[rjgnwdc]

I've got a Marlin 1894 in .44mag /.44 special with a Nikon 3x9x40mm it's a tack driver at 100yrd it it an older Marlin.

[KJMoore84]

I own a Winchester 94, it is a very good lever action, 30-30.

[Rich1028]

Originally Posted by rocshaman

Is there anywhere online to run a Marlin serial number to see what year it was made?

look here...
http://oldguns.net/sn_php/marlinlookup.php

[Turbojet]

Hey fupuk. My deer rifle is a Marlin 444 SS made in 1989. The SS is Sporter Safety, meaning it has the cross bolt safety. It has a blued 22" Micro Groove barrel, with 1 in 38" twist. If you subtract the first two numbers of your serial number from 2000, you get the year of manufacture. Mine starts with 11. So, 2000 - 11 = 1989. No where on my gun is found 336. $400 is a good price for one in good condition. Around here 444 ammo goes about $42 for a box of 20. I shoot the Remington 240 gr. and the Hornady 265 gr Superformance ( which I prefer). I do not shoot the Hornady Leverevolution (gummy tips). I had a gunsmith do a cowboy action polish/tune job on the action and I can lever it with 1 finger now. I also put a Wild West trigger in it for a 2-3 pound pull. I then took the scope off and put a set of XS Ghost Ring sights on it. Man does this thing rock and roll. It is the most fun shooting deer rifle I have ever shot. I also reload, but still kinda new to that. Save your brass. You can send it to me!

[fupuk]

Originally Posted by Turbojet

Hey fupuk. My deer rifle is a Marlin 444 SS made in 1989. The SS is Sporter Safety, meaning it has the cross bolt safety. It has a blued 22" Micro Groove barrel, with 1 in 38" twist. If you subtract the first two numbers of your serial number from 2000, you get the year of manufacture. Mine starts with 11. So, 2000 - 11 = 1989. No where on my gun is found 336. $400 is a good price for one in good condition. Around here 444 ammo goes about $42 for a box of 20. I shoot the Remington 240 gr. and the Hornady 265 gr Superformance ( which I prefer). I do not shoot the Hornady Leverevolution (gummy tips). I had a gunsmith do a cowboy action polish/tune job on the action and I can lever it with 1 finger now. I also put a Wild West trigger in it for a 2-3 pound pull. I then took the scope off and put a set of XS Ghost Ring sights on it. Man does this thing rock and roll. It is the most fun shooting deer rifle I have ever shot. I also reload, but still kinda new to that. Save your brass. You can send it to me!

Ive been doing more research and i found that the 336 is a "smaller" lever action. Basically the same firearm but in a bigger caliber. Marlin model 444, it sure looks fun to shoot but i dont know whats going on with the guy. Ive emailed him but its been a couple days and no response. I will have to email him and see what he says. But thanks for the information.

[hawkguy]

Originally Posted by jackal6

I don't know who makes a good lever action rifle or what I should even be looking for in one

i bought an "older" marlin not too long ago. i figure it must have some of the last few to crank out of the old factory. it is a 336 SS and it is a BEAUT of a rifle. although i have a very small collection, it is hands down the best looking and shooting rifle i own.

i recently got a rossi ranch hand. i really wanted a mare's leg, and i really like it. but, the fit and finish of my rossi is not in the same league as my marlin.....not even close. i still like my ranch hand, but.....it just isn't in the same league imo.

[995]

I picked up an old Western Auto Revelation model 200 in 30/30 a little while back it shoots good and looks good for something made in the late sixties .

[cottontop]

You might consider a Savage 99 or a Winchester 88 in a more intensive and capable cartridge such as the .308, .284, or .358. That is, if you can find one. They are a little pricey though.
As far as ammo prices go, if you reload, it becomes a non issue.
cottontop

[mdauben]

Originally Posted by cottontop

You might consider a Savage 99 or a Winchester 88 in a more intensive and capable cartridge

The .444 is more than enough cartridge for deer out to 150 yard which is adequate for many hunters. Many people consider it a suitable elk and even moose cartridge within its range limits.

The Savage 99 is a great gun, though, if you want something with more reach but still want a lever gun. Although they have been OOP for years they were so popular that they are not really that hard to find. The most popular chambering was probably the .300 savage. Load that up with some Remington 150gr Core Lokt and you have a great 300+ yard deer rifle.

[Wi_Hunter556]

Originally Posted by mdauben

Winchester makes excellent lever guns unfortunately they have become IMO prohibitively expensive ($1000+).

Marlin used to make very good lever guns but since they were bought out and manufacturing moved to the Remington plant quality seems to have gone down the toilet. If you can find and older gun (say more than 5 years old) they are still an excellent choice.

Henry and Rossi both make decent levers although not IMO the same quality as Winchester or the older Marlins. I don't like the way Henry's load do if I was buying a new lever action today I'd probably look closely at Rossi.

I bought a stainless marlin guide gun last xmas and the quality is superb. Maybe i was lucky? But you cant go wrong with a winchester or marlin. Id like to get a good set of ghost rings, large loop lever, extractor, and a trigger. Heck of a gun. Im thinking about picking up a 30-30 from the local gun shop...$250 bucks and its in great shape. You can find nice used lever guns for really good prices