Need Advice - Looking at 1976 Marlin 336

[GoPappy]

I'm new here and also new to lever guns. Always wanted one but never had one.

I found a Marlin 336 today in 30-30 caliber. The first 2 digits of the serial number are 24, so I think that means it's a 1976 gun. I didn't get to do anything except hold it (the lever was zip-tied to the stock, so I couldn't even work the action). At a surface level, it appears to be in reasonably good shape cosmetically, but I have no idea what havoc might lurk on the inside.

I'm going to go back tomorrow and look at it more carefully. Since I know nothing about these guns, could someone give me some tips on things to look for or perhaps point me to some reference material that would give me some pointers? I'm gonna have them cut the zip ties off so I can work the action and hopefully get a peek down the barrel with my little flex tip flashlight shining in the chamber.

Also, I'm wondering if somewhere around $325 - $350 is a decent price for this gun. (I know it's not a bargain price.) They're asking $375, but I know they'll take less so I'm figuring $350 at the most. It's got a scope on it, but I don't really put much value on that - maybe $25 bucks.

 

[Ash]

If the lever closes without any problem, and remains closed, and feels smooth, then there's little that can really go wrong. The ejector could be bad or missing, but those are cheap (look for any empty holes on the outside of the receiver that might indicate something is missing). If the action is smooth, if the loading gate doesn't bind, if the trigger works fine, if the hammer won't move forward unless the trigger is pulled, then it's probably fine. These are rugged rifles and the price is not bad for what many consider to be one of the best decades for 336 manufacture.

 

[jmr40]

I think $375 is a bargain price for that era of 336's. The 1970's guns are among the best made. I've seen good examples from that era sell for over $500. Over the years Marlin tweaked the shape of the stocks. During some years, including current models there is simply way too much wood there. The 70's guns are trim and good looking.

 

[red rick]

My first two digits on mine are 23 and I received it new I think on 12-25 77 .

In good condition $350 sounds about right .

 

[Sistema1927]

I would not hesitate to pay $375 for my 1975 336.

 

[GoPappy]

Folks, I really appreciate the input and advice. Ash, I especially appreciate the tips on things to check out on it. I'm going to look at it again today armed with this information.

 

[ECVMatt]

That seems like a fair price to me. The above advice is also very helpful. Good luck and let us know how it works out.

 

[GoPappy]

We'll, I went back to look at it again and it was gone. You snooze, you lose. They had another one, also a 1976 model, but the action wasn't very smooth, it had some surface pitting and generally was not in the same shape as the other one. So I passed on it.

But I've learned from you guys and will be ready to act the next time I find a good one.

 

[greyling22]

30/30's don't get shot out. Mostly they get hunted. They will take a lot of surface wear but have less than 200 rounds through them.

Almost all of them are oversprung and some simple tweaki g makes them a lot better.