Marlin 336 XLR

[whalerman]

Alright guys. I just bought a Marlin 336XLR in .30-30, stainless/laminated stock. I like lever actions but will admit this was an impulse buy. I haven't shot it yet. Its new. 24" barrel. You know the model. I was looking for a 336 in a shorter version, but this was about the same money.

Question is, will the longer barrel give me much with this caliber? It doesn't seem much heavier than the other models. It feels real good on the shoulder. Thoughts?

 

[natman]

The longer barrel won't give much extra velocity with a relatively low pressure round like 30-30.

The Marlin website quotes the same 7 lb weight for the XLR vesion as the regular 336, but I don't see how you can add 4 inches of barrel and a laminated stock without adding at least 1/2 a pound, if not more.

On the plus side, a stainless/laminated 336 will shrug off weather and be rugged as an anvil, but I don't see much advantage to the long barrel.

 

[whalerman]

Thanks Natman. I'm hoping the long site radius will offer some advantages. The rifle has a good feel to it but I'm with you, it sure seems more than the 7lbs Marlin lists. I'll get it out and shoot it later this week.

 

[GooseGestapo]

The extra barrel length (4") will net you approximately 100fps.
Most of the .30/30 ammo velocities are listed for the 24" bbls, and most actually attain the advertised velocities or close to it. I reload for my .30/30, and my velocities are a bit faster than factory ammo. My 20" bbl gets essentially the factory advertised velocities for 24" bbls. If you reload, you'll not see any disadvantage to the .30/30. With the correct bullet it's adequate for 95% of any N. American big-game hunting.

I had in the '80's a M336A, which also has the 24" bbl. I was very fond of it, but traded it for a S&W Mod686 2.5" that I needed. I don't regret the trade as I shot a National record with the revolver that still stands....... But I missed the rifle so much that I bought a Glenfield(Marlin) Mod 30 (1/2 magazine w/20" bbl and birch stocks) to replace it. The replacement has been a very delightful gun and has taken numerous deer and several hogs.

Yes, the Laminated stock and 4" longer barrel add about 12oz to the weight of the rifle. Weights I've seen posted run about 7.75lbs w/o scope.

The current XLR's have a little extra attention given to them and on average are a tad more accurate. Many are reporting 1" groups (5-shots @100yds) with them and the Hornady LeverEvolution ammo.

You now need to join www.marlinowners.com

There are a lot of well informed Marlin affectionado's over there.

 

[Badlander]

See how you like it. If you think it's to long you can cut it to what you want.
My 16" 336 SC is my favorite 30-30. Shoots as good as it did before cutting.