very rare occasion stalk close enough to take out a coyote but those days are few and far between.'
Paul B.
Almost all my deer hunting early on was with an M94 serialed to 1911. The rifle originally belonged to my Great grandfather and passed on down through the ear until it came to me. I killed my first deer at age 11 with that rifle back in 1949. The other M94 is a 1979/80s issue I got on the cheap. $89 NIB at JC Penney. My wife worked there and they were clearing them out. I got her employee discount plus the 10% off they were advertising. I came home with four new rifles that day.
The two M64s were a deluxe version of the M94, 24" barrel, nicely shaped pistiol grip stock and one of the most well ballanced rifles I own. The deluxe version was made in 1938, my birth year aand the othe in 1957, the last year they made them. There was a later m64 but it couldn't hold a candle to the pre 64s and only kind looked like one of the originals. I don't hunt with the 30-30 and use them as fun guns running my cast bullet loads. Closest thing to a hunt would be a walk in the desert with one loaded with cast. I might take a jackrabbit or two on a good day and on very rare occasion stalk close enough to take out a coyote but those days are few and far between.'
Paul B.
reuben_j_cogburn
Buckeye
The marlin is superior in every way.... it's in the bible......
Kinda like Smith vs Ruger. One seems more svelte & refined (Smith) the other more durable and overbuilt (Ruger) The thing I like best about my Marlins is how easily they strip for cleaning. Three Marlins & one Winchester in my collection-all have straight stocks. Never cared for the pistol grip stocks
I have multiples of each and I like them both. No real preference. There were some issues with Marlin micro-groove barrels and cast bullets, but that can be avoided. As far as which ones are more sturdy, I have seen the same problems with both and they are generally easily fixable. Truth be told a lot of lever action issues are caused by users wanting to "ease another round in the chamber so as to not scare the deer."
Marlins are easier to scope if that is your preference.
Marlins are easier to scope if that is your preference.
Blackwater Butch
Bearcat
Marlin side eject for me.
No one has mentioned that the 22 rimfire Henry
Levergun has the smoothest action right out of the box. A real tack driver.
No one has mentioned that the 22 rimfire Henry
Levergun has the smoothest action right out of the box. A real tack driver.
brucew44guns
Bearcat
I have several in both brands and different calibers--I like all lever guns I suppose, but most favorite is my dads old first year production of Model 71 Deluxe in .348, mfd in 1935 or 36 I believe. He bought the rifle barely used from famous archer and hunter HOWARD HILL--he paid him $115.00 for the .348 in 1948. I have owned it since 1962, love lever guns!
Okay. You folks have confirmed my own thoughts on this matter. I am going with a Marlin, but I want it my way. I want a new Marlin/Ruger in 30/30 with a straight stock. Is it possible to put an aftermarket straight stock on the rifle?
Neon Vernon
Single-Sixer
You'll need a straight lower tang to change from pistol grip to straight wrist stock. They're out there on eBay and such but I've no idea if JM parts easily interchange with Rug-lins...and a straight lever.
Elder User
Bearcat
I'll see your .300 and raise you .058 more. They made a few 99s in .358 Winchester. Quite a rifle if you can find the ammo. My late brother in law had the Winchester 88 lever action in .308.
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You might find this interesting. Not something I would do to a new rifle.
https://rifleshooter.com/2012/11/marlin-336-straight-stock-conversion/
I consider myself to be somewhat picky, but I don’t have a preference to straight over pistol grip on a lever action. In other words I wouldn’t let that stop me from buying a rifle.
Realistically you are looking for a 30/30? There are a lot of used 30/30’s out there. I only bought my new Ruger/Marlin because I couldn’t find a used .357 anywhere.
All my 30/30’s are used there are bargains out there. I recently found a pre safety Marlin and a pre64 Winchester for under $600 each.
https://rifleshooter.com/2012/11/marlin-336-straight-stock-conversion/
I consider myself to be somewhat picky, but I don’t have a preference to straight over pistol grip on a lever action. In other words I wouldn’t let that stop me from buying a rifle.
Realistically you are looking for a 30/30? There are a lot of used 30/30’s out there. I only bought my new Ruger/Marlin because I couldn’t find a used .357 anywhere.
All my 30/30’s are used there are bargains out there. I recently found a pre safety Marlin and a pre64 Winchester for under $600 each.
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artey
Single-Sixer
Winchesters were for the most part FIRST…and thats their only bragging right. They never made anything so exquisite as a Marlin 1892 or 1897.
WOW. Now those are some fine rifles...you got me thinking...
instructor
Single-Sixer
Few years ago, found a Browning Model 92 44magnum caliber and when Ruger took over Marlin bought their Model 94 in 44 magnum caliber. The Ruger/Marlin is stainless steel and has a 16" barrel and the action has smoothed out after some 100 rounds or so. Initially put a Leupold 2.5x scope on the Ruger w/ pointed post reticle and shot very well with it. Also bought a Ruger Model 1895 45/70 caliber and that is where the Leupold scope lives today. Some complain about the somewhat long rail on the Ruger lever guns, but don't have problem with that at all. An Eotech now sits on the 44-magnum rifle and could not be happier with it.
The Browning is a clone of the original Winchester and does indeed present itself as typical lever gun from years ago and works just fine today. The recoil of the Ruger Model 1895 in 45/70 is considerable but solved that problem with a muzzle brake to lessen the recoil quite a lot. Both of the Ruger lever guns display a high level of craftsmanship in their fit and finish of the entire rifle but such effort to accomplish this quality is not done by hands of a craftsman but more so by computer-controlled machinery.
The Browning is a clone of the original Winchester and does indeed present itself as typical lever gun from years ago and works just fine today. The recoil of the Ruger Model 1895 in 45/70 is considerable but solved that problem with a muzzle brake to lessen the recoil quite a lot. Both of the Ruger lever guns display a high level of craftsmanship in their fit and finish of the entire rifle but such effort to accomplish this quality is not done by hands of a craftsman but more so by computer-controlled machinery.
Star43
Hunter
Both are good, but I like the side eject and Marlins always felt more solid to me.
Blackwater Butch
Bearcat
Amen!
Skeet 028
Single-Sixer
A lever action was always a Win for me...At this point I own a few of each... I have kind of collectibles. An older M-64 32 Sp but it has a factory Bolt peep...like a Win 71. Rare on 64/94s.. .. I just bought a Win 64A in 30-30 that is as new. I have no straight grip Winchesters. Marlins..A 1950 waffle top in 35 Rem 2 pre safety 444s and pre safety 30-30. All pre safety 94s 22 mag a 357 just hustled a 44. a Century Limited 39 as new and My father in Laws 1955 39A...oh I also have a Winchester 94 rifle in 357...surprisingly more accurate than the Marlin...I also have a Marlin 1897? that is accurate but needs work...Have to cock it by hand...don't breathe on the trigger.. Haven't looked at it in at least 10 years.. I also have a Model 94AE in 30-30...24 inch looks like a 64 Winchester but is Butt ugly..has a black Pistol grip plastic stock...a crossbolt safety..but it do shoot very well and takes a scope...otherwise it is so ugly it would have been gone...oh it was cheap too with an early Japanese Trashco 4x scope...about 175 dollars on a trade for a 1895 Marlin thank you Jesus rifle I had...I do prefer pistol grip stocks...and peep sights too....not so much tang peeps though
