Author Topic: USED MARLIN 336 QUESTIONS (Read 817 times)

ZANARDI · « **on:** August 10, 2005, 03:57:17 PM »

Hello. I'm a long time reader, but new member of the forum. After a long search, I just bought my first levergun. It's a Marlin 336 in .30-30. It's well used but in decent shape. I wanted a used one not only to save a few bucks over new, but also to get a rifle with some character. I plan to keep it "as is" with open sights. I plan to use it mostly for fun - shooting holes in paper, plinking and an occasional deer hunt.

A couple questions:

1) The serial number on the tang is 69 74569 (note there is a space between the numbers). Etched on the bolt it is only 74569. Based on this, do I consider 69 as the first two numbers in the serial number or 74? I'm trying to determine the year the gun was made.

2) A couple screws have the slots chewed up from a screwdriver. Does Marlin sell exact replacements? Do any aftrermarket suppliers sell Marlin replacment parts?

Thanks!

cma g21 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 11, 2005, 04:03:16 AM »

I believe that Brownells - http://www.brownells.com/ - will have most, if not all, of the screws.

The serial number will include the 69. Are you sure that's a space after the 69, and not a lightly struck number? I know one of the numbers on mine is so lightly struck that it's often difficult to see, especially with my aging eyes. :grin:

ZANARDI · « **Reply #2 on:** August 11, 2005, 07:39:13 AM »

cma,

Thank you for the fast reply.

The space appears to be correct. The surface of the metal in the space is clean. In addition, the serial number complete with space appears in two places on the gun.

I went to one of the websites that identifies mfg. date based on serial number. If I only type in 74569 it comes back "invalid serial number".

If I include the 69, it comes back "1969". I'm sure the program however is set up to report any string of numbers beginning with 69 as being "1969". That's why I don't trust it until I can confirm that the space should be there.

If someone can confirm that Marlin serial numbers in 1969 contained a space, I'm good to go. If not, it's back to the drawing board. I'm also not sure why the bolt would only have a partial number engraved on it?

Thanks.

old geezer · « **Reply #3 on:** August 11, 2005, 09:35:02 AM »

The space is supposed to be there. Marlins made from 68 thru 72 used this system. The 69 is part of the serial number.

big medicine · « **Reply #4 on:** August 11, 2005, 04:58:37 PM »

It was made in 1969. Like old geezer said, Marlins made from 1968-1972 used the year it was made as the first two digits in the serial number. I believe you can get the screws directly from Marlin. Their # is 1-800-544-8892

John C-S · « **Reply #5 on:** September 05, 2005, 07:12:47 PM »

It's an old one and it does have character. The newer ones from 1978 and onward have been a mixed lot for me. If you find a working and functional Marlin of any age it is worth keeping.