Went to the gun shop and a lever-action followed me home

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The Undertoad

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What can I say... I went to the gun shop and found a poor lonely Marlin 336 sitting on the shelf. Amazing, because that was the exact model I've been considering, in 30-30 (for my first deer rifle and general fun). It looked a bit dinged up on the outside but the internals looked good. Vintage 1979 according to armscollector.com.

Unfortunately, I can't post pics or a range report because I don't have a digital camera (I'll try to borrow one) and the range is closed right now.

I think I made out pretty well. I got the used rifle which had a Tasco Pronghorn 3-9 scope, and a sling, boresnake and 40 rounds 30-30 for $280 OTD. I know nothing about optics, I'm assuming this is an El Cheapo scope? :confused: ;)

Anyways, I'm happy as can be, even though I'm rapidly becoming a poor man! Nobody told me this was gonna be so damn expensive! Next on my list is a MBR.
 
Went to the gun shop and a lever-action followed me home
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Don't you just hate when that happens? :)

Tasco scopes are quite cheap but not total c**p either, I know many who are quite happy with them.

Enjoy your new gun.
 
Congratulations - - -

- - On your new acquisition - -

I've heard a lot said about such-and-such being "just a .30-30," and the .30-30 being only a short range gun.

There was a time when the .30 WCF was the hottest item going. It was touted as a flat shooting, high power smokeless cartridge, and was considered perfectly adequate for deer, bear, and elk, at pretty much all ranges. The (in)famous stock detective Tom Horn left behind the big black powder rounds and used this cartridge for all purposes, toward the end . . . .

I know two very advanced sportsmen/riflemen who have dedicated a lot of time and effort to wringing out the Marlin 336 in .30-30 in recent years, and I was frankly amazed with the results they achieved, simply by mounting good sights on their rifles.

Tasco was making some very good scopes when they shut down - - Not the most perfect optics ever, but quite decent sighting gear for an affordable price.

All in all, sounds af if you have a very good all around rig. :)

Best,
Johnny
 
How did you find out the vintage on that one? I've got my grandpa's old 336 sitting in the gun cabinet and I've always wondered what year it was made. I went to http://www.armscollector.com but couldn't see any way to look up a serial number.

Any and all help appreciated! :)

Have a good one,
Dave
 
Tasco never had super QC. But if a buyer knew what he was doing, he could get very good optics at a great price. I have a pair of Tasco binoculars that is about as good as you can get, at 1/5 the price of top quality ones with other names.

Jim
 
Dave - I used this page. Hope it helps! http://armscollectors.com/sn/marlinlookup.php :)

Thanks guys, especially for the scope info. I've never even shot a gun with optics before, so this will be a new experience for me!

I know I didn't get a steal but I'm plenty happy with it. Plus, I'm building a good relationship with my local gunshop owner. He's a family friend of one of my best friends, we go in there all the time just to hang out and talk... funny how we always walk out with lighter wallets! :D
 
Thanks! I found out mine was made in 1955 a few months before my Dad married my mom. It makes me wonder if my grandpa got it for other purposes! :)

Have a good one,
Dave
 
Congrats on your puchase.You are smiling and that's all that counts! :)
I picked up a '47 production A model last year for occasional long range side matches,and it's a hoot to just plink with!! My steel plate at 135 yds(max at our range) is very nerveous when I have the Marlin. :)
Using gaschecked cast bullets it is a real fun gun,and economical too.
 
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