RemLin S/N will begin in 'MR' >>>>
<<<<<<<
One way to be sure & certain...buy a pre safety...pre '83
Nuthin' wrong with post '83 w/cross bolt safety up to 2009....
Just beware of 'Ilion NY' stamped on barrel....the 'JM' stamp
is a purty good sign too of a good Marlin...2010-2014 may be
problem childs..here's a S/N chart......pic is '08 357 Cowboy..
http://marlinspares.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Marlin-Date-codes-ver8-396mb2-1024x791.jpg