I just bought a 1980 vintage Marlin 336 lever action 30/30 with a 16 1/2 inch barrel. It has a short PISTOL gripped stock with a black rubber buttpad. I know the Maurader had a short barrel, but it was straight stocked. I believe that it may have been a full-size carbine that was customized by a good gunsmith. Did any gunsmiths specialize in this project? I gues that it was made for a child or woman. It is handy and quick pointing. I plan to keep it for my own use as it is only about 34 inches overall. Has anyone seen this done before? The barrel is marked Model 336. Not C or RC, etc. It is a microgroove barrel. Thanks for any replies.

Has anyone seen this done before?

Yes. That is a standard modification done on a 336. Makes for a very handy rifle and when done by a good gunsmith, is hard to beat, in my opinion.

I believe the Maurader came with a standard 18" barrel. (??) I don't think that Marlin has put out the 336 with a "Trapper" barrel.

I have two friends here who presently are having a gunsmith make "Trappers," like your's, from their 336 .30-30s.

Sounds like you have a dandy. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Let us know how it shoots.

L.W.

Wear your earplugs.

Yes, it sounds as though someone used a Marauder as an example and made up a short carbine. The Marauder had a 16 1/4" barrel, short,very thin forearm and straight stock. I have a 1964 Marauder and a 1965 Regular Carbine. The difference in handling speed is night and day. The Marauder is fast, very fast. Sounds like the rifle you have will be very nice for hunting in brushy areas. Be aware that the recoil will be slightly more because of the lighter weight. Bullet speed will be lower because of the loss in barrel length. Finally the muzzle blast is..well..let's say, entertaining! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

I have one of the fairly new Spikehorn 336Y rifles. The barrel is 16 inches. I bought it for that reason, but the stock was too short. I added a one inch walnut spacer between the stock and the recoil pad.
I don't find the muzzle blast much different than my other Marlin 30-30 rifles with 20 inch barrels.
I will say that it is my most accurate lever gun, and will group my handloads within an inch to an inch and a quarter all day long.

I have a 336C that I shortened the barrel to 16.5 on, and I absolutely love it. I cut a 3/8" dovetail in the barrel, and installed a Marble's Ivory bead on it, accompanied by a Williams WGRS rear aperture sight. I cannot think of a better levergun for general use.