Marlin Firearms Survey

[DIANAL]

Hello Marlin Owners!
 
Thank you for inviting me to participate on your forum; thanks to Mac for his invitation and kind words!  
 
My name is Diana Lynch and I am married to Theodore Lynch, the grandson of Theodore F. Lynch, who in the earlier years was chairman of Marlin Firearms.  We are among a small group of owners of the privately held Marlin Firearms Company.  I am compiling data regarding Marlin and H&R customer feedback on both existing products and ideas for new products and accessories.  Although I have been to a number of Marlin Firearms company meetings, I am new to the gun business; however, I am going to immerse myself into learning everything I can about the gun business.  I am gathering this information from a number of different sources and I am hoping that your forum with its diverse members will contribute!  Please understand that my level of commitment is real and determined.  My background and professional career has been in aerospace; before that, I played professional tennis and was a national and world champion squash player.  I mention this only as examples of my determination and passion, always giving each endeavor my absolute best effort.  I am confident that with your input, both companies will become even more successful and achieve even greater customer satisfaction.  Thank you in advance for your assistance and I look forward to your insightful comments.  
 
 
Diana Lynch
You never know where the next great idea will come from.
 
Survey Questions
 
Are you a recent or long-term Marlin owner?
 
What were the main reasons that you chose to buy the Marlin product over another competitor?
 
What specifically about the Marlin products do you like or not like?
 
What types of products do you wish Marlin made?
 
Are there any accessories, if offered by Marlin, that you would purchase?
 
If you were offered to purchase a share or shares of the company, would you?

[GLC]

This forum and others are probably the best indicators or wishes, gripes, and accolades for Marlin Firearms.  I post fairly regularly on marlinowners.com which you should look into for more info if you haven't already done so.  

As far as your survey questions go:

I've been collecting Marlins for about 20 years and have about 25 leverguns (from the 1950's to the present) and a few  of the bolt action rimfires.  

Marlin leverguns, in my opinion, are clearly more user friendly than Winchester or other brands of leverguns.  Being able to quickly remove the bolt for cleaning is a plus as well as the flat top scope mounting setup of the Marlin vs the Winchester's open top receiver.  Marlin's fit and finish is usually top of the line.  

As far as wishes, I'd like to see Marlin actually distribute their newly advertised firearms promptly.  I can cite two examples and there are probably others.  When the 1895 Guide Gun first came out, I waited nearly a year to get one.  I've currently got an 1894 32 H&R on order for about 15 months now.  

Another wish, and I think one that others will second, is that Marlin should add or expand a custom shop within their company where customers could specify certain chamberings, barrel lengths and styles, and stock options.  

Marlin, in my opinion should concentrate on what it does best. Top quality lever guns and quality but affordable rimfire bolt actions and semi-autos like they have now.  Put resources into this rather than importing foreign made shotguns.  

I don't currently own and NEF or H&R firearms but, from what I see and read, they are quite a good value for their price.  

My 2 cents.

[mr.frosty]

Hello again and welcome

Are you a recent or long-term Marlin owner?

I am a long term Marlin user have the 336 in 30/30 since I was 16
bought an 1895 in 45/70 2 years ago and love them both.

What were the main reasons that you chose to buy the Marlin product over
another competitor?

The main reason I chose Marlin is mainly from expierence.

What specifically about the Marlin products do you like or not like?

I dislike the non adjustable trigger, the short tube on the 1895, and the
hood could be opened on the top for better light transmission.

What types of products do you wish Marlin made?

Adjustable triggers on the leverguns,chambering their model 1895
for instance in other calibers like the 454,480/475 and the .50 Alaskan
just to name a few.

Are there any accessories, if offered by Marlin, that you would purchase

Yes

If you were offered to purchase a share or shares of the company, would you?
Not interested in purchasing stock at this time.

[DakotaElkSlayer]

Diana,

I have owned a Marlin 1895 GS for about two years...

I LOVE the way it handles and the gun shoots better than my ability.  Cosmetically, she is a true head turner...just beautiful.  She's been totally reliable...wouldn't change a thing!

Jim

[leverfan]

Ms. Lynch-

Thank you for taking the time to ask us what we'd like to see more of, or less of, from Marlin.  Except for Val Forgett III, few people in the business are making use of the internet to talk directly with customers, at least at the company executive level.

I've owned Marlin products for most of my life.  My favorite is my 444SS.

Marlins manage to give the user a nostalgic feel while still being more technologically advanced than some other lever guns on the market.  They are also easier than a lot of the competition to clean correctly.

As a lead bullet shooter, I'd just as soon see the micro-groove rifling phased out.  Micro-groove and lead bullets can be made to work, but most shooters prefer Ballard style rifling.

I'd like to see a 444 with 24" barrel, full length magazine, Ballard rifling, 20" or 24" twist, and straight wrist butt stock with flat butt plate.

I don't tend to hang too many accessories on my lever guns, just a peep sight on the receiver, but I'd like it if that came with the rifle.

My wife is the investment banker around here, so I won't hazard any responses about stock purchases.

Thank you again, and best wishes for your company.

Kevin

[Stray Round]

Dianal,

I admire your initiative and dedication for asking USERS for their opinions on your products.

I am a long time user of your rifles and at the present time have seven of them.  I like them because they are traditional lever actions.  

The first priority of any firearm is that it works out of the box!  It is amazing how many firearms from ALL manufacturers miss this point.

If I could make some suggestions:

1)  On your proposed 1894CL in 32-20, get rid of the micro-groove rifling.  This gun needs Ballard rifling as most users, either SASS or just hardcore shooters are going to want to shot alot of cast lead in one of these.

2)   Have the 1894 CL with the half-magazine in 32-20, 218 Bee, 357 and most of all 25-20 and 32 H&R Mag.  

3)  Ditch the rear sight and have a reciever sight, something like the Ashley.

4)  Bring back the 16" barrels on the 1894s in 357 & 44 mags.  Without ports.

5)  Nobody wants centerfire leveractions that load into the tubular magazine like your projected 32 Mag Cowboy.  They need a loading gate or my prediction, they will not sell.

6)  A 32 H&R mag in the standard 1894, the SASS boys and girls would love it and I would too.



7)  I hear alot of complaints about constrictions in the barrels and oversize bores. Also, some problems with the lifters in the 1894 preventing feeding.

 Make the twist tighter on the 44's,  1 in 38" is way to slow for heavier slugs.  

9) Stop the special issues, that no one knows about and just gives reason for people to jack up prices to extortion levels.  I think it just ticks people off that the amounts are so limited and no one knows about them or sees them.

10) Bring back the 336 Cowboy in 30-30 and 38-55.

Thanks for listening to someone that shoots more than they should!!!!!

[Mikey]

Good Morning Mrs. Lynch, and Happy Memorial Day.  

For suggestions on products and accessories I suggest you peruse this particular forum for topics concerning caliber conversions, complaints, recommendations for improvements on individual rifles and general requests many of these posters make for more Marlin products.  

Many of these folks have been using your products for a long number of years and base their requests for Marlin products on their years of experience in shooting and competing with Marlin firearms.  Many of their suggestions are extremely worthwhile to review.  

I hope you receive as many responses to your questions as you need to compile your information and consider what Marlin shooters, and others who are thinking about purchasing Marlin products are interested in seeing from the marlin Firearms Company.  I would hope that after compiling your data you may wish to return to this site and pose more specific questions, such as:  If Marlin were to offer this product, would you be interested?  If Marlin were to do this or that, would you be interested, and etc.  I believe that by asking focused questions the responses you receive will be more pertinent to your overall goals.  

To answer your questions - I have owned Marlin products in the past.  I purchsed them for the caliber offered.  There are a few Marlin products I would like to see produced and the folks who have already responded to your post have developed a pretty good list that I can go with.  If I could purchase a Marlin rifle that could be accessorized with Marlin made or Marlin approved aftermarket parts I would purchase them - examples would be tang mounted sights, different lever configurations, older Model style rifles in newer calibers, Marlin made custom barrels designed for target shooting, etc.  

I would gladly purchase shares of the Marlin Firearms Company just as long as you promised me you wouldn't sell any shares to idjits like chuck schumer, billary klinton, flanksteak lautenberg, fienstein or any of those ilk who might seek to have the government become the controlling interest.  Hope this helps.  Mikey.

[NITRO4440]

Dear Mrs. Lynch,
 
To my knowledge, you are the only factory representative of ANY product that is willing to communicate directly with consumers.  You are to be commended.  Most Marlin owners are brand loyal and for good reasons, some of which are posted above by my fellow forum members.
 
I am new to this forum but have been posting about Marlin lever action rifles for several years on the now discontinued MARLINTALK forum, MARLINOWNERS.COM, SHOOTERSFORUM.COM AND LEVERGUNS.COM .
SHOOTERS FORUM.COM has forums dedicated to Marlin 336 Lever Guns,  Marlin 1894 Lever Guns,  Marlin Model 39's, and the Marlin 1895 in the Big Bore Lever Guns forum.  There are thousands of posts on Marlin lever action rifles at shootersforum.com, marlinowners.com and leverguns.com.
 
In 1985 I had the good sense to purchased the now-discontinued Marlin 336ER (extra range) lever action rifle in .356 Winchester caliber, but did not have good enough sense to keep it and sold it in 1999.  I tried to replaced it for 5 years but could not find one.  Marlin only made 2,441 in the early/mid 1980's.  There are thousands of us that would buy a new Marlin 336ER/.356 Winchester if one were available.  Recently one sold for over $1500.00 at GUNBROKER.COM.    In order to satisfy my .35 caliber itch, I recently bought a Browning BLR '81 Light Weight chambered in .358 Winchester.  I still would buy a Marlin 336ER in .356 Winchester.
 
Last year there was an informal survey at one of the forums asking "if Marlin reintroduced the 336ER, would you buy one?".  The response was very high.  I indicated that I would buy two of them.  Others stated that they would buy one, some two, some five, and one shooter said that he  would buy ten.
 
Other calibers high on my "want list" in order of my preference are:
 
25-35 Winchester, 7-30 Waters, .375 Winchester .307 Winchester,  38-55 Winchester, and the .22 Savage High Power.  New factory ammunition is currently available for all of the above calibers except the .356 Winchester, which is #1 on my list.  I would buy one of each of these calibers if Marlin made them.  Remington, for about 30 years, has made a special annual run in a different caliber for their model 700 Classic bolt action rifle.  Remington has been very successful with this program.  Marlin could do the same with their lever action rifles.
 
I have rambled on for too long now and will sign off.  One final comment; if you want to know what we Marlin owners are thinking, bring back the official Marlin forum, MARLINTALK.COM, and have a factory rep reply to the posts, as needed.  
 
Thanks for caring,
 
NITRO4440

ps; You can buy almost anything on this planet on the internet, except a Marlin 336ER/.356 Winchester.  Do a google or other search on "Marlin 336ER" and see what you get.  Articles, forum posts, everything except a Marlin 336ER for sale.  Amazing.

[LDThornton]

I have only used Marlins for about 34 years and only one model and calibur....the 336 30-30. I've owned 5 of these and currently still have 4. I'm always looking for more though. The Marlin lever-action rifle is the best lever action rifle ever made.

[Thebear_78]

I have a guide gun and a bolt action 17hmr.  I am very impressed with both items.  I also agree that marlin should stick to lever actions and affordable rimfires.  The  excellent handling characteristics are what led me to the marlin products.

[inluvwithsara]

Howdy ma'am...
 
Are you a recent or long-term Marlin owner?

I have had a 1894c since 1995 and a 1895g for 5 months...
 
What were the main reasons that you chose to buy the Marlin product over another competitor?
 
They are put together smart...they disassemble well, shoot straight, and always work...plus they are made in the USA...what else do you need...
 
What specifically about the Marlin products do you like or not like?
 
I'd prefer it if all lever guns had their cartridge tube extend to the end of the barrel...and ditch the micro groove stuff...
 
What types of products do you wish Marlin made?
 
Bring back the 1894p without the ports, Porting is nice, but for most folks its not needed, if they want ports, let 'em have magna port do it...
Also to make the 1894 44mag with a better twist weight for 300 grainers...most folks seem to shoot 240 grains and up...
 
Are there any accessories, if offered by Marlin, that you would purchase?
 
Not really, my two guns are great as is...

If you were offered to purchase a share or shares of the company, would you?

Um, kinda depends on my money...

[Wilbe Lead]

Howdy,
I have a number of Marlin lever guns.
30/30
32 Spe
375 Win
45/70
50 Alaskan

They are all better shooter then I am.
Never have had any problems with them.
Unlike a couple of other lever guns I have sold because of the new way they are made to be overseas.

I would like to see a 35 cal gun maded.
It could be called the 35 Marlin.
It would be made on the 1895 model.
It would be a 348 Win shell opened up to 35 cal.
It could be made in a short 20 inch and a 26 inch  ballard heavy barrel.

Most gun makers have come out with a round with thier name on the on the new round.
The 35 Marlin would be good for hunting almost all big game.
An being a Marlin would be good enough for most all us Marlin lovers.

Later
Wilbe Lead

[xgboy]

Ms Lynch

Welcome to the forum; your consideration in soliciting consumer comment is rare and commendable.  Before responding to your inquiry, let me preface my remarks by emphasizing that, like many, when I think of Marlin, I think immediately of leverguns and will limit my comments to these.

1. I am a long-term Marlin owner.  All leverguns, I own about ten Marlins in 30-30, 32-20, .357, .375, and .44 Mag.  Most are from the '50s to early '80s - to avoid the accursed manual safeties.  

2. I own leverguns from Winchester and Savage, but generally prefer Marlins because of the solid-frame, side ejection, 'styling' (admittedly nebulous), ergonomics, accuracy, easy of cleaning from the breech, etc.

3. Specific like/dislikes re Marlin products: partly set out in #2, supra.  Also, like most manufactures, Marlin fit and finish has 'slipped', as compared with older production.  I've personally been present when two new-in-box Marlins (a Mod. 39CL and an 1894C) failed to work during the first range session.  The recent discontinuance of factory drilling and tapping for receiver (or tang) sights was a very unfortunate production shortcut and significantly detracts from utility and desirability.  While admittedly a Marlin tradition, MicoGroove rifling is generally not favored, vis a vis conventional rifling patterns (Ballard), especially for lead/cast bullet shooters.  (I suspect this is more a result of Marlin's traditionally 'generous' bore dimensions, but the impression of cast bullet inaccuracy remains almost universally accepted.)  Many would-be purchasers are aggravated by the perception that interesting/desirable niche models are produced in limited production runs and/or are discontinued before their availability and unique attributes can become known and appreciated by the Marlin 'Faithful'.  Most of us want to see and feel one before we order one.  Rifling twist rate for the .44 Mag. 1894 is too slow for the heavier bullets often preferred today; the change in .444 twist was appreciated.  

4. Offerings we'd like to see from Marlin:  It would be wonderful if Marlin established a 'Custom Shop', allowing the customer to specify non-standard chamberings, barrel length/configurations, magazine length, grip configuration, finer fit/finish and wood options, factory tang/receiver sights.  Personally, I'd like to see another '336 Deluxe' (carbine and rifle), fitted like the old Winchester Mod. 64 'Deer Rifle' with 'Whelen' stock, etc.  Also, bring back the 16" Packers (.357 and .44) without the unnecessary (ear splitting) porting; these were gone before we got to examine examples in the field.  I'd like an Extended Range model in .307 and .356 (already found a 375).  A 25-35 would be nice.

5. Marlin accessories?  Probably not - except for factory-mounted receiver/tang sights, recoil pads, etc.

6. Stock?  Everything depends on the numbers.

Thanks for listening.  I feel better!

[Ditchdigger]

I have 2 Marlin 444's,but would really like to see a good dependable semiautomatic in 444.   Digger

[leoparddog]

Dear Mrs. Lynch,
Thank you for soliciting our input.  I really appreciate it.

Are you a recent or long-term Marlin owner?
5 years

What were the main reasons that you chose to buy the Marlin product over another competitor? Styling, solid top, side ejection, Quality

What specifically about the Marlin products do you like or not like?
As shooters we always want better triggers.

What types of products do you wish Marlin made?
Types of products as opposed to specific chamberings and configurations is a difficult topic.  I think there is some demand for high quality Peep Sights to be mounted on your rifles.
Specific Chambering request would be the 358Win or 356Win or some of the JDJ rounds.  Coming out with a proprietary round that falls between the 30-30 and 45-70 would also be nice and would have a long time home with me.
Are there any accessories, if offered by Marlin, that you would purchase?
Decals and Stickers for my Truck, Hats, Peep Sights as a factory option

If you were offered to purchase a share or shares of the company, would you?I would be interested.

Thank you for your interest in our opinions,
Max Worlund

[jcunclejoe]

Are you a recent or long-term Marlin owner?
I bought my first Marlin 20 years ago and my second two years ago.
I'm not a big Marlin guy but I like the ones I have, very much.

What were the main reasons that you chose to buy the Marlin product over another competitor?
The first one was a 22 magnum bolt action, I bought it because of reliability and chambering. The second was purchased because of the chambering. (35 Remington in a 336)

What specifically about the Marlin products do you like or not like?
I do not like the Micro-groove rifling. The first thing I did was re-barrel the 35 rem to ballard cut rifling, still a 35 rem.
I also do not like the cross bolt safety. I think the hammer is plenty of safety.

What types of products do you wish Marlin made?
More selection of chamberings in lever actions such as 25-20, 32-20, 38-40, 38-55, 41 magnum, 44-40, 7-30 Waters, 307 Win, 356 Win, 358 Win. All in ballard cut rifling. Please forgive me if I mentioned some that are already produced.

Are there any accessories, if offered by Marlin, that you would purchase?
Can't think of anything.

If you were offered to purchase a share or shares of the company, would you?
Yes

Thank you for asking.
Joe

[doorgunner]

Ms. Lynch:  I think that it's great that Marlin Firearms and yourself have taken the iniative to communicate directly with your end users.  Most large corporations place their product development in the hands of eager, young college graduates with marketing degrees who know absolutely nothing about what the consumer wants.

I have owned and used Marlin firearms for over 30 years.  I have always appreciated the level of quality control, price, and reliability that your products have demonstrated.  

Let me cut to the chase here.  Your company had a wonderful concept in the introduction of the short barreled, big bore guide guns (1895G, 1895M, and the 1895GS), however, you left the stainless guide gun slightly unfinished.  If your company would have offered the 1895GS available with a synthetic stock, it would have sealed the deal for the hunter who utilizes his stainless firearm in hostile conditions.  It would seem that the utilization of a synthetic stock would not only reduce manufacturing costs, but would make the firearm more suitable for the extreme climates that we often use these types of weapons in.

Another helpful tip might be to manufacture specific lever action rifles in calibers that the consumer demands, ie. 375 win, 356 Win, etc..  These older calibers are high in demand on the used market, and chambering reamers are cheap.  A limited edition series would be cheap to produce, but the feedback from buyers would tell you a whole bunch about what the consumer wants.  Please don't fall into the trap that Winchester has by offering great calibers, and eliminating them from production before they have a chance to catch on.

Thank you for taking the effort to interact with your consumers, and I hope that our feedback will allow you to make constructive efforts in the area of product development.

[Old Griz]

:cb2: I bought my first Marlin, a 1895SS, based on the price and the Marlin reputation. Plus a lever action gun is about as American as you can get.

Another factor was the ease of cleaning the Marlin by removing the bolt. I also bought the Marlin 30-30 over the Winchester because of the 1:10 twist rate over the 1:12 twist in the Winchesters.

Unlike many (it appears) I don't mind the micro-groove in my 30-30, or my  .45/70 because I use jacketed bullets when hunting, and these are two very accurate guns with the jacketed bullets. However, my 1894CB in .357/.38 has the Ballard rifling and is an amazingly accurate gun shooting lead bullets.

The only Marlin I have ever gotten rid of was a 1894 Cowboy II in 44 mag., that at first wouldn't feed any type of ammo, and after that was repaired, it patterned like a shotgun with all kinds of ammo. It seems that the lifter problem cropped up with the 44 mag, more than any other caliber.

As for accessories, I would love to be able to buy an affordable tang sight and a large loop lever for gloved hands.

It seems to me that most Cowboy Action Shooters use either .45 Colt, or .38 Special, and you do have that covered nicely. However, there are a lot of purists out there who shoot .44-40, .38-40, etc., and have to buy South American or Italian guns.

This is also true with popular handgun hunting rounds such as the .454, 475, and 480. And now S&W has added the .500 and 460.

Also, regarding CAS shooters, you need a rifle with a tube that will hold 10 rounds. I think the half tube on the new 1894CL is a big mistake and will hold back sales, and the 9-round tube on the 1894C has already caused many CAS shooters to buy other brands. Winchester has four models of the 94 in .357 that hold either 12 (Legacy) or 11 (Trails End—three models) in the magazine. Only the short barrelled (16") Trapper holds under 10-rounds in the tube.

I do thank you very much for the 1894FG (.41 mag.). That will be my next purchase.

I do wish the forestocks on Marlins were not so thick, and I would like the option of having smooth stocks instead of checkered.

As another person indicated, "The recent discontinuance of factory drilling and tapping for receiver (or tang) sights was a very unfortunate production shortcut."

Thank you for taking into consideration all of our wants and gripes.  It is comforting to know that someone in corporate America is willing to listen to the people buying the product, and not just the "experts" on the payroll.

[Harry Snippe]

Mrs Lynch.
I am a more resent Marlin owner .
I bought the 45/70 guide based on reports on Marlin 's forum. then I also bought a  336/35 Remington  Rc made in '54 that is a real jewel
 Then bought a 17 V when they came out. Last but not least was a 1894 in 44 Mag.
Main reasons to buy was features . All guns are easy to field strip for cleaning , and the levers as very smooth to operate .

On the negative  I do not much care for the practice of overboring rifles, incorrect iron sites and restrictions of the bore where the barrel was stamped or the dove tales  for the sites. This ruined the 1895 guide gun since I was never able to get it to shoot properly, nor could any one else I knew . horrible gun and took a loss to sell it after two years. Oh that bore was in the "NEW" spec.
The 17V  ,had a terrible trigger which required a replacement, and the bolt receiver fit could be better for the price . Other than the stock and being a 17 HRF , it is as the cheap .22 . Not over ly impressed with this rifle as  with the guide

The 336/35 RC was a used firearm when bought . It is as slick as any Marlin I have seen . It has a ballard rifled bore, with no overboring or restriction issues .  Loves jacketed and lead bullets Truly one of Marlins best .

The 1894  was also purchased  used . Again ballard rifled and no bore issues' . Good grouping out to 100 yards with lead .
This rifle could and will require some tuning to get it to operate as well as the 336/35 rc. No issue as it was used .

I think people like Marlins when they are fitted to operate smoothly and this is what people want . They do not like to have to send the unit to a smith to have tuned . I little more thought and efford in Marketing ,could sell more 35 Remingtons  and maybe kept the 356 and the 30/30 CB on the line, and going with a profit. The 30/30 CBwas come andgone before we ever saw one up North .

Had I not found the 35 Remington at the time , after the grief with the 17v and the problems with the1895 guide I would probably never bought another Marlin again.
How ever , based on the old 336 I decided to look at the used 1894.
Now with a bit of tuning I am sure this will also be a nice rifle to shoot.

I also tried a new 1894 in 357 which I did not like since it was rough handling and had some feeding issues. Not that I believe could not be repaired in a few hours by a smith , but hear again why should one require  have a gun refitted and tuned after it left the factory.
I would rather have paid a few more bucks up front, but not the difference as in the price of the CB version.

I would like to have seen a custom shop . If you could have a 1895/336/1894 tuned from the factory , or maybe in a finer grade as with a different stock or engraving of the receiver . Then we maybe could order the 30/30 CB or a special 336 in 35R or 356 that every one seems to want now.

The 1894 could be ordered to look as Marlins did a hundred years for the cowboy shooter , then maybe we could even reproduce the 1893.
What one is willing to pay - the limit!

As for myself , If they made the marlin 336 RC as in the pattern of the early fifties I sure would want one in 30/30 or even in that darn 356 W.
It was a cartridge brought out ahead of its time and sure could fly should some marketing skills be used .

marlin could maybe shorten the 358 W case a bit and call it the 35 Rimless, or better yet the 35Marlin  based on the 45/70 or 450 case .
There is a need for a 200 yard lever case .Somewhere between the 35 Remington and the 35 whelan.

Marlin dropped the marlin forum, I think because they were getting some flack about control issues. The good of all this is that it never negative as Marlin repaired the problem with the poster and we all read about it later . The sad thing was that marlin never seemed to repair the issues at the line , rather just dealt with the individual owner.To date the guide still has the wrong front site , it needs the meduim front site installed.
Guess it is cheaper to fix the odd rifle, the guy that complains , rather than fix the problem on assembly.
Marlin should never say what they have planned with out following through . They were going to give us the 375 Marlin something . the 1984 in 32/20 and the 32 H&R a SS 336/35.
So many times we hear of something coming but never seems to hit the racks . So some are offered in special runs ,but then not available to all possible Marlin owners  as we in Canada. ( IMPORT ISSUES)

I waited for that 375 Marlin something , I thought based on a 450 case ,then we were also hoping for a special run of 336/35 for it's 100 birthday. Would we have put money down before and made an order? yes!

Would we had bought a 32 H&R in 1894 or 32/20 had we been able to buy it off the racks ? YES!
Had they continued the 356 or 375 on special order would I have inquired ? Yes!

Well I did sell the 1895  45/70 as it was   " JUNK", and waiting for a 375 something for over a year , then nothing , loosing the Marlin talk, I went out and bought a 358W in a BLR.

Oh ! Did I say I loved that  336/35 RC?. Not too many rifles like this being sold . People tend to keep them .

[wijim]

ok heres my info....

"Are you a recent or long-term Marlin owner?"

ive had a marlin bolt action .22 rimfire for 27 years and have never needed another .22.  i have a 1895g 45/70 that i bought in '03.

What were the main reasons that you chose to buy the Marlin product over another competitor?

the .22 was price....i was a 12 year old looking for pice to quality and it was recommended by the guy that owned the coast to coast harware store back then.  the 45/70 i purchased because i was replacing a model 94 wichester chambered in .444 marlin, i was going to buy a 444 marlin, but changed my mind to the 45/70 because ammo is cheaper and more available and i have only ever heard good things aout the 45/70.

What specifically about the Marlin products do you like or not like?

both have been tough guns so far and shoot at least as well as i do.  i like the no frills durability as i am not nice to guns while i am camping or using them.

What types of products do you wish Marlin made?

if they could use the same standards for durabilty and price in archery supplies that'd be cool...a stretch i know.....but everything thats made for precision should be subject to as strict a qa as i feel marlin uses.

Are there any accessories, if offered by Marlin, that you would purchase?

i dont know....i haven't looked or shopped for other items


If you were offered to purchase a share or shares of the company, would you?

if they showed good performance over a period of time.....if there was an initial offering...sure id sink a few bucks into it.  just to play the market a bit.

[victorcharlie]

Hi Diana......Are you kin to the great american hero Jessica Lynch?  
   
First off, thanks for asking.  This is something most companies forget to do, and I, as a Marlin customer appreciate the thought.  There are some very good opinions offered above, and I tend to agree with most of them.    
   
I have responded to your questions below.  Please accept my general comments first in the spirit intended.  I would like to see Marlin expand the caliber selection available in your 336 and 1895 lines.   A custom shop would be great.  Have you thought about how many triggers Wild West Guns sells to replace what currently ships installed in the rifle?  Williams and Lyman also sell a lot of aftermarket sights to improve upon the standard "Buckhorn" sight.  Seems Marlin is missing out on some revenue by not offering what the shooting public wants.  Other accessories I can think of are large loop levers, levers bound with leather to reduce noise, custom recoil pads, and shell holders just to name a few.  Some of these products may not fit correctly, or it takes several shipments to get the right size.  This is something that Marlin could certainly do better having the specifications on hand, and would eliminate guessing.   I would prefer to purchase this equipment from Marlin as I would have much more confidence that the product worked when bought from the Manufacture.  I would also like to see more information about things such as the finish, and how and what to use to repair a scratch etc.  
   
I would prefer to see Marlin stay an American owned and operated company that Manufactures high quality rifles at a fair cost in the United States.   Marlin, like Zippo lighters, and case knives, have come to be a familiar brand with american hunters and are generally held in high regard.       It's a great american tradition to hunt with a Marlin rifle and I would like to pass  that tradition on to my grand children without having to say what a pity the French (or who ever) now owns them.  I also think it's a shame that with modern manufacturing processes, the older rifles are considered more desirable, and are thought to be of better manufacture.   I have owned Marlin Rifles, as well as Winchester rifles and a few Marlin shot guns, most of my life, and look forward to owning several more.    Tradition, and nostalga seem to be driving a large part of the lever gun market.  Focus on what made Marlin a great brand, which in my opinion is styling, durability or quality, availability, and simplicity.   Make sure the product is correct in all aspects before shipping it to the customer.  Provide world class customer service in the unlikely event something should be wrong.  Trust me, with the advent of the internet, and with forums such as this one, one bad experience is related to a lot of Marlins potential customers.  On the other hand, there are post bragging about how well a company took care of a customers problems.   While customer service isn't the only thing I look for,  service after the sell is what keeps me come back.   Please read Zachary's post on the bolt action forum regarding his recent purchase of a Kimber rifle and you'll have a perfect example of how his experience went as a customer of Kimber.   What I'm trying to tell you is to handle customers like Tylenol, not Firestone.
   
Are you a recent or long-term Marlin owner? Yes  
   
What were the main reasons that you chose to buy the Marlin product over another competitor?  Design features of the 336/1895 model rifles.  
   
What specifically about the Marlin products do you like or not like?  
I like the ease of maintenance.  I dislike the trigger which would be much better if adjustable to a lower resistance.  I would like better sights.  
   
What types of products do you wish Marlin made?  Marlin is doing well in my opinion with the products they currently manufacture.  I would like Marlin to manufacture center fire bolt action rifles.  
   
Are there any accessories, if offered by Marlin, that you would purchase? Yes, peep sites, as well as tang sight being one thing I'd like to get from the manufacturer.  
   
If you were offered to purchase a share or shares of the company, would you?  That would depend on the companies financial statement prior to the issue of stock.  My question is why would you want to take the company public?  Seems private investors would have more control over the day to day running of the company if it remained private.

[Nanook 450]

Survey Questions

Are you a recent or long-term Marlin owner?

I'm 47 and still have my Dad's 1954 vintage 30-30; I claimed it at age 8.

What were the main reasons that you chose to buy the Marlin product over another competitor?

I am left handed, and lever guns work for me, they are quicker and as accurate as a bolt action, more accurate than a semi-auto.  Marlin ejects from the side.  And they just plain look good.

What specifically about the Marlin products do you like or not like?

I like the various configurations of the rifle, barrel lengths, stock styles (pistol grip / straight stocks).

I think your recoil pads are a joke on the 450 and 45-70 guide guns.  

Anything plastic should be changed, I believe some butt plates are plastic.

Your sights are not as good as Browning BARs / BLRs - the folding sights are better than the big old buckhorn.

All and all, the value is substantial.  You provide a basic rifle, and we add to them.

What types of products do you wish Marlin made?
Any stainless offering should have a laminate or synthetic stock.

Are there any accessories, if offered by Marlin, that you would purchase?

Go to www.wildwestguns.com   www.brockmansrifles.com  do a search on www.google.com for Marlin accessories . . .  you are loosing a lot of money.  I've spent hundreds there, not to mention www.brownells.com check out the Marlin accessories and replacement parts.

If you were offered to purchase a share or shares of the company, would you?

If I won the lottery, the first thing I would do is buy you out.  Yes.

Suggestion:  With respect to the Marlin Rifle, most of us are obsessed, literally, with your product.  I've had long discussions with your rep when he comes to Oklahoma City's H&H Gun Range and appreciate what you do.  If you change much, the product would cost more.  With all that being said,  OPEN A CUSTOM SHOP AND CHARGE FOR THE SERVICE!!!    Smith and Wesson calls it the Performance Center, others make a living modifying your rifle. Get in on that.  For example, at Buck Knives, they have a build your own Buck Knive . . .  I've bought three.

I own two 1895 LTD Vs; one for collector value, the other has the following:

WWG Trigger / Bearproof ejector / Fire sight on the front / 1.5 x 5 Leupold with Quick Release rings / Pachmyar Triple Mag recoil pad / Action Job / O-Ring on the stupid redundant lawyer driven safety.  Killed a monster boar.

One 450 with same/ plus a mercury insert / tritium inserts on the factory sights / safety replaced with screw kit.  Killed deer and hogs.

Two 30-30s, one with a youth stock - the other an old '54 vintage; killed fourteen deer with neck shots off my back porch in Marble Falls, plus at least 10 more - Dad's got a bunch with it too.

2 22 semi-autos

One 1897 Texan - 22 - sweet.

I'm waiting for a stainless steel, beadblasted, laminate stock, Ghost ring sighted, 22 inch hexagonal barrel, pistol gripped, kick -eze recoil pad, wwg triggered, bear proof ejectored, 45-70 - with your name on it . . .

"Diana Special"  (my Mom's named Diana)

I cannot believe you cancelled your website - that place had a lot of soul.

You might consider running your poll at www.marlingowners.com  created after you choked and shut down your site.

[tom barthel]

I have a model 1894 rifle in .44 magnum. Purchased in  A .22 magnum stainless bolt rifle purchased used 1996.  My favorite marlin is my .444 purchased 1994.  I'm very satisfied with your product.  
 
Thanks for your interest in your customers.
 
Take care and God bless you and yours.
 
Tom

[mjgear]

Thankyou for actually taking time to seek input from your customers.

I am a long term owner with 5 marlin rifles in the safe (4 levers and 1 bolt action). Most of the shooters in my aquaintance are looking to hunt with nostalgic rifles in nostalgic calibers. You could sell a huge amount of product if you opened up a custom shop simply to do the old calibers such as 25/35 (or 36), 33WCF, 40/65 and so on with ballard style rifling for us cast bullet shooters. It could also provide sight options, form dies etc so that you could do the whole nostalga thing as a MATCHING package without chasing all over the place.

On the day you anounce the custom shop I will give you an order for a 23/35 and a  33WCF plus form dies, dies and peep sights to kick things off.

Kind regards

Michael Gear

[Jason]

Thanks for coming here to ask our opinions!

First, I am a long-time Marlin owner. I'm less than a month from turning 32 and have had at least one Marlin since I was starting elementary school. The oldest I have is a 336RC in 30-30 from the '50s that shoots wonderfully and was used to take my last deer.

My most recent purchase was 2001-manufactured model 39a and I chose it because I wanted a gun for smallbore cowboy silhouette and that gun was the most commonly recommended gun by other shooters. I can't say that I'm altogether satisfied with its accuracy, though, and I will soon be going to an older 39a or a model 57 for shooting that event.

I like the very solid feel and ergonomics of the Marlin lever action rifles. I do not like the newer models with manual safeties. I feel safer with a half-cock than I do with a safety button, and it's also easier and quieter to move the hammer to full cock than it is to change hand positions to push the safety button to fire.

My biggest wish is just as has already been mentioned here. I want a Marlin custom shop where I can just order what I want instead of searching for months for a gun that fits whatever particular task I am buying a rifle for. For instance, I was recently trying to find my ideal pistol cartridge silhouette rifle. I wanted a 24" barrel with a fast enough twist to stabilize the heavier bullets with a pistol grip stock and checkering on both the foreend and buttstock. Of course, it had to be a Marlin as the only lever guns I shoot anymore are Marlins and having the guns feel the same in my hands helps me worry about one less thing when I'm on the firing line at a match. Unfortunately, I never did find such a gun and gave up. I currently have an old model 57M in .22 Mag headed my way to get me by until I figure out what I want to use long term.

As for accessories, my wish here has also been voiced already. I want upgraded sights available as an option. On both my competition and hunting Marlins (all lever guns), I use peep sights exclusively. It's such a waste to have to buy the gun and immediately remove the factory sights so I can install some high quality peep sights. Fulfilling this wish of mine could easily be as simple as making a deal with Williams, Lyman, and Marbles to offer the sights as a factory option instead of letting them make all the money off of so many hunters and competitive shooters that use peep sights.

I think that I probably would purchase stock in the company if it were offered.   My cashflow is usually fairly low from buying guns, a large percentage of which are yours, so I might not have the funds on hand for stock purchase, however.

An extra word of advice here, I originally thought my newer model 39a was just a fluke when it wasn't nearly as accurate as the older ones that I've shot (all Micro-groove). When I started asking around at matches, there were very few of the newer-manufactured 39a rifles on the lines and when I asked why I was quickly told that the old ones were more accurate. This is anecdotal information at best and a small sample group, but my gun and the only other post-2000 39a that I have tried lately were far behind the 20+ year old guns in accuracy. If you changed something a few years ago in the tooling for manufacturing the 39a, you might want to check to see what the problem is.

[phydaux]

First, thanks for listening to the people who buys your product. I have owned Marlin firearms for over 35 years, yes I like them. I presently own only older Marlin lever guns, [30 years or older], no push button safety, no checkering, only straight stocks with flutes, no fat forearms.  
    Things I would like to see from your company---straight stock 336 in 35 Rem, 356, 375, 38-55, and straight stock 1894 in 41 Mag. Please no more ports. Peep sight options and a custom shop would be great. Please change the 44 twist to 1 in 20.  Plastic stocks for the stainless guns. Yes I will buy stock.
   Again, thanks for listening.
  PS......How about the Camp Carbine, 9mm, 45acp, and 40s&w that will take Glock mags!!!!!!!

[msorenso]

Would love to see one made in 45-90!

[22rimfan]

Hello Ma'am.  Thank you for taking the time to ask us our thoughts about your company and products!  Ok, on to answering your questions...

1).  I have owned a Model 60 since I was 7, 1992, and currently have 4 other rifles and shotguns of your manufacture.  When I can find a 983S I will make that number climb to 5.

2).  I chose the Marlin for the price, good reviews, and I just liked the way the rifle felt.

3).  I like all of your products.  The only area I do not like is, the pressed checkering on some of your rimfire rifles. That's it.

4).  I wish Marlin would bring back the 356W and the Levermatic rifles and keep the 22 Magnum around.

5).  I would like to see tang/peep sights, maybe possibly a form of the ladder sight for the cowboy rifles, and a custom shop where we could have a rifle special tailored to us.

6).  Not interested in the stock option.

[tom ga hunter]

i own 3-39's, 1 1894 & a 1979 336a i purchased this year.

i have owned & used marlin rifles mainly 22's for 40+ years and killed my 1st deer with the 1894 in 1970.

I personally like the old 336a configuration better than any 30-30 you have in current production. Please add 7-30, 356 or 375 to your cal. offerings.A limited run with nicer wood option would get my money.. say a 336a in 7-30 with really nice wood for a $75-100 up charge.

I have no interest in owning Marlin stock

[Dirty Tiger]

I have a 336 in .30/30

I would like to see the Camp Carbine come back.