Marlin 336

[P.B.Walsh]

I've been looking at the Marlin 336, 16.25" barrel in 30-30, and was wondering what kind of accuratcy I should expect at 100 yards, this will be a light close up (100 yards or less) deer rifle. But I'd still like to see at least 1.5-2.5 MOA at 100 yards.

The reason for the 16.25" is because it smaller.

And another question, how reliable is the 336?

Is it worth $650+?

I'm VERY new to the interest of lever guns.

 

[easy]

Price seems a bit high. Iron sight accuracy should be 2"-4" at 100 yrds.

Look at Gunbroker or Auction Arms for what a 336 is currently going for.

 

[woof]

I wouldn't worry about the barrel length or accuracy at that range, but I also think the price is high. I think you are on the right track for a heavy woods deer gun - short and fast. Don't overlook a couple bolt action compacts like the cz carbine in x39 or the Ruger compact which is avail in 6.8spc - I think that would make a superb rifle for your application.

 

[HB]

The price is way high unless I'm missing something. Is the 16'' barrel like a separate model or something? Usually Marlins go for $300

 

[P.B.Walsh]

If you look "336 Marlin" on www.galleryofguns.com it says $849.00, I'm just going off that, and I'm replacing the buckhorn sights with an XS sight system, and I'll probaly put a redot on it and paint it camo, the good ol' Tactical lever rifle. The irons will be just temporarly.

 

[jmr40]

Exactly which 336 are you talking about The 16 1/4" barrel trappers are rare and the price may be more than fair depending on the model and condition. I have one of the 16 1/4" models made in 1988. Marlin made around 2000 of them in 88 and 89. I paid just under $400 10 years ago and they may have gone up since then. The Mauraders were made in the 1950's and 60's. Not sure on production numbers but they are highly sought after and bring a premium as well. I have not seen one yet but I understand Marlin has just introduced a 16 1/4" stainless rifle with laminated stock and I think they retail for around $650.

As far as accuracy goes there is very little if any difference between my trapper and the 20" barreled Marlins I own. Marlins are generally the most depandable and accurate of the traditonal lever rifles.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

It may be the marlin spikehorn which was only made for a short time. I can't tell any difference in accuracy between it and my older 336.

 

[jmr40]

We were typing at the same time:

If you can get one of the limited editions at $650 it will probably be a good investment that you will enjoy shooting . They are only making 500 with straight grip and 500 with pistol grip if I understand correctly. Marlin does this from time to time. I bought one of the 500 limited editions they made up just like a stainless guide gun only in 35 Rem back in 2005. I paid $500 for mine and could sell it for a nice profit if I wanted to. It is not a bad shooter either.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

Yes, the 16.25" one is what I'm talking about with a strait grip, that's why I suppose their so much, would it be better to get a cheap one and cut it down to 16.25", I belive the regulars go for around $500 or less easily.

Keep up the info please, I'm a lever action noob, the look and function of a 30-30 I saw last year in hunting season was just gettin' to me.

Are there perhaps any synthetic levers from Marlin in 30-30, just for my information?

 

[jmr40]

If you already have a rifle or can pick up a used gun cheap you probably can come out OK to have it shortened. You will have to get the mag tube shortened as well as having the barrel re drilled and tapped for the front sight so it is a little more complex than with a bolt rifle with no irons.

Some other options you may be interested in. Marlin Trappers in 30-30 are pretty rare but they made more in 357 and 44 mag so it would be easier to find a trapper if you can live with one of those calibers. The Guide gun in 45-70 comes with a 18 1/2" barrel and is a handy gun that is easy to find used. It is a much more powerful round than most need and a lot of them turn up used because of kick and ammo costs.

Not a trapper, but Marlin used to make a straight stocked 30-30 with a 20" barrel. They are not exactly common, I usually see 1 or 2 a year that show up at gunshows and local shops. They are a little longer than a trapper but are much lighter and handier to carry around than a regular pistol gripped rifle. They usually only sell for a few dollars more than a regular 336 with pistol grip.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

No, I don't already have a lever, they have never been that apealing to me, I like the "Tactical" guns, but if I do buy a lever rifle it'll be a 30-30 for sure, don't know why I just do, the strait grip is also more of a preference, it looks more streamlined.

 

[Bezoar]

just get a 336w in 30-30, only 346 at walmart these days. great gun, great accuracy if you take the time to learn to shoot.

 

[Al Thompson]

I've played with severa and still have a couple in the safe. The rifles themselves are much more accurate than many realize, though they can be a tad picky about ammo. If you handload, you can get better accuracy. I have yet to see one that wouldn't meet your accuracy expectations with one factory load or another.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

I don't need a scope on a lever rifle, it degrades it ubove recognition, and I don't reload. Non-magnifing is the way to go in my opinion on the lever rifles.

 

[Al Thompson]

Well, you should still be able to get to 2 MOA eaisily, tighter than that and you may have to play around a bit with loads. I've seen some rifles favor 150 grains over 170 and visa versa. Probably the most consistent factory ammo I used was Hornady, but I have zero experience with the new Hornady loads.

 

[Eb1]

great gun!

If you adjust the bands, and find the right load. You will be able to put a shot group of hunting variety (3 shots) into 1" or less. I can get 3 in one hole with my 30-30 @ 100 yards. It has taken a while to get the load just right.

Iron sight or not. The gun has the ability to shoot with other hunting guns, and yes, I am talking about bolt guns.

If you want it then the price is up to you. If you pay for the gun then I guess it is worth that much. Good luck!

 

[P.B.Walsh]

Thank you, whatever I get it'll probaly be a Marlin 336 in 30-30, with XS sight system, redot, and some Rust-Oleum for a nice camo finish.

 

[Furncliff]

These should improve the groups at 100 yds.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

Thanks for the tip

 

[mnrivrat]

The 336 Marlin will meet your requirements for accuracy and reliability. It is a classic, solid , well thought of firearm with a near flawless reputation.

As far as the the price goes - the common 336 Marlins can be had in good used condition for 1/2 that money. If your set on having a 16.5 inch barrel and straight non-pistol grip stock, then the price is likely to be at least significantly higher than the average. # 127295135 Gun Broker auction for example has an 18" barrel straight stock 336 with a asking start price of $450

I seem to recall an early short carbine called the Maurader or something akin to that, but they are hard to find. They may have had that 16.5 inch tube .

Bottom line in a way is to just get exactly what you realy want ,and pay the price. The difference won't be all that big a deal over the life of the guns usage.

 

[jmr40]

If you have to have a Marlin trapper model in 30-30 the new one you found in Gallery of Guns is probably your best bet. If you can actually find one of the 500 being made snap it up. Even if you shoot it I feel ceratin it will appreciate in value as long as it is not abused.

I have spent years hanging out in gun/pawn shops and gun shows and only have seen 3 trapper length Marlins in 30-30. 2 were Mauraders and the other was one of the 2000 LTS models made in the late 80's that I bought. Trying to find one of these used may take some time unless you get lucky, and it may well cost just as much as one of the new ones listed in Gallery of Guns. As I said earlier finding one of the Texan models with straight grip and 20" barrel will be a lot easier. mnrivrat's suggestion of the 18" rifle he found is an excellent one. Marlin only made that barrel length 1 year and those are quite rare, but they do not sell for the premium the shorter 16 1/4" barrels do.

I also think that the straight grip looks better and is lighter and easier to carry. I have 10 Marlin levers and 2 Winchesters in .22, 30-30, 35, and 45-70. All have straight grips. I have one with 16 1/4" barrel and the others have 18 1/2" or 20 barrels. The straight grip helps more than barrel length in my experience.

 

[Gator 23]

P.B., the new Marlin trapper is a good option right now IMHO. Just went down the road you are on and debated b/w new vs used-customized 336....I bought the Davidson's limited edition trapper off Gunbroker through "RoybalArms". Jesse builds AKs but also sells other firearms great guy, honest, and gives military discounts. His current add on Gunbroker lists it for $699. With this price, you get a black/grey laminate stock (really nice looking), 100% stainless metal, Williams' brand fiberoptic sights, only 500 made/collectibility, no need to hassle with/pay a gunsmith to customize an 18" 336.

I had a bit of sticker shock initially with this Trapper model, as I own two standard blue/walnut 336 30/30s and a 45/70 guide gun, which cost much less. However the extra cost is acceptable to me considering the aforementioned factors. As far as accuracy, you'll get what you are looking for within 100 with open sights....the 16.25" barrel may cost the bullet some feet per second over the longer barrel models, affecting our longer range ballistics...however the cut down 336 is not meant for long range hunting/shooting. I am a fan of the Hornady Leverevolution gummy tips as recommended by Furncliff, however the cost of theses rounds ($22-25/20) is not going to necessarily gain tighter groups at 100 yards. Your new trapper/or customized 336 may group the cheap Wally world Remington Core-Lokt's ($13/20). If you reload, yours may like Sierra 150/170 grain bullets over IMR 3031 like my 336s...You'll just need to experiment one way or another. As far as the 45/70....sure you can pick a blue/walnut one up for $500 at Bud's right now with similar features to the Marlin 336 trapper, but the thing is a cannon and ammunition cost is HIGH!!! Good luck with your purchase decision.

 

[JustsayMo]

Here's my current collection of 336's. The newest is SDT trapper in Stainless. I'm still putting it through the paces but I'll share a few of the early findings.

-The Remington 170 grain factory ammo averaged 2120 fps over the chronograph. My 20" 336's shoot this 2140 fps. The 24" 336 Cowboy sends them down range at 2200 fps. So far this is the ammo that the SDT likes the best.

-The ever reliable "Papa John Load" (150 grain Remington bullet over IMR 4895). The 50 yard accuracy opened up to 1-1/4 - 1-1/2". This could be due to my less than stellar shooting so I'm not writing it off yet. The Velocity averaged 1937 fps which is almost 100 fps less than the 20" 336's and around 150 fps slower than the 24" bbl Cowboy.

-I've been messing around with some 170 grain Cast bullets too. Using powders such as Red Dot ,929 fps average, plinking load and good accuracy to AA574 and 2400 that both average 1750 plus. The 2400 load is showing some real accuracy promise.

I'm not a big fan of stainless leverguns but I really like this one. It looks good and handles very well. I wish my eyes were better (getting older sucks) so I have a tough time with the stock sights compared to my long barreled versions.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

I just can't decide what I want, an AR15 with a 20" A2 confg. or a 16.25" Marlin 30-30, because I'm very worried about me wanting to go long distance and a 30-30 didn't do it for sub 1.5MOA at 200+ yards.

The Marlin is more reliable and is the last thing on gun haters minds, but the AR might get banned in the near future, however an AR is way more accuate at extended ranges, but for a woods guns the Marlin kicks an ARs a$$, for accuacy a AR kicks a Marlins a$$.

Any suggestions, I want both (of course), but I'm leaning towards an AR because of Obama and his dreadful ideas, and a levergun will probaly never get banned.

I need help on desiding

 

[Al Thompson]

Buy a good AR lower receiver for 150 bucks or so and the Marlin. Given the political climate, the AR should be first priority. But that combination would get you the AR lower so you could drive yourself crazy trying to figure out upper/butt stock/sighting system to buy next and the Marlin so you could go hunting to calm down.

If you get an upper in 6.8, the AR with a red dot sight is darn fast for close range critters.