The 30-30 Winchester & Marlin Deer Rifles ~ American Classics for 120 Years

GunBlue talks about the 30-30 Winchester and explains how it has been terribly misunderstood and misrepresented by gun writers, who have made unfair assessments about a cartridge that is almost perfectly suited to the needs of the American whitetail hunter. See why it's the ideal companion as a reliable and easy packing woods rifle, and the perfect 100 yard deer cartridge that has brought home the venison reliably for American hunters for 120 years. Learn about the Model 94 Winchester, 336 Marlin, and the 32 Winchester Special.

[@mikewyd53]

I grew up in Wyoming and have hunted since I was 10. I have been a gun nut, handloader, guide and packer. I have owned and loaded for a lot of cartridges, and guided hunters from all over the country. I would rather see a hunter show up with a 94 in 30-30 that looks well used, than a 300 Weatherby that is brand new. Elk, moose, black bears, sheep and even grizzlies, are easily killed, if you hit them in the right place. Most shots I took and watched others take, were less than 150 yards. People showing up with magnum cartridges and taking shots at game over 350 yards, piss me off. That is not hunting. If an arrow at less than 200 fps can kill an elk, so can a 30-30.

[@brianarmstrong2096]

mikewyd53 I agree with you 100 pct

[@randybeard6040]

Thanks, You Told it like It Is...

[@donniebrite9170]

I agree with that completely I don't live in Wyoming but I grew up in California hunting in the Sierra Nevada mountains where it's pretty heavily wooded in some areas and now I live in Oklahoma where it's really heavily wooded and I hunt with my 3030 over almost any rifle I have simply because it packs enough punch with 170 grain bullet to still kill a deer through thick brush my friend brought an AR-15 once a few years ago and when he took a shot at a buck through some thick brush that little 22 bullet head pinged off a branch and that buck was gone unscathed and he was all about his AR-15 I told him not to bring it cuz the bullets Ain't Heavy enough for where were hunting he was used to hunting on his dad's farmland about an hour drive away and it's all open field and I'll admit open field or clear view of Target an AR-15 can do well at but not in the woods and if we ever go hunting in the woods now he brings a 30 ought 6 but I've taken over two dozen deer with my 3030 and I love my 3030 I hand load the Hornady 160 grain Flex tips like he was talking about in the video and they're pretty devastating but I shoot them a little hot if I'm deer hunting if I'm just target shooting I cast some flat news 160 grain bullets I haven't been hand loading for very long but I can honestly say I'm glad I started because now I can shoot three times the amount over just going and buying conventional ammo I'm just glad that the range not far from the house collects and sells brass cuz I reload for my 45 ACP and my 30-30 I also cast my own ammo to save more for more powder and I already want to buy and I already want to buy a progressive three stage press because I like the single stage Lee Challenger press I have and I use the new I guess custom series Hornady dies those actually work pretty well Bryant Realty completely do something about the high-power rifle shooters I have a half-dozen friends that have a real big bore rifles like that and they all are not as good as they think they are what's the exception of one of my friends who is a retired Marine he's got a $1,500 scope on a Savage 338 Lapua magnum rifle and I have personally witnessed him hitting paper plate targets at a mile off of his land in South Oklahoma but he used to you he is a 50 BMG sniper rifle and he was in service and he knows how to operate a rifle like no other person I've ever witnessed with a gun in their hands but he is definitely a minority when it comes to the rest of the long-distance shooter guys that I've ever met even let me let's have the same shot after I see him hit that paper plate that far off and I missed by a good 10 or 15 yards right after I tried to hit the target he took his rifle back and he nailed the damn thing again lol

[@MrRdvs87]

I would have never thought that. Usually when I see dudes killing elk, it’s the way you don’t like. I’m on the east coast and while they have elk in NC, you can’t hunt them there yet. That said, I think of dudes shooting stuff that makes .308 and .270 look barely adequate, at about 400ish yards or more. I’m guessing that depends on the terrain. If I ever wind up being able to hunt elk, I could potentially save a good amount of money with this information.

[@GunBlue490]

@@MrRdvs87 The 270 is certainly not barely adequate for elk. It's a very big stick in a little bundle that has routinely taken elk since it was introduced over nine decades ago. Countless magnificent elk and other game are lost wastefully to slobs that shoot at elk 300 yards away with cartridges they can't manage. Ironically, good shots who are capable at long range are inclined to use light recoiling guns and take the time to move in for a clean shot, because they are sportsmen, and enjoy the hunt and seeing game in close, and they don't reduce hunting to target shooting. It's typically the poor and unpracticed shot who buys heavy calibers, imagining that it will magically license him to take 400 yard potshots.

[@rmc7434]

Millions upon millions of 30-30 caliber rifles sold and used speaks louder than any "gun writer's" opinion. Thank you for a great lesson here.

[@brianarmstrong2096]

I loved when you talk about that one box of shells that lasted 20 years. I thought I was the only guy that did that.

[@liftedninja1607]

I bought 2 boxes of some cheap federal ammo 17 years ago and my marlin 336c. I still have both boxes tho one box has only a few years of life left.

[@johannesvanhoek9080]

Only takes one shot ,,, if a person can shoot !

[@inunez7271]

I knew an old timer that had boxes 12 gauge ammunition for probably close to 30 years just used a few when he needed it

[@jimbigboystoys4077]

Ammo is not cheap anymore either! There’s no reason to shoot all your ammo off. If you want to practice… Use one of the modern high speed pellet guns. Shooting at a dime sized target at 30 yards with a pellet gun is the same thing as shooting at a deer size target at 150 yards with a 3030. Save your ammo for what it was meant for!

[@slypperyfox]

I grew up running a Marlin 1894c in 44 Mag for deer. I did that for over 40 years until I handed the rifle down to my oldest son a few years back. My dad has been an avid reloader since the '60s and every round I took deer with was done with his handloads. And I'm talking he casts his own bullets too. I never bought a box of commercial 44 Mag ammo until I handed the gun down. I still have some of my dad's handloads from the early '80s and it still shoots very accurately. To feed my desire for lever guns I've now bought a few Henry models over the last few years - a 357 Big Boy and a 45-70 Golden Boy. My dad is a lever fan, too, and has a few older Winchesters and Savages and also has a few Marlins of newer heritage.

[@garyhammond2213]

The Win 94 30-30 is a classic. When working in gun shops I probably sold around 20 of them. I sold about 8 of them to an Alaskan Native family that gave them away at a Potlatch (a celebration of life 1 year after someone died). I can tell you the Natives hunt Moose and Bear with this rifle. I had never owned one. However, many years later I bought one (1956) from a dealer friend in Maine. I still have it and would never sell it. What a beautiful rifle.

[@13Hangfire]

Winchester 94 is one of the most beautiful firearms ever made...

[@dalanwanbdiska6542]

With eyes like that you cant see savage 99 is better

[@vladamirkb1]

i agree.

[@jeffestrada6857]

holleyman1970 The BLR is a much better proposition, its action is smooth, cycles like a work art and not agricultural other lever actions. I am guessing you never used or owned one. I have the Winchester 94 and a 336 Marlin. Nice nostalgic rifles but cannot compare to Japanese manufacture and excellence in wonderful high power calibres 👍

[@iwantosavemoney]

I agree to bad they don’t shoot as well as the Marlin

[@Salty-Frenchy]

@@jeffestrada6857 well my win 94 deluxe was made in the same place that your browning by miroku so... 😜

[@LM-mi9yb]

180 yards aiming two inches above where I wanted the bullet to go, Buck dropped with one shot! My 1894 Winchester is amazing! I sold all my other rifles (30.06, 7mm rem, .270) as the 1894 is light, accurate, powerful and fits my hand better than any rifle I have ever held. The finest rifle designed and made!

[@JosephFete]

I live in the West and revere the history of the region much as I appreciate all of my New England lineage. Old Winchester 94 src are cowboy rifles. A tool of the trade used for many tasks, some as a firearm but not always. Used in heavy brush on horse back, made a pretty good way to push barbed wire down or up etc. Not a bad hammer as well. I have ten now. I clean them up, use every original part possible and make them work again. They are not pretty but every gouge, scratch, carving etc has a story and I’d love to hear them all. It’s been what I have been doing in my retirement. You are as nostalgic as they come so I wanted to let you know my motivation. They will never be sold only gifted to close friends and some CIB veterans that share our appreciation of “Talents” that the Good Lord gave us. Thanks for all the entertainment and vision that you are sharing with so many others. I meant this to be sent to you but I understand how it works. If you might enjoy them I would be happy to send pic of them to you in whatever secure way that you suggest but not public. God bless you. Murphy and I will continue to be fans. He’s 3 now and still crazy but makes a remarkable companion. Enjoy the Fourth of July. Me have much to be proud of. J

[@greybeard277]

Thanks for an informative chat about the rifle and cartridge. I enjoyed it and will seek out more of your videos. Nice to see old school gun talk that doesn't need the tacticool b.s. attached to it. Just plain old common sense is very refreshing.

[@terifarley4770]

Amen to that! My uncle owns an old nickel steel 94! Not much finish left, its beautiful that way with the white steel showing through from long companionship! He's not really able to shot it anymore in his years now, but its still a love of his! That and His old 68 Bronco, they both went with his younger self out to the ridges and hills around NW New Mexico, getting mulies, until he later got a Sears Springfield basket-weave 30-06 as his go-to for deer and elk. Thanks for your work Gunblue and God Bless!

[@tomhalverson3438]

Thanks! The 30/30 was/is always popular in the far north. Many animals have fallen to it, and still do today.

[@brunosbay7671]

Those who discount the lever action and it 30/30 ballistics haven't spent time with it nor depended on it for sustenance. Thank you

[@heerkrupp64]

Years ago I had a buddy that couldn't get away hunting. but I went quite often with my Friends, he used to say to me every trip take my 30-30 Winny with you, see how you like it, I took his rifle for years never using it once, he was getting upset after about 10 years, why I at least didn't even fire the rifle, I said I have my Weatherby magnums I don't need a 30-30. He was even more upset because, could I at least give it a try. Ok ok the next trip I won't even take my rifles, I will just use your 30-30 only that's it. This was not a very good experience I was thinking. I thought I would try a shot at a knot in the tree across the river see if it would be any where near the spot I was aiming at, I wasn't expecting very much, I was surprised. it hit the spot right on the button, I thought I would try again just to see if it was a fluke, it wasn't, it hit exactly the same spot. I was Impressed, I had one of the best trips using that rifle, I shot more Pigs than I ever shot before, and a lot less recoil into the bargain, my buddy had trouble getting his rifle back after that trip.

[@billythekid2281]

Harry Brown Great story bro 👍🏼

[@heerkrupp64]

Just an update with things 30-30, If anyone is Interested. I was lucky to come across a Winchester M 94 1949 year rifle. I bought it yesterday, In my Country, things are not like the USA Unfortunately, with regards to finding what you want. You have to be extremely patient, in obtaining certain rifles, that you can only dream of owning, the chance of finding a Pre 64 Model is slim at best, any way I was lucky this time.

[@dalanwanbdiska6542]

I got lucky. I found and bought a 1970 bar semi auto rifle. 270 winchester. I traded my stevens 22-250 + 200$ for a 270 browning bar , 1970 made in belgium. Very sweet rifle. I live in canada on a reserve and im on welfare so its very hard for me to afford rifles of any kind. I got lucky with this one. Its a keeper and i will clean it out and degrease the gun. It qorked perfectly 20 years ago when i was last fired. Its just been sitting for 20 years and i got it now. I feel lucky.

[@dinoquintana4319]

When I was a teenager I saved and saved for a 3030.i bought it at a local tg&y store. Before I could ever hunt with it iwas told it was junk no good ,I was talked into rems big 7.the 7 is a magnificent cartridge .but I'm sad that I never shot even a rabbit with it .I know that some of these older calibers are really great.the 257 Roberts ,7x57,8x57etc.mypersonal longest shot on a elk was with a lowly 8x57 Yugoslavian Mauser picked up for 118dollars.i did some work to that rifle but it was very inexpensive not cheap.ive always regretted getting rid of that rifle.back to the point those old caliber rifles will get the job done Everytime if you do your part.thanks for posting excellent video

[@jasonford6317]

Youre a good man. Fine New England stock I suspect. I'm glad I found this channel. Your videos offer a rare glimpse into a tradition of Freedom. Keep the faith!

[@jasonford6317]

Terry Dean Really good videos. Terrific insights and broad historical perspective.😊

[@darrenasquith2297]

"Minute of Deer" - love it! I have a model 94 30/30 and agree with everything you've said. Great vid as usual.

[@cdavidlake2]

Darren asquith I agree (and grinned at that phrase as well). GunBlue490 certainly has an incredible way with words - a fine teacher and fascinating raconteur.

[@TexHoss1]

Like this man says I like the 3030. There have been more deer taken with a 3030 than any other rifle around I would bet. And it fits good on my saddle in it's scabbard. Fits up close to my horse when in the woods. Not big & bulky. People always say it's an old timers gun & it don't have the distance of a 300, 308 or 30.06. Well I am an old timer & I would safely say that 90 % of all dear taken are within 100 yards or less. You hear people say well I take dear down all the time at 800 + yards. BS. There are very few people that can see anything at 800+ yards let alone take it down. Just a lot of BS talk & that is exactly what it is, talk. Yes there are people today that shoot long range but it is not a big percentage of shooters & they work at it all the time. They are not your average hunter. And most of them are on bi pods or benches, etc specializing in what type of shooting they are shooting. If it was as easy as Hollywood makes it look, everyone would be doing it. Each gun is built for a reason & not everyone can use them to there full potential. I would really like to see someone throw a Sharp 50 cal up on their shoulder & with iron sites hit a bucket a mile away like in Quigley Down Under. Enjoy what ever it is you shoot & quit making it so complicated with all of today's hype & BS.

[@GunBlue490]

Eddie Hubbard You hit the nail on the head. You have surely seen instances where a person could not even see a deer standing around at a mere 150 yards away in open plains country. I've seen this on many occasions... "See that rock about 150 yards?" "I think so." "The deer is 3 o'clock from it, see??" "Nope, You mean that brush?" "No, the 12 point buck that's right in front of the brush... see it?" "No, I don't see any deer." And he's using a pair of $1,200 binoculars, while the guide is using his naked eyes, of course.

[@TexHoss1]

LOL, you are right. Heck I have trouble these days even seeing a deer in the woods with my old wore out eyes. My wife see them all the time & I just plain ole can't see them so I let her spot them & I do the rest. It does help though from the back of my horse since I am looking downward. Still always what I call short distance shooting, it sure ain't no 600 to 800 yards away. These days it's closer to 50 yards or so. Great videos cause you tell it like it is. Keep up the good work. Cause in today's times us old timers don't know anything, we are out dated & way behind the times, lol. You know these younger generations think they are so much smarter than us old men cause they can read all the internet hype, play video games & have all the new technology. But we durn sure got them by experience which is worth a whole lot more in my book. We hunt to provide not for a trophy. Yes we may brag a bit on a shot we made but at least it's realistic

[@tfr51]

In the woods of northern NH where I use to hunt my Marlin 30-30 was more than enough gun. A 100 yard shot would be unlikely, more like 50 - 75 yards. There was always someone at the lodge bragging on their 270 or 30-06 with a high powered scope, nice guns but rather pointless for the area we hunted.

[@JesusGonzalez-gg7tl]

Area has a lot to do with it. I hunt Southern California and we have to take deer at 200-500 yards. Average about 300. I myself personally won’t shoot outside of 400 in fear of not making a clean kill but it’s very hard in SoCal but if I lived in TX or Colorado Wyoming or any big population states I would shoot the hell out of my Winchester 94. Light recoil light weight peck yeah

[@cfeemst]

AMEN!!

[@cvcoco]

In the early 60s every house in the country had a lever action standing up in the closet (and a bolt action over the mantle) and they had no scopes and yes its true they had ammo in aged boxes on a tool shelf in the garage, usually next to a jar of nails or screws. They took the rifle and a box of old ammo hunting and they came back with the rifle, the old ammo box and the deer in tow because they only needed one or two shots --- one for the deer they spooked when they missed, and one they downed the next deer with. Then the ammo back on the tool shelf and the rifle back in the closet. They also walked around the neighborhoods with the rifle and nobody cared. This changed with the devastating 1968 Gun Control Act which came about as the result of the national riots against the war. Also, when the lever action originally came out, shooters completed their tasks in 50-100yds. This whole thing of scopes and long range is a recent construct and has no relationship to the purpose of the rifle. So I agree with the video very much. Recently lever actions are having another comeback and im glad to see it! Nothing says "america" more than a lever action and i hope everyone buys one. Its a staple!

[@cdavidlake2]

GunBlue490: the perfect antidote to tacticool conventional wisdom (such as it is). Thank you, sir.

[@robertslusser6753]

Most of the twenty or so deer (PA whitetails) that I've killed over the years have fallen to a 30-30 Marlin. I always preferred the 170 grain Remington Core-Lokt shell as they always put the deer down quickly and did not give me much blood-shot meat. Probably 25 - 30 years ago I was hunting with my brother-in-law and we both got our bucks. He shot a 30-06 and I had my 30-30. Both animals were front shoulder shots and we did our own butchering back then. It always stuck in my memory the much larger amount of blood-shot meat that the 30-06 created over my little 30-30. Since then I've always said "The 30-30 is really neat; it kills em dead and you get more to eat".

[@GunBlue490]

I like that.

[@stephenalexander3057]

As a new aspiring hunter at the age of 21, your knowledge and wisdom is priceless! Thank you GunBlue :)

[@Valor_73737]

Back in the late '50s when I was in high school I watched a fellow take down a large bull elk using a Model '94 Rifle with a long octagon barrel. Head shot from 75 yards with the elk at a dead run. It was his grandfather's old 30-30, and it was apparent this fellow knew that gun! I was intrigued by that demonstration of skill, in 1961 I bought my own Model 94 at an estate auction. Since that day it has been my go to rifle. Over the years it has successfully taken Mule Deer, Pronghorn and Elk! Some out to 200 yards, most 100 or less. Over the years I mastered the gun, maybe not to the point of the previous mentioned shooter, but I can hit a beer can at 100 yards pretty consistently. The thing I love about the gun is when I shoulder it and lay my cheek against the stock both front and rear sight are aligned with my right eye. I never have to adjust. Whether it works that way for anyone else, I have no idea.

[@wolfpacak47]

yes sir my marlin 336 is same way !

[@wagstag89]

Yeah I use a 94 in 44 Magnum for deer when I'm hunting in the hardwoods and swamps because it's light and it points so good. It's really easy to get on target and super accurate.

[@Valor_73737]

@@wagstag89 Yes, that easy on target is exactly why my '94 is and has been my "Go to" rifle for the past 60 years.

[@blainecolbry3192]

There is a soft spot in my heart for lever action rifles (I grew up watching westerns), just look at my collection. One of my favorites is a pre 64 Winchester model 94 that is in immaculate condition. The prices have changed but the wood on the old ones and the impeccable bluing is hard to match.

[@pseudopetrus]

Just watching this great video again. I have since this video was released purchased a used Marlin 336 late "JM" build in 30-30. I brought it home and gave it a go. I was impressed and decided to give it some love. I stripped it right down... took everything apart, cleaned it (easy to do with a Marlin) and also refinished the stock and forearm. I liked playing around with this rifle and because of my old eyes decided to put a quality scope on it. It shoots 1.25 groups at 100 off the bench with cheap ammo. My Ruger M77 shoots better groups, but I pay a lot more for the ammo. Further, this 335 shoots great off hand which is more my style. Most of my friends beat me at bench shooting but they can't touch me with this 336 (I bought cheap) in an off hand match. I am done with theory, I now focus on what works for me, I am just looking at my results, and I get good results with this 30-30 rifle, I have a lot of confidence in this 30-30!

[@seanortiz8367]

I love my marlin 336c. I don’t know where people get the idea you can’t hit anything with the 30-30. Ive plinked metal plates at 150-200 yards with mine and I’m just using the factory sights. Just sounds like gripes from people who can’t shoot

[@GunBlue490]

Sean Ortiz You are correct. Most snickering about the 30-30 and 32 Special comes from either folks who never actually used one, who absorb what they hear, and from gun writers who are promoting other cartridges or never even used one themselves. It remains and always will be a perfectly fine whitetail deer and black bear round.

[@keith2915]

Yes yes yes they are dummy's for knocking that gun very very very accurate and will kill almost anything elk, bear, deer, pigs, moose ,I have killed all that I just mentioned and I did it about 125 yards out drop everything one shot you think about it in the wild wild west days how did they take the Buffalo down with a 30-30 it put food on the table every time that gun went out it took a buffalo down and there was food to eat the same day and hides to use

[@Me2Lancer]

Thanks for your strong endorsement of the 30-30. I grew up in the 50s and the m94 was the standard hunting rifle and was featured prominently on the mantle for home defense.

[@chrism1190]

Loved the video and love my Marlin 336 30-30. I have several types and its hands down my favorite rifle.

[@keith2915]

The most well built gun from way back up to about 2000 anything after is fast built on a production line of about 30 minutes of rifle when the Marlin 336 was made in 70s 80s 90s up to 2000 they took many days to build one rifle and used high-grade tempered metal not like the garbage today you tell me the rest of the story

[@patrickslevin6424]

Thanks for putting into words what some of us lever action shooters have known and accepted for a long time. Only it never felt like a limitation if you were shooting in thick timber where, as you described, it's almost like pointing at the deer. Long live the lever actions and long live the 30 WCF or 30-30.

[@MegaPoxie]

Always good to hear unbiased opinions from people who aren't salesmen ..... factual, honest and informative information and love the history. Keep up the great work and look forward to your next. .

[@outdoorrn2980]

No deer I have ever shot with my 30/30 ever went more than 40 feet and dropped over dead, and I have shot plenty.

[@jamesstone209]

Dad's 1973 Glenfield Marlin, with original Remington scope, bought at JCPenney. Had it worked on to get it looking good. After all these years, it was easy to zero and fires like a dream!

[@oreopuppydawg1564]

Common sense hunting, nice change of pace! Could listen to you all day. I use a 30-30 and love it. I know what it will do.

[@MC-uj4co]

i have a 1958 model 94 30-30. still works like new.a great firearm.and the new ammo makes ot even better......

[@rammerjammer6980]

M C It really does I have a 69 Model 94 and that Hornady round really makes my Winchester shine it loves it accurate at 100 yards 👌

[@peterr.7429]

Dear Sir, over the past 50 years I have enjoyed shooting quite a few firearms. The older I get, the more I like going back to the basics, and my humble model 94 in 30-30 is certainly a favourite. Thank you for your terrific input. All the best from Australia

[@Aliyah_666]

The 30-30 is what it always was a plain old reliable cartridge. No bells and whistles, no worrying about ballistic coefficients, just a good reliable round in a smooth shootable platform.

[@brentvinson9198]

Blue, another great video. A breath of fresh air compared to others.

[@dougrogers835]

When I was 15 in 1970 I begged my dad for a Marlin 30/30 for Christmas. He said no! Guess what he put under the tree for that morning. Still have it to this day. It cost a whopping $79,95. Even came with a branded K Mart scope. LOL

[@58efd]

You are a very clear and good speaker, great job. I own 1980's JM 336 30-30 and a 1926 94 SRC in 32win-spl, love both and hearing about my guns was very helpful, thanks!! BTW, I could listen to your clear expertise and knowledge for hours. Nice speaking voice, and you kept it very interesting & realistic as per the qualifications of these caliber/bullets. I just watched a u-tube on a fellow that got a black bear with his grampu's 30-30 94. Thanks for sharing your passion.

[@blaws6684]

This year is 125th anniversary of the 94. I took my favorite 94 out and scored two opening day. Both never took another step. Ftx hand loads. But I disagree onthe 150. They shoot better than a 170 and I’ve never ever just wounded a deer, nor have I destroyed any meat. I scoped my favorite 94 because my eyes are not as sharp anymore and our woods needs that precision. I have other rifles I use but none come close to the feeling of bringing home venison with a lever gun. I also took a coyote with a short 94 Trapper saddle ring model in 44 mag. 94 yds with a Williams peep sight. Who said lever guns can’t shoot?!

[@MyREDTAIL]

I loved the way you explained How they Hunted back then My Dad bought his win 94 in 1954 for Apx $75.00 NIB , I have & use it today with No Scope on it also,Great Brush gun out to 100 plus yards, My Sons love shooting this rifle of their Grandfather's also etc.

[@jaydee1532]

I luv my 30-30, here in Quebec for a long time that was the favorite gun Marlin and Winchester, even for Moose hunting considering they approach the animal 50 yds and had the proper bullets !

[@nicholaspayne349]

Recently bought a Winchester model 1894 manufactured in 1962 for my first gun purchased with my own hard earned money. Picked it up at an auction because I couldn’t find any lever guns at the pawn shops Around town. I looked all over the internet and called friends I was down on my luck until I saw this pristine specimen at a local auction, it’s beautiful! Someone loved and took very good care of my rifle. It’s unbelievably fun to shoot, has plenty of knock down power and will suit my purpose of a home defense rifle and good ol fun Haver. Too bad everyone is hording ammo so I can’t find any whatsoever. I ended up buying some ammo online for 2 bucks a cartridge. I’ve barely put 30 rounds through the rifle so far. Hopefully I can get a decent ammo supply because I love to rack rounds through this piece of American history. This gun lasted someone most of their life and it will last me most of mine. Thanks for the history lesson. 👍

[@4x4Moses]

Just bought my third 30-30, and I still love it. First was a Marlin 336, then a Mossberg 464, and now a Henry H009B. These are sweet rifles, and do the job while looking great.

[@AdamWeatherall]

This man knows his stuff, great video thanks for the information.

[@wagstag89]

I have a Winchester 94 in 44 Magnum that's my go-to hunting rifle when I'm in the hardwoods and swamps. That and a scoped 30-06 for hunting fields from a stand has been my freezer filling combo for years

[@jeanpaulhopkins8112]

I got both of them the Marlin and Winchester in 30-30 and they’re great rifles and fun to shoot.

[@funkingitup1805]

Awesome video. I've got a "JM" stamped Glenfield 30 with the half length tubular magazine. It has a forward mounted scout rail with a reflex sight about 1/3 the way from tip of the the 16 1/4" barrel. It points like a shotgun, and both eyes stay open. The red dot is a bit of an anachronism on a lever gun, but as a tool for sub-100 yard woodland deer hunting, there is little better.

[@markmuch1295]

I bought my 94 30/30 for $125 at Target in 1975. Still beautiful.

[@jeffanderson1653]

Right before Winchester closed down my dad called me and said, I can’t find a 94 anywhere, see what you can do. The internet price was $479. I found one in Redding Ca. The shop wanted $650. I said, the internet price is $479. He says, I have two left, do you want it or not? I bought it, cooled off and picked it up 10 days later. Dad is gone but the 94 is in the safe. It has special meaning to me. Dad used to hunt with his 94 in the 40’s to bring home meat for his mom.

[@97jsousa]

For my annual walk in the dense woods of New England I carry my 336 with peep sights. Thank you for another great common sense video.

[@tacitus7]

I really appreciate this video. I would however propose 16:50 the nice thing about a scope, is that I've been able to take many neck shots at 35 - 100 yards in the woods. It makes me very confident and they drop there and I don't have to try to walk through all the brush trying to find the deer after a lung shot. I have a Leupold 1 by 4 on my Marlin 336. (Actually it is a Revelation 200 but same difference.) No need for anything bigger than a 1 by 4 on a 200 yard max rifle.

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

I have a 30-30 2018 Marlin 336 in stainless steel. I couldn't get my groups down to less than 4-5". I dropped 2 does on the spot at the same time with it last season, but I wasn't happy with my shot placement. It was all me and my poor eyesight with the OEM buckhorn sight, not the gun. I mounted a Skinner Peep Sight on it and consistently shoot 1" groups now. It might replace my scoped bolt action ,270 from now on. I just love how it handles.

[@jond2150]

My favorite cartridge. The Winchester’94 was my first center fire I bought used for $99 dollars in 2002. I now have a cabinet full of nicer and more accurate rifles but as stated, it shoots minute of deer and is my go to rifle. The only time I had to track an animal I hit with it was because I put a bad shot on the doe, not because the round wasn’t capable. I don’t hunt over bean fields or pipelines so 125 yards is a long shot and that round is definitely adequate. Thanks for all of your excellent videos!

[@ralphdouglas1001]

Thanks for the history, very interesting and informative. I just pulled my 15 year old Marlin 30-30 out of my safe to oil it down. I have never fired it yet.

[@masgrey9608]

Just found your channel and loved this video, thank you for it. My 94 is a prized possesion and will never part with it. I have had great success with 150 grain loadings in both factory and my reloads for all things combined. Guess I have been a lucky exception. Keep up the great work!

[@Zkpe02]

My Marlin 336 .30-30 JM made in1972 is my deer hunting rifle. No scope or sling. The sights were true so no need to mess with them. A box of cartridges last me for years & years….

[@andybrooks8311]

Absolutely love this video! Has to be one of the greatest told truths of this gun. Every thing you said is exactly what I heard my Dad and Uncle say as I grew up hunting with them.

[@Longeno55]

"Minute of Deer" I love it! I have an older Marlin 336 that has served me well and continues to do so. Thanks for the great video. Take good care.

[@benkanobe7500]

Thanks, Professor. you are the best!

[@DrDoom-uu3cj]

Bought my first Winchester model 94 in .30-30 for 120 bucks around 1980 from a store called Woolworth's. The good old days!

[@BooBooJonez]

Nice job. Love watching people talk about things like this with experience. I have a 1952 Winchester 30-30 and was wondering about the sight screws on the side. There aren't any. Now I know why. I LOVE this rifle. I also have a 1936 Marlin Model 1936 30-30 with a fluted stock and a fish bellied forearm. In 1937, they took the fluting out of the stock, straitened the forearm and put a "letter" prefix in front of the serial number. Mine has a 3 digit serial number with NO prefix. Both are beautiful rifles. I gotta say though, the engineering is a little more ingenious with the Winchester. I don't dare use the Marlin much. Very rare. The Winchester though, I treat that like a red headed step child and it LOVES it!

[@MyREDTAIL]

The Rem 150 Gr Bullet Ammo is good on Whitetail Deer if the shot is well placed etc.

[@rammerjammer6980]

MyREDTAIL Hornady makes a 160 grain bullet that makes my Winchester shame Marlins 😂 I can keyhole in the bullseye from 100 yards all day with that round. Perfect for deer

[@dalanwanbdiska6542]

Try with ironsites. Scopes make shooting easy. Im a hunter so I know. I doubt you will be keyholing anything at 100yards. Try it

[@dennisschell5543]

@@rammerjammer6980 Do you know what "keyhole" even means? Didn't think so...

[@dannyhousley2000]

Ive got my dads 1966 model 94 in 30-30. He was the original owner and other than the lever hanging up from time to time it still shoots great.

[@skankmuffin]

Always awesome videos Such a wealth of knowledge Thank you

[@bertflores6377]

Thank you for your excellent video. I own a 25-06 and the wife has a .243 and though they both will do for close range (as well as far) I always chose my Marlin 30-30 for the close scenario, always. But I want to add this. I removed my rear buck-horn and replaced it with a Lymann rear aperture sight. the rear sight is mounted at the very back on top of the receiver where a rail would go for a scope mount. By doing so it has opened up the sight radius by about 5 inches. I want to tell you how amazingly accurate my lever action is now. I wouldn't hesitate to make a lung/heart shot out to 150 yards in this configuration, its that dang accurate with these iron sights If I could only have one deer rifle. My 30-30 with iron aperture sights would be it.

[@DKWalser]

My first and favorite rifle was a Winchester model 94. I saved up for it and bought it when I was old enough to go on my first deer hunt. Great little rifle for all the reasons you mentioned. Something too many forget, most of Winchester's prior lever rifles shot pistol rounds, such as the 44-40. That's the 30/30's true comparison. In 1894, the ballistics were pretty darn good compared to similar rifles shooting the 44-40! No, it wasn't the most powerful cartridge available in 1894. It wasn't intended to be. It was intended to be a significant improvement over similar lever action rifles, while still being easy to carry and quick handling.

[@MrRdvs87]

I dropped a red dot on mine. I shoot at 50 yards so, I dropped the magnification. Haven’t taken it to hunt yet, but can’t wait to do so. When I hunt longer plots/power lines/clear cuts, it’s 6.5 grendel time.

[@darrenwilson-uw5vm]

As a Canadian the 3030 or 303 british has been used for everything deer bear moose all in the freezer! thanks for great information!

[@Dman-mr7nb]

My first deer rifle here in Southern Oregon was a Ted Williams, Sears model 94 30-30 from my grandfather. I passed onto my cousin for his first. Great addition for any Armory 😎

[@hildtonmcconnell5626]

good video , I had a 30 30 about 50 yr ago and did not have good luck with it weather it was the gun or rounds I was shooting , I had a .22 bought in 1952 that shot dimes , and a 303 witch also shot really good, as maybe , just putting beside these guns was why. I found that I did not get good groups with it and seamed to have quite a bit of drop at long range but it is not really a long range gun. If the grouping was better I mite of keep it. Years later I got a Rouger 44 mag with a 10.5" barrel and had better grouping with it so when I got my next light gun I went with a rouger 77/44, 44 mag. for a short range gun. One thing I like about the 44 mag is it has a lot of hitting power up to 75 yd. and after 120 yd drops like a stone.I feel this is safer in some of the places I plan to shoot . But after watching this video I think I would like to give the 30 30 another chance as I now l can load my own rounds.I would reach out farther than the 44 mag but not as far as my 308 win. My son has my 303. great moos gun for him. Thanks for the video

[@awizardalso]

In 2012, I bought a Marlin 336W 30-30 rifle. What I liked about it has a side ejection port so I could put a scope on it. The scope came with an attachment to put on the hammer so you can can operate the hammer without the scope interfering access to the hammer.

[@nickcirillo6191]

Excellent content.. I am a huge 30-30 fan!!

[@thesheepman220]

I have a Winchester 94 ae I put a leupold vx 3 1.75 x6x32 on mine ,the reason being is ,we can shoot deer 1 hr after sunset and 1 hr before sunrise , but then I can carry on hunting foxes at night with the lamp ,so I need a scope ,I have been using the hornady 140 and 160 grn lever action ammunition and level action powder in my reloads , all to very good effect, nice article on one of my favourite calibers atb Steve

[@a.b1266]

thesheepman220 yep.. Same here.. When that light gets dim my old eyes seem to need a scope. Then I can put that pill in the pumphouse where it belongs.👍

[@YTRulesFromNM]

Nothing carries better than the Winchester Model 94. The rifle, carbine, and short rifle are all great. My piece is a Marlin rifle with the extra long barrel. I see plenty of reason for anyone to like either the Winchester or Marlin. It isn't that hard to get within 60 yards of a deer. The sports writers want you to think you need a 7mm magnum and shoot a deer at four hundred yards.

[@edwardprice140]

I remember seeing a billboard in 1964 that said FORD MUSTANG $1995.

[@GunBlue490]

I remember seeing the first load of those Mustangs being dropped off two trucks at the local Ford dealer when I was delivering newspapers that bought my first rifle! Good grief.

[@matthewlyness9692]

I have a 1940 winchester 94 shoots beautiful 2 inch group at 50-75 yards with Federal Power Shok. Jacketed soft point 170 grain round nose bullets. Love it

[@jeffren70]

I grew up watching my father shoot pop cans at 100 yards open sights with his trusty 336. He never missed. And every time I looked the hole was dead center. Once saw him hit a very small board we saw across a canyon while target practicing. must have been 400 yards. I told him he couldn't do it, I was wrong. I would never underestimate that rifle. He just had his eyes fixed and wants to see if he still has it at 72.

[@GunBlue490]

jeffren70 Boyhood memories are wonderful, especially of the wonders that dads could do, sometimes with a skilled bit of slight of hand.

[@jeffren70]

No slight of hand, just skill. He just shot it so much he could hit it if he could see it. That in combination with a good shooting rifle. I'm a good bench and bipod shooter but still can't match what he could do standing. I enjoy your videos BTW. Just found the channel.

[@independentthinker8930]

When I was growing up, we didn't brag on how far we shot a deer, we bragged on how close we got to the deer. It was part of our "woodsmanship". People kill me, they throw off on the 30-30, yet preach 7.62 x 39! Near same!! Then throw off on the M1 carbine yet 357 is a big killer!

[@GunBlue490]

My goal is to restore the culture you knew, which got lost over the last 40 years.

[@independentthinker8930]

@@GunBlue490 I carried guns to school to go hunting after school, never a problem, lot of us did. I would talk quail hunting with my science teacher at breaks

[@shredders3881]

@@independentthinker8930 And I just heard about a kid who got expelled from school after he chewed a pop-tart into the shape of a gun.

[@dr.froghopper6711]

The Marlin 336 in .35 Remington was always a favorite also!

[@ronthompson2366]

Finally a refreshingly good and correct view on a great rifle. Personally I own and prefer a Marlin, nevertheless it's a. 30-30. I have recently, due to age and therefore my vision, added a scope to mine. It's a simple 2x7x33, just enough for my eyes and still a simple and well matched scope for the use of the rifle. It's not a target, match grade grade firearm. But it's consistent and I enjoy hearing someone else use the term "minute of Deer". You described the firearm exactly like it is a reliable, consistent, and enjoyable hunting rifle. You grab it, your ammo , your coat and hat and you are ready to hunt. The key is you actually have to hunt, use your skills of hunting and marksmanship and you will enjoy every hunt and the game you take. The ammo is sufficient to do the job and I completely agree with the use of the 170 gr. round. Plus the ammo is available everywhere. The recoil is virtually nonexistent. It's a great firearm to introduce someone new to hunting with. It's a safe firearm that is easy to maintain. Learn to shoot with the open sights, hunt the game with in range and learn the basics and skills. Well done and well said.

[@chrissanchez9935]

Thank You Very Much for the informative video.

[@pawcrawlowens8730]

I have all types of bolt guns, I'm 61 and got my 1945 94 out and started using it again, just feels good

[@vabeachsurfdaddy]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and knowledge on 30-30s. You are a treasure.

[@simonestella3311]

“Minute of deer”! Priceless!

[@lkrueger9494]

GunBlue - One of the best overviews of this very famous and efficient rifle. This rifle and cartridge were generally used by the hunter in short distances. I can remember my uncles doing exactly what you detailed when dear season came. Grab the Winchester, throw a few rounds in their coat pocket and go. They used to mention that a box of ammo lasted years. If you were a good shot and the deer showed up, you only need one shot. I only wish I could of had one of theirs. Mine was born in 1977 and works well Thanks again for presenting this wonderful Winchester in the proper setting. :-)

[@63DW89A]

To this day when asked what rifle to buy for a basic-no-frills-do-it-all I recommend the 30-30 in a lever action. Like the 45 Colt in a handgun, it simply works flawlessly. Accurate, reliable and simple. The rifle design and cartridge are timeless.

[@ghunt09]

Lever in 35 rem is a much better choice.

[@63DW89A]

@@ghunt09 From a terminal ballistic perspective I would agree. BUT, when introducing a new young hunter to a first serious hunting rifle, the 30-30 is hard to beat. Light easily manageable recoil, excellent accuracy, and excellent dropping ability in an easy to carry, handle and maintain package. The 30-30's 120+ year old proven reputation for harvesting game, speaks volumes as to its effective practicality. In the hands of good hunters, the 30-30 has taken Grizzly, Polar Bear, and Moose in addition to countless millions of deer. Like the 45 Colt, the 30-30 is one of those magic calibers that just simply WORKS, without all the muss, fuss and hyperbole that surrounds the newest in-style magnums that fade from view after the mass advertising dies.

[@ghunt09]

@@63DW89A still think 35 rem is a better choice because a kid can grow with the 35 rem. Can hunt anything in North America inside reasonable distance. 200 in.

[@63DW89A]

@@ghunt09 The 30-30 has also successfully hunted everything in North America too. But like you, I also like the 35 Rem and there are some very practical reasons for owning the 35 Rem, especially if you are a reloader. Lots of common bullet(especially cast bullets!!) use possible between the 38 Spl / 357 Mag and 35 Rem! So if you like to keep your practical weapons list short and practical, a 35 Rem, along with a 357 Mag revolver or two, plus a few bullet molds and the reloading dies makes for a simple, practical and highly effective arms battery! Gets my mind wandering with all the possibilities, actually!

[@korndawggy1801]

@@ghunt09 not by that much.

[@markbroad119]

my father in-law gave me his model '94. I was in a plastic bag, in a box with a price tag of $75 from JC Penny. 160 grain ftx with I think 33.5 grains of Hodgden Varget powder

[@glenhalstead2301]

WOW. That's a great gift!

[@mickmoriarty7780]

I'm 72, bought my first 94 Winchester (in 44Mag) when I was 18 or so. I pretty much have always had a 30/30 after that. I currently have a pre 64 that I will pass onto to a collector at some point and I hunt occasionally with a 1976 vintage one with a Williams Foolproof sight. I also have a Marlin 336 which belonged to a local stockman (cowboy). He bought it after his horse went down, breaking his leg and destroying his 94 30/30 in the process. When he got out of hospital, he marched down to the gun shop with his saddle and they didn't have a Winchester in stock, so he walked out of the shop with the 336 and two boxes of ammo. Called via the stables in town saddled up and rode off on his new horse. The blueing is worn off on one side from rubbing against the saddle over the years. Both great no frills guns that give me a lot of joy.

[@Brett235]

Thank you for the video. You are very knowledgeable and I appreciate that. My grandparents raised me here in East Texas and my Grandfather and I would go to the "old farm" and set beside an old redoak on top of a steep hill and wait. We took alot of deer off of that hill and he either used his winchester 20 guage with slugs or his old marlin 3030. I used my pump-action 410, sold by Western auto.

[@Darryl792]

This is a great video. When I was a teenager I was allowed to use my dads 30-30 for deer hunting. I must have complained about it because my dad would say more deer have been taken with one of those than any other gun. Well I got my first 5 deer with that rifle and they all went down fast no problem. In the bush country what more do you need? When my he passed away my brother and I each got a 30-30 from my dad. I got the winchester and he got the Marlin. We are so happy to have them.

[@mikes.6985]

Your Dad was right.

[@carterthiessen2664]

Shot a whitetail buck this morning with my 1951 Winchester 94 in 30-30. One shot through the bottom of the lungs and the top of the heart. It expired very quickly, less than 15 yards from where it was shot. Perfect performance from the 170 grain sierra flat point.

[@murraysanders7779]

Very sensible advice for someone looking for a good reliable rifle , well done mate

[@billmartiny4622]

Good to see your nearby rosary. Thanks for your informative videos. I just ran across this one and look forward to watching others. Kind regards from south Louisiana.

[@tsufordman]

My 1975-ish 336 shoots the Hornady load accurate and flat enough to stretch it out to 225 yards (varmint). And with the addition of antler restrictions in my area requiring an "outside the ears" spread on the rack, I have found it still a handy rifle with the addition of a scope.

[@petersuit4231]

I Truly appreciate all the positive things that you’ve said about The Winchester Model 94,30-30 Sir!!! It was my first rifle when I’d turned 13,& I’d Definitely taken a few bucks with it. I’ve been blessed to keep it as well as my Father’s first one as well as my uncle’s who’d bought a Marlin which is another beautiful rifle. I Truly appreciate the information that you’ve shared with us about how folks just grabbed it outta the closet and a few shells and went out hinting making a box last for many a years!!! That’s what my dad told me his father and uncle’s had done back in the good Ole’Days. Thanks again it was great seeing and hearing your thoughts on this video.

[@pcmaust]

What a neat video. I just discovered you. I have a 30 30 that I inherited from my Dad years and years ago. It is a great gun for exactly the purposes you mention in this video. And thank you so much because I did learn some new things. Mine is the Marlin 336. I am no gun expert but I have been a shooter for 50+ years. So I guess that makes me that "average" guy who just picks up the gun and takes it out hunting. I look very forward to watching your other videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@jimmyleejohnson7124]

My hat is off to you for a very fair and informative video about the Winchester model 94 30-30! A year or so ago Barnes released the 150 TSX (Vortex) 30-30 ammo. By all reports it is outstanding in it's performance; well constructive and devastating on mid-sized to large game including elk and moose within proper range. Perhaps you can shortly make a video illustrating effectiveness with various manufacturers cartridges. Buffalo Bore, Barnes, Winchester, Federal, and the Remington Core Lokt?

[@geraldswain3259]

Just subscribed,it's quite obvious this gentlman really knows what he's talking about and has a encyclopaedic knowledge of his subject. This makes a change to a lot the crap that's spouted!!!!.

[@newcreation2521]

This vid really brought back some fond memories, thanks for that. At my first job I worked at the only game inspection station in town so I tagged hundreds of deer over time. I saw all the wounds and heard all of the stories, heard all about the guns and calibers and saw what they could do. I love the 30-30's but power wise, they're nothing special for deer. The more reliable calibers in that day would have started at the 300 Savage, 303 British level or higher. The 30-06 was a killer diller, and anything else approaching that level of power was too. But everyone loved carrying the 30-30 carbines.

[@brianarmstrong2096]

I enjoyed this. Mine is a 1950s carbon copy. I’ve carried one many many miles. You are correct about ballistics but in my opinion it takes sharper woodsman-ship skill to consistently bag deer with one which is a testimony to the hunting style change over the last hundred years. Besides who can argue with John M Browning?

[@prevost8686]

Before I give my comments I will say up front that if you don’t believe me I will not be offended. My father was a WW2 veteran. He wasn’t a sniper. That was never his MOS. He did however participate in the shooting competitions that were available to him while he was in the service from 42-55. Dad was an avid hunter and fisherman his whole life. The only deer rifles that he ever owned were several basic Marlin lever guns. He never saw the need for anything else based on the hunting conditions in the Pee Dee area of N.C. I and several others, witnessed him dropping a whitetail buck at 325yds. I would’ve never attempted that shot with a 30-30 but he knew his gun, he knew the drop like I know my name, and he had absolute confidence that he could cleanly kill the deer and he did it. He didn’t routinely try to take deer with a 30-30 at those ranges. I think he mainly did it to put me in my place. I was young and openly critical of of the 30-30 caliber. Personally, I consider the 30-30 lever guns to still be one of the best options for killing whitetail deer at ranges of 100yds or less. Inexpensive ammo, lightweight and compact, and very mild in recoil and muzzle blast.

[@MFGordon]

I like your explanation of how the hunters of sixty years ago would use one or two cartridges a year. I bought a 1956 made 94 carbine from an older member of my gun club a few years ago he included in the sale the sixty year old box of .30-30 cartridges minus six shells.

[@westcoaster7.62]

I love your no-nonsense outlook sir, great videos! Thanks!