they are nice rifles, what kind of hunting are you looking to do with it? if it is just deer this will be more than fine but i bought a .35 whelan that is great for anything basically in the world. it dropped a 2200 lb bison at 300yrds with one shot and the buffalo only took two steps. and its basically setup the same lever action and all.
It's mostly for range shooting and possible deer hunting. I hear a lot of great things about the Marlin rifles. I've shot the 44 version. Almost blew my eye out, lol. Was a little much for what I want. 30-30 seems reasonable for both range and deer hunting rifle.
i didnt think the 30-30 i shot kicked hard at all. my .308 has a decent kick but not bad and its bigger than a 30-30.30-30 is a great deer gun
was the 44 one you shot a 44 magnum? if yes, the 30-30 has quite a bit more kick
30-30 is a great deer gun
was the 44 one you shot a 44 magnum? if yes, the 30-30 has quite a bit more kick
If you want a marlin Lever go with the .35 or 45-70.
The 30-30 is nice but better all around is the .35.
My Dad and Brother both have them and swear by the .35
I have been keeping an eye out for a 45-70 for a while now!
All these above are great little short rifles. Great for Michigan Woods and going through Brush. My .270 and 30-06's are just to long and overkill for the hunting we do.
I do have a really nice old Marlin 30-30 but is a Family Heirloom being passed down from my late Grandmother. It is for my Daughter if she chooses to use it.
EDIT: I know gander Mountan in Shelby had 3 or 4 Lever Action's (USED) there about 2 weeks ago. Might want to try there.
That was a marlin .444 that you shot at the range, I think that is pretty close to what a 45-70 would be.
Dont shy away from the .35
Yes rounds are more than the 30-30, but ask yourself how much are you going to shoot it after sighting it in?
I bet you are not going to be taking this rifle to have fun at the range all the time.
To me it is a no brainer.