Once again I am here to tap into the vast pool of knowledge that I am so thankful to be a part of. I’m in the market for another lever gun. I will mainly be using it for a Hog Gun. No long shots over 100 yards for the most part. 30-30 or .35 Rem. Marlin, Winchester, Henry, all considered. I own a Henry “All-Weather” 45-70 and I LOVE it except it’s a bit heavy. I just don’t always need THAT much gun.

I prefer the JM Marlins vs the newer ones as I have bought one of the “Remlins” and it went back for QC problems. This will be a fun project, I just need some advice from some lever-lovers!
Rowlan?

Thanks in advance!!

336 in 35 Rem would do the trick. Buddy of mine brought his along for Deer season this year and made for a pretty good brush gun. He also brought his Malrin guide in 45-70 which did equally well. Most of my Henrys have weighed more than their Marlin counterparts of the same type.

If you want something really cool. Buy a cheap Remlin 1894 and have Ranger Point Precison convert it to 10MM.

Ditto 336 in .35
Be patient you can find one cheap if you keep your eyes open. Woods hunting deer hogs and black bears it is ideal.

I picked up a cosmetically ugly, but functionally fine 1956 vintage 336C in .35 Remington for $350 at a gun show, and it is absolutely a favorite of mine. I like the Marlins because of the side loading gate and the side eject. Henry requires that you load the Tube Magazine which is more awkward, and Winchester ejects out the top of the receiver, making scope mounting more challenging.

While the 45-70 is definitely Thor's battle hammer, the .35 Remington, is Thor's EDC hammer. 200 grain Hornady LeverRevolution at 2200 fps is nothing to sneeze at. The only downside is ammo cost if you don't reload. Best I have found factory .35 is $24/box. If you reload, you can make plinking rounds out of 158 grain .357 SWC bullets which are a blast to shoot around with.

My eyes are pretty useless with iron sights, so I made the modifications below to make this gun useful to me. It balances perfectly at the receiver, is light to carry in one hand, and is quick handling. The 336C has an 18 inch barrel.

I'm partial to the .444 Marlin. Unfortunately, it's going to be in the same weight/size rifle as the 45/70 you already have. If it's a 100 yard only rifle, I'd go for a .44 mag lever and the proper hunting loads. At 100 yards, it'll hit as hard (if not harder) as the 30/30. Past 100, the 30/30 is much better because of better bullet BC and trajectory, but at 100ish yards and the proper loads, the .44 mag is just as good if not better in a handier pistol cartridge sized receiver vs rifle bullet sized receiver lever gun.

My 100 yard and under gun is a Winchester 16" trapper in .44 mag with hot hand loaded WFN 280-330gn hard cast gas-checked bullets.

The 44 mag is a pretty good option, I would s our the used gun racks at shops shows and the local Craig’s list. I am partial to Winchester’s though nothing wrong with marlin. Used 30-30’s usually can be found in the sub $400 range. Very common ammo availability, good long track record

1895 Marlin in .45-70.

The Marlin 336 in 35 Rem is a great choice, mid weight rifle, boom flop results with hard hitting 200 gr soft point rem Ammo, and many options for optics or optics with see thru rings. Ideal for the 100yard range.

.35 Rem ammo was hard to find several years ago and was expensive. Has that changed? I’ve got a bit stocked up and haven’t searched in a while.

If you reload maybe it doesn’t matter but you might want to figure ammo cost into your expenses if you go .35 Rem.

ETA: ArtieS already discussed ammo. Sorry to repeat.

30/30 ammo everywhere 35 harder to fine. Either will work just fine on deer, hogs

quote:

Originally posted by captain127:
The 44 mag is a pretty good option

At the ranges discussed, that's what I was thinking. (helps that there's one in my safe)

When Bill Ruger and friends were testing out the first 44mag auto on game, they said,
"The 44mag kills way more effectively than anyone thought it would or should."

Haunt pawn shops. You can often find 336s used for cheap. I would go 30-30 for ammo availability and price. Hornady LeverEvolution ammo is an outstanding performer in my thutty - thutty. And I always replace the factory sights with a good quality receiver sight.

The first Remington Marlins did suck, but quality on the newer guns seems to be back up with the JM guns. I had to send an early one back myself for blueing and headspace problems, but I've seen owned a 45-70 a 44 mag., and both were problem free.

35 Remington is a nice option, but I wish I could find a 308 Marlin Express. THAT is Thor’s EDC.

Thanks for all the suggestions!! Happy Thanksgiving!!

I've killed a few hogs with the 30-30 marlin. It smacks them. Also have an old .44 model 336 I'm going to try. I expect it will do well as my 44 pistol knocks them down.

May I recommend a Marlin 336Y. God Bless

I'd take a look at a .44
The ballistics seem to work out to 100Yds.
However, this may open another "I just spent $900" door for you...
Do you have a .44 Pistol?
(If you don't, you'll probably get one sooner or later. )