Which lever action gun to buy?

[Antler Daddy]

The only gun I have ever regretted trading is my first deer rifle. It was a Marlin 30-30 and had some medallion in the stock and my parents gave it to me for Christmas. It came from Western Auto or K-mart around 1982-83. Two years later, I traded with boot for a used 742 30.06 at Brown's little outdoor store over near EO Coffman. I started missing it about 10 years later.

 

[7mm08]

I always thought the "cs" stood for covered sight.
I had an early 80s CS, and it didn't have a safety.

Interesting…

Some guys Jerry rig removing the safety ?

 

[gasman]

You can't go wrong with a Marlin, Winchester, or Henry. I've had all 3 (have 2 of them now) and all are shooters. The henry 45-70 is a little rough on the shoulder but it's a great rifle. 30-30 or 45-70 both are great rounds.

 

[Gravey]

I'd venture to say the 30-30 has killed more deer in Tennessee than anything. Have no facts to back it up but just a guess. That said I've never owned or shot one. Gonna have to change that at some point. They have the "cool" factor.

 

[Tenntrapper]

View attachment 205288
Interesting…

Some guys Jerry rig removing the safety ?

That's interesting, because mine was purchased "used" from a pawn shop in probably 81 or 82. I'm not sure when it was manufactured, as at that age...I didn't care.

 

[7mm08]

That's interesting, because mine was purchased "used" from a pawn shop in probably 81 or 82. I'm not sure when it was manufactured, as at that age...I didn't care.

Manufacturer age is easily done on that rifle.

How-To Determine Year of Manufacture- Marlin - Marlin Firearms Collectors Association

 

[Tenntrapper]

Manufacturer age is easily done on that rifle.

How-To Determine Year of Manufacture- Marlin - Marlin Firearms Collectors Association

Yeah, I know how to age them now...but also know it was a pre-safety rifle. And it was stamped cs.
I'm not doubting you...just find it odd. It had to be a late 70s gun, and like I said...was purchased in about 81.

 

[Big Pop]

Look at Marlin 336s in 35 REM for a real classic

I have loved my Marlin 336 .35 Remington for almost 50 years. Still looks almost new and it's been put through a lot and still kills deer! Killed one with it last Friday. And did I mention it's done nothing but increase in value. A guy offered me $1500 for it last year. Nah, not for sale.

 

[Iglow]

The 94's to avoid are the 1964 till about 1972, not the best of the bunch. The pre 64's are the cream of the crop and ones made after about 1978 are perfectly fine but not in the class of the pre 64's.

 

[DaveTN]

The 94's to avoid are the 1964 till about 1972, not the best of the bunch. The pre 64's are the cream of the crop and ones made after about 1978 are perfectly fine but not in the class of the pre 64's.

I'd check that. That is correct (Pre 64) with the Model 70 due to the Controlled feed vs. Push feed. I don't think that's correct for the Model 94. It was made differently after 64, not necessarily better.

 

[Don'tDrinkTinks]

Marlin for me. I have a 30-30 and I'm happy with it.

Make sure get a JM stamped one though. Big difference in quality between a true Marlin and a Remington made gun that says Marlin on it.

 

[Wade195]

Is there any type of warranty on these older rifles now?

 

[44 mag]

Is there any type of warranty on these older rifles now?

No not to my knowledge. I have not torn into the triggers but from what I have done they are pretty easy to work on.

 

[SSlater]

Make sure get a JM stamped one though. Big difference in quality between a true Marlin and a Remington made gun that says Marlin on it.

Mine is definitely JM stamped

 

[00bucshot]

For me, it's the original all steel Browning BLR in .308.