Pre Cross bolt safety vs. older models

[378]

Question:  Are the pre Cross Bolt Safety versions more valuable than the newer models?  Specifically, would a 1971 336c 30/30 hold more value than say a 1990 model 336cs?

[jlchucker]

I would think that a lot would depend on the comparable condition of both.  I've owned both versions, as using rifles, and have found that the Marlin crossbolt safety is an easy one to ignore.  Just leave it on fire.  It doesn't stick out there like the Winchester versions did, and the action is pretty much the same as it's always been--half-cock.  There's a reasonably priced Winchester with the crossbolt safety for sale here in my home town--with no takers.  It's been offered in the want ads for a while, by a private individual.  That design, IMO, helped to seal the doom of Winchester, and will probably never be worth much as a collectors item.

[Montana_Jim]

 I don't know for sure, it depends on what the buyer wants I suppose. I recently bought a used 1895 Marlin 45-70 at Cabelas, they had three used 1895 models to choose from all for the same money, two newer models and an older model made in 1975 without the crossbolt safety or warning stamped into the barrel. That's the one I wanted. I like the older version much better and waited to buy until I found one. I'm sure the game harvested won't know the difference I'm older and grew up with firearms without the modern lawyer BS and think it detracts from the looks of the firearm. I suppose younger people who have grown up with these modern additions aren't bothered as much as me because they sell lots of them.

[Savage .250]

  As to the first part of your question....Yes.    IMO.     

[demented]

 Here the rifles condition is the only thing that influences price.  I can sell any Marlin in like condition for the same price, pre or post safety.  For my use, I actually prefer the safety models, less likely to have a ND when levering loaded rounds out of the rifle.

[hillbill]

if two rifles are the same condition with same features ill always pick the older one. and may pay more for it too. but that my personal preference mostly.

[wreckhog]

336's are quite common without cross bolt. Same price here. More desirable to me for some reason, though hammer extensions are harder to get.

[nessmuk101]

I prefer the older ones without the cross bolt safety.  The older ones seem to have a better trigger on them and the actions are smoother from use.