Old Marlin M336

[JH1951]

I sold a similar one with no repairs, but drilled and tapped, last year for $350. The buyer and I were both happy. (That was in Pennsylvania prior to hunting season.)

 

[gregintenn]

Five bills minimum around here.

 

[Warren Sear]

Is the receiver freckled or just worn?

As for the 24 inch barrel, Tom Hayes wrote in a deer hunting book that those rifles handled well in the woods and give a little more velocity than the usual carbines.

I think his book was, Hunting the Whitetail Deer. Or, was that Larry Koller's book? Good volume to find, by either author. All of his/their gun comments made sense. Both admired Marlins.

The receiver is neither freckled nor worn. It must be the way the lighting is.

 

[Warren Sear]

Thank you everyone for the great information!

I have never had much interest in lever actions rifles, but after fondling this one for the past few days I have really gotten to like it. My nephew is very excited about it, and we will test fire it this weekend.

It has not been drilled and tapped for a scope.

The stock is walnut, and I don't think it has been refinished, just worn a little smooth, but I'm not sure about that.

I looked again at the barrel stamping, and it says it is a 336-A. I did not know the significance of the "A". Also, what is a "JM" Marlin?

Thanks again everyone, and I will post a report after firing it.

Edited to add: That is dust in the picture of the receiver; not rust!

 

[Cardboard_killer]

You can use the predrilled screws on the left side of the receiver to mount an aperture sight.

 

[s&wchad]

Also, what is a "JM" Marlin?

Remington acquired Marlin in 2007 and took over production. Many of the experienced workers were lost and the quality declined.

A simple way to determine manufacture is to look at the barrel proof. Marlin made guns are stamped “JM”, while Remington made guns are marked “REP”.

 

[2152hq]

The 'Model 336A' designation was for the 336 w/a 24" bbl.

The other models at the time were:
336RC,,that was the Carbine w/a 20" bbl and full length magazine tube.
336SC,,the 20" bbl Carbine w/a 1/2 magazine tube.

The checkered stocks, sling swivels and sling on the OP rifle make it a Model 336ADL ...336A,DL 336A De Luxe.
ADL was only avail in the 24" version at the time IIRC.
I don't think ADL versions of the 2 carbines (the 336RC or SC) were offered right at the begining of production in '49.
Might be wrong on that though and some searching might turn up some info on the early ADL models & production dates.

By far the bulk of production at the very start of mfg the Mod 336 were the Carbine versions followed by the plain 336A rifles.
You just don't see a lot of the ADL versions around. Those coming up on 70yrs old usually aren't in the best of condition either.

Wether the older mfg and ADL status means anything or not to a person certainly effects the price willing to be paid.
It's certainly worth more IMO than a 70's or 80's 336.
But either will get the job done just as well in the field.

 

[410bore]

Love the old "Waffle Top" Marlins. I have a 336SC Sporting Carbine in 30-30 from 1954

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Marlins do not have the cachet that Winchesters do but the pre-Remington ones are just as well made.

 

[kraynky]

I love a 24" Marlin. Although I only have two, a 336A and a 444. They balance good with the half tube loaded up. That rifle is easily a $600 rifle around here. Congratulations on finding one in such great condition! That one is a beauty!

 

[gregintenn]

Those are very high quality rifles. They were once very inexpensive on the used market, and a great value. Folks are now beginning to discover this and the prices are quickly rising.