[AugustusMcCrae]

I plan to buy a Marlin 336 but I can't figure out which one is best. I mainly plan to use the gun for HD, deer hunting & SHTF zombie scenario's:D . I also want the gun as a treat for my dad. He loves old westerns so I figure a nice lever action John Wayne rifle would do him a world of good.

[Essex County]

I think any would be fine. I voted for the C, but that's personal prefrence. You might want to take a look at the '94 in .44 Magnum with its straight stock too. Whatever You choose you'll be happy with Marlin quality.. Essex

[mattw]

The Duke used a Winchester ;)

[AugustusMcCrae]

I'm only looking to spend around $300. All the Winchesters I've seen are over that. And now that Winchester is closed, I reckon if I need to send the gun back to the factory for repairs, Marlin would be the better option.

Besides, my pop prefers Tommy Lee Jones in "Lonesome Dove" to John Wayne. *prepares for flaming*.:D

[trainwreck100]

What about CC? or CS if you're going the used route (I'd recommend that) They both have button safeties in addition to half cock. Half cock on those isn't necassarily the best choice since the lever pulls the hammer the whole way back each time you open it.

Greg

[MrDig]

Love my 336c it is an Old Trusty that continues to preform regardless.

[Sniper X]

I'd say a C plus, Winchesters, I won 2 are harder and slower to load than a Marlin in pistol cartridges....I love my 1894 in .357mag though! Not a tactical gun but for that I pull out the M4......

[ArfinGreebly]

I voted for the "C" but I'm wondering where you'll find one for $300. I paid a bit over $400 for mine, though if it had been available down the street I'm pretty sure I could have had it for $350 give or take.

Wally World carries the "W" for well under $300, and I've seen the "A" at Big 5 for under $300 as well.

After some study, I don't believe I gained anything functional in the "C" over the other two.

Here is some data on the woods:

Wood Qualities
From http://www.frontgate.com/text/content/moreinfo/wood_types.html

Birch
Birch is a stiff, close-grained hardwood that grows primarily in northeast U.S. and Canada. A heavy wood, it has a high shock resistance. Birch is very light in color (predominantly a light yellow) and takes any stain well.

Walnut
Prized in North America for high-end cabinetry and furniture, walnut provides strength, hardness, and durability without excessive weight. It has excellent woodworking qualities and takes finishes well. Walnut is light to dark chocolate-brown in color, with a straight grain in the trunk. It can be found in the United States and Canada.

So, essentially, they are both durable hardwoods, but walnut is durable while being lighter, and has a deeper natural color.

It looks like birch would be just fine for a rifle that will have to take punishment, though it would weigh more.

Birch makes a great handle for a knife, as it is naturally hard, resilient, warm, and works well without splitting.

If you're planning on doing any custom cut designs (your initials, a flag, or a copy of your favorite tattoo) on the rifle stock, then birch is your wood.

If weight is your primary thing, then it's walnut.

[smokemaker]

My vote would be for the 336 RC, but it hasn't been made for a while now.

[SteelyNirvana]

336 A ,C,W whats the difference.I bought a 336Aw/scope at Dicks sporting goods last year and I like it,although I wish the finish on the stock and forend was a little darker.Maybee when I clean it i'll acadently spill some hoppes on it to darken it up:rolleyes: .

[Dr.Rob]

Not on your list, 336T (Texan) Straight stock, carbine length. No longer made.

[defiant73a]

Second for the 336T--the best of both worlds (Marlin 336 and Winchester 94).

[Dr.Rob]

http://www.trailcreektrade.com/gunlist.html

One for sale here, $395

[AugustusMcCrae]

Dr. Rob, I love your signature.:D

I know my local Walmart has the 336W with sling for $300 but I'd prefer not to shop there. My local gunstore that I normally go to didn't have any model 336 & when I asked if they could order me one if I paid upfront, the guy said I'd be better off going to Walmart. I guess the 336W will be the version I get unless anybody here on THR applies to my ad on the "buying & selling" forum. I don't really care too much about the wood type because on the official Marlin website, they all look the same to me.:o

[MechAg94]

I have no idea what difference are either. The one I saw at Wal-Mart for $300 is the only one I have really seen up close.

[Nematocyst]

And, I walk the walk
as well as talk the talk.

I bought an "A" today because,
after months of research,
I concluded that it is the
"best Marlin 336 model".

Evidence: the 336A has fore end caps
instead of barrel bands.

If one examines the Marlin lever web pages (http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/Centerfire/336A.aspx)
about all their lever guns,
one will notice that the large majority have
fore end caps instead of barrel bands.

Evolution to go with LeverEvolution.

And, the A has birch furniture.

Birch is a stiff, close-grained hardwood...

It looks like birch would be just fine for a rifle that will have to take punishment,
though it would weigh more....it is naturally hard, resilient, warm...

...a copy of your favorite tattoo...Walnut may be "pretty",
but birch is harder, more resilient and "warm"
even if a few drams heavier.

I chose birch.

[Fred Fuller]

Congratulations, Nem. Hope you enjoy it a lot.

lpl/nc

[19-3Ben]

Augustus- good on ya' supporting the local gun shop rather than wal-mart. I do the same.

[Hobie]

336T (NOT the TS).

[Soap]

Don't you already have a brass-framed Henry? :cool:

[454c]

Same gun different look. Last time I looked, the diff was wood, sights and barrelband/end cap. Pick the one that calls to ya.

[cane]

I love my TK, a straight stocked half magazine, 18" barrel.