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I have the opportunity later in the year to get a levergun at US prices... I have always wanted one but it has been hard to justify at NZ prices
So, Winchester or Marlin?
Calibre? Leaning toward a 30-30 purely for versatility. At this stage I won't be scoping it, probably bang some skinner sights on it though
Nothing wrong with Marlin but I'd go Winchester ... but then I'm biased towards the 92 and 94 Winchesters, especially the older ones.
Choose a calibre that will suit the type of hunting you'll be using it for.
30/30 is a good choice for hunting Deer and Pigs.
I just put a Skinner sight on my 92 Rossi .44mag.
The aperture makes quite a bit of difference in the sight picture, especially for older eyes and accuracy improved a little too.
What sort of prices do you think you will have to pay in the US?
Cheers
Pete
I have a Big Bore 94 Winchester .375 with propoint scope, great gun for stags in the roar in heavy bush and the boys in camp fully understand why I only bring out the hind quarters and back steaks.
I hunted with my Marlin 336 in 30.30 for years - once we'd got a handload sorted it was briliant! I like the Marlin - nice to carry and handle, and of course an excellent saddle rifle too. I 'scoped mine so can'tcomment on sights. I guess one consideration is to check TM and look which seems to hold its value better - I sold mine and got a very fair price I felt.
I have
32-20 Win shot Fallow and goats but its a bit light and kills can take time.
30-30 Win nice to carry shoots ok but a bit light on Reds.
30-30 Marlin heavier than Win but shoots better.
44 mag Win shot over 850 animals with this rifle from rabbits to Water Buffalo [354 Pigs in 7 months] range up to 125 yds.
444 Marlin very hard hitter and accurite 1.5" groups at 170 yds which is POA for me.
You can see my Marlin in action on youtube "444 Marlin vs Goats"10 goats for 12 shots not all kills on tape ran out of ammo and needed more from my pack.First two kills at about 140 yds from a rest and then standing from 20 yds and out to 80 or so.
I saw 38-55 ammo in the shop today. Looks like a neat round... I see some new Winchesters are chambered in it...
Tanks guys I will look more into what calibre... As for price, a secondhand marlin 30-30 sells for about 250 in mint condition. A winny I'm not too sure
Could check this old Winny out.
Winchester model94 30-30 lever action | Trade Me