Marlin...major dissapointment

canadaman30

canadaman30

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Purchased two new MarlinXLR 30-30 and both guns have the same problems right from the box. Cartridges in the magazine will not drop into the receiver when cycling the action, the one gun locked up with the lever in the open position and had a hard time getting it loose and getting the cartridges to drop into the receiver with tools. Totally unhappy to think these guns made it through a factory in that condition. Low and behold the one back-up gun a Savage 243 dropped a bear were it stood so the trip was not a total waste. A real piss off after purchasing FP firesights installing them and wasted time and money mailing guns to warranty center. Will wait to see how these problems are resolved, as they will be headed to the Gravel Agency which I have dealt with in the past and have had excellent service from. These will be the last Marlin rifles I ever purchase...
 
That's really disappointing to hear. I have a "Remlin" 1895 SBL and a 336Y. Both have been fantastic rifles. Have seen examples of terrible workmanship online though and heard a few other horror stories.
 
Willing to be you got the post-transition Remlin with all its issues.

Most of the QC problems by now have been addressed.

Lots of people had LOTS of issues just after the changeover.

What is the date of manufacture on your rifles?
 
Chuck3436 said:
Willing to be you got the post-transition Remlin with all its issues.

Most of the QC problems by now have been addressed.

Lots of people had LOTS of issues just after the changeover.

What is the date of manufacture on your rifles?
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Have not looked for a date of production, just purchased them so not sure .Could honestly care less when they were made as I will never own another
 
Had the same problem with mine (along with a canted front sight). I sent if off to Gravel Agency, and they fixed it quickly. As soon as I got it back, it went on EE. Never again. Save your money, find a nice M98 small-ring action and have a rifle built! You won't be disappointed. Mine was a 2010 or 2011, pre-Remington, with the bullseye on the stock. Still a "Friday" gun!
 
Sorry to hear of your problems I hope they get resolved ASAP. I am still hearing off problems even with recent production 2015 rifles. If you want a really nice 30-30 look at the Winchester's made by Miroku in Japan they are first class.
 
I am optimistic that the new Marlins will get their act together. Until then, I'm sticking with the old ones. They were very fine guns.
 
The Kurgan said:
Had the same problem with mine (along with a canted front sight). I sent if off to Gravel Agency, and they fixed it quickly. As soon as I got it back, it went on EE. Never again. Save your money, find a nice M98 small-ring action and have a rifle built! You won't be disappointed. Mine was a 2010 or 2011, pre-Remington, with the bullseye on the stock. Still a "Friday" gun!
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And really save bucks by getting a good condition Husqvarna Sporter on either a '96 on '98 action in a chambering to suit yer fancy. My 9.3 X 57 Husky took over my most favored large game caliber choice for critters within 100 yds. from my beloved .375 Winchester Big Bore 94.

Agreed, the Mauser action ain't as fast for follow-up shots & can't be silent cocked/de-cocked like a hammer gun, but the beasty I got from Trade Ex is just as easy to pack around. Light rifle for the caliber, accurate & fun to load for and shoots dang straight with cast or jacketed bullets of 285 gr. on up. :)
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Jabotinsky said:
Sorry to hear of your problems I hope they get resolved ASAP. I am still hearing off problems even with recent production 2015 rifles. If you want a really nice 30-30 look at the Winchester's made by Miroku in Japan they are first class.
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The Marlin XLR's are very nice rifles with stainless and laminated wood. I have a big bore xlr and it works great. Just not a fan of Winchester 94. I'm sure Gravel will fix the problem.
 
That's is a gorgeous rifle, I have a Malirn from the 50's and one remlin in 45/70.
It's been a great gun so far! Maybe it's needs to be polished?
 
I have a 2014 production SBL 45-70 with lots of rounds through it now. Extremely accurate (as in more accurate than a lever gun has right to be!) and has yet to have a hiccough!
 
Just curious what ammo you were using? I had a remlin 1895g in .450marlin that I was very disappointed with having the same issues. Sent back for repair twice and both times returned. Once with a new spring in the tube. Took it to an old time gunsmith who measured the hornady ftx 325 grain ammo as to long. Sanded the tip back slightly and it cycled beautifully. Always was a tack driver. Just a thought.
 
TacticalTeacher said:
Sorry to hear about your Marlin x 2 situation(s). I have a 336Y and I guess I got lucky. It's a fine shooter and carry gun! Hope it all works out! :wave:

Cheers,
Barney
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X2, same rifle no issues so far, it's not a 1983 336TS for finish, bit it has a decent laminate stock that fits good and is as accurate as the old Marlins of the bench.
 
I managed to Get The only 35 Remington XLR I have seen. It works well, but I took it completely apart and polished all the internals to a near mirror finish. Cycles VERY nice now! Shoots fairly good with most jacketed loads.

I am considering to cut the barrel down to 21", from 24. Its just too long for a lever.

This picture was taken before I polished the internals.



These are the cast bullets I am presently experimenting with. 190 grain.

 
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Jabotinsky said:
Lets us know how you get on.
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Both rifles had replacement parts done to magazines and returned, still the problems were there. Both guns returned and deemed to have machining problems to the receiver and other internal parts from the factory. Both guns are scrap metal and two new guns will replace them. Thanks again to Gravel Agency for great customer service.
 
The Kurgan said:
Had the same problem with mine (along with a canted front sight). I sent if off to Gravel Agency, and they fixed it quickly. As soon as I got it back, it went on EE. Never again. Save your money, find a nice M98 small-ring action and have a rifle built! You won't be disappointed. Mine was a 2010 or 2011, pre-Remington, with the bullseye on the stock. Still a "Friday" gun!
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The changeover to the new factory and Remington happened in 2008-2009. Yours would have been a Remlin sir
 
I own 3 early production Marlins, two are 336 models, and one is a very early 1893. all are 30-30s.

They function flawlessly. A friend has a 45-70 of recent manufacture, and while not as smooth as my
336's, it works well, and is surprisingly accurate for a big boomer.

Regards, Dave.
 
The earlier Marlins were fine guns, none better. Most say the qualities issues at Marlin which arose after the Remington takeover have been addressed but the damage is done as far as consumer confidence goes. Poor quality talk lingers on like a bad hangover. Marlin had an exemplary reputation and it was trashed in a few short years. I would take a 50's through 80's production Marlin over any of the newer offerings any day.
 
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