In what years were the best quality 336's manufactured?

Go ask Mr. Owl...If you are over fifty, you’ll get it.

Hey,, I’m 33 and I got it right away. Not all us millennials are mouth breathers....

just about any up until 2009 or so. it really depends on what you kind you want. lots of different models. for the standard 20" model with pistol grip and full length mag tube, you can't go wrong with a 70's vintage for pre-safety, or a post 82 for safety version. but then again, 50's and 60's guns are great too.

There was a thread about this on Marlinowners. When taking conversions RPP prefers guns made in the 80’s and after due to better metal tempering. I forgot the exact year, but I prefer after that until they added the cbs.

We have a 1971 and a 1979. They are identical in looks and function and both are excellent shooters. I cannot speak to later models.

I hope the newer ones are better than mine made in 1968. Misfires all the time. Looks like 95% condition. Most likely head space and a lot of expense to fix.

pre safety models are favorites to most.........pre 1983 ish

pre warning on barrel also......but........even with the X/bolt safety

Marlin built some quality & desirable rifles........its just when Remington

screwed the pooch around 2009 on.....

My 1981 is very smooth and accurate.

I really like the late 1940s and 1950s waffle tops.

Remington's takeover occurred in 2008, anything made before that should be good. After that is a roll of the dice.

As stated repeatedly, pre-remlin is desirable, though I have encountered some stinkers before then. You need to look at them all.

A specific model is often more important than a specific age. I really like the saddle ring texan's made in the 60s for example.

I prefer pre-safety when practical. I don't like the look of the button and I know how to safely use a half cock feature. Apparently, not everyone can.

Generally older is better, but the price tends to go up the further back you go. It becomes more of a challenge to find them in good condition.

It's much easier, practical and affordable to find a newer octagonal barrel cowboy than to find a 19th century original in similar appeal. You will get the button safety with that, but I consider it a reasonable compromise to get the cowboy. The pre 2009 models tend to look better than the newer remlins, though they are getting better and typically they are more available and more affordable.

It's really not a strait forward question to answer to answer, when you consider the variables.

No, there are exceptions, but you are in the minority. My own kids are unique in that regard. I'm afraid I doomed them a generation apart. They don't relate well to their own generation, excel at almost anything, and tend to prefer the company of their elders.

I suppose it's a legacy. I identified well with the depression generation. There are not a lot of those respectable, determined, practical, stubborn, frugal souls left in the world. I miss the intelligent clean practical conversation. And it's hard to find someone that will straighten a used nail and stick in a glass jar for reuse.

The best year is whichever year the one I'm selling was made.

The worst year is whichever year the one I want to buy was made.

If advising others and I have no stake in the matter, the above posters can't have much added to their advice.