I want a 336. In 30/30. What years are generally considered the best? I assume like Winchester levers older is better.

Let me know - I don't know much about the Marlins as I do Winchesters.

Thanks,

Jeff

I've got a 1960 336SC that's awfully nice, but I wouldn't say it's the best one of the bunch. I just don't know enough about them, either, to say so.

I will say that Marlin did a lot of experimenting around with the 336 during the '60s, though, and did lots of nice things, like the Marauders and Texans, to go along with the 336As and other somewhat "different" versions.

You might go over to marlinowners.com and read around over there, and maybe decide for yourself what you're most interested in buying.

There's a lot of knowledge over there, that can be tapped with a few polite questions.

Personally, Marlin has made so many 336s/30As, that I don't fear putting a swivel stud in them, or any other modifications, that seem to make those guys cringe. Crap, they are everywhere, it's not like they're rare or even in short supply, anywhere. I don't have the reverence for them that some of those folks do. Good rifles, mine is nice and kills a deer now and then, and shoots well, but it's not the Holy Grail, it's a flippin' rifle that was made by the millions.

I'm not an expert on them but I've had a number of them since the late 1960's. Every one I've owned shot well and functioned with out problems. All but a couple have been made in the 60's and 70's. I just don't see how you can go wrong in that time frame. Study them a little, decide what you want and hold out for one in good shape. There are plenty at good prices. Wish I could justify another one.

I have 2 35 Remingtons from the 50's and a 444 from the mid 70's. I like the metal work better on the 35's. Action and trigger are much slicker on the 444 though.

+1 .... I have owned three Marlin 336. First two I got in the 1970s. Later on I needed some cash and had to
sell both. Missed the rifle so in the mid 1990s I got another one. Overall I have been happy with all of them.

Paradiddle -- Curious about one thing ... why 30/30 and not 35 ?

I like the stock designs on the 70's and 80's made rifles. I don't think there is a lot of difference in function but many including current production are just too fat. Many from the 50's and 60's were as well.

I like straight stocks too. The one on the left is a 2005 rifle in 35 Rem. Notice how much thicker the forend is.



Marlin and Winchester, both made in 1958. The forend on this Marlin is as trim as the Winchester

Just my opinion, but the best are from the 50s-60s. The fit (internal and external) just seems more precise and the actions seem a step above the norm. That span might include the late 40s as the few I've seen have looked rather nice.

Given a decent price, I wouldn't turn any Marlin down made before 2009.

the best.....any pre safety...

more selection/variety....up to 2008.......

I have owned well over a hundred Marlins of all vintages. From my experience, the best fit and finish in on rifles from late 40s to late 50s. I have seen excellent examples from all decades, but that time period stands out. I even came to love the fat fore ends and buttstocks because the actions on these rifles are so smooth and the barrels are always indexed properly and no sharp edges anywhere on the wood or metal.

I have owned well over a hundred Marlins of all vintages. From my experience, the best fit and finish in on rifles from late 40s to late 50s. I have seen excellent examples from all decades, but that time period stands out. I even came to love the fat fore ends and buttstocks because the actions on these rifles are so smooth and the barrels are always indexed properly and no sharp edges anywhere on the wood or metal.

My favorite Marlin 336 configuration is the 336 SD, deluxe sporting carbine from the late 1950's. The late Douglas P. Murray's book on the 336 is worth owning if these rifles interest you.

the late 40's to early 60's are my favorites but i also like the davidsons special runs from the 90's and up. ones like the 336D, SS LTD, SDT, SDG, etc. the 60's glenfields with the cheaper wood kind of grow on you too. actually hard to go wrong on anything before 2008.

I cant really answer your question... because I've only owned one 336. It's a 30-30, made in '75 with the straight stock.

Word of caution-- shoot the gun several times before you buy, if you are getting a used gun. Some, might be all I'm not sure, 336's have a 2 piece firing pin assembly. If worn, the pins wont line up properly and sometimes the rifle will not shoot. Check it out, before you buy. I had this problem with a 336 that I bought from a pawn shop, but they gave me my money back.

Other than that, I think, they are great guns and I've killed more deer with my 30-30, than any other gun.

I've had 336's from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. I couldn't tell much difference as far as quality really. My current 30-30 was made in 1992 and is the most accurate of all by a slight margin. Some folks don't like the crossbolt safety but it doesn't bother me in the least.

My personal favorites are 1948,49 &50 because of the one piece triggers.I think the ones made in the 1960`s and 70s seem to be the peak of quality in 336`s.Appearence wise I like the old flatbolt 36 and 1936s.My absolute favorite is a model 93 with a 26" Oct. barrel in 38/55 made in 1910.