TNRifleman, According to the blue book of gun values, 24th edition. A pre-safety 336 would retail at: RC model 98% $275.00, 95% $200.00 . There are other models that are worth more and some worth less. reagin also affects price. If you are not buying to re-sell, and you like the gun, I would not worry to much if you pay a few dollars more than the book value. Inflation will catch up in time and you will be saying look at this old marlin I bought 20 years ago for only XXX$. Regards, Byron