marlin rifle question

[DECKAPE]

ive been thinking of buying a 44 marlin....ive been told marlin has been bought out...quality is not what it used to be....about when did this happen.......how do i tell the good ones from the others......

[Rangr44]

[ive been told marlin has been bought out] - Now owned by  Remington, w/production moved to KY.
 
[quality is not what it used to be]. - Nope.
 
[about when did this happen - After Remington aquired Marlin, and the old Marlin/experienced hands were no longer working there.
 
[how do i tell the good ones from the others] - Buy an older, pre-safety, pre-rebounding hammer model. Marlins with a letter-prefixed SN are the best.
 
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[DECKAPE]

what is a pre-rebounding hammer?thanks for the reply ?

[Rangr44]

A pre-rebounding hammer gun is one that still has the half-cock notch for the hammer - the rebounding hammer guns do not, since they settle/dwell the hammer in what lawyers determined to be a middle/safe position.
 
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[Bullseye]

The 44 mag which is a 1894 is made in Illion, NY after the move.  The bolt actions are made in KY.
 
The 1894 do not have a rebounding hammer.  They still have a half cock.  The newer ones however do have a crossbolt safety.
 
Quality has gone to you know where in a handbasket.  I would not consider a new one from what I have seen.
 
Serial numbers can tell some of the story but I do not remember where the Remington takeover took place with the serial numbers.  Best to go by the proof mark.  A JM proof mark indicates the gun was probably made in Conn. before the move (Remington did use this proofmark for awhile after the move) and a REP proof make indicates a Illion, NY gun.
 
For much more info check out marlinowners.com

[1911crazy]

I have an older marlin in 444 marlin with the 20'' barrel.  I was browsing today and found twins the marlin lever in stainless with 24'' barrels in 444 and in 45/70.  I want both of them.......