Can you think of the best rifle for long walks in the steep ravines and high peaks of mountains? One that is easily maneuverable through tight spaces, weaving in and out of trees and between big rock formations? One that will be light weight – preferably with sling studs – and easy to shoulder quickly, as well as achieving quick target acquisition?
I’ve got the perfect one in mind, and I remember the first time I saw it. It was in the movie “Wind River.” When the Marlin 1895SBL .45-70 Govt (MSRP $1,529) made its appearance, all the surroundings and characters in the movie faded away and there appeared to be nothing else on the screen. I immediately did my research, and it found its place at the top of my wish list. The gray laminate stock with the stainless-steel action and barrel was something my eyes wouldn’t let my mind forget and I didn’t. I noticed the successful shots taken with this rifle made and that sparked my must-have desire for this rifle.
Was I so foolish to believe the gun does all the work and the shooter has no responsibility? If you’ve read any of my previous articles or watched any of my videos, you know better than to say yes. I knew two things: first, just because a rifle looks good, doesn’t mean it performs like it looks. And second, just because someone else has great success with it, doesn’t mean everyone will experience the same success.
As I sifted through the different Marlin underlever models, I debated caliber and model I had to have. I convinced myself I didn’t really need a .45-70 and the 30-30 was the one I kept coming back to see. My decisions resulted in the arrival of the Marlin Trapper Series Model 336 in 30-30 (MSRP $1,499), as well as the ammo for testing and getting well acquainted with my wish come true.
I packed it in a Marlin Hard Case (MSRP $119.95) for transport and loaded my Ruger Range Bag (MSRP $24.95) with my new ammunition. I was so excited to get to the Live Fire Training Academy and shoot my new rifle, I had to talk myself through my departure to make sure I wasn’t leaving anything behind.
A lever action is more exhilarating to shoot offhand, in my opinion, but first I’d like to make sure we’re on target and find its favorite ammo. Not just its favorite ones, but ammo that will be adequate for hunting black bear. That’s right, this one is going to West Virginia on my very first black bear hunt with Brian and Carry Wyatt. I’m honored to get the opportunity to tag along on a special hunt they host for veterans. Hence, the questions I asked at the beginning of this article.
I began the testing phase of my range visit at the bench shooting a three-shot group at 50 yards with each ammo. I didn’t have an optic mounted, so after each group, I’d look through my Hawke Frontier Binos (MSRP $379.99), and I knew when I compared the shot groups it was going to be a tough call.
If I had to choose, it would be the Double Tap or the Barnes VOR-TX for accuracy. I realized, accuracy is not the way to make my decision, because the accuracy of them all was very close to the same. I turned to the energy production instead to settle it. Look at the table below for results.
| Ammunition | Bullet Weight | Velocity | Muzzle Energy |
Remington Core-Lokt Managed Recoil (MSRP $25.95) | 125 Grain | 1,968 FPS | 1,075 FPE |
Fiocchi Field Dynamics Pointed Soft Point (MSRP $28.99) | 150 Grain | 2,151 FPS | 1,353 FPE |
Barnes Vor-TX 30-30 Win TSX FN (MSRP $39.94) | 150 Grain | 2,117 FPS | 1,493 FPE |
Winchester Deer Season XP (MSRP $29.99) | 150 Grain | 2,121 FPS | 1,499 FPE |
Hornady 30-30 Win LEVERevolution (MSRP $35.09) | 160 Grain | 2,295 FPS | 1,872 FPE |
DoubleTap 30-30 Win Controlled Expansion (MSRP $43.41) | 170 Grain | 2,004 FPS | 1,516 FPE |
The Hornady LEVERevolutions produced the most muzzle energy, but I chose to go with the DoubleTap Controlled Expansion 30-30s, because I believe those are going to give me great results in the field. This was most certainly one of my most difficult ammo decisions yet, as I stated previously, it was a great performance from all.
With the decision made, I was settled and ready for more practice away from the bench. I set some sporting clays up on the dirt berm and began practicing the motions of loading the five-shot chamber, cocking the lever, disengaging the safety, quickly acquiring my target, as well as practicing some quick and efficient follow-up shooting.
The long guns I am most practiced with are bolt action, semi-auto rifles or semi-auto shotguns. The shooting sports is about muscle memory; in the past, my memorized action hasn’t included the cycling of a lever, nor the cocking of a hammer. Those are new operations crucial to at least practice before taking the Marlin Model 336 on a bear hunt. Hunting is unpredictable and there is not much worse to do on a big game hunt than being ill-prepared.
I wasn’t sure how we, (the Marlin and I) were going to work together for our first offhand session. When I witnessed the shattering of the clays with each shot, only missing occasionally, I couldn’t believe the success I was having with so little practice.
I’m going to rewind for a short minute. Before shooting this gun, I had never shot a 30-30 before. I gave a quick shout out to my husband, who was back at the truck, asking, “Should I be nervous?” His response was the projection of a polite smile and a quick, “No!” He was right. I don’t mind shooting platforms with significant recoil; I do like a little heads up, so I know what to expect.
The recoil this rifle produced was nothing that hindered me from practicing to become efficient with a lever action. In fact, if I didn’t have other obligations, I would most likely have shot all my 30-30 ammo that day. I have many rifles and this has made it to the top as a favorite.
I know this one will be the perfect rifle for trekking through deep ravines and large rock formations in the mountains of West Virgina, searching for my very first bear to harvest. And to ensure I have practice with my new Marlin in every aspect, I’ve been taking it to the deer woods in hopes to harvest a whitetail to build confidence, not only in the rifle … but also, in myself. Maybe the next time you hear from me, it’ll be to tell you about a successful hunt with this beauty.
Learn more about the Marlin SBL Series Model 1895.
I am a wife and a mother who loves the outdoors, I also review and test airguns and shooting products for various manufacturers. As Airgun Angie, I get to spend a fair amount of time outdoors hunting and shooting! I love what I do, I get the opportunity to test many different types of shooting and hunting gear. My current adventures can be found on https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC764VE4T-i2XihiyISmkJKA You can also follow me on Facebook, @leadlife17 "Airgun Angie." View all posts by Angie Perry
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