self defense rifle?

[AEA]

Sorry for hijacking the thread but I felt it necessary to inform anyone considering a Marlin (Remington) rifle.

No need to reply to my posts....just take it for information.

Please direct the remainder of the thread to the OP's request for information (Topic).

[Texas Dan Mosby]

I don't get it...

Are you going to primarily hunt with the lever gun, or are you serious about using it solely for defense?

The M-1 garand proved that self-loading rifles were far superior for defensive purposes over 70 years ago. An AK or an SKS would be far more effective as a "problem arises" gun, and you should be able to find one in the same price range as a lever gun.

When it comes down to it, any gun is better than no gun, even a black powder pistol. However, you might as well go for something better suited for the task you intend to perform, and if that task is defense, think semi-auto, and preferably with a high ammo capacity.

Do what you think is best.

[CC Italian]

AEA- So far I have about 300 rounds through my 336 and it has been 100% with all ammo with no fit or finish problems. I did notice looking at Gander with my future in-laws that the newer Marlins feel and look cheaper and cost more! Makes sense about Remington taking over in 07 because I thought someone told in 08 that they bought out Marlin.

[MoJo]

My 1954 Marlin 336 with Ballard rifling in .30-30 would be my choice for a EDC truck/car gun. Plenty powerful enough and able to shoot fast enough for non terrorist situations and it doesn't scream "EBR!" Now for my "fertilizer in the air circulation device" gun I want my EBR or my Garand or both. Pistol caliber carbines and rifles don't offer enough improvement in range or terminal ballistics for me. You basically have a heavy unwieldy pistol with slightly better accuracy.

[speedsix]

Sorry for hijacking the thread but I felt it necessary to inform anyone considering a Marlin (Remington) rifle.

No need to reply to my posts....just take it for information.

Please direct the remainder of the thread to the OP's request for information (Topic).

...that's exactly what YOU were doing...he'd rather find out NOW than LATER which of the lever action rifles he's asking about are quality and which are scrap metal...as we all do...valuable info and totally pertinent to the OP's question...thanks again...

[speedsix]

I don't get it...

Are you going to primarily hunt with the lever gun, or are you serious about using it solely for defense?

The M-1 garand proved that self-loading rifles were far superior for defensive purposes over 70 years ago. An AK or an SKS would be far more effective as a "problem arises" gun, and you should be able to find one in the same price range as a lever gun.

When it comes down to it, any gun is better than no gun, even a black powder pistol. However, you might as well go for something better suited for the task you intend to perform, and if that task is defense, think semi-auto, and preferably with a high ammo capacity.

Do what you think is best.

...for about the same money as a good levergun, you're right, the AK would be a lot more firepower...and the AK round has been compared with .30-.30 often... and bulk ammo's available...worth thinkin' on!!!

[E.Marquez]

Tough choice, but it would have to be my Marlin in .357, as I could co carry the same ammo for one of my revolvers in .357.
Otherwise pistol in .45 and my Marlin in 45-70

[MoJo]

I don't get it...

Are you going to primarily hunt with the lever gun, or are you serious about using it solely for defense?

The M-1 garand proved that self-loading rifles were far superior for defensive purposes over 70 years ago. An AK or an SKS would be far more effective as a "problem arises" gun, and you should be able to find one in the same price range as a lever gun.

When it comes down to it, any gun is better than no gun, even a black powder pistol. However, you might as well go for something better suited for the task you intend to perform, and if that task is defense, think semi-auto, and preferably with a high ammo capacity.

Do what you think is best.

...for about the same money as a good levergun, you're right, the AK would be a lot more firepower...and the AK round has been compared with .30-.30 often... and bulk ammo's available...worth thinkin' on!!!

I wouldn't have a problem with an AK or SKS even a Mosin Nagant the big advantage a .30-30 has over these guns is ammo availability. Most any WalMart, Academy, or small gun shop will have .30-30 ammo - - - 7.62X39 and 7.62X54R are going to be a little harder to find.

[74novaman]

I have both AKs and a lever action in .357.

I love my lever gun. Its a light, handy little rifle. (I have the 1894c, I think 16" barrel? So its not as heavy as AEAs lever guns...though it does have the JM mark on the barrel. )

But if I had the lever gun and an AK sitting side by side and I heard the door crashing in...

I'd pick the AK every time.

For a strictly self defense gun, can't beat a semi auto rifle.

For a light, easy handling gun thats a blast to shoot, can't beat the lever.

Get both.

[sjones]

The reason I chose the lever is I just like them and it doesn't cost that much.I decided to just get a 30-30.I can't afford a semi auto anyway.Although I would love to have a MI or Mia.Besides I'm lookint for something light I'm 68 and not all that strong anymore.

[Heartland Patriot]

I don't get it...

Are you going to primarily hunt with the lever gun, or are you serious about using it solely for defense?

The M-1 garand proved that self-loading rifles were far superior for defensive purposes over 70 years ago. An AK or an SKS would be far more effective as a "problem arises" gun, and you should be able to find one in the same price range as a lever gun.

When it comes down to it, any gun is better than no gun, even a black powder pistol. However, you might as well go for something better suited for the task you intend to perform, and if that task is defense, think semi-auto, and preferably with a high ammo capacity.

Do what you think is best.

...for about the same money as a good levergun, you're right, the AK would be a lot more firepower...and the AK round has been compared with .30-.30 often... and bulk ammo's available...worth thinkin' on!!!

I wouldn't have a problem with an AK or SKS even a Mosin Nagant the big advantage a .30-30 has over these guns is ammo availability. Most any WalMart, Academy, or small gun shop will have .30-30 ammo - - - 7.62X39 and 7.62X54R are going to be a little harder to find.

In reference to the highlighted portion of your text...while I agree that 7.62x54r can be hard to find, 7.62x39 for SKS or AK-types is pretty much everywhere...I've seen it at Wal-Mart, I know that Academy sells it pretty regularly, and you can order it bulk from any online place, CHEAP.

[speedsix]

...when it all comes apart, and there are those rampantly trying to take what we have 'cause they're fresh out, of the two calibers, I think there'll be plenty of AK ammo "donated" by the opposing team....30-.30---not so much...

[tbrown]

The reason I chose the lever is I just like them and it doesn't cost that much.I decided to just get a 30-30.I can't afford a semi auto anyway.

I thought the Marlin lever guns were priced between SKS and AK, assuming standard guns, not rare, not custom, etc.

[sjones]

I have been doing a lot more research and right now I am thinking about getting a M1 carbine.Its small and light,doesn't cost an arm and leg.I can afford about $550.00 tops.I am a small person so I'm looking for something that doesn't weigh much.I'm looking for something around 5 or 6 lbs.

[tbrown]

The CMP carbines kept costs reasonable but they have been going up since the CMP dried up. Good luck in your search.