Home Forums Lever Action Central Marlin 336 Lever Actions 336 XLR SS .308 Marlin Barrel Length Reduction

Who do you recommend to shorten and re-crown the barrel?

I did something similar once to a Marlin XLR and used a guy that was recommended on a gun forum like this. In addition to taking 3x longer than expected, he botched the front sight install and had to Tig weld it to fix the mistake. This was partially covered by the front sight base but it really turned me off to using guys that are not well known. Whoever you choose to do the work, just make sure to check their references before you jump.

I will say I have used Class 3 Machining several times for cutting & threading rifles and know Morgan can drill & tap the barrel to relocate the front sight. He did my 1895GS Trapper build last year which I used for deer hunting last fall. Alternately you could try one of the outfits that specializes in lever actions such as Ranger Point Precision, Grizzly Custom or Wild West Guns but I have no experience with any of them and don't know if they are accepting new work.

FWIW I recently chopped one of my stainless 44 magnum rifles to build a 16" Trapper and did all the work myself using a hacksaw and muzzle facing tools. Keep in mind I am a dentist by day and am not a machinist but this isn't hard with the right tools which can be purchased or rented from places like 4D, Elk Ridge etc. Just something to think about but if I can do this then any gunsmith worth his salt should be able to do it too. If interested in seeing more I did a build thread elsewhere, just google "1894SS Trapper Build" I'm sure you can find it...

I just bought an XLR 30-30 and immediately told them to chop it to 21". I will pick it up on Thursday

Good deal fellas, I’ve done the same to many with many pics under many screenames on MO forum.

Any local decent smith can trim a barrel and anything else you need done according to how short you want it. I would only shorten it enough not to need tube cut or tennon relocated. That extra expense ain’t worth it.

YUP 21 " now!