Home Forums Lever Action Central Marlin 336 Lever Actions Conversion

Hello all, somewhat of a green horn here. I've got a 336 pistol grip stocked 30-30, and I'm wanting to convert it to straight stock without the surgery. Do you all have any recommendations as to parts or am I better of trying to straighten it? I have a bit of mechanical aptitude but I'd like to hear from those who have the experience I lack here. Thanks in advance.

Parts are available. Try Numrich, GB, Brownells, etc. I would replace parts for ease and in case you want to reverse it.

From an amateur, not a gunsmith! I've conjured the process before and a first pivotal question whether cheaper & easier simply to buy a straight stock model and sell off the other. All remaining "Factory". If you're committed, realizing the extent of the conversion in stock bottom metal and lever. The matter of it all 'fitting with reasonable harmony & 'don't count on that - in my simple estimation. The Stock needing to be a swap and more possible 'vicissitudes'. Gaps, proud wood, etc. I'd not count at all in simple 'slide on fit'. Of then refinishing, etc. And speaking of finish, of metal finish - old to new - matching reasonably well.
For all these reasons and Murphy's law of 'if anything can go wrong, it will... I'd go back to option one and just swap. That was my decision years ago and nowadays ever more convinced the 'right' thing to do for ease and likely better expense containment.
Last the caution that earlier Marlin Models 336 serial numbers were not on the "receiver, but on the lower tang under the lever. A change in grip as you propose 'may' therefore remove or alter the serial number. The 'effect of that is unknown to me and while I have a theory, I'd not hazard a guess!
Good luck & Best!
John

You need a stock, a lever, and a lower tang. 20 minute job, 5 screws and 2 pins to remove and replace. Biggest hurdle is finding wood that is a close match to your forend, if that doesn’t concern you it’s no sweat. This assumes you’re working with a 1960’s or newer gun lest you run into the serial number issue stated above.

I am.just the opposite. I have a straight stocked 1894SS that I would prefer to be pistol grip. Availability and price of parts has blocked me.

Thank you all for your input, WStrayer looks like you're a long trip from me, less we could swap parts.

Ok guys, I've received a lever from a gentleman here on the fire and acquired a trigger plate from eBay, the plate I have appears to be way short vs the lever I've got. When I try to slide the two together the trigger looks to be way far forward in the lever loop. Sorry for not having pictures yet, any ideas ?

Sounds like you have an 1894 tang. If so it will not work. Must be a 336,444,1895 tang to work. Do all the screw holes line up?

I havnt got the gun in front of me to find out yet but I will know this weekend, I think you're onto something though

Correction-ive got an 1894 trigger plate.....

Correction-ive got an 1894 trigger plate.....

Go to Marlinowners.com and relay your questions there. There are even threads dedicated to the transition you are talking about. I came close to doing the transition myself years ago but I had a guy speak up who wanted to trade so I didn't have to do the cutting down of my Marlin. It may be time consuming but if your mechanically inclined and can follow directions you should be able to handle the job. If you can't find the threads about it send me a PM here and I'll see if I can find it for you. You also stand a decent chance that someone would be willing to trade with you also.

It will probably work out cheaper to buy a straight grip rifle in the configuration you want and sell your pistol grip rifle. If there are features you want to retain, then swap the parts over and sell off the pistol grip parts rifle. I did that with a 1895 model (which is based on the 336 action). I prefer straight grip models too.

You can have my lower tang for shipping. I'll clean it up and presto blue it if you want.

Nessmuk you have a straight grip trigger plate for a 336 ? I'd be glad to trade my 1894 plate if you'd have any use for it ?