The Glenfield 30A and Marlin 336 are both popular lever action rifles that have been around for decades.
Both guns are well known for their accuracy, reliability, and durability, making them great choices for hunting and target shooting. The Glenfield 30A is a variant of the Marlin Model 30, while the Marlin 336 is the more modern version of the Model 36.
Both guns have a lot of similarities, such as their lever action design, but there are also some key differences between them.
This article will compare the two guns and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Glenfield 30A
The Glenfield 30A is a classic lever-action rifle that holds a significant place in the realm of firearms history.
Manufactured by Marlin Firearms, the Glenfield 30A is essentially a budget-friendly version of the Marlin Model 336, which is celebrated for its enduring design and reliable performance.
It is chambered primarily in .30-30 Winchester, and gained popularity due to its affordability, durability, and versatile applications.
Lever-action rifles like the 30A are often associated with the American Old West, as they were used by cowboys, hunters, and law enforcement officers during that era.
Despite its utilitarian design, the Glenfield 30A offers a certain timeless charm that resonates with firearms enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The lever-action mechanism of the Glenfield 30A allows for quick follow-up shots, making it a favorite among hunters who need to engage targets rapidly.
Its rugged construction and dependable performance have also endeared it to generations of shooting enthusiasts. The rifle’s walnut stock and blued steel components contribute to its classic appearance, evoking a sense of nostalgia for those who appreciate firearms with historical significance.
It’s worth noting that the Glenfield brand was used by Marlin to market rifles in discount stores, and the 30A model was often found in department stores and other similar retail outlets.
Marlin 336
The Marlin 336 is a classic lever-action rifle that has earned a reputation for its reliability, versatility, and timeless design.
Manufactured by the Marlin Firearms Company, the Model 336 has been a popular choice among hunters, sport shooters, and collectors since its introduction in the late 1940s.
One of the standout features of the Marlin 336 is its lever-action mechanism, which allows for quick and smooth cycling of cartridges.
This design has made it a favorite among those who appreciate the traditional feel and aesthetic of lever-action rifles. The rifle is chambered in various calibers, with .30-30 Winchester being the most iconic and widely used.
The Marlin 336’s durability and performance have made it a reliable companion for hunters pursuing game in wooded areas, where the rifle’s compact size and quick follow-up shots are particularly advantageous.
Its effective range and stopping power have made it suitable for hunting deer and other medium-sized game.
Over the years, the Marlin 336 has undergone several iterations and improvements, but it has generally maintained its core features and appeal.
Some models come with modern features like scopes, extended magazines, and different stock options, catering to a wide range of preferences and use cases.
Glenfield 30A vs Marlin 336 – Key Differences
The Glenfield 30A and Marlin 336 are both lever-action rifles chambered in .30-30 Winchester. They are very similar in terms of their overall design and performance, but there are a few key differences.
Design
Glenfield 30A is a modern rifle that was designed in the late 1970s and is chambered in .30-30 Winchester. It features a 20-inch barrel, a five-round magazine, and a cross-bolt safety.
Marlin 336, on the other hand, is a classic rifle that was first released in 1948 and is chambered in .30-30 Winchester. It has a 20-inch barrel, a six-round magazine, and a trigger safety. When it comes to accuracy, both guns are capable of delivering precise shots.
The Marlin 336 is known for its smooth action, which makes it a great choice for hunting. The Glenfield 30A, however, is a bit more accurate due to its semi-automatic design, which allows for quicker follow-up shots.
Accuracy
Both of these rifles are made for long-range shooting. Whether it’s hunting or military practices, they are both known for their accuracy and performance in long-range competitions.
Due to the longer barrel, the Marlin 336 might have some edge when it comes to extreme long-range shooting, but the Glenfield 30a is not far behind by any means.
Stock
The Glenfield 30A has a plainer walnut stock than the Marlin 336. The Marlin 336 also has a more pronounced “hump” in the stock, which helps to provide a more comfortable cheek weld.
Finish
In terms of stock, they are both finished with wood finish and anti-rot finishes. As for the receiver, he Glenfield 30A is finished in blued steel, while the Marlin 336 is finished in either blued steel or stainless steel. Stainless steel is more resistant to rust and corrosion, but it is also more expensive.
Durability
The Glenfield 30A is constructed with a solid steel receiver and a high-quality walnut stock. The Marlin 336 is made with a solid steel receiver and a hardwood stock.
Both rifles feature a strong action that is designed to stand up to heavy use. Additionally, both rifles are designed to be corrosion-resistant, which helps to ensure their long-term durability.
Finally, both rifles are relatively easy to maintain, which helps to ensure that they will last for many years to come.
Safety
The Glenfield 30A is a semi-automatic rifle, meaning it has a self-loading mechanism that ejects the spent shell and loads a new one with each pull of the trigger.
This makes it a bit safer than a manually-loaded rifle, as it eliminates the need to manually cycle the action. The Glenfield 30A also has a cross-bolt safety, which is a safety mechanism that prevents the gun from firing unless the safety is disengaged.
The Marlin 336, on the other hand, is a manually-loaded rifle. This means it requires the user to manually cycle the action between shots, which can be a bit dangerous if the user is not careful.
It does not have a cross-bolt safety, but it does have a hammer block safety that prevents the gun from firing unless the hammer is cocked.
Overall, both the Glenfield 30A and the Marlin 336 are safe guns when used properly.
The Glenfield 30A is a bit safer due to its self-loading mechanism and cross-bolt safety, while the Marlin 336 is slightly less safe due to its manually-loaded design and lack of cross-bolt safety.
Lever Shape & Position
The most noticeable difference in terms of ergonomics between the Glenfield 30A and Marlin 336 is the shape of their levers.
Marlin 336 features a classic curved lever, which is iconic and historically associated with lever-action rifles. This lever design can provide a natural grip for the shooter’s hand, allowing for smooth and comfortable cycling of the action.
On the other hand, the Glenfield 30A has a straighter lever, which might offer a slightly different feel. Some shooters might find the curved lever of the Marlin 336 more ergonomic and conducive to rapid levering.
Capacity
The Glenfield 30A lever-action rifle typically has a magazine capacity of 6 rounds. This means that the internal tubular magazine within the rifle’s stock can hold up to 6 cartridges of the .30-30 Winchester ammunition. Typically, they used to hold more and some models can only hold up to 5.
This capacity is common among many lever-action rifles of this design and is in line with traditional lever-action rifle configurations.
The Marlin 336 lever-action rifle also commonly features a magazine capacity of 6 rounds, similar to the Glenfield 30A.
However, there are variations of the Marlin 336, such as the Marlin 336W, that offer a larger magazine capacity.
The Marlin 336W, for instance, is equipped with a full-length magazine tube that can hold 6, 7, or even 8 rounds of .30-30 Winchester ammunition, depending on the specific model and chambering.
Performance
Glenfield 30A is a .30-30 caliber rifle that was manufactured by Marlin from 1971 to 1982. It is a budget-priced rifle and is often considered a good choice for younger shooters.
The 30A features a 20-inch barrel, a six-round tubular magazine, and a semi-buckhorn rear sight. It is a lightweight rifle, weighing only 6.5 pounds. The Marlin 336 is a .30-30 caliber rifle that has been in production since 1948.
It is a more expensive option than the Glenfield 30A, but its features make it a popular choice for hunters and sportsmen.
The 336 features a 20-inch barrel, a six-round tubular magazine, and a semi-buckhorn rear sight. It is also a lightweight rifle, weighing in at 7 pounds.
In terms of performance, the Marlin 336 is considered to be more accurate than the Glenfield 30A. The 336 is also more reliable, with fewer reports of jams or misfires. The 336 also has a smoother action, which makes it easier to operate.
However, the 30A is still a reliable rifle and can be an excellent choice for the budget-minded shooter.
Weight
The Glenfield 30A is a lightweight rifle, weighing only 6.5 pounds. This makes it easy to maneuver and carry for long periods of time.
It also has a short length of pull, making it easier for shooters with smaller frames to handle. The safety is located on the trigger guard, making it easy to engage and disengage.
The Marlin 336 is a bit heavier than the Glenfield 30A, weighing in at 7.5 pounds.
This makes it slightly more difficult to maneuver and carry for long periods of time. It also has a longer length of pull, making it better suited for shooters with larger frames. The safety is located on the side of the receiver, which can be difficult to reach for some shooters.
Overall, the Glenfield 30A is the easier of the two rifles to use. It is lightweight and has a shorter length of pull, making it easier for shooters of all sizes to handle. Its safety is also located in a more convenient spot, making it easier to engage and disengage.
Glenfield 30A Vs Marlin 336 – Similarities
Here are some of the notable similarities between the Glenfield 30A and Marlin 336:
- Lever-Action Mechanism: Both the Glenfield 30A and Marlin 336 rifles feature a lever-action mechanism, which is a hallmark of these firearms. This lever-action design allows for rapid cycling of the action, facilitating quick follow-up shots.
- Caliber: Both rifles are chambered for the .30-30 Winchester cartridge, a popular and versatile round that has been used for hunting various game species for decades.
- Action Design: The Glenfield 30A and Marlin 336 utilize a similar action design, including the sliding bolt and locking system. This design contributes to the rifles’ reliability and durability.
- Materials and Build Quality: Both rifles are constructed with steel components for durability and longevity. While the level of finish and wood quality might vary between models and production years, the overall build quality of these rifles is typically consistent.
- Iron Sights: Both rifles often come equipped with open sights, which are suitable for quick target acquisition at shorter ranges. These iron sights are adjustable for windage and elevation, allowing shooters to fine-tune their accuracy.
- Historical Legacy: Both the Glenfield 30A and Marlin 336 have a rich historical legacy that ties them to the American firearms tradition. Their design pays homage to the lever-action rifles that played a pivotal role in the westward expansion and shaping of American history.
- Hunting and Sporting Use: These rifles are primarily designed for hunting and sporting purposes, particularly in environments where quick follow-up shots may be necessary, such as hunting in wooded areas or fields.
- Reliability and Durability: Both rifles are known for their reliability and robustness. The lever-action design, when properly maintained, is inherently reliable and can handle a variety of shooting conditions.
- Aftermarket Accessories: Due to their popularity and widespread use, both rifles have a range of aftermarket accessories available, including scope mounts, stocks, and other customization options.
Closing Thoughts
The Glenfield 30A and Marlin 336 are both popular lever-action rifles that are known for their reliability and accuracy. Both rifles have their advantages and disadvantages, but overall, they are both excellent choices for hunting and recreational shooting.
The Glenfield 30A is a great choice for those who are looking for a budget-friendly rifle that is reliable and accurate. The Marlin 336 is a great choice for those who are looking for a higher-quality rifle that is more accurate and has a longer range.
Ultimately, the choice between the two rifles depends on the user’s preferences and budget.
