Home Forums Lever Action Central Marlin 336 Lever Actions The Model 336 Postwar Early Editions

Just thougth it might be worthwhile to provide some guidance concening the really nice quality early editions of the Model 336 lever rifle that competed with the Winchester Model 94.
First a brief comparison. The 336 is notably over a half century later design. It incorporates a stronger "closed top" receiver which enables scoping ever so much easier and with less 'clumsy results'. From 1948 Model introduction to 1980, the basic design was largely unchanged beyond chambering accommodations, principally enlargement for such as the 444 Marlin & 45/70 chamberings.
Dates listed below are off the top of my head as too lazy to look up. Believe they're correct.
The 336 was offered in three basic models. 20" full magazine Regular Carbine or half mag Sporting Carbine or 24" barrel Rifle. In 1950 the .35 Remington chambering was added & all 336 models became available in it as well as 30-30 Winchester.. In 1953, the "Texas Carbine", 20" barrel & straight grip stock, was introduced. Up to this time the receiver top was not drilled for scope and bore a so-called "Waffle Top" waivy lines - sighting plane glare deduction feature. Afterward, the D&T arriving as "scope ready" and Waffle Top disappeared to favored light sand blastig finish. Perhaps about 1954, the barrel rifling changed from older "Ballard" to new "Microgroove" style. In about 1956, the 219 Wasp chambering 'survived for a year or so. By 'about' 1961 or so, a "Trapper" style straight grip Carbine was introduced with 16" barrel, straight grip stock. "Model name: "Maurauder". Chambering 30-30 or 35 Remington. These carbines now claiming their own collector value and likely by now more faked than real. One clue that all suc legit editions with either "W" or "Z" Serial Prefix. In latter sixties, the longer Marlin .444 Marlin chambering arrived to a mixed audience. In 1972, the same 336 action alterations for the .444 was used to intro the 45/70 chambering. The first editions were simple half mag, straight stock configurations. "Minimalist" that I really like! The honorable mention of the Marlin "Octagon"- such barreled 22" rifle. A surplus barrels edition from the Marlin Zane Gray Commemorative - othewise known as "say who", poor sales model from which the 22" tapered octagon barrel was grafted on the 336 to create a couple of thousands of this model.
I don't recall just when the non-336 model 357 & 44 Mag handgun chambered model was introduced. They were great & handy little carbines as good 'mates' for similarly chambered handguns. I have on eof the .357 Mag rifles from 1980.
I was buying the Model 336 as yet real sleepers. Some very nice 'era' rilles now in my collector hands, to be preserved!
The crossbolt safety edition ended my interest. I do have a couple of such. Yielding to 'deals' and 45 Colt Chambring as well.
The early 336 Marlins as particularly great guns!!!
Again, 'top of head' rendering!
Best!
John

Just by memory, I'd have to say you covered it very close to right! Don't know too much about the "lettering and prefixes" of various models, just remember roughly, what you described is close! I have both a Model 94 Win and a 336. I like the Win just a little better, but the Marlin as far as quality of build, built heavier than is necessary, whereas the 94 is not, it's just heavy enough to do the job!
I too have no desire for the safety models, just the dumbest thing ever added to a firearm, that's already perfectly safe!
I've been around Marlins all my life, from 60's on. My favorites by far are the 70's, not that they're better, I just like them!
There's 2 models I'd sure like to have? The I believe in 70 or 71, they sold the 336 and 39a in a set, 100 years commemorative. Next but really first for my use would be a 70's Model 336a, 24" barrel half mag in 35 Rem. That's the ultimate in a Marlin for my taste! 20" barrel also, but especially the 24"!

All in all, for their purposes, lack of accuracy slightly of a lever action acceptable, probably the best guns ever made in America as far as workhorse capable!

The only reason I like my Win better, it's actually a Mod 64a made in 71, 24" barrel, half mag, 30-30, 100 year NRA Commemorative. The 24" barrel half mag configuration is just so much better handling, aiming, and generally most accurate under all conditions, not critical of hold or rest due to barrel bands of the carbines. I'm sure most 336a's would likely be also. I've shot numerous 5 shot groups with both, the 336 will walk the shots as the tube empties and barrel heats, whereas the 64 will keep its point of impact regardless!

The earliest print advertisement I have been able to locate, for the Texan in 35 Remington, appears in the July 1952 edition of Outdoor Life, A redaction is shown on this coffee cup with my 1955 Ballard rifled Texan in 35 Remington. It is a slick running and very accurate old rifle.

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