Difficult for me to coceive of someone perferring a new eral Marlin 336 to one of the earlier species exuding quality in qppearance and smoothness of operation. The model initiated in 1948 but not D&T until 1954. I do understand for many, such feature important as I yet prefer the "Waffle top". I understand preferring a 1950 or later vintage if desiring the 35 Remintton chambering. I'm not a fan of it in such as the .32 Winchester chambering since I prefer even my nicest specimens as practical shooters without fuss of reloading or extensive ammo searches.
Where features simply not available or requiring alterations to a "collector qualified" 336 specimen, I endorse the newer alternative. I do understand simply the matter of a "bargain as acquired with profit/investment motive. I also understand a different sense of aesthetics or just wanting a gun for reasons not easily articulated.
Beyond all that said, I dont' understand preferring the newer models as a genre over the old. I'm not a fan of external safeties and from that era about early eighties as I recall. Only two later exceptions and both for sake of chambering. One in .45 Colt and the other of .450 Marlin and not to have acquired it if to appreciate the chambering wouldn't be supported in "factory loaded" context within a decade of my purchase!
Rant concluded. Shoot 'em while you got 'em. Particular advice with profound condolences of our Canadian friends in respect of recent Canadian legislation!
Best!
John
