The 336 Club
- Thread starter AStone
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It 's fun reading the trials and tribs and triumphs of some of you new lever users! For background, let me say that my first rifle was an '86 Winchester, .45-90. I was 12…that would have been back in 1947. That rifle went West when I entered military service. Didn't own another rifle 'til '62. That one was a 336SC (20" bbl, half magazine) in .35 Rem. caliber. That was my 'do everything' rifle for three years: deer to woodchucks. Learned reloading with that Marlin and a Lee Loader in a box. Pistol bullets with a hefty charge of IMR 4227 blow up varmints nicely! I literally shot that rifle's bore out...when it started hitting sideways, I traded it off. Made do with a Remington 700 for a few years (the lean years while the kids were growing up) but got bit by the Marlin bug in '81, when I spied an 1894c .357 in K-Mart, of all places. That little rifle is still in my safe, and is my favorite long gun among a dozen or so others. Accurate, powerful enough, a great plinker. In 1985, though, I joined the big bore club, with a beautiful and accurate 1895/336 rifle, in .45-70. I figure with these guns, I'm covered from prairie dogs to dinosaurs. Still, I'd pick up a nice .35 336 if one stumbles by me one day. As a long time
Marlin owner and reloader, who has had his share of problems with sights, and Microgroove/lead bullet accuracy, and stock finishes, I've seen and done just about '...it all'. Get a kick out of reading how history repeats itself for each new generation of Marlin fanciers. Now that the company has been sold, and prices of new guns are so high, I don't think kids like I was will have the same chance to learn how good a lever gun can be. But that's a part of growing old. Have fun, children, live and learn, so that someday, like me, you can read of your NEXT generation's problems, and smile!!!
Marlin owner and reloader, who has had his share of problems with sights, and Microgroove/lead bullet accuracy, and stock finishes, I've seen and done just about '...it all'. Get a kick out of reading how history repeats itself for each new generation of Marlin fanciers. Now that the company has been sold, and prices of new guns are so high, I don't think kids like I was will have the same chance to learn how good a lever gun can be. But that's a part of growing old. Have fun, children, live and learn, so that someday, like me, you can read of your NEXT generation's problems, and smile!!!
AStone
Member
I've decided to take some time away from this particular forum.
The drama, politics & interpersonal tensions are just too high for me right now.
So I'll be gone for at least a while.
Maybe I'll be back around some day.
Not sure yet. We'll just have to see how things play out.
If I do make it back, we'll continue our fun discussion sans politics & drama as we've always done.
If not, then maybe we'll meet again in some other place.
In either case, I'll relish what I've learned
about my beloved 336 here,
and the friends I've made.
Best of luck to all,
regardless of which side of any debate you may be on,
and good shooting.
Nem
The drama, politics & interpersonal tensions are just too high for me right now.
So I'll be gone for at least a while.
Maybe I'll be back around some day.
Not sure yet. We'll just have to see how things play out.
If I do make it back, we'll continue our fun discussion sans politics & drama as we've always done.
If not, then maybe we'll meet again in some other place.
In either case, I'll relish what I've learned
about my beloved 336 here,
and the friends I've made.
Best of luck to all,
regardless of which side of any debate you may be on,
and good shooting.
Nem
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paintballdude902
Member
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- Jun 30, 2007
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- 2,872
im stoked guys my brother in law gave me his old reloading setup
like complete 2 different progressive presses about 10 sets of dies lots of brass and projectiles a tumbler a shotgun press and like 10lbs of powder
right now im loadin some 150gr .30-30 using 36gr of win748
ive got 2-3 of the buckshot loads too
anyone got a load i should try?
like complete 2 different progressive presses about 10 sets of dies lots of brass and projectiles a tumbler a shotgun press and like 10lbs of powder
right now im loadin some 150gr .30-30 using 36gr of win748
ive got 2-3 of the buckshot loads too
anyone got a load i should try?
FMJMIKE
Member
Marlin 336W
I had wanted to buy a Marlin 1894 in .357 magnum caliber but just couldn't justify the $500 + price. So I was browsing my local gun shops racks and found a used Marlin 336W. The darn thing looked brand new. Price was $259 plus tax. The Marlin had a great trigger and just felt "right" in my hands. So home it went with me. The Marlin does have the mismatched colored handguard and buttstock. This is my first 30/30. I fired one round in the backyard and I just love it. Recoil seemed to be less than my 7.62 X 39 AK. I can't wait to get to the range............... Oh......This thread contributed to my desire to buy this rifle....Thanks
I had wanted to buy a Marlin 1894 in .357 magnum caliber but just couldn't justify the $500 + price. So I was browsing my local gun shops racks and found a used Marlin 336W. The darn thing looked brand new. Price was $259 plus tax. The Marlin had a great trigger and just felt "right" in my hands. So home it went with me. The Marlin does have the mismatched colored handguard and buttstock. This is my first 30/30. I fired one round in the backyard and I just love it. Recoil seemed to be less than my 7.62 X 39 AK. I can't wait to get to the range...............
Oh......This thread contributed to my desire to buy this rifle....Thanks
_N4Z_
Member
Farewell Nematocyst.
Quite a thread you leave behind here.
Quite a thread you leave behind here.
tractorshaft
member
New unfired 336 from sixties, help with forearm config change
Hi everyone,
I have long been a Marlin lever fan but never owning a 336. I have a 32-20 and a customized 45-70 GG but no thuty thuty I was making my rounds and stopped in to see a local dealer who sometimes gets interesting stuff in. He had two 336 Marlins that were in on consignment, to make a long story short I ended up buying SN# AD 314X for $300.00, brand new, never fired, no box. Gents this gun is absolutely perfect, not a scratch or molecule of rust on it anywhere! It has a beautifully figured walnut stock and zero mods, no drilling anywhere for sling swivels or scopes. Box stock and out of a time capsule! The dealer said that these Marlin thirty-thirty's are very common and dont command much of a price in any condition. I dont think he knew that this gun was going on 50 years old The trigger pull for a factory gun is the best (and lightest) I have ever had the pleasure of squozing off , I am simply thrilled with the gun... I also picked up an old Colt .22 Police Positive on the same trip in nearly the same condition save for a little patch of rust about the size of a pinkie finger print for a very good price also!
Seeing my new rifle my brother then informs me that he has a Marlin I can have if I let him borrow my trailer for a week
I went from zero thirty-thirtys to two of them in record time! The one I got from my brother I would like to change the fore end configuration to the metal "Cap" instead of band setup.
The one I got from my brother isnt as nice as the first so I am going to have some fun with it. I have a question I know some of you 336 experts will be able to answer. I apologize if this has been covered in previous posts but I tried to read every page of this one and got cross eydeded.
Thanks!
Jerry
PS> Sign me up as a 336 Club Member please
Hi everyone,
I have long been a Marlin lever fan but never owning a 336. I have a 32-20 and a customized 45-70 GG but no thuty thuty
I was making my rounds and stopped in to see a local dealer who sometimes gets interesting stuff in. He had two 336 Marlins that were in on consignment, to make a long story short I ended up buying SN# AD 314X for $300.00, brand new, never fired, no box. Gents this gun is absolutely perfect, not a scratch or molecule of rust on it anywhere! It has a beautifully figured walnut stock and zero mods, no drilling anywhere for sling swivels or scopes. Box stock and out of a time capsule! The dealer said that these Marlin thirty-thirty's are very common and dont command much of a price in any condition. I dont think he knew that this gun was going on 50 years old The trigger pull for a factory gun is the best (and lightest) I have ever had the pleasure of squozing off , I am simply thrilled with the gun... I also picked up an old Colt .22 Police Positive on the same trip in nearly the same condition save for a little patch of rust about the size of a pinkie finger print for a very good price also!Seeing my new rifle my brother then informs me that he has a Marlin I can have if I let him borrow my trailer for a week
I went from zero thirty-thirtys to two of them in record time! The one I got from my brother I would like to change the fore end configuration to the metal "Cap" instead of band setup.The one I got from my brother isnt as nice as the first so I am going to have some fun with it. I have a question I know some of you 336 experts will be able to answer. I apologize if this has been covered in previous posts but I tried to read every page of this one and got cross eydeded.
Basically I want to know if I can make this
Into This
Any help with this fore end change would be appreciated!
Into This
Thanks!
Jerry
PS> Sign me up as a 336 Club Member please
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JustsayMo
Member
Tractorshaft: AWESOME find.
If your rifle wasn't so pristine I'd say send it to Marlin and have the "Cowboy Conversion" done to it. For around what you paid for it they take your rifle and put 24" octagon barrel on it and a forend with that style of cap.
I have a Texan I'm thinking about converting. I already have a 24" Cowboy which is really a great rifle so having another to match it would be cool too.
I'd consider keeping it the way it is. I have 336's with both styles of forend cap/band and both shoot and look great. It's almost a shame to do anything to yours in such good condition for a gun that age.
If your rifle wasn't so pristine I'd say send it to Marlin and have the "Cowboy Conversion" done to it. For around what you paid for it they take your rifle and put 24" octagon barrel on it and a forend with that style of cap.
I have a Texan I'm thinking about converting. I already have a 24" Cowboy which is really a great rifle so having another to match it would be cool too.
I'd consider keeping it the way it is. I have 336's with both styles of forend cap/band and both shoot and look great. It's almost a shame to do anything to yours in such good condition for a gun that age.
paintballdude902
Member
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- Jun 30, 2007
- Messages
- 2,872
i be twhta you will have to do is buy new pars and just configure them
get a new tube mag for it of a shorter length and then get a new forend and and the cap
let me know how it goes i may do the same thing to my truck gun
get a new tube mag for it of a shorter length and then get a new forend and and the cap
let me know how it goes i may do the same thing to my truck gun
For my first rifle, I picked up a marvelous Marlin 30-30 with scope, pre-safety. After handling it for awhile, I thought I would pick up another 30-30 and turn it into a Cowboy Assault Rifle and chop the barrel. I found a Sears Model 45 (J.C. Higgins) 30-30, pre-safety, on GunsAmerica.com for a very good price, good enough to pay for the transfer and shipping. I like it so much that I have kept it original and it sits by my main door as a "carry it out the door if I see something funny" rifle. The stock setup and finish is the only difference from my other Marlin 336.
I went to a local gun show today and looked at what I originally wanted, a Winchester 94 in 30-30. I was not impressed with the tightness of the rifles I checked out compared to the Marlin models. For the 94's in 30-30 the prices ranged from $275 to $500.
Tell you what. If turnaround value is not important, the Sears models are just as good.
I went to a local gun show today and looked at what I originally wanted, a Winchester 94 in 30-30. I was not impressed with the tightness of the rifles I checked out compared to the Marlin models. For the 94's in 30-30 the prices ranged from $275 to $500.
Tell you what. If turnaround value is not important, the Sears models are just as good.
ECVMatt
Member
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2004
- Messages
- 2,870
I found them at Midway...
They are hard to search for and even though I know where I got it from, it is still hard to find on the Midway site.
They are great for holding rounds in long term storage. It is somewhat difficult to get the rounds out. I feel they are better for hunting where retention is needed, but might be a handicap in a situation where speed is the goal.
I keep them on my house/truck/camping rifles. The rounds don't turn green and don't come loose.
I am not sure if I would choose this for a rifle class that needed quick reloads.
That said, I love them and have several on different Marlins.
Matt
Here is the link:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=619056
It still took me 10 tries at Midway to find this...
Finish is holding up alright. The next time I am going to try Duracoat though..
They are hard to search for and even though I know where I got it from, it is still hard to find on the Midway site.
They are great for holding rounds in long term storage. It is somewhat difficult to get the rounds out. I feel they are better for hunting where retention is needed, but might be a handicap in a situation where speed is the goal.
I keep them on my house/truck/camping rifles. The rounds don't turn green and don't come loose.
I am not sure if I would choose this for a rifle class that needed quick reloads.
That said, I love them and have several on different Marlins.
Matt
Here is the link:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=619056
It still took me 10 tries at Midway to find this...
Finish is holding up alright. The next time I am going to try Duracoat though..
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re: I found them at Midway...
ECVMatt
Thanks for the reply (us SoCal guys have to stick together).
I was going to do a similar project on an old Rem 788 I have, but after shooting my wife's 1894, I thought this would be more fun and better for pigs on the central coast. Now I have to find a 'smith to do the chopping.
ECVMatt
Thanks for the reply (us SoCal guys have to stick together).
I was going to do a similar project on an old Rem 788 I have, but after shooting my wife's 1894, I thought this would be more fun and better for pigs on the central coast. Now I have to find a 'smith to do the chopping.
Cajun
Member
I would love to become a member I do not have a 336 yet but I am working on that as we speak I have a Marlin 308MX,444S and soon to be 336C
Motojeff
Member
Hello All, I'm a new old fart
I bought a 336 today and don't know much about it. I know I needed one to round off my small but humble collection. I got the 336A and it came with a chinese made scope (I will upgrade later). I paid 319 plus tax. I would like to add some sling swivels and a good leather sling. I kindly would like to ask if anyone could suggest a good setup and any other upgrades or custom work I should be thinking about. I can't wait to take to the range and get the feel of how it shoots. Been wanting one of these for a long time, just never got around to getting it done, until today. Thanks in advance for your expertise.
I bought a 336 today and don't know much about it. I know I needed one to round off my small but humble collection. I got the 336A and it came with a chinese made scope (I will upgrade later). I paid 319 plus tax. I would like to add some sling swivels and a good leather sling. I kindly would like to ask if anyone could suggest a good setup and any other upgrades or custom work I should be thinking about. I can't wait to take to the range and get the feel of how it shoots. Been wanting one of these for a long time, just never got around to getting it done, until today. Thanks in advance for your expertise.
paintballdude902
Member
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- Jun 30, 2007
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- 2,872
moto and cajun welcom to the club guys
moto when you get sling swivals i like the 1 and 1/4inch because they allow for the military slings which i use for shooting all the time (thanks to an appleseed shootout) uncle mikes sells them or atleast did
was it the one from walmart?
the scopes i like the best are low powered ones on my marlin i have a bsa(great for the money and a great warrenty) the zoom is 1.5-4.5 and its great out to about 200yards i only payed 80 bucks its very clear and has a lifetime warrenty
moto when you get sling swivals i like the 1 and 1/4inch because they allow for the military slings which i use for shooting all the time (thanks to an appleseed shootout) uncle mikes sells them or atleast did
was it the one from walmart?
the scopes i like the best are low powered ones on my marlin i have a bsa(great for the money and a great warrenty) the zoom is 1.5-4.5 and its great out to about 200yards i only payed 80 bucks its very clear and has a lifetime warrenty
Motojeff
Member
Slings
Thanks, Paintballdude902.
I was just looking at a military sling on midsouthshooterssupply. I have the same style on my AR15 and will probably get one for the Marlin. Is it a good idea to use a breech guide when cleaning the barrel. If so, where did you buy it? I have seen one on Brownells. thanks.
Thanks, Paintballdude902.
I was just looking at a military sling on midsouthshooterssupply. I have the same style on my AR15 and will probably get one for the Marlin. Is it a good idea to use a breech guide when cleaning the barrel. If so, where did you buy it? I have seen one on Brownells. thanks.
Cajun
Member
Hey paintballdude thanks for the welcome I love the lever action rifles I only have 2 right now which is the Marlin 308mx and the 444s I have a 3rd one on the way which is the 336c and will have more before it is all said and done im sure but for now my Remington 12 ga. 870 express mag. will have to keep them company.. I will try to get some pics up of them!!
JustsayMo
Member
Cajun, just interest gets you "in" and your 308 MX and 444 get you dang near full fledged.
Moto; Paintballdude probably gave the best answer.
I'll add get ammo and spends some time at the range. Find out what it likes, get used to shooting the rifle and then take it hunting...
There is so much to like about the Marlin 336. As a new owner the more you shoot it the more you'll discover what a great rifle it is. There may be other rifles that do certain things better but for all around use, utility, versatility, economy and fun, you'll have a hard time beating a Marlin 336.
I got to pack mine around earlier this September looking for a bear. I didn't manage to get in range of him but a few grouse were not happy I had my 336 with me.
Moto; Paintballdude probably gave the best answer.
I'll add get ammo and spends some time at the range. Find out what it likes, get used to shooting the rifle and then take it hunting...
There is so much to like about the Marlin 336. As a new owner the more you shoot it the more you'll discover what a great rifle it is. There may be other rifles that do certain things better but for all around use, utility, versatility, economy and fun, you'll have a hard time beating a Marlin 336.
I got to pack mine around earlier this September looking for a bear. I didn't manage to get in range of him but a few grouse were not happy I had my 336 with me.
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paintballdude902
Member
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- Jun 30, 2007
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moto i know a few people that do but personally my marlin is used, spends alot of time getting knocked around in my truck or on my back my finish is starting to wear on my receiver because thats the way i carry it when im in bear country this is my go to gun though i have been taking my enfield hunting alot lately for some reason i just want to get a deer with it
cajun i only have 1 right now but its mostly to do with low finances but my truck is almost payed off then im picking up a new marlin bolt .30-06 and a .45-70 guide gun(either that or im stealing my brother inlaws)
which do you guys prefer the .45-70 or the .444 i dont know alot about the .444 but im looking for a new bear gun when i head up to alaska in june
cajun i only have 1 right now but its mostly to do with low finances but my truck is almost payed off then im picking up a new marlin bolt .30-06 and a .45-70 guide gun(either that or im stealing my brother inlaws)
which do you guys prefer the .45-70 or the .444 i dont know alot about the .444 but im looking for a new bear gun when i head up to alaska in june
JustsayMo
Member
I like both the 444 and 45-70. I don't think you can go wrong with either.
I settled on the 45-70 for a couple of reasons. It can shoot HEAVY bullets, leverguns can even cycle some varieties of 500+ grain projectiles. There are more varieties/configurations of 45-70 rifles and there is something cool about a cartridge that is more than a century old. It is a fabulous reloaders cartridge. Versatile and capable on BIG critters. I'm working on a round ball load to use on small critters but so far I haven't found one that shoots close enough to my point of aim when the rifle is zero'd for my hunting load.
The 444 is an excellent hunting cartridge and has a good deal of versatility and capability. I've seen some mighty accurate 444 Marlins too.
The main disadvantage for either is the expense of shooting them. The cost of reloading components has gone up enough that my big bore shooting has dropped off. Even casting my own projectiles is expensive when you only get 16 bullets per pound of lead....
I settled on the 45-70 for a couple of reasons. It can shoot HEAVY bullets, leverguns can even cycle some varieties of 500+ grain projectiles. There are more varieties/configurations of 45-70 rifles and there is something cool about a cartridge that is more than a century old. It is a fabulous reloaders cartridge. Versatile and capable on BIG critters. I'm working on a round ball load to use on small critters but so far I haven't found one that shoots close enough to my point of aim when the rifle is zero'd for my hunting load.
The 444 is an excellent hunting cartridge and has a good deal of versatility and capability. I've seen some mighty accurate 444 Marlins too.
The main disadvantage for either is the expense of shooting them. The cost of reloading components has gone up enough that my big bore shooting has dropped off. Even casting my own projectiles is expensive when you only get 16 bullets per pound of lead....
paintballdude902
Member
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2007
- Messages
- 2,872
thanks mo
for you round ball load did you think about a red dot that yopu can take off really easy?
have it on for small animals then take it off when shooting the heavy loads
for you round ball load did you think about a red dot that yopu can take off really easy?
have it on for small animals then take it off when shooting the heavy loads
JustsayMo
Member
I don't know much about red dots. I like to keep it as simple as possible. Besides cheap shooting my main purpose for such a load would be to take Grouse while hunting bigger game - Elk.
It is nice to take a pip squeak load out of you pocket, slide it into the magazine, work the lever and get dinner without making a huge amount of racket or much risk of obliterating the meat.
One of the things I like so much about my 30-30 Marlin 336 is its ability to deliver a single 0-buckshot accurately, quietly and inexpensively on small game without messing with the sights.
The buckshot even cycles just fine from the magazine so when I find grouse - which are typically in small groups - I can top of the magazine with two, lever one in and load another. That is all I need to get the daily limit and that is the case as often as not since Grouse believe they are invisible and if they fly at all don't typically go far. It isn't as sporting as making a wing shot but it is legal here in WA and they taste so good I can't resist.
It is nice to take a pip squeak load out of you pocket, slide it into the magazine, work the lever and get dinner without making a huge amount of racket or much risk of obliterating the meat.
One of the things I like so much about my 30-30 Marlin 336 is its ability to deliver a single 0-buckshot accurately, quietly and inexpensively on small game without messing with the sights.
The buckshot even cycles just fine from the magazine so when I find grouse - which are typically in small groups - I can top of the magazine with two, lever one in and load another. That is all I need to get the daily limit and that is the case as often as not since Grouse believe they are invisible and if they fly at all don't typically go far. It isn't as sporting as making a wing shot but it is legal here in WA and they taste so good I can't resist.
Cajun
Member
Hey paintballdude I will agree with Mo I think the 444 or the 45-70 are both great guns to carry in bear country I do,nt personally have the 45-70 which that will change with time and some money but I know that the 444 should be plenty for bear!!
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