Marlin Firearms Survey

[SuperstitionCoues]

Survey Questions
 
Are you a recent or long-term Marlin owner?
Since 1984, my first .22 is a Marlin.

What were the main reasons that you chose to buy the Marlin product over another competitor?
Accuracy, design, reputation, and good experience with Marlin.  

What specifically about the Marlin products do you like or not like?
Feel of the 336, simplicity in design, and balance.  What I don't like is the magazine arrangement on the bolt action .22.  As you load the tubular magazine, the bolt HAS  to be open, or you will slide a round underneath the action.  Then you have to disassemble the rifle to get it out.

What types of products do you wish Marlin made?

Octagonal barrels of a respectable thickness for center -fire rifles.
 
Are there any accessories, if offered by Marlin, that you would purchase?
 
Improved peep sights for the 336.  Since they are so prevalant from Williams, Marbles, or Lyman, why not license them or provide them as an add on accessory?
If you were offered to purchase a share or shares of the company, would you?
Maybe.  Depends on the specifics of the IPO.
[/quote]

[baranjhn]

It's nice to see someone from the company asking us what they want to see.

1)"Are you a recent or long-term Marlin owner?"

I've owned various Marlin leverguns over the past 20 years. Currently, the only one I still have is a model 39 TDS. I intend to pick up a .32 magnum 1894 within the year.

2)"What were the main reasons that you chose to buy the Marlin product over another competitor?"

I've always liked the design of the Marlin 1894 over the Winchester 1894. I like the side eject the most.

3)"What specifically about the Marlin products do you like or not like?"

I don't like the button safety (I know about the liabilities). I also don't care for the wide fore end. Also, I don't like the bolt on the 336's, it would be nice if they were square like an 1894. Still, I'll always buy a Marlin over a Winchester.

4)"What types of products do you wish Marlin made?"

I would like to see a Ballard single shot (various calibers). More 16" carbines. How about another Marlin propriety cartridge? Bigbore, heavy and slow around a .50. Also, bring back a .25-20. Limited edition runs are nice, 1 of 1,000 or something like that. Since, I'm on a roll, how about the .32 magnum 1894 with a 16" round barrel?

5)"Are there any accessories, if offered by Marlin, that you would purchase?"

 tang sights.

6)"If you were offered to purchase a share or shares of the company, would you?"

Yes!!!

[Ratltrap]

Are you a recent or long-term Marlin owner?  Both.  As a kid Itried and failed to wear out a Model 39.   Wish I still had it.  I've also had an 1895 in 45-70 and a 10 ga. "Gooose Gun".  About 5 years ago I bought a 336SS and last week bought a 336SS-LTD in 35 Rem.
 
What were the main reasons that you chose to buy the Marlin product over another competitor?  Early purchases were for economic or novelty reasons (Goose Gun).  Living in coastal Alaska, my recent purchases were of your stainless offerings.

What specifically about the Marlin products do you like or not like? You make a good lever action that is easier to maintain than the Winchester (and its clones), BLR, or Savage.  The Micro-groove rifling has outlived its usefulness and please do away with the compensator on the Guide Guns.

What types of products do you wish Marlin made?  Stick to making lever actions.  Expand the available calibers in the CB line.  Bring back the 336ER: 307 Win, 356 Win, 375 Win, an how about a 7-30 Waters.

Are there any accessories, if offered by Marlin, that you would purchase?   How about some better open sight options and a well made and fit composite stock for the stainless guns.  There are good aftermarket sights but good composuite stocks are unavailable.

If you were offered to purchase a share or shares of the company, would you?  I would look at a prospectus.

[Rev Buck]

Are you a recent or long-term Marlin owner?          Both.  (sorry about the double post.  I'm new to the forum; wandered over here from marlinowners.com)  I owned a bolt action .22 WMR for about 20 years -- amazingly accuarate little rifle!  Also had one of the long barreled "goose guns" which was also good for turkeys.  My current favorite rifle is my 1895M which I've been shooting for about a year.          

What were main reasons you chose to buy the Marlin product?  The Guide Gun configuration is perfect for most of my hunting: deer and bear in close cover.  Good quality workmanship, solid feel, American made.

What specifically about the Marlin products do you like/not like?  I like pretty much everything about my 450.  It carries well, works beautifully and shoots great.  Also, I actually LIKE the full forearm and would not necessarily want a more slender version.  I did not like the factory sights but that was easily remedied.  

What types of products do you wish Marlin made?  I would love to see one of the new XLR's with a straight stock.  I would probably buy one in 45/70.  I also would be interested in the Ballard single shot mentioned above.  Maybe also an 1895 Cowboy with a friendlier buttplate or pad.  Some of the other calibers mentioned above would be fun too; for example the .35 Marlin would definitely get my attention.


Are there any accessories you would purchase?  Yes; the nice Butt Cuff mentioned above; a good quality recoil pad that fits; maybe caps, shirts, etc.

Would you purchase stock?  Maybe, if you would let us know what the offering is for.  e.g., to provide funds for product developement, etc.

[DIANAL]

Wanted to make sure you all saw this...
Best wishes to you all!

Diana

http://www.marlinowners.com/board/viewtopic.php?p=248617#248617

[DIANAL]

Wanted to make sure you all saw this...
Best wishes to you all!

Diana

http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/industries/finance/article/remington-acquire-marlin-firearms_418888_9.html

[Dixie Dude]

I am a long time Marlin owner.  I like anything in stainless steel.  I have had a Marlin Papoose .22LR.  Want another one.  I have a 45-70 1895 xlr in stainless.  I want to buy a .30-30 in stainless, a .35 Remington in stainless, a .44 Mag in stainless.  I wish you would rework your .44 mag bores to take standard off the shelf ammo better.  It need to be rebored slightly smaller.  Peep sights should be standard, as well as bored and tapped for scope.  I want a Model .39 in .22 LR, but wished you guys made it in stainless also.  I also like the laminated stocks.  I have a long wish list, and can only buy about 1-2 rifles a year.  Wish you would also bring back H&R's .22lr-.22 mag revolvers. 

[Swampman]

"Are you a recent or long-term Marlin owner?"

One of my first high powered rifles was a Marlin 1895.  I currenty own 9 Marlins & 2 NEF shotguns.
 
"What were the main reasons that you chose to buy the Marlin product over another competitor?"

Marlin is the only company that currently builds a high quality leveraction rifle.
 
What specifically about the Marlin products do you like or not like?

I don't like the 24" barrels.  20" is plenty.  I don't like stainless rifles or laminated stocks.
 
"What types of products do you wish Marlin made?"

I wish the Guide Gun was offered in all the calibers Marlin currently chambers.  I'd like to see the 39M brought back.  I'm sorry the magazine fed .22s were dropped.  A nice walnut stocked .22 boltaction would be nice.  A pump shotgun made in the USA.   Bring back the slender forearms and uncheckered stocks.  Drop the crossbolt safety.
 
"Are there any accessories, if offered by Marlin, that you would purchase?"

Please continue to produce the leather sling.  Get Bushnell to mark their Banner with the Marlin Logo.  Bring back the Glenfield.
 
"If you were offered to purchase a share or shares of the company, would you?"

Probably not...

I've never owned an inaccurate or defective Marlin.  I'm in the process of eliminating almost all of the non-Marlin firearms from my collection.

[slabsides]

I've owned Marlin lever actions on and off since 1962. Currently own an 1895S .45-70 from 1994 and an 1894c .357 from 1981.
Have previously owned 336 and 39 levers as well, and regret no longer having them. I reload for my guns.
I chose Marlin for their all-forged-steel and walnut construction, and rep. for accuracy. I wasn't disappointed.
I don't like to see a gun company start offering accessories. I've seen Ithaca, S&W and many others try to reposition themselves
as 'full-line outdoor purveyors'; they start selling branded junk from caps to coffee cups.  It's always the kiss of death. Keep to
what you know your customers want: quality rifles.
The Guide gun was a stroke of genius. The belted .45 was not...anyone with a .45-70 can meet or exceed its specs, so
what's the point? I also don't think much of the new .30 cal. Hornady cart, that no one can duplicate with handloads.
I can understand the company going to stainless steel for some models, but only when it makes sense in hunting applications.
I don't need a stainless Papoose, for example. Frankly, I don't really need a stainless anything, blued steel is fine.
I understand going to laminated stocks. Good walnut is getting scarcer and scarcer. Keep investigating new and better stock materials,
as most synthetics are worthless.
I don't buy company stocks, but if I did, I'd be leery of purchasing shares in a gun company where the top management isn't dedicated
shooters and hunters themselves. Bean counters and Harvard Business grads make poor gun company execs, in my experience.

[S.B.]

Welcome aboard, my dream rifle would be a stainless 336 carbine in .35 Remington. If Marlin would build these, it would force me to buy yet another deer rifle(the first one I'd own with cross bolt safety)?

[S.B.]

OK, you asked, 1895SG with a full length magazine tube, large lever, & no lock?

[Swampman]

Welcome aboard, my dream rifle would be a stainless 336 carbine in .35 Remington. If Marlin would build these, it would force me to buy yet another deer rifle(the first one I'd own with cross bolt safety)?

They did make them.  I see them on Gunbroker pretty often.

[.308 Win.]

Diana,
 
  It is my hope that the sale of Marlin Firearms to this other company will not change the quality of your firearms. 

  I have owned Marlin Firearms since I was about 25 and I'm now 47 so I am a long-term owner.

  I chose Marlin over Winchester or Henry because of the feel of the Marlin, the side ejection, the overall quality of the firearm, top mounted optic feature and the list goes on and on.

  The only thing I don't like on the Marlin is the buttstocks are a tad too short for me but a good recoil pad takes care of that.  What I do like?  Please see why I chose Marlin over the competition.

  I have always wished Marlin had a custom shop.  As far as accessories, I'd love to have some laminated stocks to put on my latest barrel-banded 336 in .30/30.  I would also like to see receiver sights offered for those who would want them. 

  In addition to the lever guns, I think the MR-7 rifle you all had a few years back was just a wonderful rifle.  Wish you still had that in production!!!!!

  Thanks and God bless you and yours.   

[Lloyd Smale]

ive boughten many marlins over the years. Some things id like to see addressed is what seems like a lack of quality control in the guns made in the last 5 years or so. Seems like almost every one ive boughten lately has had some quirk to it that could have been taken care of before it was shipped if it was actually tested. As to models thats a selfish question and Im smart enough to know that your marketing research people will always make guns that the average buyer wants and to me anyway im not the average buyer. Im not one thats going to buy a new 3030 as I have and have had plenty of them. Im not interested in making a lever gun into a flat shooting bolt gun as if I want to kill something at 300 yards ive got bolt guns to do it. What i like about levers is tradition. I like using them for traditional hunting. Hunting that involves getting up close and personal. So if a round will do a 100 yards its fine by me. What i would like to see is some more guns like your limited III. A rerun of them in 4570 and also chambered in 444 and .35 would be great. they are as handy as a guide gun and much prettier to look at. You can keep the stainless laminated stuff. To me that belongs on a bolt gun not a traditional lever gun. If you insist on making guns like the 308 marln how about a more traditional looking 336 with a 2o inch barrel and a wood blued style. A new round that would interest me is a 356 version in a gun like that. I personaly think the market is flooded right now with flash in the pan rounds like the 308 marlin and .30 tc and all the short mags. They do nothing that other rounds dont do or that rounds that have allready died havent done in the past.  There are a few niches that havent been filled in years. One would be a .25 cal lever gun. Something on the line of your 308 necked down to .25. I dont care if it has high tech pointy bullets and dont care if it is loaded to some velocity level just for advertising. A .25 cal shooting a 100 or 115 round nosed bullet at 2600 fps will do alot of killing and do it in a light recoiling package.  Another pet peeve of mine are those inflated velocitys your claim for your new rounds. What good is it to a guy like me that reloads and has no access to the powders your using anyway. Id about bet that 1/2 the rifles you sell are to handloaders and with cowboy action shooting being so popular the number is probably higher. I think the average guy that buys a gun and doesnt reload is buying an 06 or 270 bolt gun.  So if you want to claim a round does a certain velocity make sure federal or whoever else is loading the ammo for it makes the bullets and powder available to a handloader.  To me Marlin is a traditional lever gun and i think your company would be better off concentrating on doing what you do best and not introducing budget priced bolt guns. That market is allready covered by the cheap imports by mossberg and others and takes talent from your company away form doing what they should be. Marking the best lever gun they possibly can!

Hello Marlin Owners!
 
Thank you for inviting me to participate on your forum; thanks to Mac for his invitation and kind words!  
 
My name is Diana Lynch and I am married to Theodore Lynch, the grandson of Theodore F. Lynch, who in the earlier years was chairman of Marlin Firearms.  We are among a small group of owners of the privately held Marlin Firearms Company.  I am compiling data regarding Marlin and H&R customer feedback on both existing products and ideas for new products and accessories.  Although I have been to a number of Marlin Firearms company meetings, I am new to the gun business; however, I am going to immerse myself into learning everything I can about the gun business.  I am gathering this information from a number of different sources and I am hoping that your forum with its diverse members will contribute!  Please understand that my level of commitment is real and determined.  My background and professional career has been in aerospace; before that, I played professional tennis and was a national and world champion squash player.  I mention this only as examples of my determination and passion, always giving each endeavor my absolute best effort.  I am confident that with your input, both companies will become even more successful and achieve even greater customer satisfaction.  Thank you in advance for your assistance and I look forward to your insightful comments.  
 
 
Diana Lynch
You never know where the next great idea will come from.
 
Survey Questions
 
Are you a recent or long-term Marlin owner?
 
What were the main reasons that you chose to buy the Marlin product over another competitor?
 
What specifically about the Marlin products do you like or not like?
 
What types of products do you wish Marlin made?
 
Are there any accessories, if offered by Marlin, that you would purchase?
 
If you were offered to purchase a share or shares of the company, would you?

[BIG JAKE]

Diana
 Yes I am a long term marlin owner. I purchased them for their quality and performance. My dislike just came 2 days ago when my 336c in 35 rem showed up. After taking it out of the box I noticed a gouge on the top of the barrel that if you ran your finger across it would have given you a nasty cut. It's very suprising that it made it through Quality Control and upsetting because now I have to wait for another week or two for delivery.  My likes are they are accurate, simplicity in design which is great when cleaning, Quality (except for above mentioned )and traditionaly styled and most of all MADE IN THE USA!!! Iwould really like to see the 336er in 356win, 307win and 375win brought back. Also the 39m and the 336c with a 16 inch barrel in 30-30, 35rem, 356win,and 375win. I would like marlin to open a custom shop that could handled special requests. As for acessories, yes I would ( stocks, sights etc, ). As for stocks the numbers would decide.

[jjamna]

I have been a Marlin owner for over 25 years.
Bolt 22 WMR
30 AS 30-30
336 35 Rem
1895 CB  45-70

I have read all the post and don't have much to add but one thing, I wish Marlin (and H&R) gun Barrels would stick to industry standards as far as bore diameter. When you have people designing molds just for Marlin Guns Or you get an H&R Target rifle that won't shoot factory ammo because factory ammo is .374 dia and the bore is .381 dia that should tell you something. And offer more of the old calibers for cowboy shooters.
I sure hope all these people didn't do all this typing for nothing- please listen to them.

Thanks
Jeff

[StraightShooterSix]

Marlin had a custom shop for a short while, but they just produced one "custom" model through it.  I don't think they did and job-shop stuff from the outside.

[A.J.]

I'd like to see the Marlin lever actions, especially the 1895 offered with milled receivers and proprietary Marlin scope rings to attach directly to the receiver. I also think the 1895 should be offered with the magazine tube and barrel the same length to maintain the traditional lever action look.

[Hook686]

Survey Questions
 
Are you a recent or long-term Marlin owner?

 2002 - 1894C
 2003 - 1894 SS
 
What were the main reasons that you chose to buy the Marlin product over another competitor?

 I like the side ejection of the Marlin - # 1 reason
 
What specifically about the Marlin products do you like or not like?

 I like the side ejection, the 18 1/2 barrel in the 1894C and the stainless steel in the 1894 SS
 
What types of products do you wish Marlin made?

 16 1/2" SS 1894C
 
Are there any accessories, if offered by Marlin, that you would purchase?

 scope mount/quick release and perhaps a 'big loop' lever
 
If you were offered to purchase a share or shares of the company, would you?

 certainly depends upon the price and timing.

[Icy Straits]

I've owned Marlins since 1964. The first gun I bought my son was a Marlin, the first gun I bought my grandson was a Marlin(yesterday). There are currently eight Marlins in my safe. I would love to see a Marlin Custom shop where we could get trigger work, action work and with the new airline luggage restrictions a take down conversion without having to hunt for and hope we find someone who will do the work for a reasonable price with good results.

[Keith L]

Just as a reality check, this thread started over three years ago, and the company has changed hands since then.  I can't remember the last time I saw a post from the originator of this thread.  While I would like to think the company is really interested in what we want I guess I wouldn't bet the farm on that at this point.

A response to my comments from the original poster or from a representative of the company that indicates they are still interested in our ideas would be appreciated.

[357magrifleman]

Survey Questions
 
Are you a recent or longtime Marlin owner?
I have owned a 357 mag 1894 CS for about 10 years and a 336 30/30 for 6 years
 
What were the main reasons that you chose to buy the Marlin product over another competitor?
I like every thing about the rifles.
 
What specifically about the Marlin products do you like or not like?
quality
 
What types of products do you wish Marlin made?
357mag in stainless
 
Are there any accessories, if offered by Marlin, that you would purchase?  Scope mounts, ammo carriers(pistol cartridges) with more than 6 slots.
 
If you were offered to purchase a share or shares of the company, would you? maybe