Best 30-30?

El Chivo · Post by **El Chivo** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:26 am

I'm not sure if this is a good topic for the members of this forum, but here goes:

What is the best (or your favorite) 30-30 rifle/carbine and why?

aussie · Post by **aussie** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:32 am

Winchester 94 model carbine with 20" barrel. Because it's the only one I've got...........sorry fellas, I would like more but just can't afford it at this time.....hellava calibre though. I love it.

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 6:18 am

Savage 219 because that's the one I'm about to sell.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 6:25 am

I like the Marlin 1893, nice long barrel, simple action, balances nice, i can see the sights, shoots well

Leverdude · Post by **Leverdude** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 6:42 am

Marlin 336.
its simple, acurate & durable.

uncowboy · Post by **uncowboy** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 7:03 am

The one that comes with free ammo! I have several. I don't know why but I have never went to the range with a 30/30 and had a bad day. They are the little train that could in the feild. My friend just loaded 130 GR and made it his truck gun. DEET-Turkey and ground hogs all die equaly well at the 30/30's bark. I have several bullets to chose from in both cast and jacketed so playing with it never gets old. I have shot from 100GR Plinkers to 200GR ram killers from it. When all is said and done THEY ARE ALL JUST FINE WITH ME!
J.Michael

Streetstar · Post by **Streetstar** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:19 am

uncowboy wrote:. When all is said and done THEY ARE ALL JUST FINE WITH ME!
J.Michael

Me too, but i'll give a sentimental nod to Winchester. I also like short barreled carbines, so a 16" pre-safety model with a saddle ring and a big loop would be the ultimate for me . Woukd also like to find one in .307 Win.

I really like the solid feel of the Marlin receiver too though. So in short, if i want something older to re-connect with the past or whatever, i'll reach for the Winnie --- if i want something "modern" i dont have to worry about, i'll go Marlin

Post by **Old Savage** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:35 am

94 AE, I have the presafety and the tang safety and like them both. But, a Marlin would be fine too. One caveat, I have to like the individual gun.

Charles · Post by **Charles** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:07 am

My Best 30-30 in a Browning Traditional Hunter single shot. As far as leverguns go, I like my Marlin 336s.

JimT · Post by **JimT** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:07 am

I am shocked - surprised - amazed - speechless - that NO ONE has suggested the Remington Model 788 as The Absolute Best!

bogus bill · Post by **bogus bill** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:13 am

No reason to get rid of this one I bought new as a boy over 50 + years ago.

morgan in nm · Post by **morgan in nm** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:16 am

2 years ago, I bought a winchester 94 flatband with a 1946 barrel date but never shot it. I was broke so I traded it off to my dad. Things were looking up so I bought it back last year. Now, I have about a half dozen Winchester 30-30s in various conditions from many different eras so I never shot it until 2 months ago. I don't have a 30-30 that can shoot better than that one. Later today, I will try and post a photo. I would like to one day have a marlin just to be fair but that will have to wait a bit longer.

Modoc ED · Post by **Modoc ED** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:20 am

I have Winchester 94s -- pre 64s and post 64s. My favorite is a pre-64 Model 94, 20" carbine -- easy to carry and accurate. Although I don't have any Marlins (in .30-30), I see nothing wrong with them at all.

SmokeEater2 · Post by **SmokeEater2** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:34 am

I only have 2 .30WCF's A 1960 Winchester 94 and a Marlin 30AW. The winny is light and sleek and I'll never sell it but, I shoot the Marlin better and I can clean the bore from the breech (I'm big on that point) it's as tough as a 2 dollar steak and I don't baby it when I take it to the woods like I find myself doing with the Winchester (don't abuse it 'neither) I just got a Skinner peep for it so We'll see how that goes.

rangerider7 · Post by **rangerider7** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:37 am

Pre-war 94 winchester SRC.

bogus bill · Post by **bogus bill** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:38 am

I have another. A fine model 64 from I think 1952. I lucked into it many years ago, and belive it was never fired! I finaly tried it out last year and it was sweet. I have babyed it as I have my old one pictured above. My dad had one in .32 special. When I was a kid we were hunting and another hunter missed a big buck and blaimed the gun. Dad bought that one for $50 on the spot in the woods! About 20 years ago I went home to find he had traded it for a remington 860! Probley gave boot too! He was pushing 80 and not up on guns anymore.

kimwcook · Post by **kimwcook** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 10:00 am

I'd have to say my Winnie pre-war. Handy, light weight, a nice piece of Americana.

Sorry about the poor pic.

Modoc ED · Post by **Modoc ED** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 10:16 am

JimT wrote:I am shocked - surprised - amazed - speechless - that NO ONE has suggested the Remington Model 788 as The Absolute Best!

Funny you should mention that Jim. There's a guy here in town that will sell me one for $100.00. It's in great shape and is a good shooter. I just haven't gotten around to getting it from him. One thing that is holding me up is that the Remington 788s are famous for having their bolt handles break off.

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 10:34 am

Tough....

I don't care for the W94 Gut Shucking action, so it would be down to the Savage (lever or pump) or Marlin...

and I'm kind of partial to the Savage 170C ...

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 10:42 am

I've got an H&R Handi Rifle that is my go to. I've had Winnies and Marlins but I just like the Handi. I can shoot them long pointy bullets in it too.

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 10:56 am

El Chivo wrote:I'm not sure if this is a good topic for the members of this forum, but here goes:

What is the best (or your favorite) 30-30 rifle/carbine and why?

I've been partial to the Win Mdl 94 for many years. I've owned a bunch of them, shot a bunch more and have grown to understand their foibles. They are simple to use, simple to fix, and even simpler to maintain.
I've no dislike for the Marlin actions, but the only versions I've fired had the pistol gripped stocks and the comb on those is shaped wrong for my face. No matter what I do I get my cheek banged and bruised when I shoot one.
A lot of folks get their knickers in a wad because of the open bottom design of the Win 94s. Personally I like that much better than closed bottoms of the other brands and models of lever guns. The reason for that is very simple. Most of the debris that might fall into the action if the shooter is careless will usually fall out the bottom.
The open bottom also makes cleaning the action very easy without disassembly.

They are slim, very nicely contoured for carrying and light enough to carry all day long. In my opinion one of John Browning's best designs.

Joe

JimT · Post by **JimT** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 11:16 am

Modoc ED wrote:
JimT wrote:I am shocked - surprised - amazed - speechless - that NO ONE has suggested the Remington Model 788 as The Absolute Best!
Funny you should mention that Jim. There's a guy here in town that will sell me one for $100.00. It's in great shape and is a good shooter. I just haven't gotten around to getting it from him. One thing that is holding me up is that the Remington 788s are famous for having their bolt handles break off.

Oh my gosh!! Why are you not looking at it in your hot little hands right now? Bolt handles can be fixed! When was the last time you could get a good rifle for that price?

slimster · Post by **slimster** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 12:34 pm

I could essentially echo Joe Miller's reply on this other than the fact that I did once own a Marlin 336 RC that had a straight grip stock. Nice gun, but I still much prefer the Win. 94. My Vote goes for a Win. 94 Trapper in 30-30!

tman · Post by **tman** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 5:11 pm

my 1915 circa saddle ring carbine. prettiest 94's ever made.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 5:16 pm

El Chivo wrote:I'm not sure if this is a good topic for the members of this forum, but here goes:
What is the best (or your favorite) 30-30 rifle/carbine and why?

It's an excellent topic, full of oppurtunity for discussion, ranting & raving!

Since you used the word "carbine" in your query, I'll limit my response to that style:

Although that is a 16" "Trapper", and I've never shot it at paper to determine just how accurate it is... plinkin' with it seems like having bullets on a string out to 200 yards. And to top it off... it downright "PRETTY"!

bbleverfan · Post by **bbleverfan** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 6:17 pm

i just love the 94ae trappers

rhead · Post by **rhead** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:20 pm

My NEF is the most accurate. My 10" Contender is the best carry. Of course my 3 Marlins get used some too. I wish I had not traded off my Winney! It is a great cartridge and they don't make any bad ones. Best is mostly a matter of personnel fit and taste.

Brian in FL · Post by **Brian in FL** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:29 pm

I have two Winnies, a pre-64 (1954) and a post-64 (1972) and a 336C (1974). I like all of them, but the Marlin is the one I'd prefer to take out hunting. I also have a Savage 340.

eric65 · Post by **eric65** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:41 pm

JimT wrote:I am shocked - surprised - amazed - speechless - that NO ONE has suggested the Remington Model 788 as The Absolute Best!

That was my first centerfire given to me by my dad almost 30 years ago. sold it out of foolish anger and regretted it ever since.

Post by **Old Savage** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:15 pm

Although that is a 16" "Trapper", and I've never shot it at paper to determine just how accurate it is... plinkin' with it seems like having bullets on a string out to 200 yards.

Then they climb a bit, right Griff?

SmokeEater2 · Post by **SmokeEater2** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:17 pm

Griff wrote:
El Chivo wrote:I'm not sure if this is a good topic for the members of this forum, but here goes:
What is the best (or your favorite) 30-30 rifle/carbine and why?
It's an excellent topic, full of oppurtunity for discussion, ranting & raving!

Since you used the word "carbine" in your query, I'll limit my response to that style:

Although that is a 16" "Trapper", and I've never shot it at paper to determine just how accurate it is... plinkin' with it seems like having bullets on a string out to 200 yards. And to top it off... it downright "PRETTY"!

That is a beautiful stock Griff!

pokey · Post by **pokey** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:24 pm

J Miller wrote:
El Chivo wrote:I'm not sure if this is a good topic for the members of this forum, but here goes:

What is the best (or your favorite) 30-30 rifle/carbine and why?
I've been partial to the Win Mdl 94 for many years. I've owned a bunch of them, shot a bunch more and have grown to understand their foibles. They are simple to use, simple to fix, and even simpler to maintain.
I've no dislike for the Marlin actions, but the only versions I've fired had the pistol gripped stocks and the comb on those is shaped wrong for my face. No matter what I do I get my cheek banged and bruised when I shoot one.
A lot of folks get their knickers in a wad because of the open bottom design of the Win 94s. Personally I like that much better than closed bottoms of the other brands and models of lever guns. The reason for that is very simple. Most of the debris that might fall into the action if the shooter is careless will usually fall out the bottom.
The open bottom also makes cleaning the action very easy without disassembly.

They are slim, very nicely contoured for carrying and light enough to carry all day long. In my opinion one of John Browning's best designs.

Joe

not much to add,owned some marlins, never clicked.
have a number of 94's, like em allot.
favorite? wow, that is tough.
probly this one for now.

madman4570 · Post by **madman4570** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:26 pm

Like the Win 94 or Marlin 336. Both look great,are rugged and have been around it seems forever!

Travis Morgan · Post by **Travis Morgan** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:28 pm

Any Winchester levergun. I hate Marlins pooping their innards in my face when I work the lever.

Lastmohecken · Post by **Lastmohecken** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:48 pm

I have owned a lot of 30/30's and still own 3 pre-64 Winchesters, one straight gripped Marlin, and a couple of post 64 Winchesters.

My favorite is a Pre-64 winchester, 20 inch barrel, because I think they handle the best, and I like the ones with longer forearm wood, because I just think they look better.

I probably prefer a post war model, although I love the pre-war models, but for shooting I like the post war models because the rear sight is positioned a little farther foward on the barrel and seems to give me the best sight picture. I also prefer the pre-64's because they have better sights then post 64's with have junk sights compared to the pre-64's. And I prefer the stock open sights on the pre-64's to even a receiver sight, because for some reason I can see it well with my eyes.

model55 · Post by **model55** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 10:50 pm

In my miss spent youth my father convinced me to avoid the model 94 because he had one which chewed up brass,kicked and so on.I thought they were clunky and I had to have a bolt action ended up with a No5mk1 enfield.Decades later my closet seems to have bred a few 94's-who knew! Now if I could afford/find a 38-55..........

pharmseller · Post by **pharmseller** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 12:35 am

My favorite .30-30 is my model 71.

Yeah, I know. But that's how I answer any and all favorite (fill in the blank) questions!
Favorite knife: model 71
Favorite car: model 71
Favorie beer: whatever you buy me

P

Modoc ED · Post by **Modoc ED** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 11:39 am

It was truly a shame when the production of Model 94 Winchesters was halted by non-caring, un-informed, non-gun loving, scallywags. They took the easy way out and stopped-the-presses -- so to speak.

Travis Morgan · Post by **Travis Morgan** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 5:53 pm

Modoc ED wrote:It was truly a shame when the production of Model 94 Winchesters was halted by non-caring, un-informed, non-gun loving, scallywags. They took the easy way out and stopped-the-presses -- so to speak.

**** the unions!

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 8:14 pm

Old Savage wrote:
Although that is a 16" "Trapper", and I've never shot it at paper to determine just how accurate it is... plinkin' with it seems like having bullets on a string out to 200 yards.
Then they climb a bit, right Griff?

I'm not Griff, but my 94TE Trapper 30-30 doesn't recoil or climb much more than the regular 20" carbine. However it's bark is definitely more vicious. Not only that if you shoot it at night you need sun glasses.

Joe

1886 · Post by **1886** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 8:37 pm

I found a presafety 336 straight grip with an 18" barrel born in 1980. Very nice. 1886.

Travis Morgan · Post by **Travis Morgan** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 9:48 pm

J Miller wrote:
Old Savage wrote:
Although that is a 16" "Trapper", and I've never shot it at paper to determine just how accurate it is... plinkin' with it seems like having bullets on a string out to 200 yards.
Then they climb a bit, right Griff?
I'm not Griff, but my 94TE Trapper 30-30 doesn't recoil or climb much more than the regular 20" carbine. However it's bark is definitely more vicious. Not only that if you shoot it at night you need sun glasses.

Joe

MY stepkid's pretty scrawny, so I'm reluctant to have him shoot my trapper.

El Chivo · Post by **El Chivo** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 3:11 am

Modoc ED wrote:It was truly a shame when the production of Model 94 Winchesters was halted by non-caring, un-informed, non-gun loving, scallywags. They took the easy way out and stopped-the-presses -- so to speak.

that's when I bought my first 30-30, the Saturday after they made the announcement.

I'm all in favor of them making their own business decisions, if they weren't selling, but I knew I was going to want one.

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 9:28 am

Travis Morgan wrote:
J Miller wrote:
Old Savage wrote:
Although that is a 16" "Trapper", and I've never shot it at paper to determine just how accurate it is... plinkin' with it seems like having bullets on a string out to 200 yards.
Then they climb a bit, right Griff?
I'm not Griff, but my 94TE Trapper 30-30 doesn't recoil or climb much more than the regular 20" carbine. However it's bark is definitely more vicious. Not only that if you shoot it at night you need sun glasses.

Joe

MY stepkid's pretty scrawny, so I'm reluctant to have him shoot my trapper.

My wife doesn't have any trouble with Win 94s in 30-30, Trapper or Carbine. There's not that much recoil difference between them. Don't be overly concerned about it.

Joe

Bogie35 · Post by **Bogie35** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 11:54 am

Leverdude wrote:Marlin 336.
its simple, acurate & durable.

+1

bogie

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 1:22 pm

[What is the best 30-30 rifle/carbine and why?]

Any one that you actually own/use, and not jes speculate 'bout.

.

OJ · Post by OJ » Fri Jun 12, 2009 3:57 pm

Pete44ru wrote:[What is the best 30-30 rifle/carbine and why?]

Any one that you actually own/use, and not jes speculate 'bout.

.

Yep - this is my favorite - in 1968 this Buffalo Bill Commemorative was produced and shipped out in pairs with consecutive serial numbers - rifle with 26" barrel and carbine with 20" barrel. The dealer and I were good friends and he sold it to me in 1968 - I guess the carbine owner didn't want the rifle and the dealer made his profit on the carbine -

He was a good friend - he charged me $90.00 for it !! He was the same dealer that sold me a used (but factory new condition) Colt Python 357 magnum - 6" barrel - for $99.00. Sorry he isn't around any more - the time came when he failed to pass the wake-up test - fortunately, at an advanced age.

Bigahh · Post by **Bigahh** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 4:51 pm

I want to say my Model 64 Carbine 20" barrel, but it is a 32 special, so I have to say my Model 64A Winchester. I love it, and it usually is my "Go To" gun in November. It is the most beat up rifle I own, but I will never part with it. The 24" barrel is long for what I use it for, but it is still very quick, and a tack driver. Would love another one just like it.

Travis Morgan · Post by **Travis Morgan** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 6:12 pm

OJ wrote:
Pete44ru wrote:[What is the best 30-30 rifle/carbine and why?]

Any one that you actually own/use, and not jes speculate 'bout.

.
Yep - this is my favorite - in 1968 this Buffalo Bill Commemorative was produced and shipped out in pairs with consecutive serial numbers - rifle with 26" barrel and carbine with 20" barrel. The dealer and I were good friends and he sold it to me in 1968 - I guess the carbine owner didn't want the rifle and the dealer made his profit on the carbine -

He was a good friend - he charged me $90.00 for it !! He was the same dealer that sold me a used (but factory new condition) Colt Python 357 magnum - 6" barrel - for $99.00. Sorry he isn't around any more - the time came when he failed to pass the wake-up test - fortunately, at an advanced age.

Where could I go to get all the parts for one of these? I already have the barrel, receiver, and lever. I always run into a wall when I try to order because I guess the parts are different from 94 to 94.

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 6:25 pm

The 30-30 is just "good" no matter how you slice it. My all time favorite is the Marlin 336 with a straight grip and the 18.5" barrel. There is something about that configuration that makes it seem a lot shorter and more compact than a 20" pistol grip model even though it really isn't. The gun in my avatar is my main gun. It shoots well and carries easy.
I love them all and killed my first deer with a Winchester 94 carbine. I have a 16" barrel Marlin Marauder I have yet to kill anything with that is very accurate and super handy. I hope to get it out there this year.
There is something about that scouted 18.5 incher that makes a great gun though. Kind of like a tree dog that's a natural.

3 shots kneeling at 100 yds