Home Forums Lever Action Central Marlin Talk Marlin Quality change?

I stepped into a gun shop two days ago, they had racks of walnut stocked 1895's and 336's, probably 30 rifles or more.

What struck me as unusual was the finish on the walnut was not the heavy "Marshield" type poly finish I was used to seeing since the 1970's. Also the treatment of the crown and in general the treatment of the shape of the end of the barrel looked different from anything I'd ever seen before. The barrels looked like they were cut off in such a manner the rifling portion of the bore was actually longer than the edges to the outer portion of the barrel. I apologize for not being very eloquent in my description but I'm trying.

Also around the pistol grip and the black plastic endcap looked like each one was slightly different shaped and kind of rough looking in general.

I guess my question is has anyone else noticed this and is there some reason for it. I have three Marlins, two 45/70's and a 44 mag all older than 2001 and none of them look like this.

Thanks,
Mike

In WWII pilots were afraid their plane was infested with Gremlins. They had an effect on quality and reliability of the craft, secretly working where you couldn't see them.

In the Marlin community, we call them Remlins.

Yes. Quality control went to hell with the factory move. Look for a good condition New Haven model.

if you want to read the whole horrible story, go over on marlin owners forum and look in the marlin rant forum.