Well, I have a confession to make. I asked my husband about that Winchester 30/30, and it turns out it was a Sears & Roebuck. Forget everything I said about a Winchester being a piece of cr*p. < /feeling like an ignoramus girl >
The Marlin 336 is a good contender with a Winchester, but after it's all said and done, much like the Telecaster, just go with whatever 'feels' right. (Maybe one costs less than the other? I dunno.) The Winchester 94 IS a classic. You and I are roughly the same age (but I'm 39 and holding), and we probably grew up watching the same westerns on TV. One of my favorites was "The Rifleman." Some website I just looked up said his rifle was a "modified 44.40 Winchester with an enlarged trigger guard." Whatever Winchester it was, Chuck Conners was way cool carrying it. ;-)
Anyway, like Lurker said above, don't forget the cost of ammo when you factor in the costs. With the .22 caliber, you can shoot all day and not put a dent in your pocketbook. (Go to cheaperthandirt.com to compare ammo prices. I've used them for other things and have always been pleased with their service.) And listen to what tortoise said: A bolt action is more accurate then a semi-automatic. Plus, it's safer for someone not used to gun safety. (When you're just starting out, you really DO have to consciously THINK about that rule, "Always treat a gun as if it's loaded.")
Oh, and if you have kids, it's now your solemn duty to instill in them the proper respect and admiration for guns. You've caught the bug; pass it on. I'll be forever indebted to my dear ol' Dad for doing so. :-)
Amen Nita.
My dad had that Chuck Conners look as a young man...the jaw and eyes.....Yes Sir!!!!...he was formidable.
you know a lot about firearms....wish my wife did....ya'll are about the same age. she knows how to pick up her S/W PD liteweight and pull the trigger (and where it is) and to keep shooting till "they" are down and done for ....but that's about it.
My friend bought a Marlin in the late '70s. His dad had an old '94 that was a great rifle but during the late '70s the Winchesters were a POS so he got the Marlin. So your comments are not baseless.
I think the Winchesters are just fine these days. I just bought my wife a used (unfired in the box) '94 Trapper (short 16" barrel) in .45 Colt for $285 to compliment her Ruger Vaquero. That rifle is SWEEEEET, fine walnut and tight fit. She loves it.