lever gun stocks...

[SSN Vet]

I have a Marlin 336CW with the pistol grip stock which I am very fond of.....

but, after seeing more of the traditional straight stocks....I'm envious....much better look than the pistol grip stocks IMO. But I've never shot a lever with a straight stock.

When I handle my 336, it seems that my right hand isn't even on the curved lower portion of the pistol grip stock at all.

So I'm wondering, how did pistol grip stocks become so popular and prevalent on newer lever action rifles? Is there an advantage to the pistol grip stock that I take for granted?

 

[absolute0]

For some reason, Marlin has always equipped their standard 336 rifles with pistol grip stocks. I don't believe they even offer a straight gripped variant currently unless you're looking at an 1894 or 1895 guide gun.

Do what I did, go find yourself an old RC or "regular carbine" model 336 rifle with the straight stock, great lines, better handling and no infernal safety!

 

[Legionnaire]

Ditto. A couple of months ago I found a 1960s vintage 336 RC. I'd been looking for a straight-stocked Marlin for a long time. Paid more than one would pay for a used 336 C, but I'm happy as a clam. I really like the straight stock, and no cross-bolt safety is a plus.

 

[rockstar.esq]

My arm was set improperly more than a decade ago and as such a pistol grip is a HUGE help to my shooting comfort. In fact one of my longish term goals is to modify a 336 with a laminate stock which would allow a steeper pistol grip. Of course I'd have to modify the lever to match the new grip but personally I think it'd be just about perfect for my gimpy arm. Additionally I think that unlike many shooters I'm completely unenthused by the straight grip on any long arm. Personally I'm more than a little annoyed that the manly .45-70 guide gun isn't offered in a pistol grip.

 

[AStone]

Every long gun I've ever owned has had a pistol grip.

.22 (2), .35 Rem, 870 16 ga, 870 12 ga.

It's what I know; they feel right for me.

Hence, my upcoming cowboy assault rifle
(Marlin 336 in .30-30 with cut/crowned 18" barrel)
will have pistol grip stock as well.

 

[7mmsavage]

try a straight stock first

My father has a pistol grip 336 and I have a Winchester 94 with a straight stock. After shooting both, I prefer the way his handles over mine. I always thought my Winchester looked better than the Marlin, but now I look at them differently. Maybe it's the whole form follows function thing.

 

[Leif]

I've had a Marlin 1894 in .44mag with a straight grip and a Marlin 336 in .30-30 with a pistol grip ... I still have the 1894. Just felt better in the hands to me. I think it's a matter of what works best for you.

Look at the Browning BLR's - they've got the same carbines/rifles in the same chamberings in both pistol and straight stocks

 

[mainmech48]

Marlin offered 336 models with both for many years. The market made the decision by buying many more of the pg models and the traditional version went away.

Many folks prefer a pg more for functional than cosmetic reasons. For them, it just seems to give them better control and shooting comfort, especially from a position other than off-hand.

For me, it's most apparent when prone or at the bench. As a pg in some form or another is virtually universal on the competition rifles of about every discipline, it must do something positive for a lot of shooters.

Most of my LAs have the traditional straight grip. FWIW, it's quite possible to have your pg 336 converted. Butt stocks and levers are readily available, and about any decent 'smith should be able to fit them for you.