Home Forums Lever Action Central Marlin 336 Lever Actions I've always liked Marlins...

BUT when they introduced that flaming cross bolt safety I thought it was stupid. I'm sorry for saying it that way but I just couldn't word it differently. I have always had a fondness for the Marlin lever gun. I currently own two. A .444 and a 45-70. Both pre safety. I just can't bring myself to own a new one. Do any of you feel the same or do I need to conform ?????? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/help.gif" alt="" />

LBK,

No, I was wounded beyond words when Marlin caved in to the risk management dept and put safeties on the levers, so I completely agree with you. It feels like Marlin is telling me I'm too stinkin' stupid to keep from plugging myself. I started collecting Marlins in the 70's, so I've got most of what I need.

I have bought a couple, though. I REALLY like the 444, so I did buy a used 444P, and it's a keeper. Same for the guide gun. Same for my 1894D in 44-40. Well, maybe I'm getting used to it after all.

But with the safety and diminishing quality and raising prices, I find myself collecting M95 Steyrs these days. Just found a rare one in a second hand store for 65 bucks. It's in the original 8 X 50R chambering & everything. Tomorrow or Mon, the brown truck will be delivering my Bulgarian M95M I bought on another forum for 60 bucks - shipped. It's been a heck of a long time since I've found a sweet deal like that on a Marlin. The prices of lever actions has really gone through the roof. Ya gotta love 'em, though! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> SW

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> WOW and all the while I've been thinking it was me. Glad to find someone out there that agrees with me. There must be someone out there totin that has brought this on. Marlin MUST know that that cross bolt safety turned many of us off to them. I have always felt Marlin FAR superior to Winchester. I do have a fair collection of Savage 99's though. Thanks for the reply. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Here's a link to a solution. Sounds like it voids your warranty, but it is reversible. I've been thinking about going this route.



Oops - forgot the link. Here you go:



http://leverguns.com/articles/taylor/crossbolt_safety.htm

Olywa,

Interesting you post this. I was told at the Marlin Collector's show & annual meeting this topic was one of the things that caused the factory to pull the plug on the old Marlin Talk forum. Risk management apparently swings a big stick around the factory. I like the concept, but I'm too cheap to buy them.

I suppose Win. has a patent on the tang safety - not that it's any easier to swallow, but it's easier to cover up. Maybe something in the trigger guard like the early Savs would be better, but I suppose that would jack the prices up. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Sadly, drilling one hole is a lot cheaper for Marlin than defending even one lawsuit from some idiot and his ambulance chaser.

Nothing is idiot-proof; idiots are too ingenious. SW

Letter to the editor of Rifle mag, reader dealt with the safety issue by picking up a black O-ring at the auto parts store and putting it on the safety while in the "fire" position. Nearly invisible, and you can remove it with a thumbnail if you ever change your mind.

hey nebrhogger, my gunsmith has a old remington pump[1939]in 35 cal for 350.00 in mint condition just got it from estate sale

smacarac,

Thanks for the tip!! However, I just bought a Jap Type I & have depleted the toy fund until after the 1st of the year. - I really like the older Rems, but I have been bitten by the milsurp bug. Last Rem I bought was an early walnut 788 in 30-30. So many rifles, so little money! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> SW

Yup, totally detest the cross bolt safety. That's why I've purchased a couple of very nice used pre-safety Marlins from the online auctions. Same goes with the M-94, whether it is cross bolt or tang, either is unnecessary junk. There are plenty of fine used lever action Marlins and Winchesters out there for sale that a person does not have to buy these lawyer-proof rifles. Maybe if more people did this, sales would go down enough that the bean counters would figure it's cheaper to settle suits rather than lose sales.

Marlin 336 in 30-30 has been added to the family of meat gettin rifles this month, six point buck. One shot one deer.

..keep your powder dry..

.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> My .444 Marlin (pre-safety) just took a fine buck on Anticosti Island. Another buck was taken with a Savage 99F. I have a beauty of a 45-70 in the straight stock pre-safety Marlin. I have a buddy at work that got bit by the .444 bug and bought himself a beauty of a rifle up in Maine while on a hunting trip there. He also doesn't like the crossbolt safety. There are 3 Marlin new gun sales the company has lost. It's a shame that they had to add the crossbolt to a leveraction.I do NOT fault the company for protecting themselves. They have not ruined their rifle in the least, it's just that I don't like the way the gun appears with the safety on the side of the reciever. If I find another nice Marlin without the safety, I'd buy Marlin in a heartbeat. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hey, longbeardking .........

I was looking at two 336's in 30-30 the other day. One was precross bolt and the other cross bolt. both looked good and they both had scopes on 'em, the price was right too. $250.

I was thinking of the precross bolt for myself. I would remove the scope, don't like them things on short range lever actions.

Hey, keep the faith with finding them precross bolt Marlin's.

Deer gun season is about done here for the year. We have the week between Xmas and New Years. Anterless only though. Deer meat is deer meat.

..keep your powder dry..
.

There is a dead cheap and simple "fix" to this cross bolt safety fetish.

You simply buy a small rubber O-Ring. I believe it is size #009 or #010. You put the safety in the fire position. You slip the o-ring over it. This prevents it from going back to "safe" mode. Once the black o-ring is on you can barely notice that the safety is there. Only the very small protrusion of the safety which is only about 1/8 inch or less. Completly unobtrusive.

You also have the benefit to slip the o-ring off and place the gun in safe mode to unload it. I believe this is what caused Marlin to install the safety in the first place. Some very small percentage of idiot's accidently shot the gun while cycling the action during the unloading process. With lawsuits the way they are it is probably the only way they can stay in business.

With the simple o-ring fix, you now have a brand new gun that operates and looks just like the Marlins of old. You also have the resale possibilities to those who really want the safety and you've done ZERO gunsmithing or modifications to the gun.

Some have also taken the safety apart and milled it down somehow and re installed it.

However I'd avdise you to be aware that if anyone does make a factory safety inoperative either by the o-ring or other method and accidentally shoots someone you'd be open to a lawsuit.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> There has always been a safety on exposed hammer lever guns. We aren't forgetting the half cock lock are we? Now with the cross bolt, you set it on safe there. I have actually seen people carrying their Marlins at FULL cock with the safety on. They say it takes too much time to put the safe in fire position AND cock the hammer. Now I ask you, in the interest of safety, is killing an animal that important. Marlin tried to idiot proof their firearm and a higher grade idiot has evolved. I will stick to my Savage 99's and my pre-safety Marlins and pay more attention to the safety of the hunters I encounter. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The safetys really reek, but a couple of the guns with them are just too cool to ignore. Like the 1894CP. That is one handy gun!! I found a load with 125gr hp's that clocks over 2000fps. If Davidson's ever did a special run of new 38-40s, I'd have to get one of those, too. SW

Longbeardking said Would carrying the gun in this condition actually be any different than carrying a bolt gun in the loaded position with safety on?

olywa

I put this kit on my .35 and .45-70. It's inexpensive and easy to do and looks great. I hate that cross bolt safety. Thanks...

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I didn't mean to be insulant in any way. And to a degree you are correct in that carrying the gun in the cocked position isn't much different than carrying a bolt gun cocked with the safety on. I am not degrading Marlin for the change because we all know why the change was implemented. BUT to someone as old as me and have been carrying Marlins and Winchesters for years without the crossbolt having the feature is quite unnatural. I applaude you for bringing up a valid point. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Don't worry LBK, It was not taken as an insult. By the way I've seen plenty of model 99 toters carrying their guns at full cock with the safety on for years, Their hammer was just hidden from view. I know change is tough but I would rather see them change than discontinue makeing these fine guns due to stupid liable suits. I hope they sell millions of the new guns and continue to thrive in this anti gun environment. The safety is a small thing to put up with in the long run and these guns are truley safer. Have a great Christmas.

A <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />G <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />R <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />E <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />E <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />D <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> 100% <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Nice dig on the 99's.

Merry Christmas to you and yours also.

So when did this cross bolt safety crap start anyway? I own two Marlins and prefer them over any Winchester any day, but damn I hate that safety. I am seriously thinking about putting that replacement kit on both my 1895G and my 336CS but hate to mess with a perfectly functioning gun. And these two are without functional flaws. I have no intentions of ever selling them and they will most definately be living with my son when I am gone.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Earliest reference I can find is 1983. I did not mean to imply that the quality of the gun OR Marlin in general has deteriorated. I just don't care for the way it looks. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Actually, I think that the quality of the newer Marlins has fallen a bit . My 336cs is probably from the mid eighties and my 1895G dates to first year GG production. That 336 is better made. The stock is plain and un-checkered but the action is smooth as can be. I cant say that about my GG. The wood and general appearance of my GG is beautiful but you can tell that it is from a production oriented manufacturing facility. I have had the honor of handling a few early production Marlins and they are "sweet". Marlin's quality is still in my oppinion far greater than many new production rifles, but America is getting used to accepting a lower quality mass produced pruduct. I am a CNC Machinist by trade and am seeing this corporate tactic first hand. The shop I work for produces ultra precision components for the Department of Defense, Semi Conductor and Laser industry. We are making a comeback , but a lot of our contracts have gone over seas to be made by illiterate third world workers that have no concept of quality. In fact many of these components come to us after they have been manufactured so that we can fix them and bring them into print tollerance. It is actually cheaper for these parts to be made wrong over seas and then fixed here. It is this new corporate mentality that is killing the American craftsman.

. I am a CNC Machinist by trade and am seeing this corporate tactic first hand. The shop I work for produces ultra precision components for the Department of Defense, Semi Conductor and Laser industry. We are making a comeback , but a lot of our contracts have gone over seas to be made by illiterate third world workers that have no concept of quality. In fact many of these components come to us after they have been manufactured so that we can fix them and bring them into print tollerance. It is actually cheaper for these parts to be made wrong over seas and then fixed here. It is this new corporate mentality that is killing the American craftsman. [/quote]

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> We are sort of in the same boat. I will soon be 60 and have been a tool and die maker since 1968. I work for a large electronics company that mainly produces test equipment among other things. 90% of my work has gone overseas and I just took a $12,000.00 pay cut just to stay employeed. You hit the nail on the head when Americans are willing to expect less. Marlin is a great gun. Competition is fierce and quality has dropped. I don't buy many guns anymore, but when I do it is generally a Savage product, 99, 23, 219, or a Savage Fox SxS. AND you can bet it will be 1960 or before. I have two wonderful (actually 3) Marlins. .444S,1895S with straight stock, and a beauty of a 62 levermatic in .256 Win. Mag. I bought a new Rem supermag 3 1/2" 12 ga. and have had nothing but trouble with it until I took it upon myself to fix it. Since I did it had been perfect. I had a heated discussion with a service rep from Rem and wound up asking him why Remington Country wasn't in Hong Kong. You talk about quality going south, just look at Remington AND Winchester. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I love them Marlin lever actions next to my Savage99's...

Marlins are built strong and solid. A very very fine rifle.


..keep your powder dry..
.

Are you sure those 99s were at full cock? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> If you hold the trigger on a Savage 99 back when you close the lever the sear doesn't engage and it doesn't cock but you can still apply the safety. Lots of older 99 users carry them that way. Since, as you pointed out, you can't see the hammer you can't tell whether they're cocked or not without x-ray vision. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Skidrow you can do the same thing with a bolt action but it would be more for storeing the gun on an empty chamber and to keep pressure off the fireing pin spring for long periods of time. What would be the advantage of doing this while hunting with a bullet in the chamber? you would just have to work the lever again to cock the gun and that would just throw the already chambered shell on the ground. I would bet that anyone carrying a mod 99 in the woods with the safety on has a shell in the chamber and the gun is cocked. And if there is not a chambered round why hold back the trigger and apply the safety when closeing the lever? that doesn't make sense.

Do you own or have you ever handled a M1899 or M99 Savage? Just as you don't have to open the bolt of a cocks on opening bolt gun to cock it, but rather just simply raise and lower the bolt handle, you don't have to fully open the lever on a M1899 or M99 Savage to cock it. A 1899/99 Savage cocks on about the last 1/4 of the closing motion. That's not nearly far enough to eject the cartridge in the chamber. I know several old timers that carry that way 'cause they just don't feel comfortable with loaded chamber and a cocked hammer. They didn't carry their M1894 Winchesters that way and when they moved on to something better they found that they didn't have to carry their M1899 or M99 Savages that way either. They seemed to feel that carrying a gun that couldn't be accidently fired was an advantage. I think you'd lose your bet. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> But you continue to believe what ever you want. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Skidrow it's always interesting to converse with someone who has true knowledge on a subject and I'll be glad to take your word on this. It's too close to Christmas to argue about such a minor thing. Thanks for setting me straight and have a terrific Christmas.

Thanks for your kind words but I'll have to defer to others on the Savage board who are much more knowledgeable than I. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

As to Christmas, I wish you and everyone at the 24 Hour Campfire a very Merry Christmas.

The cross bolt safety is not as bad as the rebounding hammer...yuk!

Dang, you boys is kind of hard on Marlin & winny on this safety thing. I had no idea ther were so many that felt this way. No wonder all of the pre safety guns have shot up in value. I guess with me having kids that I will be teaching to hunt, the cross bolt safety & the tang safety put them lever guns (m94 & marlin levers) into my list of possibles for starter guns for my boys/daughter. My dad taught me on a M94, I could shoot like crazy with that thing but when I was a kid I slipped letting the hammer forward & damn near blew the tire off dad's truck. I know of many who can tell similar stories, some more serious than a truck tire...
Anyways, I've got a post cross bolt 450 marlin & I love it, safety & all. I guess I don't know any better. Personally though I don't have a problem with the safety, I think it's a good thing for novice hunters, women, kids, beginners etc. To tell you the truth I kind of liked seeing the cross bolt appear on the little marlin rimfire, I think it made it a better kids gun.
Now, on the other hand I guess I have to sympathize with you died in the wool tube feed lever fans who cherish the classic cowboy styling & such. I get real mad when I see plastic replacing steel on some of my favorite rifles. So I guess I can relate. It wasn't too long ago you could pick up a marlin or winny 30-30 lever for a hundred bucks or less. Now them pre safety guns are worth a pile more than a hundred bucks. Back then people I grew up around stayed away from them guns because of the whole safety thing, lack there of. I always thought that must be why they were so cheap. I had no idea that it was part of the appeal that draws people to the guns.

That trick of keeping a round in the chamber but the rifle uncocked sounds safer than it actually is. A lot of rifles will fire that way if you drop them, cocked or not, due to the effect of inertia on the firing pin.

FWIW, at least some of the 19th century rifles had no safety whatsoever. They will drop the hammer from half cock as readily as from full cock. The chance of firing that way is less than from full cock, but is a lot higher than zero. I have an 1889 Marlin that I really like, but I carry it with an empty chamber even if it does say "Marlin Safety" on the receiver.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Lots of good feedback here, BOTH for AND contrary to the Marlin design change, and that is what I was looking for. The answer to me, is two fold, it lies in the old saying, that it is PEOPLE that kill people NOT guns. Be smart. Learn the function of your firearm. AND YOU be safe. Don't depend on mechanics because they WILL fail. Mechanical safety or not, safety is up to you. Thanks to everyone for keeping this thread intelligent. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />