Marlin Marauder 30-30 rarity & value

[Fixedblade]

Greetings:  Newbie looking for some info on this real cool little Marlin Marauder I just got as part of a collection. Serial number is V4875 and has a gold trigger. Guy said he bought it new in 1964 and mounted a Weaver V7 scope and used it twice. Very nice condition.  Has a 16.25" barrel.  Any thought as to its rarity and potential market value would be greatly appreciated.
 
Thanks,
Bill

[alan in ga]

I've not researched what asking prices are for those lately, but I DO know it is not a common find and they DO bring a small premium prices, so, NICE FIND!
Google search Marlin Marauder and you should find one or two for sale, or find a 'Blue Book of Guns' and look them up. I just did look in an older Blue Book of Gun Values and they said add 10% for .35 Rem chambered guns, AND, to watch out for rebarreled fakes. Got any pictures??

[Larry L]

I have an LTS which is pretty much the same gun. The LTS was more limited in production numbers, 2700 made, but only chambered in 30-30. The Marauder was also chambered in 35 Remington and is the rarest of the Marauders. Depending on the market, which is obviously crazy at the moment, expect the rifle to fetch somewhere around $700. in 90% or better condition. My LTS shoots okay but it's not an accuracy king with groups at 1 1/2" at 100 yds. Most of my Marlins shoot much better.
FWIW, there are a lot of fake Marauders out there. The serial number should start with the letters W,Y, or Z. If not, it's a fake. Per yer serial number, the action was made in 1961, long before the Marauder came out.

[Fixedblade]

Thanks for the info Larry L.  Given the early date my serial number denotes, what model 366 did they make in 1961 that had a 16.25" barrel?  The guy I bought it from was the original owner and I know he didn't alter the gun so it came from Marlin that way.
thanks, Bill

[SHOOTALL]

the march issue of RIFLE SHOOTER  has a well written article on marlins and how they are becomming more collectable , you might find it worth reading .

[Larry L]

I went thru all models as made and find none in 1961 made with a 16.25" barrel. What exactly does it say on the barrel? I assume it has a full length mag under the barrel-yes or no? Microgroove or Ballard rifling? What finish is on top of the receiver? Pics might be helpful as I try to cross reference it in all of my books.

[Fixedblade]

I'll take some pics tonite and load them on.
Thanks, Bill

[Fixedblade]

Here's some pics of the Marlin.

[Fixedblade]

I guess I don't know who to add multiple pics in a single post...

[Fixedblade]

another

[Fixedblade]

and one more...

[Larry L]

According to the barrel markings, it's a Model RC which means Regular Carbine. If the barrel length is 16.25, it's been cut off. The first pic looks just like an normal RC should but the barrel length would be 20", not 16.25. Thought maybe you had a transition Texan but the numbers didn't work. The Texan would have been 18 1/2" anyway. If you'd like, I can take a pic of my LTS and post it as compared to a full length rifle......if that helps you.

[Larry L]

Went ahead and took a pic of the LTS. It's standing with a 336 SC (Sporting Carbine) that has a 20" barrel and with a 94 Winchester full rifle, all in 30-30. The LTS just about doesn't reach the bench to lean it against. The fore arm is a lot shorter than  what you would find on an RC model or the SC. It's just about like having a Contender Super 14 with a butt stock and a little more action. Very easy to swing and easy to carry.

[pastorp]

Original marlin marauders are all marked RC on the barrels. They  mfg. in 1963 & 1964 and a little over 5000 were made. About 60% were chambered in 30-30 & the rest in 35 rem. so the year & markings are right. There are a few other differences that help identify them from cut down marlins as well as later versions like your LTS.
Sorry Larry but owning a LTS doesn't make you a expert on older models.
All orgional marauders had micro grove barrels. The front sight is dovetailed into the barrel behind the front barrel band. They have a straight but stock and the grip is fluted. The forend is longer in front of the barrel band than most other models.
As I type these descriptions I'm looking at a orgional marauder on the table in front of me. I hunt with this one but have another higher condition example in my collection.
A high condition marauder will bring about $1000 on today's market.

I do not intend to put anyone down but hope this information has been helpful.

Regards,

[Larry L]

Pastorp, we're both trying to help a fellow shooter with what he has. He has a 1961 action which predates the Marauder series. The Marauders, per all of the books, has to be in the W,Y or Z prefix to be a real one. And as you know, collectors are going to be looking at that first. The Marauder I had back in the 70's had the word Marauder on the barrel. I assumed that all of them did but I guess they made some with the Regular Carbine name on the barrel using yours as an example. The biggest problem is that there are so many Marlins cut down to look like a Marauder. Some are extremely well done and if you don't look at the details, you'd never know it was a fake. Still, it doesn't help Fixedblade with his. But I do know a collector is going to consider it fake as it doesn't fit in the prefix margin for the date of manufacturer. I was hopeful of finding more info for him as I have tons of books on the Marlins considering I collect certain series like the SC models and others. I'm still looking though. With any luck at all, maybe I can come across some info for him that would prove to be helpful. I would have suggested paying for a factory letter but that option is gone now.

[pastorp]

Everything I've read or observed on the marauders indicates that none of the orgionals were marked marauder anywhere on the guns. The advertising and paperwork were though.

The marauder that you handled Larry that was so marked would be suspect in my opinion.

The one I have laying on the table here has a Z prefix. 

Regards,