Any thoughts on the Marlin 336 RC .30-30 rifle?

General
1

I’m considering purchasing the Marlin 336 RC in .30-30 and would love to hear your thoughts or experiences with it. Here are a few specific areas I’m curious about:

Accuracy

  • How does it perform in terms of precision at various distances?
  • Any particular loads you’ve found that work well?

Performance

  • What’s the general handling like? Is it smooth and reliable during quick follow-up shots?
  • How does it handle recoil? Is it manageable, especially for extended shooting sessions?

Features

  • How does the build quality hold up over time? Any issues with rust or wear?
  • What do you think of the sights? Are there upgrades worth considering?

Value

  • Is it worth the price? How does it compare to other rifles in the same category?

I’m particularly interested in how it performs in hunting scenarios, so any input there would be great. Thanks in advance for your insights!

6 Likes
2

I’ve had my Marlin 336 RC for years now. It’s a solid rifle for hunting. I’ve taken several deer with it, and it performs well in various weather conditions. The .30-30 cartridge is great for close to medium range.

3

I agree completely! The accuracy is impressive, especially at ranges under 200 yards. It’s quite forgiving for newer shooters too.

3 Likes
4

I’ve only shot my Marlin at the range so far, but I’m a fan of how it handles. The lever action is smooth, and it feels really comfortable in the hands. Anyone ever tested it in the rain?

5

I took my Marlin out hunting last fall and it performed beautifully. Rain or shine, it held up. The .30-30 packs enough punch without being too heavy to carry around all day.

2 Likes
6

I’ve always wondered about the recoil. Does anyone find it to be manageable, or does it punch too hard for comfort? I’m curious about experiences from larger calibers.

7

I’m a lightweight, and I have to say the recoil on the Marlin 336 RC is definitely manageable for me. I’ve shot larger calibers, and this felt pretty moderate in comparison.

8

For what it’s worth, I had a bit of a mess with sighting in mine at first. Took some time, but once I was dialed in, it was spot on—no complaints about accuracy after that!

9

Totally get that! I had a similar experience. It’s definitely worth the effort to get it right, and then it really shines when it counts.

10

Why do they call it a ‘little brother’ to the .30-06? It’s not like it’s lacking in performance for deer hunting! Anyone else feel it’s underrated?

11

Right?! Sometimes I think fellow hunters overlook the Marlin 336 RC for the shiny new rifles. They miss out on a classic beauty! Plus, you can find good deals on used ones.

12

I’ve always liked the Marlin 336 RC for its smooth action and classic design. It’s reliable and has taken down quite a few deer for me over the years.

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13

Absolutely! The 336 RC is known for its reliability. Comparing it to the Winchester, I feel the Marlin has a better trigger pull.

14

I had a Winchester Model 94 and switched to a Marlin 336. The Marlin feels more balanced, especially for quick shots in the field.

15

Isn’t it funny how opinions differ? I still prefer the Winchester. Not nearly as much love for it in this thread, haha!

4 Likes
16

That’s interesting! What made you switch? I feel the design of the Marlin lessens felt recoil, which is a huge plus.

17

I’ve heard great things about the Henry .30-30 rifles too! How do they compare in terms of weight and smoothness to the Marlin?

18

In my experience, the Henry is a bit heavier than the Marlin but offers a really smooth action. The finish on the Henry is also pretty nice.

19

Don’t sleep on the value of the Marlin, though! It’s been a solid performer for years, making it a great choice for the price.

20

I find it amusing how people forget when the Marlin was extremely popular. It’s all nostalgia and preference now. But I guess that’s the fun of it!