Marlin 1936 .30-30

[Shark Bait]

I walked the gun show in Albuquerque today, but found nothing I had to have. Then I went to a couple LGS's and this turned up at the last one. This is now my earliest Marlin. Based on the serial number, it was made in 1941 (more likely 1937 based on new info, see posts by 2152hq). Only the 1936's and first variant of the 36 had case hardened receivers. Then they were all blued. This one must have had a sheltered life. It is in great shape. If you have more info about these guns, please share it. Thanks!

 

[Fishinfool]

Now THAT'S a pretty gun... Congrats on a nice find.

Larry

 

[Walter Rego]

Wow ! I would much rather have that than a 1941 Winchester Model 94 Carbine in similar condition. Wm. Brophy's book is reasonably priced and is the Bible on Marlins.

 

[Rudi]

Looks brand spankin' new!

 

[Mrnurse]

Got a 1939 in same cond.....Great rifles.

 

[shouldazagged]

Closest I can come is a late-1950's 336 I bought lightly used in the mid-'60's. Like a fool I traded it away, but the JM Marlin .30-30's were splendid rifles.

I'm terribly envious of that 1936. The case coloring is gorgeous.

 

[Shark Bait]

Got a 1939 in same cond.....Great rifles.

I'd love to see it if you have pictures.

 

[Bakebfr480]

Very nice!

 

[6518John]

Simply amazing. I would think that was some sort of outstanding reproduction or one that had been redone by one of the high-end, custom gunsmiths like Hamilton Bowen.

What a treasure.

 

[Valmet]

That is one stunning old Marlin! Thanks for sharing OP

 

[CZU]

That is sure pretty. I'd probably kick one of my Win 94's out of the safe for that.

 

[Shark Bait]

I have to admit that before I found this gun I did not know that Marlin had made any guns with color case hardened receivers. I need to do some more homework on the old Marlins in case I ever stumble onto more of them. The handguard has a wide belly and I found pictures of other 1936's with the same type, but I read there were other types used. Just one more thing I need to research.

 

[woodsltc]

Wow....that is really nice. Love the case-hardening. You made a great find.

Thanks for sharing the pics.


Don

 

[Pisgah]

Nothing to be said about a find like that, except -- SWEET!

 

[Shark Bait]

I just checked the gun over more closely. There are a few nicks and dings on the stock, but nothing major. The bore is beautiful and the trigger breaks clean at 3.5 lbs. No trigger flop like you find in later guns. Can't wait to shoot it!

 

[shocker]

So the timeline according to Wikipedia.
Model 1893
Model 1936 - 1893 with different wood and sights
Model 36 - name change
Model 336 - numerous changes to the internals.
1956 Microgroove barrel.

Anything else of note?

 

[Shark Bait]

Case hardened receivers ended with the last guns in 1941. No production during WWII. Started again after the war with blued receivers. Guns made from 1936 to 1940 had fluted butt stocks and "fish belly" handguards. Guns made in 1941 had a B serial number prefix, a "beaver tail" handguard (like mine), and no flutes in the butt stocks. They also changed to a hard rubber butt plate with phillips head screws. That's what I have found so far.

 

[Gunhacker]

Holly cow that's nice!!! I suffer from "Marlinitis", so color me bright green with envy. I bet the folks over on the marlinowners.com forum would love to see it too.

 

[Shark Bait]

Wm. Brophy's book is reasonably priced and is the Bible on Marlins.

I looked for the book, but it costs $400+ when I find one! Online versions are about $50. Maybe I'll go that route.

 

[richardrobins93]

I walked the gun show in Albuquerque today, but found nothing I had to have. Then I went to a couple LGS's and this turned up at the last one. This is now my earliest Marlin. Based on the serial number, it was made in 1941. Only the pre-war 1936's had color case hardened receivers. When production started again after the war they were all blued. This one must have had a sheltered life. It is in great shape. If you have more info about these guns, please share it. Thanks!

WELL SHARK BAIT, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SUCH A NICE GIFT.. YOU ARE MY HERO,
HOW IN HECK DID YOU KNOW THAT IT IS MY BIRTHDAY, YOU'VE WARMED MY HEART, AGAIN THANK YOU FOR SUCH A DEAR PRESENT, (LOL),,,,, RICHARD