I was wondering if anyone has first hand experience in the pros cons of Henry vs marlin, I’m looking at getting a stainless 45/70. Both companies offer options. I have a jm stamped 30/30 that I do like, but I think the wood finish was a little cheap. Is Henry quality a lot better, I’ve felt both in the store and they seem rather comparable.

The Henry is very nice gun but I believe noticeably heavier than the Marlin 1895. If you’re shooting factory ammo pick the one you like. If you’re going to hand load I “think” the Marlin is a stronger action. Not that handloading means pushing the envelope, but many do.

I own both a Marlin and Henry 30-30. Both have or had some issues. The trigger on the Marlin had some creep but I was able to make it crisp with the aid of a YouTube video and a small file. The trigger on the Henry is crisp but breaks at what must be at least 6 pounds. The barrel on the Henry could have also used a few more minutes on the brushing wheel. I consider it rough as compared to the other non-polished barrels. Henry's Customer Service is outstanding and will send you parts for free. They even sent me a new stock and forearm for my 30-30 for free when I called to see if they would sell me a new recoil pad. I liked the newer ones more than the one that came with my rifle. How many gun makers would have done that? I haven't found either one to be more accurate than the other but that's probably more on me and my shooting limitations.

If you search the web you'll find many reports by Marlin owners who claim Hornady's LeveRevolution ammo shoots poorly in newer Marlins with the Microgroove barrel. I found the same to be true with mine. Both my Henry and Marlin both shoot 150- grain Federal Fusion ammo extremely well.

I also agree with the earlier post that the Henry is a heavier gun and has a longer (by 1/2 inch) length of pull. For that reason the Marlin seems easier to handle and shoulder.

Now if you're looking for the lever-action that handles the best, try a Winchester Model 94. However, a new one will cost you twice as much.

Thank you, I was suprised at how many different models they both offfer too. I had noticed that on my trigger as well I may give the file a try

I know you'll be careful since files and triggers sometimes don't mix well. You'll need to jump ahead to around the 6 min mark to reach the point where he covers his method to improve the trigger. As he suggests, it took just a small amount of filing on my trigger to create a vast improvement.

Wild West triggers are an excellent fix for everything wrong with the marlin trigger. It even eliminates the marlin flop. They’re not cheap at $120, but well worth it in my opinion. Easily user installed. Non adjustable.

That was my backup plan if working the hammer with a file for just a few seconds didn't do the trick.

I have a JM stamped marlin 1895g, and a henry 22 golden boy 22, and a standard henry 22. If you want beautiful wood, get the brass frame henry. They come with beautiful wood, and as stated beyond exceptional customer service. I needed to buy a rear sight for my henry 22 because I bought it used, and they sent me not 1, but 2 sights for free...so Id have an extra just in case. I'm not a fan of the steel henrys.It seems they don't put the extra time into polishing on the steel versions.

"If you search the web you'll find many reports by Marlin owners who claim Hornady's LeveRevolution ammo shoots poorly in newer Marlins with the Microgroove barrel. I found the same to be true with mine"

Not just the newer Marlins, Mine is 60 years old, I bought it new when I was about 14. I quit using the Hornady LR not long after I started using it. After maybe 2 boxes, bullets would key hole on paper targets.

LeveRevolution sounded great when it came out. I could never get it to shoot well out of my 1941 Winchester model 94. I gave up on it and went back to Winchester and Federal 150gr.

I must have an exception the rule.... my jm marlin from 91 shoots the Hornady just as well as anything else, but I have only shot two deer with it and both were at about 50-60 yards so can’t really speak on the longer range performance on game.... I love my marlin 336 and I love my win 94 that was passed down from dad, but I really would like to acquire a big bore Henry to compliment the collection.

The standard rifling in Marlins shoot it just fine. It’s the micro-groove ones that don’t do well.