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Lever-action 30-30 opinions
#5736378
05/09/15 10:35 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,015
TurkeyWhisperer
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I am looking to get my son a lever-action 30-30 (new) for his birthday. Have a max of $750 to spend.
What do you think is the best lever-action 30-30 under $750?
Thanks!
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5736385
05/09/15 10:39 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,179
Tactical Cowboy
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A pre-64 Winchester. If you're dead set on new, get a Marlin, but even then I'd buy one that it's a few years old and is JM stamped. The Remington-made rifles that I've handled are crap.
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#5736388
05/09/15 10:41 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,607
chalet
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My vote for that kind of money.
Shoot. Eat. Repeat.
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5736397
05/09/15 10:50 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,407
WileyCoyote
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In a lever action, I might think about a Browning in mebbe 7-08 or 308 with your budget. Young son doesn't need any drama in the reliability of his 1st Rifle, and the Browning is a NAME product he can ID with and be proud of ....and get Low Recoil ammo for until he grows into it... for a very accurate lifetime shooter. One of the few things I like a lot in Brownings.
Jury's still out on the re do of Marlin's production line's QC after the move to Remmy's Illion NY plant. I'm hearing that the bugs have been worked out but I'd want to confirm by serial # what date the gun in my hands I was looking at was made with Marlin Cust Svc. 2015 production s'posed to be OK. Ummm??? Really??? JMHO & YMMV
It is TIME for Term Limits, cause Politicians are like childrens diapers and for the same reasons...Robin Williams "These are the times that try men's soul's"...Thomas Paine
"Those who fail to learn from History are doomed to repeat it" ....Santayana
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5736401
05/09/15 10:59 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 25,299
Creekrunner
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How old is your son? I shot my first buck at 11 with Dad's 30-30 and, in hindsight, with full strength ammo it stomps too much for a youngster. Took me years to confidently avoid a flinch. I have the rifle now (early 60's era Marlin 336) and I can shoot it with confidence, but I'm 217lbs. Go lighter if he's young.
...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5736408
05/09/15 11:06 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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I would buy him a Pre-64 Winchester also. Their feel cannot be duplicated.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: Creekrunner]
#5736416
05/09/15 11:15 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,015
TurkeyWhisperer
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How old is your son? I shot my first buck at 11 with Dad's 30-30 and, in hindsight, with full strength ammo it stomps too much for a youngster. Took me years to confidently avoid a flinch. I have the rifle now (early 60's era Marlin 336) and I can shoot it with confidence, but I'm 217lbs. Go lighter if he's young. He's 13. He's pretty big for his age though.
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5736439
05/09/15 11:34 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,407
WileyCoyote
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After looking a Gun Broker just now, new Browning BLR prices have gone thru the roof with lots of jillyfrasse add on's IMO not necessary.
However I did see several of the older Japanese made all steel Model 81's that could be bought in your budget in 308 & 243's in outstanding to just average condition & these were the guns I remembered respecting back in the day and was suggesting to you.
I could see owning one these all steel M81's my own self, in a 308 or a 358 for sure, even though BLR's now come in calibers from 223 to 7Rmg & another old school favorite of mine, in 358's. Ron
It is TIME for Term Limits, cause Politicians are like childrens diapers and for the same reasons...Robin Williams "These are the times that try men's soul's"...Thomas Paine
"Those who fail to learn from History are doomed to repeat it" ....Santayana
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5736446
05/09/15 11:39 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,252
jhenderson
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New I'd try to find a deal on a blr, if it can be used I really like the older Marlins since putting a scope on them is much easier than the Winchester. I can stack bullets with my Marlin so accuracy is not a factor
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5736479
05/09/15 11:57 PM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 5,561
Slow Drifter
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At that price range you're awful close to a new Henry .30-30, which is a wonderful rifle and one any kid (or adult) would be proud to own. The Henry's are already drilled and tapped for a scope. Not a fan in particular of scoped lever guns myself, but I have no complaints against those who choose to. I know unwrapping a present to find "Henry Repeating Rifle" on the box would have just about made my decade at that age. Happy early Birthday to your son, and good luck in your rifle quest!
"I have no idea what WW-III will be fought with, but WW-IV will be fought with sticks and stones." A. Einstein
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5736653
05/10/15 01:17 AM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,252
jhenderson
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Forgot about the Henry but that would also be a good option
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5736836
05/10/15 02:42 AM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 15,572
TexFlip
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Pre-safety Winchester 94 trapper.
Just to make sure that it is done thoroughly, I go both ways.
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TexFlip]
#5736867
05/10/15 02:53 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,025
pertnear
"Demolition Man"
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"Demolition Man"
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As others have said, pre-1964 Winchester 94. Most probably this will be a rifle cherished for a life time. Not only will it be a great keepsake, it will be a a valuable rifle. Despite the advantages of the side eject Marlins I never much cared for them as being a bastardization of the original '94. As he gets older he'll graduate to another rifle but he'll keep the ol' '94 in reverence & perhaps hand it down to his son.
JIMHO...
...Pertnear
The North has double last names. The South has double first names.
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5736902
05/10/15 03:12 AM
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 836
BushFamilyNine
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I like Marlins. Savage 99 is another vintage choice not mentioned here.
Is your son a lefty or righty? Cross-eye dominance? If you want a rifle to be a lifetime companion, you might want to make sure it fits him.
A new Browning BLR 81 lightweight in .308 for $775 listed at Buds Gun Shop. Free shipping.
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5736905
05/10/15 03:14 AM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,564
patriot07
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Pre-64 winchester 94 would get my vote. I've got one that I inherited from my granddad. Great rifle.
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5736931
05/10/15 03:37 AM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 15,572
TexFlip
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Just to make sure that it is done thoroughly, I go both ways.
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5737057
05/10/15 07:02 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,179
Tactical Cowboy
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I killed my first deer (and a truckload after) with a Ted Williams model 100, which is a Winchester 94, at 9 years old, and never had an issue with recoil. Of course, I shot alot, so that may have had something to do with it.
I forgot about the Henry, too. They seem like nice rifles.
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5737059
05/10/15 07:17 AM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 632
Tim9880
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Someone in classifieds selling several levers.
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5737171
05/10/15 12:53 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,015
TurkeyWhisperer
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Thanks for all the suggestions guys! I will into all of them. I appreciate it!
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5737267
05/10/15 02:18 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 7,825
poisonivie
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You can buy good used leverguns all day for $400 or so. I would skip Winchesters made from 1964 to 1973. I would also skip any Marlin not stamped JM.
Pee on Photobucket
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5737406
05/10/15 03:42 PM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,778
Gone to Texas
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1st choice, Browning BLR 2nd choice, Pre-64 Winchester 3rd choice, Henry 30-30 4th choice, JM stamped Marlin
I owned a Henry 30-30. It was a great rifle, fit and finish was excellent. I ended up selling because I now need to shoot 200+ yards on my deer lease and didn't have a use for a 30-30.
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5737622
05/10/15 07:08 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 9,734
Mickey Moose
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Browning BLR - though I don't know if the budget fits and I think OP said he looked into them and confirmed that it doesn't.
Marlin if the Browning doesn't work out.
My botnet is bigger than yours.
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5737801
05/10/15 10:04 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,407
WileyCoyote
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OP's budget on a new BLR needs about 50% more ceiling. OTOH I'm seeing good looking older BLR's on GB at well under his budget.
Strokes and folks, but I'd get an all steel 81 series BLR, or same song 3rd verse in a Savage 99, in a heartbeat over a lever 30-30 as long as it was in the caliber, condition and price I wanted to pay from $450/$500up to the $700 OP sez was his top price to pay. Gotta shop, but they are there on GB today. Just Sayin' Ron
It is TIME for Term Limits, cause Politicians are like childrens diapers and for the same reasons...Robin Williams "These are the times that try men's soul's"...Thomas Paine
"Those who fail to learn from History are doomed to repeat it" ....Santayana
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5737847
05/10/15 10:47 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,015
TurkeyWhisperer
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I am leaning towards a new Henry 30-30. He just got the Henry .22 lever action and loves it! I like the Browning BLR and Winchester 94 as well.
But, are the Marlin 336 30-30's at Walmart junk. Being only $367.00, they obviously they are not as good as Henry, Browning, etc.
What pros and cons do Yall know about them? Thx!
Last edited by TurkeyWhisperer; 05/10/15 11:33 PM.
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Re: Lever-action 30-30 opinions
[Re: TurkeyWhisperer]
#5737878
05/10/15 11:16 PM
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 836
BushFamilyNine
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Marlins...I haven't tried the last couple years' productions, and can't comment on the newest ones. As mentioned before, look for a JM stamp on the side of the barrel just forward of the left side of receiver. These are the last of the Marlin productions before Remington took over. The really good ones have no crossbolt safety. These are about 1982 and older. There is lots of info to find on the net regarding Marlins.
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