My grandfather purchased a 24 in barrel (I think...I know its longer than most I've seen/handled) 336 in about 1955-1956 according to my father's memory. The rifle is far more accurate than I ever imagined it would be, shooting just over an inch at 100 yards. Its got the lightest factory trigger pull of any rifle I've had the pleasure of handling. It served as my grandpa's deer rifle, and collected a few for my father as well, before he switched to a boltaction Remington. The rifle holds a special place in my heart, both as the first centerfire rifle I've shot, and the rifle I used to collect my first deer 19 years ago. Its been sitting unused in the gun cabinet for the past several years, waiting for another generation of shooters. That day has finally come, as my 10 yr old nephew will likely be using it on his first deer hunt this fall....Unless my wife lays claim to it first for HER first deer season!!