You'll love the 35 Rem. You can load to to most anything, from subloads with pitol bullets all the wat up Barnes solids. Have fun! One of my favorite bolt gun calibers is 35 Whelen, and I've long thought of the 35 Rem as the lever paralell.

The business about 45-70s in south texas is just a legend, no more. These days, unfortunately, it's all about firepower down here. The durg and people runners have gone full auto. You are just as likely to see a tactical weapon in 308 or ever 300 win mag, or a few M1As around.

I like my SKS, but I've heard nothing but good things about the .30-30 <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> go for it!

What are the differences in quality between the Winchester and Marlin 30-30? The older Winchesters were well made, but the new ones don't seem to be up to that standard.

I found their web site and did a search on gunbroker. The prices are up there for the new models. I know they've been around for a while. My cousin had the same model (22/20) you speak of we shot when we were kids. They probably are a bit heavy especially the older version (wood stocks) but are a versatile gun. I've seen them go used in the $200.00 price range.

The Winchesters seem a bit sloppier when levering. The Marlin has a solid top receiver and side eject. My first was a Winchester but my best is a Marlin.

I have the lighter weight Savage 24 C "camper special" in .22/24 and with a set of .22mag/20gamag barrels. Mine is light, and a great pack gun. I made a sheath in my pack for it, and carry it muzzle down. P{ull it out, cock it, and it's ready to fire. No need to sling it.

I don't know - I think they are philosphically different. The standard 336 with a pistol grip stock is just a lot more, oh, robust than a 94 saddle gun. I think you've just go to hamndle them both, consider yoour application, and buy accordingly. I must asmit that I have paid no attention to the latest 'improvements' of the 94, however.

Here's a good article on the Marlin Rifle by Massad Ayoob.
http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/ayoob95.html

That was a very good article. Thanks.

Your welcome. I enjoyed it, glad you did also.