The Model 336 Postwar Early Editions - 02/19/22
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
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