.32 Winchester Special

[BWB]

The .30 WCF (30-30) was introduced in 1895, and the .32 Special in 1902, both always factory loaded with smokeless powders.
Can't recall dates for the .35 Remington and the others, but they would have been some years later. They were intended to replicate and compete with the already established Winchester rimmed 38-55, 30-30, .32 Special, and .25-35Model 94 chamberings as rimless versions for Remington's pump gun and first autoloader. The .35 Remington made it, and was and remains popular, the others not seen much.

 

[35Remfan]

Dr T: I would buy the rifle. I don't think many Marlin's in the 336 configuration were made in 32 Win Special. Shouldn't lose value if it doesn't shoot to your standards.

As far as the caliber itself I would love to have one. It would meet my needs for a deer and even elk cartriage. I am a woods hunter that doesn't take long shots because they don't present themselves where I hunt.

Plenty of power and plenty of history behind a wonderful caliber. My father always wanted one probably because his grandfather and the hunters when he was a kid always talked so highly of it.

 

[planetmobius]

I own three 32 specials. Two are Winchester 94's and the other is a Marlin configured identically to the one you described. Mine is from the 50's and retains the Ballard style rifling. All my 32's shoot just as well as any of my 30-30's and I believe that they shoot cast bullets a little better. I would buy that rifle. Ammo is still an over the counter proposition and in my neck of the woods, there are not many popping up at deer camp anymore. Its a great round although any difference between it and the 30-30 is negligible.

 

[stiab]

Does anyone have any experience with...this configuration of the 336

I've read this thread, and looks like you and I are the only two who have ever seen one. Not uncommon in the 94, rare in the 336. Mine was the standard model, the one you referenced may be a 336A, even more rare. Factory ammo was not as hard to find as I expected, Hornady makes it, and it does have better stats than the .30-30. Mine was a waffle top, old hammer that you cannot find a spur for, and had a hair trigger, and as an older model did not have the lever engaged safety. I sold it for a nice profit at a gunshow.