Help Marlin guys

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I'm looking at a used Marlin 1895 serial # MR Is it a POS Marlin is hard to get production dates. I know marlin has quality issues They have improved Is It good or bad Should I buy new
 
On the left side of the barrel right were the barrel joins the receiver, there needs to be a stamp....JM. Production of the Marlins after the take over by Remington...the so called Remlins were poor from about 2009 when they took over, to about 2012. Quality is rumored to be better lately, but the best assurance of a good marlin is the JM stamp.
 
"MR" is a Remington produced rifle, is it a piece of crap?.......That's for you to decide.

The term- "they don't make em' like they used to" -applies to any post-takeover Marlin lever gun IMO
 
I have both JM and new Marlins. As mentioned, between @2009 and 2012 the QC was lacking on most rifles. I bought a 35 Rem in 2014 and it's every bit as nice as my JM. The only caution I would give you regarding the 45-70 is there were a batch made that had some cracks in the chamber (google it). May want to avoid those! Otherwise, cycle it a few times and check the fit and finish. They are not complicated firearms. If all looks good, go for it! Marlin 45-70 is awesome.
 
From what I've read lately, quality issues have been resolved. Last write up in a rifle magazine some months back, author concluded that, due to new CNC machinery, and staffing issues behind them, they're probably built better now than ever, closer tolerances and fit/finish. Albeit, he wasn't too crazy about the thicker forearm.
 
Not all Rem built Marlins are poorly built guns. After the takeover, they still built the guns at the same factories as Marlin (Gardner & North Haven) with trained "gun people" running the equipment. The biggest shift in quality occurred when Rem moved them to Kentucky and started out with untrained equipment operators/assemblers.

All that being said there are varying degree's of "poor workmanship" from just cosmetic shortfall that are mostly immaterial in gun function to canted sights that effect the shooter if he is only going to use the irons...if he uses a scope, who cares, the gun is still going to shoot as good as one that "looks good".
As for the internal "ratchet stuff", an hour with a strip of Emory cloth and a super fine file will cure any burrs or sharp edges.

In the case of all Marlins from the rem factories, unless you are very anal over looks as opposed to function, a silk purse can be made from a sows ear
 
fingers284 said:
After the takeover, they still built the guns at the same factories as Marlin (Gardner & North Haven) with trained "gun people" running the equipment.

In the case of all Marlins from the rem factories, unless you are very anal over looks as opposed to function, a silk purse can be made from a sows ear
Click to expand...

True but,
Remington instituted "cell assembly" in mid 2007. Instead of one trained "gun person" assembling a rifle start to finish, you had 4 people at a station doing 1 part of the assembly as fast as they could.

If you're buying a silk purse made from a sows ear, shouldn't it be priced accordingly?

The Rem guns these days are "fine" for what they are.
 
GMC403 said:
"MR" is a Remington produced rifle, is it a piece of crap?.......That's for you to decide.

The term- "they don't make em' like they used to" -applies to any post-takeover Marlin lever gun IMO
Click to expand...

I have handled recently made Marlins that had better fit and finish than my 45-70 Marlin that was made in 2005.
 
Just bought one new and have had no issues so far. Quality was great, ordered a new trigger and ejector to give it a better feel.
 
stubblejumper said:
I have handled recently made Marlins that had better fit and finish than my 45-70 Marlin that was made in 2005.
Click to expand...


I have seen the same thing. I had a chance to handle some new Marlins 2014 or early 2015 shipment. Of the three 336 30-30 I looked over they all looked pretty nice. Not perfect mind you, but easily on par with my circa 2000 manufactured JM marlin. The one that mysteriously ended up in my truck for a ride home has some pretty nice walnut on it for any lever gun. And can shoot several loads both factory and handloads into just over an inch @100y. It's a keeper.

If anybody has been (rightfully) leery of the new Marlins but wanting one I would go have a look. I think the corner has been turned now and most problems resolved. I read on the Marlinowners forum that the CEO that completely botched the transition was fired and the new guy has made quality control his main priority. Don't loose hope in Marlin just yet, I believe things are looking up!!
 
GMC403 said:
True but,
Remington instituted "cell assembly" in mid 2007. Instead of one trained "gun person" assembling a rifle start to finish, you had 4 people at a station doing 1 part of the assembly as fast as they could.

If you're buying a silk purse made from a sows ear, shouldn't it be priced accordingly?The Rem guns these days are "fine" for what they are.
Click to expand...

Not defending Rem. as I think they really screwed the pooch on the Marlin name but they are priced less than all their on-shore competitors at the time (Browning BLR, the whole Winchester line from 73,92,94 and 86). When you think about it, I doubt the labor changes at the factory probably didn't make $20 difference in the cost of manufacture. Unless a factory uses off-shore labor (Norinco, Rossi's both a case in point) there won't be a lot of cost difference between assembling a sows ear or a silk purse.

The last new Marlin I checked the price on (336 in 30-30) was $900 and change, the same day I bought a new Winchester1886 in 45-90 and it was $1300 so there is a considerable "sows ear" price to the Marlin.
 
HI
I just bought 2 marlins
A model 1895 45-70
And a model 336SS in 30-30.
Love them both with no issues.
Made by Remington and the quality and finnish is very good with no problems.
I will be selling my 30-30 as I bought a very small 30-30 and I use it to run my bear baits.
I have fired 10 shots with my SS 30-30.
Take CarE Old timer Lou
 
I just bought a "Remlin".
It functions well and shoot true.

Sure the stock fit and the metal finishes aren't top notch.

I use my guns for hunting and they come everyware with me. Snow rain whatever.

It works good.

IMO. This whole "has to be JM stamped " and never buy a "Remlin" is a little exaggerated

But different strokes for different folks. Gun people tend to be fussy.
 
regulate34 said:
I just bought a "Remlin".
It functions well and shoot true.

Sure the stock fit and the metal finishes aren't top notch.

I use my guns for hunting and they come everyware with me. Snow rain whatever.

It works good.

IMO. This whole "has to be JM stamped " and never buy a "Remlin" is a little exaggerated

But different strokes for different folks. Gun people tend to be fussy.
Click to expand...
X2 you are right I bought the gun. Mass production is a problem I work in the auto industry Things can change in a hour. I bought it used at a LGS They have always been good to me . The guys here are just trying to help Great bunch They tell of experience and what they heard. That's why we research I will take her for a run and see. Buy local and they will help out Thanks guy for the info
 
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