Date needed on 336rc, and should I drill and tap for scope?

[Mud]

A 336 model RC followed me home, serial # E270xx.  My first lever action.  I bought it intending to modify it, now it appears to be older than I - or the seller - realized.  So my question is this old enough to warrant keeping original and just getting another one already drilled and tapped or common enough rifle to modify?  
I was thinking of a leupold scout setup.
Rifle shows honest wear from the years, and was maintained well.
Thanks.

[big medicine]

You have a 1st year model of the 336 (1948) There is no way I would drill or tap it if it were mine. I would go down to wal mart and buy a new one for 279.00 and modiify it. But that RC that followed you home is probably better off left as is! Hope it helps.

[Mud]

Ok, I won't be putting any holes in this one then.  I have a couple more questions though.  The trigger was what sold me on this particular rifle, no wobble, a little heavy but very crisp.  Is this original, and if so when did Marlin start with the trigger that I've usually seen, with all the wiggle to it.  Second question, what is the best reference book on Marlins available?  I want to know more...
Thanks.

[Leverdude]

The trigger on your gun should have the normal Marlin slop so to speak. I dont think theres anyway to do away with it without switching out the parts. Its easy to check it out. If the trigger acts directly on the hammer its not original, but shouldnt be hard to make right. I believe new 336 parts will fit right in.
Probably the best book on Marlins would be Brophys book. Its available from Marlins web site for around $60. I'v seen it elsewhere for quite a bit more so thats where I'd get it.

[Doubletap]

As I recall the earliest 336's used a direct hammer trigger set up, at least the half dozen ones I have at home from the first couple years of manufacture do.  I'd have to check Brophy, but I think they changed to the seperate sear model sometime around 54-56.  
  Yep, just checked my earliest Marlin 336, it's an RC, No. E69X, and it's the direct hammer-trigger one.  This rifle is about 99.9% finish and apparently had never had a screw turned on it before I bought it some years ago.

[Mud]

Then is sounds like mine is all original then.  I have the book on order as well.  I appreciate all the help everyone has been.

[McMarlin]

have you checked to see if it is drilled for a peep sight?  My opinion has always been that there is no need for a scope on most 336's.  Plus, if it is old like you think, a peep sight might look more classy.