[bdhawk]

a shootin' buddy inhiereted a marlin 336. it belonged to his great grandfather. it is about 75% condition. it is in .32 winchester special. he doesn't want to sell it. he does need an approximate value for insurance purposes.

BTW what is it with the .32 winchester special? it seems sorta anemic, especially compared to it's cousin the 30-30. what was it's intended purpose?

[JNewell]

Prices on 336s are all over. Recently I've seen a nice 1951 336 with a Lyman receiver sight in 98% condition for $175 (which I think was a bargain) and a very nice (maybe 90%+) 1936 (square bolt, should be pricier) for $200. OTOH, I've seen late production used 336s (less desirable in my opinion) for up to $250-275.

The 32WS is a great cartridge. It would be at least as good as the .30-30 but somehow never got the market share, or caught people's imaginations, the way the .30 WCF did. There was a great article a couple of months ago in The Accurate Rifle on this cartridge. Downrange ballistics and accuracy are great, but you're right, the factory loads are well below its potential.