• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Loadout Room

The Loadout Room

Professional Gear Reviews

Hardcore Gear and Adventure

Menu
  • Shooting
        • Pistol
        • Pistol Accessories
        • Rifle
        • Rifle Accessories
        • Shotgun
        • Machine Guns
        • Air Guns
        • Ammunition
        • Optics and Sights
        • Weapon Lights
        • Tips & How-To
        • Concealed Carry
        • Holsters
        • Suppressors
        • Precision Rifle Shooting
        • Firearms Training
        • TISAS_10100520_1__98179Tisas 1911A1 U.S. Army Review: Best Budget .45 ACP WW2 1911 Clone?
        • Photoroom_20250531_143432Pyramyd AIR’s Springfield Hellcat Pro CO2 BB Pistol Is the Ultimate Dry-Fire Trainer
        • image-112d3d00Helwan Brigadier 9mm Range Report
        • Photoroom_20250525_074933Juggernaut Tactical Frame Review: The Best Upgrade for Your 365
    • Close
  • Gear Reviews
      • Mission Gear
      • Camping Gear
      • Survival Gear
      • Medical Gear
      • Adventure & Travel
      • Knives & Tools
      • Overland
      • Disaster Preparedness
      • Footwear
      • Womens Gear & Clothing
        • ac65a540-2ef3-4598-8d11-afdf53f46e94.__CR0,0,970,600_PT0_SX970_V1___Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount HL-X: A Thoroughly Bright Review
        • Bluetti 2 handsfree power backpackBluetti Handsfree 2 Review: The Ultimate Power Backpack for Off-Grid Adventurers
        • The Gallagator 10 day pack on the shoreline next to a hiking trail.Day Pack – Mystery Ranch Gallagator 10 – The Best Yet?
        • PXL_20240209_171721326Pic of the Day, It’s Graduation Time
    • Close
  • Men’s Lifestyle
      • Fitness
      • EDC
      • Eyewear
      • Watches
      • Electronics & Technology
      • Downtime
      • Mens Clothing & Accessories
      • Manly Skills
      • Style & Grooming
      • Gentleman Drinks
      • Crate Club
        • Photoroom_20250525_074933Juggernaut Tactical Frame Review: The Best Upgrade for Your 365
        • craft holstersCraft Holsters Makarov Tuckable IWB Holster Report
        • rs3CIVIVI RS71 Review : Big Blade Energy
        • civivi2Civivi Brazen Review: The Best Budget EDC Knife under $75?
    • Close
  • News
  • Video Demo
  • Buying Guides
  • Shop
  • Advertise

An All Purpose Lever Gun

Marlin 336 30-30: An All Purpose Lever Gun

Lever action rifles may not be the best option for anything anymore. That may or may not be debatable, but they seem to be a good option for almost everything. You can debate with me about that all you want, and I’ll just nod and smile.

Here on the East Coast of the good ol’ US of A they make phenomenal hunting arms. Everybody calls them “brush” guns in a semi-disparaging way. Though I don’t really hunt much these days, I can’t recall many circumstances that I would have needed to reach out beyond the range of a good lever gun.

This past year I decided to “tactify” one—a newish, Marlin 336 30-30 to be exact.  Well truthfully, I just decided to set it up in a configuration that I thought could function equally well in two very unlikely scenarios: namely, that I find time to go hunting or that I find myself in need of another long gun as we defend the homestead.

I live in an urban context, so please do recognize the tongue pressed firmly against my inner cheek.

I replaced the old-school sights with Williams Fire Sight, giving me a nice ghost ring/peep sight option. I then mounted an XS Lever Scout Mount and a Bushnell TRS-25. I selected a Protec mounting clip from Nebo tools and a matching Streamlight PT 2L. I fitted her with a knurled thumbscrew from Grizzly Custom Shop just because I could.

I put an Allen cartridge holder on the butt of the stock. I’m still in search of a better option in this department; all you manufacturers don’t line up at once!

In the end, I’m quite pleased with this little jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none. Is she as fast or light as an AR? Nope, but she is pretty darn fast and I’d call her “handy” in the weight department. Is the capacity significant? Her seven rounds certainly isn’t insignificant, and I think a similar technique to that used when keeping my 870 topped off and in the fight works with this rifle. Is it a long-range gun? No, but I don’t live in a primarily long-range environment, and I’m pleased to report that those Hornady LeverRevolution rounds really do extend its range a bit.

What can I say? I just like this gun and I’m keeping her. Lever guns have more fun!

Share This

About the Author

Brian (Rev) Norris , in addition to writing for the Arms Guide and talking guns and gear via video, is a pastor (hence the “Rev”) who specializes in mentoring young men in the urban context. If he catches a moment of free time, you’ll likely find him enjoying his family or heading to the range on his motorcycle. Brian has enjoyed the shooting sports since his father introduced them to him as a child. He’s an outdoorsman who enjoys life to the full.

See All Brian (Rev) Norris Articles

More From The Loadout Room

Comments

Primary Sidebar

Most Read

  • The Biggest Little Roundgun: The 3-Inch Kimber K6s
    The Biggest Little Roundgun: The 3-Inch Kimber K6s
  • Mossberg 930: the affordable 12 gauge auto-loader
    Mossberg 930: the affordable 12 gauge auto-loader
  • The Citizen Promaster Dive: Built Like a Bunker, Priced Like a Bivouac
    The Citizen Promaster Dive: Built Like a Bunker, Priced Like a Bivouac
  • Bluetti Handsfree 2 Review: The Ultimate Power Backpack for Off-Grid Adventurers
    Bluetti Handsfree 2 Review: The Ultimate Power Backpack for Off-Grid Adventurers
  • M4A1 Block I: The Special Operations Origins of an American Icon
    M4A1 Block I: The Special Operations Origins of an American Icon

Find Us on Facebook

The Loadout Room

Recent Comments

  • Ajita Sherer on Vakarian Plate Carrier Review: Elite Comfort and Modularity for Under $300
  • Josiah on Vakarian Plate Carrier Review: Elite Comfort and Modularity for Under $300
  • Woox Store on Tommy Gun Madness: The Thompson Submachine Gun

Latest From SOFREP

News

Evening Brief: Hegseth Pressures NATO on Defense Spending Ahead of Summit, Eyes Trump’s 5% Demand

War Stories

From Navy SEAL to Delta Force Command Surgeon: A Surprise Mission in Haiti

Editorial

Trump’s 2025 Travel Ban: How it Might Blow Up in Our Face

News

Trump Taps Green Beret Derrick Anderson as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict

Military Content Group

© Copyright 2025 Military Content Group · All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertisers