Thread: Lever action

Have owned numerous lever actions of various makes after buying first Winchester 94 40 years ago. Am a fan of both the Marlin 336 and the Winny 94 - would be happy with either. Both very similar on range with handloads - round 1" at 100m. Personally prefer the John Browning designed Winchester 94 as it is a great classic design, has that beautiful slim feel and carry balance, is lighter, and has been for me a proven performer out to 200m in 30-30. Has great character.

94 is biggest selling sporting centrefire in history, with Marlin 336 second on that list. This does not happen with dud rifles. I do also question the survey mentioned above re 94s/336s - where it was made and with whom. Just does not ring true. 94s were not so good production quality in last 3-4 years from Winchester factory but otherwise one fine little rifle. As noted Marlin 336 heavier, but have heard of no issues with screws coming loose. 336 also a lever I'd be happy to have in closet - esp as it is often $500 cheaper than 94 with tidy 94s now sought after. Was looking at gunrack at Shooters Supplies today - nice 336 at $800, and bunch of Winny 94s at $1200-1500.

Rossi Rio Grande lever a close copy of Marlin 336. Read somewhere they ripped it into production the moment the 336 patents expired. Ok but Marlin 336 original better. Brazilian rifles (Rossi, CBC etc) can be quite good, but have also found they can be somewhat rough in construction. A matter of keeping the good ones.

My lever centrefire pick - buy either the 336 or 94 in 30-30. Use Leverevolution ammo. Keep the Winchester.