Marlin 336
 

***First Post***

Hello Everyone - I just wanted to ask a couple questions of you all to gather some info on my latest purchase....

Tonight I purchased a Marlin 336 Lever action 30-30 my first centerfire rifle. I was looking at the Winchester 94 chambered for a .357 round, but after seeing the two rifles side by side I liked the Marlin much better for a few reasons; action felt smoother on the Marlin, rifle felt heavier (which I like), the Marlin had side ejection port. I don't actually have the rifle yet as I bought it used from a very reputable dealer and they informed me that they must wait ten days for it to clear (from previous owner)....

Ok OK...what are my questions? its late I'm tired....

1. 30-30 vs .357 ??? I'm assuming the 30-30 is much better at keeping its velocity at and around 100-150 yards - is that correct

2. Anyone have experience with either rifles I mentioned (specifically the one I already paid for...lol)?

3. I'm not sure but I think the model I bought is the 336W (it has a gold trigger) - I checked out the Marlin Website and this was the only distinguishable difference in models I saw. Am I correct in that assumption?

4. I paid 279.00 for it - looks really clean no scratches except a small .25 inch minor circular dent on the stock. It also had a Burris? 3x scope with see-thru scope mounts (thats cool, never seen that before) - Did I get a decent price - assuming it doesn't blow up in my face at the range next week?

Thanks for any input you may all have....

Oh yeah...how can I get a manual for my new rifle (website seems like a dead end)?

Again Thanks

Dignfied Dude "Ross"

RE: Marlin 336
 

I think you got a great deal especially considering that it has a burris scope already mounted on it. I got the same gun but it's the 444S. I love it, great gun. I'd change the mounts to some solid mounts, Those see-thru mounts are junk.

RE: Marlin 336
 

Those are good solid rifles. Have a few Marlins myself. You will be happy with it. Glad you acquired your first centerfire rifle. Have fun and be safe.

Clint

RE: Marlin 336
 

Welcome to the Board! Your choice is a good one. In lever actions I think the Marlin is just a much better gun. As to the caliber, The 30-30 is much better than a .357 too. You mentioned 100 to 150 yards, that is about what the 30-30 is good for, so practice and don't stretch the limits of the gun and caliber, and you'll be fine!
If the gun and scope are in good condition you made a good buy!
As Clint said, have fun and be safe!

RE: Marlin 336
 

Hi Dignified Dude,

The Marlin is a nice rifle......and it sounds as if you got a decent price. The .30-30 is a fine cartridge for medium game (deer, black bear, etc.), at short to intermediate ranges. (For that purpose it is a much better cartridge than the .357 Magnum.) The .357 Magnum though a good little round is actually a handgun cartridge which has been adapted to several small carbines. And when chambered in the carbines it does improve the .357 Magnums ballistics......but it is still not the equal of the .30-30.

You should be pleased with your new rifle. Welcome aboard!

Dave

RE: Marlin 336
 

Just looking at my old Marlin lever action the other day and reading your post brought back some good memories. My first buck (small eight point) and first bear, 198 lb field dressed. Used it so much I wore out the spring on the magazine feed. My son's first birthday is coming up so I guess I'll be reblueing, refinishing and repairing the ole Marlin in the not so distant future. Hope you enjoy yours as much as I've enjoyed mine over the years!! I would recommend adding the peice that attaches across the hammer for better control when putting the hammer up and down. Don't exactly know the correct term for it.. Thumb lock, thumbbar, etc. perhaps. Enjoy, Juniorpc.

RE: Marlin 336
 

Welcome Dignified Dude to the forum,You bought a nice Lever Action when you picked a Marlin.I prefer the Marlin over the Winchesters. You did get a pretty good deal.The only thing I would suggest changing is the "See Thru" rings.They leave allot to be desired.They raise the scope to high,they are also made of Aluminum extrusions.Slightest bump and your scope is knocked out of wack. I would limit my shots to 100 yards with the absolute max of 125 yards.The 30-30 is a much better round then the 357 mag.
Ruger Redhawk

RE: Marlin 336
 

Good choice and welcome to the board!

Hard to beat Marlin lever guns, I have three, including a 336, and they are awesome.

The 30-30 is a great round, perfect for deer, black bear, antelope. It is also fun to shoot water jugs with. You will be very happy and yes, you got a great deal. The Burris scope is what I have on my 45/70, and they are great for lever guns.

RE: Marlin 336
 

Well,

I picked up my new rifle today...I love it - can't wait to get to the range. My original post said the rifle had a 3x Burris Scope, its actually a 4X Burris (fixed).

I'd like to get some opinion/input on why a fixed magnification scope is better or worse than a variable. I paid 279.00 for the rifle (marlin 336) and the scope came with it. I am trying to assess the value of the scope, I'm thinking somewhere around 150.00. It also has the hammer extension on it which was nice. I love the way this rifle feels can't wait til November (hope I get pulled for Mulie) will be my first deer hunt. I'm going to try and include a picture of the new rifle...hope it works...

Thanks for your replies

Dignified Dude

RE: Marlin 336
 

Marlin 336 in 30-30 is a great gun. You are right it just feels smoother and more solid than a win M-94. The 336W has a walnut stock . They made the same gun also with a hardwood stock. Either gun would be great for deer out to 150 yds. I handload for mine and shrunk the factory groups from 5" to 1.5"and get an extra 200 fps out of the gun.