help with 336 purchase

[rebAL]

I have come to believe that old 336's are superior to new ones.  If this is true please inform me on what to look for such as age/serial #'s, design changes, etc. and what I should be willing to pay for one in excellent condition.  I would like it in 30/30 for short-mid range deer.  Thanks, Al

[mannyrock]

 
 
  Just look for one with a nice looking walnut stock, with no checkering whatsoever, and no cross-bolt safety.  You don't need one in "Excellent" condition.  VG+ condition will be fine.
 
   I would only pay $300 to $350, depending the condition, the gunshow, and the time of the year.
 
   Happily, there always thousands and thousands of 336s for sale, and you will be able to look at lots of them.
 
  The ones made in the 1950s had a heavier, blockier, front stock. Whether you like those or not is a matter of personal taste.    It is hard to find those in really good condition though.
 
  Hope this helps.
 
  Mannyrock

[Savage .250]

Pre-cross bolt safety.   Condition dictates price.   

[.Dirty-.30]

The crossbolt saftey showed up in the 1983 models, which would be a serial # starting with 17 as the Marlins can be dated by subtracting the first 2 digits from 100 and gives their age for example a 1990 gun would start with 10, a 1995 model would be 05, after the year 2000 (00) they went backwards as 2001 is 99 and so on. The newer models are to be carefully inspected with serial # 91 which is 2009 and he beginning of the effects of the closing of the North Haven plant and new ownership and factorys by Remington. After 2009, the serials start with "MR".
 
I personally have no gripes about the crossbolt saftey models or the pressed checkering, and own 3 lever action Marlins aged at 1987, 1997 and 2004. I find all of these accurate and well fitted Marlin models. As for price, you will find them with Birch stocks or Walnut. The walnut brings more. For a good as new Marlin 336, look to pay up to $300 - $350 for one used. At the same time however you could happen upon one for $225-$275, you just never know. Pick one up and a box of 170grain cartridges and give us a report on how you like it!    .DT

[rebAL]

Thanks for the help.  If I pick one up at area auction I will report back.  There's one being offered tomorrow night.  Al

[Richard P]

Much of what you ask is covered at MarlinOwners dot com.  They are built for hunters, not target shooters. Within their cartridge uses they offer great value.  They are easy to scope and easy to maintain.

[rebAL]

Thanks to all the helpful advise received here, I just picked up a clean 30/30 first two S/N 21 no checkering, hammer safety clean bore for $350.  Store wanted $400.  Shoots good;  Only need to mount scope and base and add sling.  Thanks to all..

[av-doctor]

all the marlins I've messed with prefererred 150gr bullets ( usually win super x ) over the 170's.
BTW  you got a pretty good buy on a 1979 model, is it a 30as or 30aw?

[rebAL]

[quote author=av-doctor link=topic=24513 is it a 30as or 30aw?
  ?  Please explain;  I see no markinngs to indicate.

[hillbill]

if you dont like the hammer safety it seems i remember there was a company that made a replacement pin for the safety that eliminated it.

[rebAL]

By "Hammer safety" I mean half-cock, which is what I want. 

[av-doctor]

Sry i was thinking they didn't start the 336 till later, but a quick check showed it started in 1948.
 30as and 30aw were made for major store chains and marketed under different names glenfield, glenfield-marlin and marlin. mechanically identical with cheaper wood. around here you find them alot more often then a 336.
  i think he is talking about the cross bolt safety ( which his shouldn't have) i do believe there is a replacement hammer that eliminates the half-cock safety (which he will not want or he would have no safety at all)
 

[ratdog]

i have seen quite a few in pawn shops they want more than the new ones at cal ranch 388 before taxes and back round check.