Hello all,

Gun value question:
1952 Marlin 336sc in .30-30. My question is, if the "waffle top" receiver has been drilled and tapped, and the stock lightly varnished at some point (quality job), how much should this detract from the asking price of the rifle?

Hi,

I lived in Memphis for 28 years, until retiring back to my original home of Virginia a couple of years ago. I sure miss the music and the good people.

To answer your question, unfortunately, since your 336SC has been drilled, tapped and refinished, it has zero value to a collector. Collectors only want high grade specimens of totally unaltered rifles. So, it is worth whatever an older used 336c is bringing, or perhaps a little less because of the thicker forestock. I would guess $300 to $350 tops. Remember, you can still buy a brand new 336 at Walmart for $399.

Hope this helps.

Mannyrock

Thanks Mannyrock, that does help. I figured it wouldn't be too appealing to a collector, but I saw it on an online auction the other day and since it was already in that condition I figured it would make for nice classic hunting gun. From your estimation I think I got it for a fair price. It's on it's way to Memphis right now.

As most will see the brand new Marlins aren't what they used to be. That being said, I'd take a drilled and tapped Waffle top over a new Wal-mart gun any day. If you were collecting Marlins I think you would have never bought it to start with. Shoot and enjoy it, they are great rifles.

"Should" & "would" are two different things.

While most agree the alteration makes one a "shooter" grade/price, many seller's just don't know the difference, and/or are proud of whatever they're selling.


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Whatever the altertions have done to decrease its collector value, that 52-foot barrel has got to appeal to someone.