336 Follower

[goldentrout]

Hi all -

I just became a first time Marlin owner and picked up a 336SS in the 30-30.  The gun guy at the store where I picked it up indicated that it probably needs a new follower for the leverevolution bullets if I want to try them....and I do.  However, I thought I recalled on this forum (looked back and searched most older threads but don't have time for them all) that the 30-30 and 35rem typically don't need any changes to the follower, just the larger bores.  Can someone give me their experience or the answer on if it needs to be changed and what that means.

Also, any other tricks/hints I should know about the Marlins that are not in the sticky section (read most of that and many threads here).

Thanks,
Mark

[Old Grizz]

Hi Mark,
You shouldn't have to replace your follower for the LE ammo. I have been shooting this stuff since day one using the plastic follower that Marlin installed.

[Rangr44]

The plastic Marlin XLR-type follower is the correct one for LE ammo, and only should be switched out if someone wants to have that last magazine round feed alright from older rifles with metal followers.

When ordering the XLR follower from Marlin, the rifle's caliber (.35, .45, etc) should be specified, as they are of differing sizes.

[goldentrout]

Rangr and Grizz -

Thanks for the responses!  Sounds like I have the correct follower (orange plastic one) even thought it's not the XLR configuration.  Can't wait to get out in the next couple weeks and try it out.

- Mark

[Rangr44]

When ordering the followers from Marlin, the factory refers to the LE-compatible follower as an XLR - (say)45, or XLR-35 - I would guess to differentiate them, internally, from old style followers.

[wecole]

I didn't think that the 30-30 needed a new follower, only the big bores..

[S.B.]

News to me, I have never heard of having to change anything to use LE ammo with any caliber gun?

[Rangr44]

AFAIK, everyone who purchased a box of LeverEvolution ammo, was so notified.   

Check the fine print in the disclaimer, printed on the back of every box. 

I haven't personally purchased any other LE ammo, though - besides .35Rem & .45-70, not owning rifles chambered in the other LE offerings.

[S.B.]

Well, I guess that's strike one against the LE ammo, for me anyway? Can't see having to modify a gun, to shoot a certain kind of ammo.

[Rangr44]

Er,.........................There's no "modification" involved.

It's a simple mag follower swap - that could be switched back to original at any time.

But, then again, following your logic  - you're probably gonna count a second "modification" strike against the ammo, because you're going to need to re-adjust/rezero the sight for LE's higher POI. 


The XLR-type follower is ONLY to facilitate last round's feeding from the mag - and has zip to do with the feeding of all/any pre-ceeding rounds in the mag.

I suppose a user could always load a non-LE cartridge against the follower.   

The performance difference is, however significant - as indicated by the higher POI of LE ammo, and of course it's extended ranging abilities.
Provided, naturally, that the user can shoot up to that ability.

[S.B.]

Is this required on all new Marlins?

[Old Grizz]

S.B
This is not required in non-XLR Marlins. I shoot a pretty new 336 in 30-30 and a 1895 in 45-70 and have never changed the followers in either one using the LE ammo. On my 1895G, I replaced the follower with a WWG follower because the shells feed better on 540gr. shells. My hunting partner uses a 336 made in 1970 and uses LE ammo without a hitch and has never changed the follower.

[dpe.ahoy]

I've shot the LE out of my 35 rem made in 57, and my 30-30 made in 52 without any feeding problems.  DP

[yukondog]

I gave my brother in law a pre safety 35 and he shoots LE in it for the last two years and has had no problem.

[deerhunter1981]

I'm confused?! Does this mean I'll have trouble feeding the last round in a 336XLR if I use "ordinary" ammo (non-LE ammo)??

[Old Grizz]

I'm confused?! Does this mean I'll have trouble feeding the last round in a 336XLR if I use "ordinary" ammo (non-LE ammo)??

No, your ammo, whatever you use will feed just fine.