I didn't see this vid until it was more than 2 years old, but felt compelled to comment about my experiences with both the 64 and 336A. I owned and shot the 64, two of them, one 25-35, the other 30-30, and loved the rifles. Svelte, held steady offhand without the unnecessary weight of a loaded magazine under a 26" barrel. I traded the 30-30 off on a pre-64 M70, .270, and got some boot and gear on top of the trade. The 25-35 went down the road to a fella that thought he was gonna go to the great meadow in the sky, and threw cubic cash at me for it that I couldn't turn down. Again, beautiful rifles... At the moment, I have three 336A's, all 30-30's, but not for long. The biggest advantage to the Marlin over the Winchester that I see at the moment is availability. I can go into just about any good gun shop or pawn broker, and there'll be at least one in the rack, and for a helluva lot less cash than the Winchester! All of the rifles I have at the moment are the older rifles, with un-drilled top receivers, and Ballard rifling. One has been d/t by a previous owner, and Brudda, does it shoot! One of the Marlin's was a basket case that I picked up, mostly for parts, but I've acquired a .375 bore barrel blank, and plan to build a 38-55 on it. Perhaps for nostalgia more than anything. My first elk hunt in Idaho, where I grew up, I shot a raghorn bull with an old Marlin 38-55, and when Dad's bolt gun ran dry, he used the Marlin to take his. (we had stumbled into a herd, and took the two young bulls standing about five feet from each other at about 100 yards) My younger brother has that one, but, well, I just gots ta have a nuther'n..... About scope mounting a lever gun.....I had 20/20 until about the time I retired at 55 years old. Today, at 66, I need all the help I can get. The worst thing about being diabetic is the vision loss. Say what you will, for me, a scoped rifle is just about a must if I want to make a humane kill. As always, great little video, looking forward to more!
You’re right about open sights. You can go out very far with them, especially with a nice tang mounted peep sight. We were taught proper fundamentals and practiced our marksmanship using open sights.
One major difference between the two is ease of disassembly, particularly for regular maintenance. Neither are especially challenging, but the 94 is much more involved to take apart!
I agree! You helped me make a selection on which Winchester Lever Action to Add to my collection...I ordered a pre-64 (1951) Model 64 Last Week! . Some 66,000 were produced before stoppage as another YTube video mentions(Riflechair). In comparison the 7,000,000 94's.Thank You for another Fine video and for helping me see the Light!
Another excellent video. I own both rifles. My Winchester 64 is the Deluxe version with hand checkering at the grip and forearm with a Redfield peep sight and it dates from 1934. My Marlin dates from 1949 and is a more solid rifle which I prefer for hunting as opposed to the Winchester which is more suited for collecting and accruing value. The Marlin is easy to carry in the field due to the lever's pivot point. All you have to do is pick it up and your pinky finger fits perfectly just behind this point making it a well balanced rifle to carry in the field. I prefer both rifles to be free of a scope though. They are designed for quick handling in brush and heavy timber. I have plenty of other scoped rifles for hunting in more open venues. Thanks again for the video.
Hi Tom - your 64 is the model I've looked for a long time; not many around as you know - people keep them. With the Marlin - you've got two of the best.
Nice review. I just saw this recently but couldn’t help to add some comments. I came into possession of a Win Model 64 several years ago in 30-30. Before that time and after I owned several Marlins. Three 30-30s (one an XLR model), two 35 Remingtons, a 444 and a 45-70. I don’t have any of the Marlins now and only use this model 64. I’ve never had an issue with it but I can’t say that about the Marlins except the 444.
Get ahold of a pre-64 Model 64 in their fancier grade they called "The Deer Rifle". Made in both 30-30 Win and 32 Win Special. Those are the best looking Model 64 they ever made, having factory cut checkering and sling swivels. They look as nice as the Win 71, just more slim and trim.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns The Mod 64 "Deer Rifle" was probably more commonly known as their Deluxe version, as I noticed some of your other viewers were commenting about the same model. I believe they were mostly offered in the late 30's and up through the later 40"s. Since they are not as common of a version in the Mod 64, they will command a premium price, much like the Deluxe version of the Mod. 71. BTW, I thoroughly enjoy your videos and knowledgeable insights on various collectible firearms.
I agree with you on the Winchester being more attractive and better handling. I've owned 2 Marlins 39a and 336 30-30 they were both excellent shooters especially the 39a it was truly amazing I used to shoot golf balls at 100 yard's with it iron sights. But I've always wanted a Winchester. What is your opinion on the uberti and cimarron reproductions made by pedersoli? In my research I can't seem to find anything negative about them? One big benefit that I know that you like about the Marlin 336 is you can get the 35 Remington. I've heard you comment that you really like that cartridge. Thank you Mike
@@garycorbier9123 Very good. The 1885 is know for excellent accuracy. I may eventually get a high wall or a sharps probably in 45 70. Thanks for sharing
Got scopes on two Marlins for my aging eyes. But I got to have a couple without scopes. So I haven't put any on my Winchester and Henry and tolerate the poor vision. Lever actions are so cool. Classic Americana.
So true Vince. Not too fast and not to slow - the world admires them in film but somehow they remain most popular in the USA, Canada and Australia. Although Mexico and Brazil and much of South America has them in numbers as well.
Still have my dad's Model 64 that his dad bought for him when he was a young man. It's still in very nice shape but the only thing I cringe at is the fact that he drilled into the side of the receiver to mount a scope on it when he got it. The scope is also too far back on the gun for me and I have to pull my head back to get proper eye relief with no room left to push the scope forward as the knobs on the scope are already making contact with the rings.
I put a 1-5 Leupold on my Marlin 1895SS 45/70. I just never felt compelled to scope my Winchester lever action. I think a scope ruins the sleek lines of the Winchester. JMHO
I have an AR in .300 Blackout. Sighted it in a year or so have never shot it since.. Probably put 700 to a 1000 thru my Marlin .25-20 and 38-55 High Wall..Guess I have the AR for just in case.
Scoping a rifle is a personal choice and done for obvious reasons stated in the replies, hunting at dusk or dawn when visibility may be limited. Also, if ones vision is not the best, having a scope helps that individual. It’s not a matter of wrong or right, or a question of “ really?” Thanks for the video, great job!
A guy who has a lever rifle while young and agrees no scopes on lever guns, but then the eyes get bad and watcha gonna do, sell it, make it a safe queen?
I put a scope on several of my lever guns. Eyes don’t work like they used to. My Savage model 99F in .308 ( mfg 1955) has had a scope for years and has harvested literally hundreds of game animals with said scope. How can you argue with that?
I have the Winchester 64 deluxe and I like it better than the 94 for sure ,but my favorite lever is the Winchester 71 deluxe in 348 Winchester. They are both really beautiful rifle's.
You don't see the carbine very often. That's very cool. I hope you find another one. It took me a while to find a really nice deluxe 71 but I finally found one around 10 years ago and I'm so glad I kept it.
The 71, .348 is nearly in a class of its own as a tremendously capable rifle in a powerful cartridge that looks and handles like a dream. I hunted with a carbine 71; I never hunted with a better rifle.
I think both of these guns are awesome. I haven't owned either one but one that I have on is a Marlin 39a Golden I know it's a 22 but it's so incredibly easy to shoot accurately. It comes straight to your shoulder you have a perfect line of sight You're On Target bam that easy. as far as the geometry of the stock and everything which one of those would you say is the closest to the 39a? I'd love to have a bigger caliber lever action that I can shoot as easily and as accurately as my 39a.
I have a Winchester model 94AE and it is nice, but I wanted a traditional rifle in 45-70. So I drove all over and looked a number of rifles including a nice Pedersoli rolling block, but it did not fit me well, the stock was really traditional and the comb dropped off too much so that I could not get a nice cheek weld which is important for off hand shooting. So last week Thursday I saw a number of Marlin 1895 CB's come up for sale on a gun store web site I check regularly. They were straight stocked with octagon 26 inch barrels, something you don't see too much in Canada. So Friday I drove 2 and a half hours to look at them. The 1895 fit me well and I was glad I had three to choose from, I chose the one that had the nicest fit and finish which is what you have to do with new Marlins. The barrel gives it a nice balance and steadiness and it shoots really well for me, better than the Winchester. The Marlin 1895 is not really the traditional rifle I was looking for, but it has enough traditional elements for me as well as the functional aspects that are important for performance, so I struck a nice balance and I am pleased with it. I am considering taking it on my deer hunt in the fall. Sorry for the long post and thank you for the excellent videos!
Please write any time and no length limitation : ) I handled the model you purchased - excellent "hang" as some shooters like to call it. I'd buy one too! I hope you do take it for deer - would be great to harvest a deer with that classic rifle.
I can't decide which one I like better , guess I'll have to own both and then there's the question, what caliber should they be ??? Again , maybe it's best to have each one in a couple different calibers .... great rifles !
I am definitely in the Marlin camp, no doubt some of that owing to the fact that my first lever gun was a Marlin. Whenever I pick up a Winchester it just feels 'wrong', which is why I have never been able to bring myself to purchase one. I have a couple of Savage 99's, another great gun, and would like to find a Stevens 425, but a Winchester will never be in by gun case.
I hear you! - and for many that have written me : Marlin is a religion. Remington needs to understand that Marlin owners and buyers are a special breed - keep the quality as high as the first Marlins and no one will complain at the price. One doesn't buy a Marlin every week - people are happy to pay for the real deal - no compromises, no cuts - a lifetime investment is never too expensive.
What year is your 336A? Mine is a 1973 and has _much_ slimmer wood than yours, especially noticeable in the fore end. Even so, I agree, the Winchester 64 has more eye appeal and carries easier.
Nice video. Beautiful guns. I have a 64 that’s been in the family since it’s birth. Does anyone know or have a video on how to disassemble and clean one ? I’m a little intimidated by all the moving parts.
Hello - glad you have a fine rifle! I would clean the bore and then turn the rifle upside down and spray the open action so gravity and solvent can clean the action. No need to take apart - these are best left intact. IMHO
It wasn't too long ago I discovered the Winchester Model 64 and the Marlin 336A. I like both of them for different reasons. And yes they should offer them again. I'd like to see the 64 as an angle eject, as my aging eyes do better with a scope. It looks like your M-64 has the two screw holes on the upper left side of the frame and this could mean that a peep site could be added. If so, it's somewhat uncommon to find on a M-64 as most that I have seen don't have these. I find that the peep site I installed on my 94 Carbine is more accurate then when I shot the rifle with the OEM buck horns. The groups shrank in half. It would be good if they (again) released the 64 angle eject in 7-30 Waters, 307, 32 Special and 356 Winchester. My preference would be in this order though - 356 Winchester, 7-30 Waters, 32 Special and 307. I like the short tube on these M-64 and 336A rifles as I have never utilized the full capacity of the longer magazine tube on the 94 Carbine model that my son now uses. I asked my dad why he favored the M 94 Winchester over the 336 Marlin and he said the Winchester carried better and the Marlin action was known to Freeze up in really cold weather. I don't know if that"s true because using too much oil on any action can cause it to freeze up or not cycle effectively. All rifles should be properly cleaned and the oil should be wiped off as many rifles can be shot effectively when when the action is dry. Now the Merits of the Marlin 336 is obvious... One can readily mount a scope and that is something that has been done on an 1895 Classic. I only wish the barrel was longer than 22 inches. I like rifles that can show greater velocity, and may increase the potential accuracy. The stainless XLR 336 is nice but I'd settle for a non stainless model that would be cheaper to acquire. Also, there are so many 30-30 rifles out there that I would favor some different caliber options in the XLR. The 26" Cowboy is nice but I like it more with a shorter magazine tube and pistol grip - with a slightly enlarged lever. Then - of course you have the Classic with the additions mentioned above.
Good observations on the Winchester and Marlin BigRed56 - the Model 94 "carry" is unbeatable - and with a peep sight it (and the 64) are even better - they remain one of the best deer rifles ever made.
Good question. When I say lee - ver ; I am corrected and told to say l - eh - ver - and the other way round. I alternate so hopefully I say it correctly for some people, some of the time : )
You seem to know a lot about the Winchester 94 pre 64 I seen you have a flat band now my question is in early 40s the tangs were different they stopped putting ther patent on it it’s got nothing stamped into it so it’s plain could you tell me if thers any that is drilled with the extra hole for a sight on these plain ones especially the flat bands I thought you might know cause you seem to know a lot about Winchester love your videos you do a great job keep them comming prob close t 8 million if you go buy the Japan company that makes them to I’ve heard they are making them again I really love history of these rifles to ke it’s really interesting stay safe with this terrible virus going around hope they find a vaccine soon so stay safe
Hi Jeff - I owned a few and none had the extra hole - the unmarked tang was solid. Maybe there were exceptions but I'm not aware of any. Thanks for the supportive words! All the best to you.
Yes the Marlin is definitely a better design. The 94 ( and all of JMBs lever guns) works fine and are engineering masterpieces but the Marlins just seem simpler/better to me.
Got it solved yet? Sometimes the securing screw gets loose and allows the gate to slip. It'll jam pretty good then. There's videos that show complete disassembly so you can tighten that screw.
In my mind while not the most eloquent out the box, a tradtional Winchester 1894 of some sort can be modified to the point of beating out most anything else. My gramdfather recently passed away last year and left me his 1894 that he had put at least $1000 into making a better rifle and it shows. I think of it simalarly (if not as gaudy) to custom Glocks in that the weapon got so popular that every gunsmith worth their salt knew basically every which way that the design can be improved and made more beautiful than its out of the box form.
I'm sorry about your grandfather; he's moved to a better place. I'm glad you have the Winchester - and you are right - there is just about nothing quite like a Winchester Model 94 - in any configuration. With all the improvements - you must have one fantastic gun!
Frank, I agree with your idea about working out the kinks on a rifle. Not that they don't perform out of the box, but to have a rifle that really works for you sometimes takes a little work, a little refinement.
Winchester looks like its got better wood and bluing. But bluing and wood doesnt make it shoot better. You could probably put 100 rounds through each one and still not be able say which ones better. On looks ill give it to the winchester.
The Marlin is the nicer looking one to me. But I have no use for a center fire lever gun at all. They are not faster than a good bolt gun (or a semi auto for that matter) and much less accurate (in every way). And then there are the mediocre cartridges they come in. If it weren't for Hollywood movies they would have been replaced and forgotten long time ago!
Everything you wrote is true. On the other hand, black powder guns and archery are popular - so I guess a lot of people are okay with not using the most advanced technology. Still, I know what you mean. A modern bolt action in a high pressure cartridge with a variable scope is unstoppable.
Robert Underdunk Terwilliger I disagree when it comes to pistol caliber lever guns. Much faster than a bolt gun. I prefer bolt action myself but can't argue with the speed of a marlin 94, winchester 92/73/66 etc
I didn't see this vid until it was more than 2 years old, but felt compelled to comment about my experiences with both the 64 and 336A.
I owned and shot the 64, two of them, one 25-35, the other 30-30, and loved the rifles. Svelte, held steady offhand without the unnecessary weight of a loaded magazine under a 26" barrel. I traded the 30-30 off on a pre-64 M70, .270, and got some boot and gear on top of the trade. The 25-35 went down the road to a fella that thought he was gonna go to the great meadow in the sky, and threw cubic cash at me for it that I couldn't turn down. Again, beautiful rifles...
At the moment, I have three 336A's, all 30-30's, but not for long. The biggest advantage to the Marlin over the Winchester that I see at the moment is availability. I can go into just about any good gun shop or pawn broker, and there'll be at least one in the rack, and for a helluva lot less cash than the Winchester! All of the rifles I have at the moment are the older rifles, with un-drilled top receivers, and Ballard rifling. One has been d/t by a previous owner, and Brudda, does it shoot! One of the Marlin's was a basket case that I picked up, mostly for parts, but I've acquired a .375 bore barrel blank, and plan to build a 38-55 on it. Perhaps for nostalgia more than anything. My first elk hunt in Idaho, where I grew up, I shot a raghorn bull with an old Marlin 38-55, and when Dad's bolt gun ran dry, he used the Marlin to take his. (we had stumbled into a herd, and took the two young bulls standing about five feet from each other at about 100 yards) My younger brother has that one, but, well, I just gots ta have a nuther'n.....
About scope mounting a lever gun.....I had 20/20 until about the time I retired at 55 years old. Today, at 66, I need all the help I can get. The worst thing about being diabetic is the vision loss. Say what you will, for me, a scoped rifle is just about a must if I want to make a humane kill.
As always, great little video, looking forward to more!
You’re right about open sights. You can go out very far with them, especially with a nice tang mounted peep sight. We were taught proper fundamentals and practiced our marksmanship using open sights.
Hi Aaron - I'm always surprised how well people do with iron sights - especially the aperture sights you mention.
Great presentation as always. I have a 336A in .35 Rem from 1956. It's mint, always wanted a 64, could never find a decent one. Thanks!
That's the one I tried to find for....years and the 64 can be elusive - they need to make a special run of them again - with the angle eject.
USOG I really would prefer a old one myself. I would probably buy a newly made one if it was quality however.
One major difference between the two is ease of disassembly, particularly for regular maintenance.
Neither are especially challenging, but the 94 is much more involved to take apart!
I agree! You helped me make a selection on which Winchester Lever Action to Add to my collection...I ordered a pre-64 (1951) Model 64 Last Week! . Some 66,000 were produced before stoppage as another YTube video mentions(Riflechair). In comparison the 7,000,000 94's.Thank You for another Fine video and for helping me see the Light!
Iam a Marlin fan. love the ones i have. But i wouldn't trade a 64 or 94 for a dozen 336s. I use iron sights.
Another excellent video. I own both rifles. My Winchester 64 is the Deluxe version with hand checkering at the grip and forearm with a Redfield peep sight and it dates from 1934. My Marlin dates from 1949 and is a more solid rifle which I prefer for hunting as opposed to the Winchester which is more suited for collecting and accruing value. The Marlin is easy to carry in the field due to the lever's pivot point. All you have to do is pick it up and your pinky finger fits perfectly just behind this point making it a well balanced rifle to carry in the field. I prefer both rifles to be free of a scope though. They are designed for quick handling in brush and heavy timber. I have plenty of other scoped rifles for hunting in more open venues. Thanks again for the video.
Hi Tom - your 64 is the model I've looked for a long time; not many around as you know - people keep them. With the Marlin - you've got two of the best.
Both rifles are elegant but my Winchester 64 made in 1954 is my favorite of the two , thanks again for the fine video 😊
That's a perfect vintage - excellent steel and forging - slick like glass.
Nice review. I just saw this recently but couldn’t help to add some comments.
I came into possession of a Win Model 64 several years ago in 30-30. Before that time and after I owned several Marlins. Three 30-30s (one an XLR model), two 35 Remingtons, a 444 and a 45-70.
I don’t have any of the Marlins now and only use this model 64. I’ve never had an issue with it but I can’t say that about the Marlins except the 444.
Love you video on the old Winchester...64 ND Marlin..thank you Sir..for the crash course class...
Thank you Henry!
Get ahold of a pre-64 Model 64 in their fancier grade they called "The Deer Rifle". Made in both 30-30 Win and 32 Win Special. Those are the best looking Model 64 they ever made, having factory cut checkering and sling swivels. They look as nice as the Win 71, just more slim and trim.
Thanks Dennis - I'll look for one - the checkering would make a big difference.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns The Mod 64 "Deer Rifle" was probably more commonly known as their Deluxe version, as I noticed some of your other viewers were commenting about the same model. I believe they were mostly offered in the late 30's and up through the later 40"s. Since they are not as common of a version in the Mod 64, they will command a premium price, much like the Deluxe version of the Mod. 71. BTW, I thoroughly enjoy your videos and knowledgeable insights on various collectible firearms.
I got an ad before watching this! That’s good news :)
Another lovely video!
Thanks John! That must mean something good : ) - although I'm sadly ignorant about how the Tube works.
I agree with you on the Winchester being more attractive and better handling. I've owned 2 Marlins 39a and 336 30-30 they were both excellent shooters especially the 39a it was truly amazing I used to shoot golf balls at 100 yard's with it iron sights. But I've always wanted a Winchester. What is your opinion on the uberti and cimarron reproductions made by pedersoli? In my research I can't seem to find anything negative about them? One big benefit that I know that you like about the Marlin 336 is you can get the 35 Remington. I've heard you comment that you really like that cartridge. Thank you Mike
I have a Uberti High Wall in .38-55 with a 14 power Unertl scope, If I do my part it will put 5 shots into 3/4 inch at 100 yds.
@@garycorbier9123 Very good. The 1885 is know for excellent accuracy. I may eventually get a high wall or a sharps probably in 45 70. Thanks for sharing
Got scopes on two Marlins for my aging eyes. But I got to have a couple without scopes. So I haven't put any on my Winchester and Henry and tolerate the poor vision. Lever actions are so cool. Classic Americana.
So true Vince. Not too fast and not to slow - the world admires them in film but somehow they remain most popular in the USA, Canada and Australia. Although Mexico and Brazil and much of South America has them in numbers as well.
Still have my dad's Model 64 that his dad bought for him when he was a young man. It's still in very nice shape but the only thing I cringe at is the fact that he drilled into the side of the receiver to mount a scope on it when he got it. The scope is also too far back on the gun for me and I have to pull my head back to get proper eye relief with no room left to push the scope forward as the knobs on the scope are already making contact with the rings.
at least we can all agree, BOTH ARE BETTER THAN A HENRY XD
Jp Jacobs amen brother
I really like my 1949 336A 30-30. I like the 3/4 tube rather than the full tube.
I put a 1-5 Leupold on my Marlin 1895SS 45/70. I just never felt compelled to scope my Winchester lever action. I think a scope ruins the sleek lines of the Winchester. JMHO
Never thought the lever action's would lose their popularity like they did cause of the ar-15's, ak-47s, mini 14s etc....
They'll come back Airborne...fads come and go - even big ones. Levers are legend.
I have an AR in .300 Blackout. Sighted it in a year or so have never shot it since.. Probably put 700 to a 1000 thru my Marlin .25-20 and 38-55 High Wall..Guess I have the AR for just in case.
What's the biggest difference between the model 94 and the model 64 ?
Who puts a scope on a lever gun, really?
Hi Justin, I usually don't - but I understand for squirrels high in trees / visibility and vision issues - it can make sense.
Scoping a rifle is a personal choice and done for obvious reasons stated in the replies, hunting at dusk or dawn when visibility may be limited. Also, if ones vision is not the best, having a scope helps that individual. It’s not a matter of wrong or right, or a question of “ really?” Thanks for the video, great job!
A guy who has a lever rifle while young and agrees no scopes on lever guns, but then the eyes get bad and watcha gonna do, sell it, make it a safe queen?
I put a scope on several of my lever guns. Eyes don’t work like they used to. My Savage model 99F in .308 ( mfg 1955) has had a scope for years and has harvested literally hundreds of game animals with said scope. How can you argue with that?
@@guaporeturns9472 then buy glasses or contacts.
I have the Winchester 64 deluxe and I like it better than the 94 for sure ,but my favorite lever is the Winchester 71 deluxe in 348 Winchester. They are both really beautiful rifle's.
Your Model 71 is a legend. I had a 71 carbine for awhile - so fine. I'll find another 71 one of these days...
You don't see the carbine very often. That's very cool. I hope you find another one. It took me a while to find a really nice deluxe 71 but I finally found one around 10 years ago and I'm so glad I kept it.
I go a 64, 30 30 , and 94 also, but my 348, 71, is badass, ammo is rare for 348 and lots of coin
The 71, .348 is nearly in a class of its own as a tremendously capable rifle in a powerful cartridge that looks and handles like a dream. I hunted with a carbine 71; I never hunted with a better rifle.
I think both of these guns are awesome. I haven't owned either one but one that I have on is a Marlin 39a Golden I know it's a 22 but it's so incredibly easy to shoot accurately. It comes straight to your shoulder you have a perfect line of sight You're On Target bam that easy. as far as the geometry of the stock and everything which one of those would you say is the closest to the 39a? I'd love to have a bigger caliber lever action that I can shoot as easily and as accurately as my 39a.
I have a Winchester model 94AE and it is nice, but I wanted a traditional rifle in 45-70. So I drove all over and looked a number of rifles including a nice Pedersoli rolling block, but it did not fit me well, the stock was really traditional and the comb dropped off too much so that I could not get a nice cheek weld which is important for off hand shooting. So last week Thursday I saw a number of Marlin 1895 CB's come up for sale on a gun store web site I check regularly. They were straight stocked with octagon 26 inch barrels, something you don't see too much in Canada. So Friday I drove 2 and a half hours to look at them. The 1895 fit me well and I was glad I had three to choose from, I chose the one that had the nicest fit and finish which is what you have to do with new Marlins. The barrel gives it a nice balance and steadiness and it shoots really well for me, better than the Winchester. The Marlin 1895 is not really the traditional rifle I was looking for, but it has enough traditional elements for me as well as the functional aspects that are important for performance, so I struck a nice balance and I am pleased with it. I am considering taking it on my deer hunt in the fall. Sorry for the long post and thank you for the excellent videos!
Please write any time and no length limitation : ) I handled the model you purchased - excellent "hang" as some shooters like to call it. I'd buy one too! I hope you do take it for deer - would be great to harvest a deer with that classic rifle.
Thank you, I never heard that expression "hang" but it is a great description of this weight forward rifle.
You should pick up a 1886 Winchester or Browning. Very hard to beat in my opinion
I can't decide which one I like better , guess I'll have to own both and then there's the question, what caliber should they be ??? Again , maybe it's best to have each one in a couple different calibers .... great rifles !
You're right; both. But if only one; the 64; but not if a scope is needed.
I am definitely in the Marlin camp, no doubt some of that owing to the fact that my first lever gun was a Marlin. Whenever I pick up a Winchester it just feels 'wrong', which is why I have never been able to bring myself to purchase one. I have a couple of Savage 99's, another great gun, and would like to find a Stevens 425, but a Winchester will never be in by gun case.
I hear you! - and for many that have written me : Marlin is a religion. Remington needs to understand that Marlin owners and buyers are a special breed - keep the quality as high as the first Marlins and no one will complain at the price. One doesn't buy a Marlin every week - people are happy to pay for the real deal - no compromises, no cuts - a lifetime investment is never too expensive.
What year is your 336A? Mine is a 1973 and has _much_ slimmer wood than yours, especially noticeable in the fore end. Even so, I agree, the Winchester 64 has more eye appeal and carries easier.
Hi - that one was made in the 60s - I don't have it any more - I know what you mean though. I like your version better.
The Marlin 336 XLR in stainless steel/w the grayish green laminated stock made my jaw drop when I handled it. Its a sweet sweet little rifle.
So true Martin - awesome rifle!
Great Video Can’t Wait Till The Next One 😊😀😎
Thanks Chris!
Nice video. Beautiful guns. I have a 64 that’s been in the family since it’s birth. Does anyone know or have a video on how to disassemble and clean one ? I’m a little intimidated by all the moving parts.
Hello - glad you have a fine rifle! I would clean the bore and then turn the rifle upside down and spray the open action so gravity and solvent can clean the action. No need to take apart - these are best left intact. IMHO
USOG thank you. I will do just that.
It wasn't too long ago I discovered the Winchester Model 64 and the Marlin 336A. I like both of them for different reasons. And yes they should offer them again. I'd like to see the 64 as an angle eject, as my aging eyes do better with a scope. It looks like your M-64 has the two screw holes on the upper left side of the frame and this could mean that a peep site could be added. If so, it's somewhat uncommon to find on a M-64 as most that I have seen don't have these. I find that the peep site I installed on my 94 Carbine is more accurate then when I shot the rifle with the OEM buck horns. The groups shrank in half. It would be good if they (again) released the 64 angle eject in 7-30 Waters, 307, 32 Special and 356 Winchester. My preference would be in this order though - 356 Winchester, 7-30 Waters, 32 Special and 307. I like the short tube on these M-64 and 336A rifles as I have never utilized the full capacity of the longer magazine tube on the 94 Carbine model that my son now uses. I asked my dad why he favored the M 94 Winchester over the 336 Marlin and he said the Winchester carried better and the Marlin action was known to Freeze up in really cold weather. I don't know if that"s true because using too much oil on any action can cause it to freeze up or not cycle effectively. All rifles should be properly cleaned and the oil should be wiped off as many rifles can be shot effectively when when the action is dry. Now the Merits of the Marlin 336 is obvious... One can readily mount a scope and that is something that has been done on an 1895 Classic. I only wish the barrel was longer than 22 inches. I like rifles that can show greater velocity, and may increase the potential accuracy. The stainless XLR 336 is nice but I'd settle for a non stainless model that would be cheaper to acquire. Also, there are so many 30-30 rifles out there that I would favor some different caliber options in the XLR. The 26" Cowboy is nice but I like it more with a shorter magazine tube and pistol grip - with a slightly enlarged lever. Then - of course you have the Classic with the additions mentioned above.
Good observations on the Winchester and Marlin BigRed56 - the Model 94 "carry" is unbeatable - and with a peep sight it (and the 64) are even better - they remain one of the best deer rifles ever made.
I agree, the 64 is the most elegant lever rifle ever. I have had several Model 94s but always hungered for a 64. Just can't afford one.
Just bought a Winchester model 64 in 32 WS made in 1946. Now if I could just find some ammo so I could shoot it would be nice.
is the pronounciation difference
between lev-er and le-ver action regional?
Good question. When I say lee - ver ; I am corrected and told to say l - eh - ver - and the other way round.
I alternate so hopefully I say it correctly for some people, some of the time : )
My dictionary (a real book, not the internet) says either pronunciation is acceptable. Your premise sounds reasonable to me.
You seem to know a lot about the Winchester 94 pre 64 I seen you have a flat band now my question is in early 40s the tangs were different they stopped putting ther patent on it it’s got nothing stamped into it so it’s plain could you tell me if thers any that is drilled with the extra hole for a sight on these plain ones especially the flat bands I thought you might know cause you seem to know a lot about Winchester love your videos you do a great job keep them comming prob close t 8 million if you go buy the Japan company that makes them to I’ve heard they are making them again I really love history of these rifles to ke it’s really interesting stay safe with this terrible virus going around hope they find a vaccine soon so stay safe
Hi Jeff - I owned a few and none had the extra hole - the unmarked tang was solid. Maybe there were exceptions but I'm not aware of any. Thanks for the supportive words! All the best to you.
The Winchester is a legendary rifle but I always felt like it had to many moving parts which is why I prefer the marlin, that’s just my opinion.
Hi Darrell - Too many parts is not good - as you know.
Yes the Marlin is definitely a better design. The 94 ( and all of JMBs lever guns) works fine and are engineering masterpieces but the Marlins just seem simpler/better to me.
Which rifle has the stronger lock up?
Great question - in theory the Winchester.
USOG - has anyone actually tested that theory? I mean an actual experiment.
I have a 336A and the carrier goes down too far while loading and gets jammed
Got it solved yet? Sometimes the securing screw gets loose and allows the gate to slip. It'll jam pretty good then. There's videos that show complete disassembly so you can tighten that screw.
I have a 336a from 1950 in 35 Remington and a 336a in 30-30
In my mind while not the most eloquent out the box, a tradtional Winchester 1894 of some sort can be modified to the point of beating out most anything else. My gramdfather recently passed away last year and left me his 1894 that he had put at least $1000 into making a better rifle and it shows. I think of it simalarly (if not as gaudy) to custom Glocks in that the weapon got so popular that every gunsmith worth their salt knew basically every which way that the design can be improved and made more beautiful than its out of the box form.
I'm sorry about your grandfather; he's moved to a better place. I'm glad you have the Winchester - and you are right - there is just about nothing quite like a Winchester Model 94 - in any configuration. With all the improvements - you must have one fantastic gun!
Frank, I agree with your idea about working out the kinks on a rifle. Not that they don't perform out of the box, but to have a rifle that really works for you sometimes takes a little work, a little refinement.
The Marlin 336 is far easier to clean from the breach properly.
Isn't the model 64 just a fancy model 94
100% - pistol grip and a longer barrel and tube is not full length.
True,
Winchester looks like its got better wood and bluing. But bluing and wood doesnt make it shoot better. You could probably put 100 rounds through each one and still not be able say which ones better.
On looks ill give it to the winchester.
Wise words - these are all so great!
The Winchester would be my choice, but not in 348, which, I think, is a "too much gun" caliber.
You're probably right Roberto - the .348 is a heavy kicker - at least with the customary stock design.
The Marlin is the nicer looking one to me. But I have no use for a center fire lever gun at all. They are not faster than a good bolt gun (or a semi auto for that matter) and much less accurate (in every way). And then there are the mediocre cartridges they come in. If it weren't for Hollywood movies they would have been replaced and forgotten long time ago!
Everything you wrote is true. On the other hand, black powder guns and archery are popular - so I guess a lot of people are okay with not using the most advanced technology. Still, I know what you mean. A modern bolt action in a high pressure cartridge with a variable scope is unstoppable.
The scope is optional for a lot of work.
Robert Underdunk Terwilliger I disagree when it comes to pistol caliber lever guns. Much faster than a bolt gun. I prefer bolt action myself but can't argue with the speed of a marlin 94, winchester 92/73/66 etc
True, they shoot action games in the UK with lever guns in pistol calibers.
Winchester wins ! Marlin yuck.