Marlin 336 C or W?

[dak0ta]

Hi Guys,

Is there any advantage of owning a 336C besides the aesthetics of the gun? The W is cheaper and I feel like if I were hunting and using it at the range, it would be better because the hardwood is harder and stronger than walnut. Also, dings and scratches wouldn't matter as much.

The 336 C has a fluted comb, what does that do? Also, there's the bullseye on the pistol grip cap. Does the rubber recoil pad do much dampening as opposed to the W's hard butt plate?

Any other differences? I hear that the blueing is better on the C too. Not sure of that.

Are the internals better polished? Better semi-buckhorn sights? Gold trigger?

 

[Averageman]

Marlinowners.com
they can tell you everything and probobly more than you'll ever want to know about you 336.

 

[ronto]

The only difference is a walnut stock on the C and a gold trigger and sling on the W.
The internals, bluing, etc. are the same.

 

[jmr40]

It is worth the difference to get the C to me. I would buy used if the price difference was more than I wanted to pay.

The fluted comb gives the heel of your hand a little more room to help get a more comfortable grip on the gun. I much prefer a gun to have one, but most people don't seem to notice.

The W will shoot just as well and last just as long. The walnut costs a little more now, but will look better in the long run. The W is made with white wood with a dark stain. Every scratch and dent will show the white wood underneath. The same marks on the walnut C model will become character marks.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

I have a 336W, my son has a 336C. From the bench off sandbags 'scoped firing Winchester powerpoints the groups from both guns run 1" to 2". The rate of twist was changed in th 1980s so my gun shoots a slight bit more consistent with low velocity handloads. Otherwise it is a toss-up.

 

[CajunBass]

Yes, the stock will scratch easier on the "W". On the other hand it's easier to fix. Other than the stock they're the same AFAIK. My "W" shoots just fine.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

(The bullseye on the Marlin stocks indicates they are American walnut.) The bluing and final fit and finish of the stock and externals on the 336C is slightly nicer (and slightly more expensive) than the 336W. Quite frankly, the last time I saw used 336 at gun shops or pawn shops the resale prices were not all that different. The accuracy and reliability and durability even been equal in my experience with my son's 336C, my old 336C .30-30 and 336C .35 (sold to make a house payment in the 1980s), and my current 336W. Four guns may be a small sample but a lot of lasting impressions come from one example.

 

[hotlead]

Dakota, give this thread a look. A lot of info here http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=258000&highlight=336+owners+club