Once more,
they’re not cast, they’re forged steel. The article I read a month or so ago said the machinery had been allowed to rust, probably when they turned off the lights. Once they committed to retool, they were free to make some improvements as well.
I get the nostalgia felt for the good old days (and good old prices), but it’s only been a few months since I acquired, set up, and sold a pre-safety 336. It was a solid rifle, ran slickly, and shot well, but fit and finish were typical of Marlins of that period, okay, but only just that. Ruger is apparently taking them up a notch or so. That’s gonna cost something, but there are gazillions of the old ones out there for those who want them.
https://marlinfirearms.com/s/model_336Classic
