questions about a 336

[db_tanker]

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I found that good old cash was the stocking stuffer for me this year and I am going to bite the bullet so to speak.

First off...I am a lover of Model 94's. Two are standard 20" models and my dad's SRC trapper.

I have a friend offering me up a Marlin 336 of a 1977 mfg date in 30 WCF and was wondering if there were any issues with that date of mfg? In the pics he has sent me the rifle appears to look well cared for.

Anyway, he is asking 400 for the rifle, mounted El Paso weaver, and a few boxes of various ammo.

I have checked and it appears to be an awesome deal so I plan on going ahead with it but again was just curious as to what to expect going from my slimmer 94's. I know the 336 will be a bit beefier and all but a lever gun is a lever gun...and I DO have a bit of space left in my safe.

Thanks!
D

 

[tubeshooter]

There is no problem with rifles of that vintage that I am aware of. I also have a 336 manufactured in the late '70s that shoots great.

I have never shot a Winchester, just held a couple of them. You will definitely find the Marlin to be chunkier. Many say that the Marlin is a stronger action.


I have been surprised to see the going rate for a good used 336 lately. Nowadays that is a decent price, actually. Especially with the ammo thrown in. Times change...

 

[PapaG]

I bought a 336 carbine with a marlin scope and mount that might be a little older yet but still microgroove. Almost no finish. Factory 150s shoot five in three inches, 170s go into two at 100 yards. If I pull the scope, it isn't much different in size from my 94. I don't think there are any real issues with the good old Marlins. Lots easier to take down and get clean.

 

[SwampWolf]

I like both rifles, with a slight preference toward Model 94s-nothing looks as "right" in my eyes as this little carbine. $400.00 for the Marlin in excellent condition, along with the ammunition seems like a decent buy. No need to bring the scope to the dance for me-I much prefer a good receiver sight like the Lyman or Williams on a short, handy carbine to any glass optics, but that's just my bias.

 

[Coyote3855]

Own .30-30s in Winchester 94 and Marlin 336. The Marlin is about the vintage of the one you're considering. I actually prefer the Marlin as the extra "beef" results in less recoil.

 

[LoonWulf]

Having never owned either but shot and hunted with both quite a bit i prefer the 336. This is mostly do to the fact that i prefer scopes on all rifles, carbines or not. Reciever sights are nice but im faster and more accurate with a low power scope.
As all the .30-30s ive shot were borrowed the sighting equipment wasnt mine. The 94s were all open sight and most of the 336s were scoped with 4x or 3-9x variables. Makes handling comparisons iffy. The one 336 that wasnt scoped was a long barreled variant, which i really liked.

 

[db_tanker]

well looks like I will not be silly for adding this to my collection
thanks all for the responses!
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[jmr40]

I prefer the 1970's vintage Marlins over all others. Marlin tweaked the stock design over the years. Often they had way too much wood in the forend or the buttstock design was just not right. IMHO they got it all right on the 70's vintage rifles and not having a safety is a bonus. I'd much rather have that rifle than a new one of one from the 1950's