deciding on a 30-30 deer rifle help

[smittty]

I have it narrowed down to two rifles, the Marlin 336 and TC G2 Contender.

The Marlin has 7 + 1 capacity and weighs 7 lbs empty. I think it's already too heavy to add a scope so I'd likely add a receiver sight set which I expect will add $100 to the rifle.

The G2 Contender is a 23" single shot and weighs 5.5 lbs without a scope so I figure 6.5 lbs with a scope. I already have a scope that would fit it nicely.

What do you guys think?

[Ishooter]

Have you looked at Mossberg 464? It's 6+1 and 6.7 lbs. It's very slim and balance and shoot great.

[Spyder]

Winchester?

I have Win and Marlin both. Irons on Win and optics on Marlin, choosing which sighting system I wanted would be the determining factor for me.

[NapalmCheese]

You spelled Winchester wrong in your poll.

[TMB 1]

Cool thing about the Contender is its ability to quickly swap barrels.

[TMB 1]

I don't have Contender rifle but have pistol with 22lr, 22 Hornet, 30-30, 44mag and 45 Colt barrels. Also have few H&R single shots but they quit making those.

[smittty]

Have you looked at Mossberg 464? It's 6+1 and 6.7 lbs. It's very slim and balance and shoot great.

[smittty]

You spelled Winchester wrong in your poll.

I had a pre-64 at the same time as my 464 and hate to burst anyone’s bubble but the 464 has a smoother action and is more accurate.

But I just gave my 464 to my son and prefer to let him enjoy it without me copying what he has.

I undecided on a scope vs receiver sight and could go either way. That’s not the deciding factor.

I think the deciding factor for me will have more to do with weight and single shot vs repeater. I like them equal at the moment which is the reason for the poll.

Lightweight single shot vs heavier 7 shot repeater? Primary purpose is deer hunting. Secondary consideration is we’re in California!

[hambam105]

I'd be concerned with using an old obsolete cartridge such as a 30-30.

The 30-30 cartridge may have taken more North American Game than all other center fire cartridges
combined in the last 100 years, but why chance it today with all the new & improved available calibers?

[TMB 1]

I'd be concerned with using an old obsolete cartridge such as a 30-30.

The 30-30 cartridge may have taken more North American Game than all other center fire cartridges
combined in the last 100 years, but why chance it today with all the new & improved available calibers?

30-30 has more power than the 7.62x39 and people use that all the time for deer.

[kevins750]

30-30 has more power than the 7.62x39 and people use that all the time for deer.

I think with modern bullets the 30-30 is very capable still today. I would prefer one in a bolt action though.

[ar15barrels]

I have it narrowed down to two rifles, the Marlin 336 and TC G2 Contender.

The Marlin has 7 + 1 capacity and weighs 7 lbs empty. I think it's already too heavy to add a scope so I'd likely add a receiver sight set which I expect will add $100 to the rifle.

The G2 Contender is a 23" single shot and weighs 5.5 lbs without a scope so I figure 6.5 lbs with a scope. I already have a scope that would fit it nicely.

What do you guys think?

The answer is both, but for different reasons.
Are you likely to NEED more than 1 shot?
There's one answer.

The G2 is a nicer rifle than a Marlin 336.
There's another answer.

What distances do you normally get a shot at deer where you hunt?
Do you require a scope?
G2 stock is better with a scope.

Iron sights are faster than scopes and the 336 is going to be better with iron sights than the G2 due to the stock being setup for a scope.

The ultimate solution is to get both, one for each shoulder...

[smittty]

I think with modern bullets the 30-30 is very capable still today. I would prefer one in a bolt action though.

I'm set on 30-30, no need to contemplate another caliber. It is rare in a bolt action and only seen in much older model guns. There's a Ruger No. 1 in 30-30 but its over 7 lbs and $$$.

The G2 Contender is nice because its only 5.5 lbs and can be taken down.

The Marlin is legendary so no convincing needed. I wish it weighed less!

[ar15barrels]

I'm set on 30-30, no need to contemplate another caliber. It is rare in a bolt action and only seen in much older model guns. There's a Ruger No. 1 in 30-30 but its over 7 lbs and $$$.

The G2 Contender is nice because its only 5.5 lbs and can be taken down.

The Marlin is legendary so no convincing needed. I wish it weighed less!

Look for a Savage 340 or a Remington 788.
Both were available in 30-30 and were lighter than 7lbs.

It's also possible to shorten a 336 down to a 16" barrel to shave some weight.
That might be just what you are looking for.

[hambam105]

30-30 has more power than the 7.62x39 and people use that all the time for deer.

Sure does. Thanks for the reminder.

There was a few things that I was uncertain about in Junior High School 1973. However, the on-Shelf Speer Reloading
Manual spelled out the similarities & dirrerence between the Russian AK 7.62X39mm cartridge and the 30-30 Winchester
cartridge to the degree than even I could understand.