336, 38-55 project idea

[Scota]

I have been thinking of rebareling a 30-30 336 to 38-55.  Get a Green Mountain octagon barrel and nice new wood.  Probably a crescent butplate.  Do an old style pistol grip or even make it a straight grip.  I can do all the work myself.  I think it would be a nice looking rifle.  Where are all the cheap pre button safety 336 rifles I used to see?  They had hardwood stocks and were as common as dirt.  Any feeding issues with the 38-55 conversion?

[Lone Star]

P.O. Ackley converted one of my M94/.30-30s to .38-55 many years ago, and there were no feeding issues.  Can't say about the M336.

[Scota]

P.O. Ackley converted one of my M94/.30-30s to .38-55 many years ago, and there were no feeding issues.  Can't say about the M336.

The '94 uses guide rails inside the receiver.  They are different for 25-35, 30-30, and 38-55.   I am sure I can do whatever needs doing to make it work, in any case.

[John Traveler1]

Marlin currently makes the .38-55 Cowboy Edition, a variant of the 336 action.  Sorta expensive, but it already has the octagon barrel, case hardened receiver, etc.

After looking over my .38-55 M1893 (prececessor of the M336) I see no reason why your conversion would be a problem.  The 336 was designed of course for .30-30 Winchester, but the parent case is the .38-55.

Let us know how it shoots!

John