How to differentiate new and old style Marlin 336 firing pins?

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Scout21

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I have a '57/'58 Marlin 336 30-30 in need of a new front firing pin. I've seen that there are two styles, one older and one newer. Which pin does my rifle take and how do I know which one I'm looking at when I go to buy a replacement?
 
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You are absolutely correct, I completely forgot about all that! My bad!
I wish I wasn't and wish the old Marlin was still around. Same with the old Remington. But things change and many times for the worst. Seems that been common with the firearms industry. The OP should be able to find a FP. Should be common across many 336 models/variations made for decades.:thumbup:
 
The older firing pin is a pretty solid looking piece. The newer one has cuts and milled away areas. Skelontized, I have heard it called.

Also, they are perfectly interchangeable. Same diameter and length. One Is just lighter than the other because of the milling cuts.

Unfortunately, I don’t know when Marlin went to the lighter pin. If you can break down the bolt then you will be able to tell readily.

YouTube is filled with Marlin bolt disassembly/reassembly videos if you need a tutorial.
 
I hate to be that guy, but have tried calling Marlin?

I figured they wouldn't be able to tell me because this is what they state on their website

"We do not have the parts, equipment, or expertise required to service existing, pre-Ruger, Marlin firearms and we cannot honor any warranty offered by the Remington Outdoor Company. We hope you understand the constraints that limit our ability to service firearms made prior to our acquisition.

If your Pre-Ruger-made Marlin firearm requires immediate repair or service, we recommend that you stop using it and contact a competent local gunsmith. You can also locate the independent service center closest to you listed below. These independent service centers can help you with your ongoing repair and service requirements. Please note that Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. is not affiliated with these service centers and we offer their contact information as a courtesy only. As such, you will need to work directly with the particular service center to arrange for payment of any charges associated with the service or repair. We recommend that you have a clear understanding of any charges before authorizing the work."


I may still hit them up to ask if I can't find out for certain.
 
If they're interchangeable that'd be great. Will a lighter pin potentially be an issue, or is the only difference purely cosmetic?

They have been very reliable for many years. Lock time is decreased with a lighter firing pin.

If it is not reliable then an updated hammer spring may be in order. I have shot many Marlin 336/1895 series rifles with reduced power hammer springs though so it shouldn’t be a problem.
 
I figured they wouldn't be able to tell me because this is what they state on their website

"We do not have the parts, equipment, or expertise required to service existing, pre-Ruger, Marlin firearms and we cannot honor any warranty offered by the Remington Outdoor Company. We hope you understand the constraints that limit our ability to service firearms made prior to our acquisition.

If your Pre-Ruger-made Marlin firearm requires immediate repair or service, we recommend that you stop using it and contact a competent local gunsmith. You can also locate the independent service center closest to you listed below. These independent service centers can help you with your ongoing repair and service requirements. Please note that Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. is not affiliated with these service centers and we offer their contact information as a courtesy only. As such, you will need to work directly with the particular service center to arrange for payment of any charges associated with the service or repair. We recommend that you have a clear understanding of any charges before authorizing the work."


I may still hit them up to ask if I can't find out for certain.
It's a moot point, admittedly. I forgot that they're out of business.
 
They have been very reliable for many years. Lock time is decreased with a lighter firing pin.
I'm not doubting the lighter pin's design, I was just concerned that I may have issues since my rifle may have been designed with the older style.

I found a new style pin online for a reasonable price so I'll probably give it a shot. I'll try to remember to report back with my findings.
 
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