I just got myself a 1950 Marlin 336 A DL in 32 Spec yesterday on a trade. It is pretty nice original condition with a little blue worn off the top of the barrel between the rear sight and receiver, presumably from carrying. The bore is bright and minty.

I haven't decided if I like it or not. It does not swing or carry like a 20" 336 C or RC, but it does yield a clearer sight picture than the carbines. I may swap it for a RC in 32 Spec or may even cut this one down to like 18 or 18-1/2. I know it is a bit collectible and will think long and hard on that. It carries and swings a lot like a bolt action rifle with a 24 inch barrel; I may as well carry a 30-06 so that I can reach out a lot further.

What kind of on game performance will a 18-1/2" 32 Special yield?

There were very few of the ADLs made, and only a small% of them in 32 Special. It is your gun and you can do what you want with it, but it seems a shame to chop such a rare rifle that I am sure someone would be glad to have as is.

I wouldn't cut that one down. Go post on Marlin Owners group and someone would trade you a rifle for it in a heart beat. I recently bough a 336A in 35 rem and that took a long time to find and yours is even more rare.

Agree.

Cutting down one like that doesn't make dollars or sense...

DF

Put it up on the Marlin Forum with photos and it'll sell quickly. Waffle-top As and ADLs in .32 are very desirable.
Bob

It isn't going anywhere. I like it just fine.