Finally a decision!

[Bearhands]

I've come to the realization that the 30-30 is "my" cartridge (perfect recoil for me, perfect for my "style" of hunting) The question is, where do i go from here? I've got a beautiful pre 64 Win.... its a great thing to hold and shoot. I just don't wanna hurt it! Plus, i need a scope now (not-so-good-eyes) LOL...... I want to be able to pass it down to the boys in tact. So here's a question for you..... Should I head in the direction of 336A, a Savage 340, Savage 170 or what?..... I'd like to make whatever I get, into "my own".... I'm not into the one shot Contender types...... so if you have a preference, history, experience with any of the aforementioned, please elaborate!..... the 30-30 is truly a great round for me.

[O.S.O.K.]

I'd go with a Marlin 336. Easy to scope.

You could ream the chamber to 30-30 Ackley Improved - ups the velocity a bit at the same pressure level. Doubt you'd feel much of a difference in recoil but you get a little more reach - good if you have a scope.

That'd make it yours...

And you can replace the grip cap with your own piece of wood or bone or something like that - same thing for the buttplate.

Put a nice sling on it...

[J Miller]

Bearhands,

Well, this is my thoughts on that.

>If your eyes will allow it, and your pre-64 is drilled and tapped for a receiver sight, I'd mount one on it and use it. Yes it's a pre-64 but it was made to use. My 1950 is in very nice condition and I shoot it when ever I can. Someday it will be drilled and tapped for a receiver sight. Nothing wrong with that.

>If your pre-64 is not drilled and tapped and you don't want to have it done, then I'd pick up a later one that is D&T'd and do it that way.

>If your eyes are too far gone for a receiver sight, I'd suggest a Marlin 336. You can mount a scope on that without any trouble at all.

Joe

[Bearhands]

Mine has a Lyman receiver sight on it.. w/ the peep. Maybe you're right...... I should shoot the darn thing till it becomes part of my will! LOL..... I do really love it.. 5+lbs of history (I think it's a '48) and joy. You guys are great!...... keep my head thinking right! It sure is a great looking gun..... with a perfect fit for me. I'll do some heavy thinkin' now.

[slimster]

Bearhands, why don't you consider finding a latter model angle eject 94? They're easy to mount a scope on, and if your eyes are bad enough, you won't have to squint too much to not realize that it's not a pre '64.

[Old Savage]

Here are a couple of ways to address your question.

[bogus bill]

I bought this 94 new when I was 14 in 1955. I added the pad and williams foolproof peep soon after. It really helped my accuracy. I once shot a buck close to 220 yards in a mixture of rain and snow sillouetted high above me in the mountains.

[Griff]

If the pre-64 is drilled @ tapped, I'd try a receiver sight, if not... and you want to keep it original, then I'd go the 336A route. I have one, (still iron-sighted) and a marlin 375 with a 4 power scope.

[Charles]

If a man is serious about the 30-30 round and wants to invest in a fine rifle for that round, I would think about..

1) The Marlin 336A. This is a half magazine, 24" barrel rifle that was Marlin's answer to the Winchester 64. It takes either a receiver or scope sight well and is a very accurate rifle. Mine wears an El Paso made Weaver K 2.5. It a fellow really wanted to lavish money on that special one, it could be rebarreled with a match grade barrel and stocked in yummy wood.

2) Browning also made their Winchester falling block clone in a rifle called "The Traditional Hunter". Some of these were made in 30-30. It comes equipped with a tang sight and the heavy barrel is D&T for a scope. This rifle WILL SHOOT. With selected handloads, either jacketed or cast, it is a true MOA rifle. My casket will be fitted with a scabbard so I can take mine with me.

The 30-30 is one fine round and will kill anything in this country within 200 yards. I am as equally fond of the 30-40 and the 30-06. I would have to be restricted to just one, and thankfully I am not. The latter two rounds will just add some more range if such be needed, which seldom it is.