A few elementary ?'s on my Marlin 336

[cleetus03]

Hey guys new to the forum, and I must say the abundant amount of information found on THR has helped me greatly with firearm knowledge.

I just received a 1966 Marlin 336 30-30 with a 20” barrel from my grandpa recently, and have a few questions about it.

#1 Sling carry: Is it better to carry muzzle up or down with this rifle when slung over the shoulder? What if any are the benefits of each position?

#2 Adjusting the rear sight notch: Are the adjustable stock sights zeroed in already for certain yardage according to each individual notch from lowest to high?

I appreciate any help yall can give and look forward to being a member on the forum.

 

[jmr40]

I like muzzle up. If I slip and fall less chance of mud in my barrel. Others like muzzle down so there is no definate right or wrong.

You will have to shoot it and adjust the sights for your ammo, sight picture and the range you wish to shoot.

 

[SGW42]

As far as I know the notches on the sight elevator do not correspond to any set yardage. As said above the zero will vary dependent on what ammo your rifle likes and how you set your sight picture up.

With a bead front sight, some people put the bead completely over the point of impact (as I do), others put the bead at 6 o'clock on the POI.

 

[CZguy]

As far as I know the notches on the sight elevator do not correspond to any set yardage. As said above the zero will vary dependent on what ammo your rifle likes and how you set your sight picture up.

With a bead front sight, some people put the bead completely over the point of impact (as I do), others put the bead at 6 o'clock on the POI.

You are correct SGW42, good info.

I have always carried a rifle muzzle up on a sling, unless it's raining.

 

[Logan5]

I find buckhorn and semi-buckhorn rear sights to be less and less entertaining the longer you shoot with them. I imagine that a 1966 336 might not be drilled for it, but consider tapping out the rear sight unit and replacing it with a dovetail blank and a good receiver mounted aperture.
It's a short gun, but with the factory setup, it's a much shorter sight radius than it needs to be.

 

[rcmodel]

Muzzle up or down carry is entirely a personal preference, based on what you are doing at the time.

Normal carry on long walks is best accomplished muzzle up on the right shoulder.

I prefer muzzle-down on the left shoulder when the likelihood of needing a fast shot is there.

You already have your left hand on the forearm, and you can transition from left side muzzle-down to a firing position with the sling wrapped over the support arm in one smooth fast motion.

It works well when transversing deep woods and brush because it keep the gun from hanging up on overhead limbs & vines.

It is also best for rain & snow to keep water out of the barrel.

But it increases the chance of sticking the barrel in the mud or snow if you slip & slide.

rc