you all helped with my first marlin purchase 30 AW with birch stock

[3006softpoint]

I picked up a use marlin 30 AW . Birch stock with checkering & camo cheap sling ,gold trigger. No scope but scope hole plugs intact, JM barrel cross bolt safety..not beat up very nice shape. "So how did you help me". well was going to by a remlin model 30-30 but after reading a JM bareled marlins are better I said well that's what i'm looking for....Is there a way to figure out date of manufacture? What is the differences between a model 30 and a 336? I'm very happy with the purchase, looks like a good hunting rifle for the bluffs we hunt in.. Dale

[Keith L]

I also have a 30AW.  Mine has a walnut stock, but a plain, un-checkered one.  It has the gold trigger, matte finished metal, and shoots good groups.  I had to do a trigger job on it, but now it has a good three pound trigger pull with no creep.  I am told the AW models were made for WalMart, and I know there was some variation in specifications over the years.  I don't know how to age one, but I am sure someone will.

Mine goes to the deer stand every year, and once in a while to the range.  It has a home in my safe and will stay with me.  It doesn't have the bullseye on the stock like a 336 but it has all the works.

[dpe.ahoy]

Take the first two numbers of the serial number and subtract from 100, ie: 01=1999, 25=1975, 99= 2001.  Depending on the year of manufacture, major difference is the cheaper wood, and not as polished a finish on the receiver and barrel.  I'm just guessing, but yours may have an end-cap on the fore stock instead of the barrel band.  You have a true Marlin, just not as finely finished as the 336, enjoy the carbine, they are excellent.  If you want to learn more about your Marlin, check out www.marlinowners.com, very good sections on models, dates of manufacture, smoothing the action, general gunsmithing.  People there are as nice as they are here on GBO.  DP