[Blitzkrieg]

I didnt have any interest in either the 308 or 338 marlin express rifles until I saw one in gander mtn. I figured the cartridges would be discontinued soon and the rifles would be big like the 1895 but the 308mx was actually pretty sleek. Does anyone know if the 338 express rifle is as sleek as the 308? I think the 338 would make a neat bear gun. If anyone has one please let me know. Thanks

 

[good ole boy]

These rifles are awesome and have been sellin like hotcakes for Marlin.The ballistics are incredible.They can shoot right with a .308 an 30-06.In fact they got the edge on the .308 and 30-06.The ammo is here to stay and is now bein offered by more co,s than Hornady.Check out Marlinowners.com for tons of info.

 

[Harrysigafoo]

Do you think the marlin lever guns will shoot as accurate as a bolt rifle???? I doubt it, but they are probably accurate enough for short range deer, say 150-200 yds max?

 

[Stetam]

Actually, in most cases in Pennsylvania 150-200 yards is long range and yes, Marlin lever actions shoot well enough out to 200. I think many people badly overestimate ranges in the field and in almost all cases a Marlin is more that accurate enough.

 

[Harrysigafoo]

yep, they are deer accurate, sure.

But when i see comparisons to the 308 and '06 which are generally turn bolt rifles, I just think the accuracy isn't the same with a 338 Marlin lever as with say a 308 rem model 700. Someone said, "only accurate rifles are interesting". and while I have a number or winchester and marlin guns. They (levers) really can't be comparied to a bolt rifle (excepting the win 88).

 

[*Moose]

I've never heard that the Winchester 88's were that wonderfully accurate? Also heard they have poor triggers?

 

[DennyF]

Accuracy and trajectory might suffer a bit past 200 yards with many of the cartridges chambered in lever rifles, but 100 yard accuracy should not be a problem?

Had a 444 Marlin for many years. The original issue version, with 24" barrel. Scoped and rested, it would consistantly put three rounds nearly touching (usually two rounds touching), at 100 yards. That was with my 200gr HP "pistol bullet" reloads.

My old 336 carbine in 35 Rem. and with a Williams peep, will shoot three 200gr Core Lokts into less than 2" at 100 yards, rested. It's not D/T'd, but would wager that if I could put a scope on it, those groups would shrink?

Over the years I have also seen many scoped 336s in 30-30, put three into an inch or so at our 100 yard range.

 

[Harrysigafoo]

the 88 had a rotary bolt IIRC, the trigger on the 284s and 308 that I shot were OK. the trigger moves with the lever, so that doesn't lend itself to crisp light. I'd say the trigger was better than the Marlin336 out of the box.
The one thing on Win 88s were they had a few plastic parts and those plastic parts with time failed.

 

[good ole boy]

They have some awesome long range accuracy.Just go on Marlinowners.com and chat with Big Med.He has shot these rifles out to 1000yds.Plus he has takin lots of large game with em.He is in Missori.

 

[good ole boy]

His 1000yd shots were not at game.They were at stationary targets out on a flat soybean field.

 

[Harrysigafoo]

I've never seen a Marlin lever gun win at any accuracy competitions, except cowboy shoots. Have you seen a Marlin lever gun win at any accuracy competitions where it was in competition with modern bolt action rifles?????

 

[DennyF]

Yep. Few years ago, over a dozen of us got whupped in a winter 100 yard 3 position sporter rifle shoot, by a guy with a Marlin 30-30 wearing a Leupold compact. Shooting Rem. 150 Core Lokts from the local Walmart.

Guns also in the competition that day, were assorted bolt actions in anything from 223 Rem. to 308 Winchester, all sporters and all scoped. I was shooting my NEF 223 single shot, which was the only heavy-barreled rifle there (they gave me a pass 'cause I had the only single shot).

'Course the guy is a regular AR15 High Power competitor (High Master), but so were many of the other shooters that day. One of his buds pronounced that to be the National Match Marlin.

 

[*Moose]

I've owned twenty Leverguns. It's been my experience that an MOA levergun is not common, but I've owned two or three.

 

[Harrysigafoo]

Got one 30-30 marlin 336 about 40+ years old. It will at 100 yds shoot 1.5 inch 10 shot groups with rem 150 green box; if I do my part.
Again I think that is the exception to the rule; they are now generally sprayers; just not tack drivers.

 

[broknaero]

I've never seen a Marlin lever gun win at any accuracy competitions, except cowboy shoots. Have you seen a Marlin lever gun win at any accuracy competitions where it was in competition with modern bolt action rifles?????

Haven't seen many deer rifles in competitions either... The comparison to .308 and .30-06 is the trajectory. The .308 marlin has the trajectory of a .308. The .338 Marlin is the star and has the trajectory of a .30-06 but does it with a 200gr bullet. It's not a .338 win mag but its got snot.

That being said I only have the .338. I've punched some paper but yet to take game with it. I feel comfortable with a good shot and good rest at a measured 300 yards (which is 1000 yards for some folks). I don't have the range yet to make myself comfortable past 300 yards but the energy is there.

 

[scoutspaw]

They look great on paper but my only concern would be ammo. The winchester big boar 94's tought me that. I love lever guns and love to shoot them I hope they stay around and rekindle a dying breed.

 

[good ole boy]

You can poke all the fun you want at that fella,s so called 1000yd. shot.But if you would do like I said and check out his posts,you would see his video,s an pictures of his range and targets set up on that 3000 ft. soybean field.He has multiple angles with documented ranges.I know positively he is credible.If you don,t want to believe it,fine.I,m not gonna lose any sleep over it.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

Thanks for some input. But I find it humorous that my question on the rifle becomes a debate on a lever guns accuracy. There are more important things than just half inch groups. Minute of animal has worked fine so far I really was interested in how it carries in the field and is the action smooth and reliable. Is it too much for deer? Anything else I should know? I am leaning towards the 338 probably just use it for bear because I have a few deer guns. Thanks

 

[patonyk]

blitz.....I have the 35 in the XLR. All I can say is it has a smooth action and it is very accurate. I also have my eye on the 338 in the XLR.My buddy owns the 308 in XLR. They are easy to carry and in my opinion fun to shoot. 100 yard shots with my 35 produce 3/4 inch groups this weekend with 200 gr. leverevolution ammo. I think you would enjoy the gun if you like levers. They are definately different shooting than that of the older models.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

thanks thats the kind of answers I was hoping for.