Author Topic: Sent letter to Marlin to express the facts (Read 8897 times)

Keith L · « **Reply #30 on:** December 05, 2010, 10:50:42 AM »

We are our own worst enemy. I just finished reading the latest posts on a thread about how S&W has gone to pot, and now this one continues here. If the government doesn't drive gun companies out of business some of us gun enthusiasts will with the constant complaints that in most cases are not indicative of overall problems but may be the individual outliers that will happen with all things made by man.

Flynmoose · « **Reply #31 on:** December 05, 2010, 04:09:09 PM »

The way this post is going, I am the exception, happy with my new Marlin 1894 44Mag.
I got it in September and noticed that it had a feeding problem right out of the box, new.
Since it was a new toy, I had to shoot it right away. It is accurate enough to satisfy me
and a hoot to shoot. I called the Marlin service center in Granite Bay, Ca. and the man
told me to send it in. The weather was too nice to part with it for an unknown length of
time, so I continued to shoot it, feeding problem or not. After the monsoons arrived (I
live in western Oregon) I gathered up my courage and sent it to the repair center. It
left (via UPS) on the 9th of November and returned to me on the 2nd of December. I
know it was held up a couple of days after they were finished because of Thanksgiving.
I took it home and now own a smooth feeding 44Mag. There may have been a problem
with this rifle, but it was taken care of in a timely and satisfactory manner.I bought this
1894 because I like them and wanted a big brother for my 1894C, that's as good a reason
as any. If I win the lottery, I will not hesitate to buy more Marlin leverguns.
FM

pastorp · « **Reply #32 on:** December 08, 2010, 05:27:27 AM »

RichardP,

The problem is large enough that Marlinowners has a forum called marlin plant closure rant. And yes it's full of complaints on the new marlin/remington QC. Some of you guys just want to ignore this problem but it's still there. And recognised at marlinowners. I have been a member over there for a few years but don't spend as much time there as I do here.
I don't know who to blame remington QC or marlin disgruntled employees but the end results are the same for the consumer. And Keith your advise to just not say anything will only make maters worse because if folks buy defective marlin rifles then trust in their quality will be gone and sales will suffer. I believe it's much better to get the problem out in the open and demand that it is fixed. I've been buying marlins since I graduated high school in 1963, and never had a problem with one of their rifles before. This is just current production guns that are affected. I'm sure remington will get it straightoned out but not as quick if we don't let them know the problem exists.
If your going to buy a new marlin my advise is don't order it but check it out before you buy.

Regards,

temmi · « **Reply #33 on:** December 08, 2010, 11:51:20 AM »

I’m not happy with my Marlin XLR…. I’m ecstatic!

It is a 450 Marlin and I could not ask for more…

I bought it last Christmas and I Love it and the 450 M

T

Spanky · « **Reply #34 on:** December 08, 2010, 04:20:33 PM »

Like I said before... all this badmouthing is nonsense. The OP didn't have any kind of proof of the alleged "problems". It's kind of strange to me that he badmouthed H&R quality control and then jumped on Marlin with the same nonsense. I don't believe a word of it. Just someone looking to make a splash on the forums.

Spanky

spartacus1239 · « **Reply #35 on:** December 10, 2010, 05:37:05 AM »

Spanky,

I have three dealers by me and NONE of them would recommend me ordering the 1894 C or CSS. (Which I wanted really bad) All of them warned about the feeding issues and such and that they had to send back quite a few recent Marlins they got into stock.

I found a Rossi 92 with the sweetest trigger I have ever experienced on a lever gun but did not buy it as i need a scope one my guns.

So, I ended up with the H&R Handi Rifle in .357 for now. (will get it tomorrow)

But, there is well documented issues with the current Marlins, you can even find quite a few sites on what the issues are and how to fix them. (have about 6 or so bookmarked at home)

But the issues kept me from buying.... For now at least

Quote from: Spanky on December 08, 2010, 04:20:33 PM

Like I said before... all this badmouthing is nonsense. The OP didn't have any kind of proof of the alleged "problems". It's kind of strange to me that he badmouthed H&R quality control and then jumped on Marlin with the same nonsense. I don't believe a word of it. Just someone looking to make a splash on the forums.

Spanky

Keith L · « **Reply #36 on:** December 10, 2010, 12:20:14 PM »

Sounds to me like some dealers kept you from buying what you wanted. And it could be because they had something else to sell you, or that they make more money on what they sold you. Don't spend to much time studying the internet experts.

Eli Chaps · « **Reply #37 on:** December 10, 2010, 01:09:16 PM »

As I said, this is not nonsense and it is real. That is based on my own personal experiences and those are not nonsense, perhaps to you, but not to me.

Ignoring this, downplaying it, and ridiculing those who share their concerns is not going to fix the problem.

As sad as I am that Marlin now exists in name only, I have no desire to see the brand/products disappear from shelves and I have no desire to see Remington suffer. What is done is done and I want nothing more than for an American company to succeed but I will not pretend that what I've seen and experienced is a fluke.

Have either of you really researched this situation? Have you handled and inspected any very recent Marlin rifles? Do either of you know anything about Cerberus? The Toyota Way?

This isn't just Marlin but Bushmaster and Remington itself. I do not blame Remington, I blame the three-headed dog that owns everything from school bus companies to gun manufacturers.

Believe what you want, criticize folks if you see fit, but I do hope you're educated as to what is going on and what is happening within American manufacturing, regardless of the product line.

Keith L · « **Reply #38 on:** December 10, 2010, 04:10:46 PM »

I am very grateful to all you internet experts who are saving me from Marlin. I wouldn't know how to assess the problem without your wisdom.

peps123 · « **Reply #39 on:** December 11, 2010, 02:08:18 PM »

I am glad to here from those of you who've never had a problem with your rifles. I, on the other hand, am not happy that I had to return my very first Marlin ever due to terrible workmanship issues. FYI: a brand new in the box, STBL. Yes, I really do wish this was a hoax of some sort, but unfortunately there seems to have been many rifles that were poorly built before the plant closed. Remington was very helpful, and offered a substitute model or a refund-they even paid for shipping.

Keith L · « **Reply #40 on:** December 13, 2010, 12:17:12 AM »

You had bad product and the company took care of you and made it right. Then you feel the need to tell the world that Marlin is junk? The last new car I bought had a new transmission installed, paid for by the company, at about 40,000 miles. I was pleased they stood by their mistake and made it right. And it cost a lot more than any Marlin ever did. Mistakes happen,

pastorp · « **Reply #41 on:** December 13, 2010, 07:34:13 AM »

Well Keith I for one don't like to spend money to fix a defective product. And that's what I did with my new guide gun.

. I've bought new marlins since the early 60s and this issue is something new. Trying to get everyone to supress it dosent make it go away.
I am happy that Remington is standing behind the marlin product though.

.

Regards,

Spanky · « **Reply #42 on:** December 13, 2010, 07:45:10 AM »

I've had the same Marlin 30-30 for the last 22 years and never had a problem with it. I'd buy a new Marlin in a minute... they make a quality product and stand behind it.

I'm going to send a letter to Marlin to let them know how happy I am with their products.

Spanky

spartacus1239 · « **Reply #43 on:** December 13, 2010, 07:58:15 AM »

I would only buy a newer (Remington owned) Marlin lever action from them "right now" if i could take in to my buddies range and cycle / test fire it. And being the only way he would let me do that is with a used gun... i guess i will have to wait till he gets a newer "used" one in. These issues are well documented on other sites devoted to lever guns.

I am another person that will not lay out $500.00 for a gun just to turn around and send it in for service. Especially knowing the issues from researching what I want to buy. PLUS I trust my gun dealers around me. I buy a LOT of toys... They want to keep me happy so I come back.

Quote from: Spanky on December 13, 2010, 07:45:10 AM

I've had the same Marlin 30-30 for the last 22 years and never had a problem with it. I'd buy a new Marlin in a minute... they make a quality product and stand behind it.

I'm going to send a letter to Marlin to let them know how happy I am with their products.

Spanky

pastorp · « **Reply #44 on:** December 13, 2010, 09:30:29 AM »

I agree Spunky,

I'm real happy with my 1963 marlin marauders and my 1950s model 39s. However we are no longer dealing with the same marlin that made those.

. Something you refuse to acknowledge.

Regards,

Spanky · « **Reply #45 on:** December 13, 2010, 12:13:07 PM »

Quote from: pastorp on December 13, 2010, 09:30:29 AM

I agree Spunky, That's Spanky thanks. I'm real happy with my 1963 marlin marauders and my 1950s model 39s. However we are no longer dealing with the same marlin that made those. . Something you refuse to acknowledge.
Regards,

Read back through the OP's posts. One minute he's happy with his guns and the next minute they're junk and he's sending letters to "express the facts"

Both of the dealers that I do business with are very happy with the inventory they've been getting from Marlin. I've looked at quite a few of the new guns and they're very nicely finished. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a new one. They're great rifles.

Spanky

JPShelton · « **Reply #46 on:** December 14, 2010, 02:03:02 AM »

Quote from: Spanky on December 08, 2010, 04:20:33 PM

Like I said before... all this badmouthing is nonsense. The OP didn't have any kind of proof of the alleged "problems". It's kind of strange to me that he badmouthed H&R quality control and then jumped on Marlin with the same nonsense. I don't believe a word of it. Just someone looking to make a splash on the forums.

Spanky

Walk in my boots as you shop for a 308 MX and you might decide that some of this "badmouthing" is warranted. I would like to own one provided it is made to the same standard as my 336. I've got the cash to buy one as soon as I come across the right one. And I haven't quite given up hope that I'll find one. So far, I've resisted spending that cash on other alternatives.

If I were judging Marlin quality based solely on my 34 year old 336, I would rate it very high, indeed, but I have yet to find a 308 MX that I would consider a quality item. So far, every single one that I've examined in person has had some kind of glaring flaw that most afficianados of firearms wouldn't find acceptable. Granted, that is all reflective of the shopping experience of a single shooter, but it isn't parroting Intermess rumor, either.

I don't have an axe to grind against Marlin. I'd like them to continue to succeed. I just don't see that turning out rifles with the problems I've seen while shopping for a 308 MX is proper recipe for continued success.

JP

JPShelton · « **Reply #47 on:** December 14, 2010, 02:12:58 AM »

Quote from: Keith L on December 10, 2010, 04:10:46 PM

I am very grateful to all you internet experts who are saving me from Marlin. I wouldn't know how to assess the problem without your wisdom.

Is that sarcasim? I would think that some people reading this thread would appreciate knowing that some issues exist with some of Marlin's recent production. My hope wouldn't be that they'd discount buying a new Marlin wholesale, but that in this age of Internet gun buying, that they would be able to determine for themselves as to whether or not they're willing to gamble on an Internet purchase, or whether it might be wiser to see the actual item and hold it in hand before commiting hard-earned money to the aquisition of it.

JP

spartacus1239 · « **Reply #48 on:** December 14, 2010, 02:33:40 AM »

"whether or not they're willing to gamble on an Internet purchase, or whether it might be wiser to see the actual item and hold it in hand before committing hard-earned money to the acquisition of it."

EXACTLY my way of thinking also!!! I will jump on ANY 1895 C /CSS that comes into the shops around me to try the actions out. But I can honestly say after reading about the current "issues" with these guns I was REALLY glad I got out bid on the 1894 CSS on Gunbroker.com. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=204777150

I now want to test the item before I plop down my hard earned cash. When I contacted the seller of the gun on Gunbroker about testing the action / feeding... he stated "sure after you win the auction i would have no problem testing the gun for you!" So, when I got out bid I was very happy.

Now I have my local gun dealers watching for used 1894 C / CSS that I can try first hand.

I will get one eventually. But until then I have the new HR in .357 to play with

Keith L · « **Reply #49 on:** December 14, 2010, 01:58:07 PM »

In this era of internet pundits a couple of incidents become always, and troubles that have long since been corrected become forever. Once the feeding frenzy starts those who read and never look for themselves assume the stories are always right and the damage is done.

spartacus1239 · « **Reply #50 on:** December 15, 2010, 02:02:24 AM »

Well Keith... the 1894 would of cost me over $700.00 after all the transfer fees and shipping etc. I for one listen to my dealers and do my research. Could of the gun come in with no issues? Sure. But when I spend $700.00+ I do not want to worry about "if" it will come in with no issues. I expect it to come in with no issues.

Hence, waiting till I get to put my grubby hands on one locally and try it for myself.

Quote from: Keith L on December 14, 2010, 01:58:07 PM

In this era of internet pundits a couple of incidents become always, and troubles that have long since been corrected become forever. Once the feeding frenzy starts those who read and never look for themselves assume the stories are always right and the damage is done.

Keith L · « **Reply #51 on:** December 15, 2010, 01:36:06 PM »

Where did you get the idea I suggested anyone should buy a rifle over the internet? I would have to have a high degree of trust in the dealer to buy anything that expensive without looking at it. My point is that frequently those who make the most noise on the internet about the quality of things have one bad experience and we hear about it forever. There is a guy here that had a bad experience with a TC rimfire years ago, and every few weeks it comes up again. No doubt there were problems with some transitional Marlins. It would be foolish to think otherwise, moving equipment and processes etc. But not all guns were impacted, and now we are hearing that the new production is fine. Yet the beat goes on about the problems, and I bet folks will spend money elsewhere (overseas) because of replaying of old tapes they read on the internet. Some folks won't go look because they assume that what they read is correct. It is time to let this thread die.

Hunter6657 · « **Reply #52 on:** January 09, 2011, 06:20:25 PM »

Just about all of the problems are with rifles with the first 2 digits of the serial number being 91--meaning 2009 and 2010 production.
No these problems are not hogwash. They do exist.
I got a new Marlin 338 for Christmas and took it out to sight it in. The rifle shot so low that I couldn't even hit paper at 15 yards with scope cranked all the way up. I shimmed the scope with 5--.01 shims and managed to get it 6" low at 25 yards with the new Bushnell 3200 scope cranked all the way up. I wasted a box of shells trying to get this thing to shoot and sent it back to Marlington. The barrel is canted in the reciever. There are plenty of others that have sent their rifles back to Marlington for the same issues and they have had some of these rifles since at least October and nothing has been done about them.
When I called customer service it took about 5 minutes for them say they were sending a shipping label.
I really want this 338 rifle so I'm hoping I'll get it back before the 2011-2012 hunting season. I have 5 other Marlin rifles of older manufacture and have had nary a problem with those. My buddy has a 2008 production 338 and it shoots wonderfully.
I have a 308MXLR and it shoots great--2008 production.
All I ask is to be able to buy a new gun and be able to use it out of the box with no problems.
There are a few of us posting on Marlin's Facebook page about these problems until they decide to rectify the problem. The squeaky wheel is going to squeak loudly and often until a judicious amount of grease is applied. Saying there are no problems doesn't make them go away.

pastorp · « **Reply #53 on:** January 10, 2011, 07:01:16 AM »

Since this thread started I've been in Anchorage AK most of the time for medical. Lots of gunshots up here and I'll half to report I'm seeing better quality control now than last year especially late 2008 & 2009.

Personally I fail to see why some of you fought admitting there was a problem. We identified the problem, made marlin aware of it, and now it appears we can buy with confidence.. Of course there still could be a few of the rifles in the pipeline so I for wone would want to handle any new marlin I bought for a while.

Regards,

Spanky · « **Reply #54 on:** January 10, 2011, 07:56:14 AM »

Quote from: pastorp on January 10, 2011, 07:01:16 AM

Since this thread started I've been in Anchorage AK most of the time for medical. Lots of gunshots up here and I'll half to report I'm seeing better quality control now than last year especially late 2008 & 2009.

Personally I fail to see why some of you fought admitting there was a problem. We identified the problem, made marlin aware of it, and now it appears we can buy with confidence.. Of course there still could be a few of the rifles in the pipeline so I for wone would want to handle any new marlin I bought for a while.

Regards,

Well give yourself a big pat on the back for showing Marlin the err of their ways and pointing them in the right direction to fix the problems.

It's nice to know the rest of us can buy with confidence now because of you.
Now tell us... what was the problem and what did Marlin do to fix it?? Since you identified the problem for them I'm sure you'll be able to tell us.
Let us know please.

Spanky

pastorp · « **Reply #55 on:** January 10, 2011, 08:38:45 AM »

Spanky, you just don't get it do you. Your agrumentive, and offensive like most new york Yankees. So I doubt anything I say will benefit you. Why don't you just post your posts and quit targeting me.
I have a right to post my opinions without your harassment so just back off.

Spanky · « **Reply #56 on:** January 10, 2011, 10:29:25 AM »

Quote from: pastorp on January 10, 2011, 08:38:45 AM

Spanky, you just don't get it do you. Your agrumentive, and offensive like most new york Yankees. So I doubt anything I say will benefit you. Why don't you just post your posts and quit targeting me.
I have a right to post my opinions without your harassment so just back off.

I'm "offensive like most new york Yankees"??
Get real will ya... how ridiculous. Statements like that show what a "classy" guy you are.

You guys are making up these claims with nothing to back it up.
It's the typical "my friend had a cousin with 2 dogs and his neighbor's stepson had trouble with a Marlin so they're junk"

Spanky

Keith L · « **Reply #57 on:** January 10, 2011, 01:50:59 PM »

Personal attacks will stop now! If they continue this thread will be locked and the offending posts will be removed.

Spanky · « **Reply #58 on:** January 10, 2011, 02:39:36 PM »

Fair enough Keith. All personal nonsense aside, I'd really like to know exactly what the "problems" were and how they were "fixed". Every new production Marlin I've seen in the last couple years has been nicely finished and I haven't heard about any "real" problems from either of the dealers I do business with.

Spanky

243shooter · « **Reply #59 on:** January 10, 2011, 02:51:27 PM »

i have seen on the rack at stores a new 1895 cowboy with what looked like black rtv used to fill in the gaps between the reciever and stock, a 336 in .35 with the bull's eye way off center, another 35 with a very poorly fit forearm, and others with more minor problems. all within the last three months and i don't really shop for new guns that often. on the other hand i bought a new 444 last year, wanting to get one before the factory closed, and i am happy with it so far, although i have not shot it yet. i love my marlins but i would not buy another new one without a close, hands on inspection.