Quality of new Marlin lever actions?

M

Max-4

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I have heard the story of how Remington has took over Marlin and closed a plant in the USA. I am wondering how the quality of the new Marlin guns have been lately? If I was to buy a new Marlin 336C in 30-30 off the shelf today would it be as good as 10-20 years ago? Where are they making the new Marlin rifles now, specifically the 336?
 
I have owned a 1894(70's era) and just recently bought a 336c! It is made very well and for the price a good deal! The blueing and finish isn't what it used to be! Some machining marks and such are visible. Nothing like the mirror blue on some of the old winchesters! Still a really good gun and fuctions flawlessly. The cartridge carrier seems a little soft and I had to file down a couple burs that were developing but it never affected function just me being bored and a little ocd. I would recoment it though to anyone! Super accurate. 1 inch groups at 50m with iron sights.
 
Max-4 said:
I have heard the story of how Remington has took over Marlin and closed a plant in the USA. I am wondering how the quality of the new Marlin guns have been lately? If I was to buy a new Marlin 336C in 30-30 off the shelf today would it be as good as 10-20 years ago? Where are they making the new Marlin rifles now, specifically the 336?
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The old Marlin factory isn't closed(yet). It is however scheduled to be shut down by June 2011. As long as the gun is made by the old workers in the old plant I wouldn't be worrying.
 
My latest 336C is very nice, but the wood to metal fit could be better. I was looking at a .35 Remington 336C the other day with a knot in the buttstock that was split a good 3-4 inches! Brand new in the box, you would think that wouln't have even left the factory but it made it to the store.f:P:2:
 
pharaoh2 said:
My latest 336C is very nice, but the wood to metal fit could be better. I was looking at a .35 Remington 336C the other day with a knot in the buttstock that was split a good 3-4 inches! Brand new in the box, you would think that wouln't have even left the factory but it made it to the store.f:P:2:
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To be fair to Marlin and most every other rifle manufacturer out there, when we are paying mass produced prices we can't expect every rifle to be hand inspected as it comes off the assembly line. Also the split may have developed after it left the factory.

Now if it was a rifle in my store, no customer would ever see it. As soon as it was unboxed and inspected it would be boxed up and either shipped back or a new buttstock ordered to replace the one with the split.
 
Win 94

Mount Sweetness said:
Don't buy a new Marlin, don't do it.
Why don't you like your Winch 94?
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Because I am sick of the pre and post 1964 crap. I want a pre 1964 built model 1894 in 30-30, but I want it in excellent condition, mint condition if possible. I have realized it is gonna be next to impossible to find that so I am asking about the new Marlins.
 
I just bought a new Marlin .357 Magnum Cowboy and i will say so far, its one of the best rifles i have ever owned, very nicely finished and the action is smooth as silk and the first five shots i took were with in a 4" group at 50 yds with the factory sights...it would have been better but i am a little shakey right now but it will get better


Its a keeper


Just my opinion


Best Regards

Gord
 
woolly said:
To be fair to Marlin and most every other rifle manufacturer out there, when we are paying mass produced prices we can't expect every rifle to be hand inspected as it comes off the assembly line. Also the split may have developed after it left the factory.

Now if it was a rifle in my store, no customer would ever see it. As soon as it was unboxed and inspected it would be boxed up and either shipped back or a new buttstock ordered to replace the one with the split.
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You are right, hand inspection is a thing of either the past or big dollar signs. But for the crack in the .35 I'm not so sure it cracked enroute. The finish seemed to be 'in' the crack too. I wish I had a photo.

And I'm not really complaining too much about mine either. I suppose I did come across as a little judgmental in my post, but the wood to metal fit could be better. I know it won't affect anything, and the gap isn't really that bad, I was just saying. This picture was the best I could do. I had to get the flash to hit the rifle just right to get it to show, so that must mean it can't be that bad. :D
Newpics_0142.jpg


But don't get me wrong, I still think Marlin builds a damned good rifle and they are still my favorite little rifle. :)
 
I had a very nice 336C specimen as well as a Guide Gun (in terms of fit/finish/wood) that I had acquired new a couple years ago. My only complaint regarding the Marlin lever rifles are the crappy factory equipped iron sights. I found that those sucked big time in the case of both my .45-70 and .30-30 rifles when used at 100 yards. However, the issue could easily be remedied with installation of a peep or a ghost ring.

You may notice that Marlin is now also offering a deluxe version of 336 and 1894 that may be superior in way of quality except for very likely the factory sights.
 
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I think in the years ahead, the Marlins will be judged for quality on whether they are have the bullseye in the butt stock, or not. Just as the Winchesters are judged on pre or post 64.
 
The big question is WTF do you expect for $450? For that price the 336 is a great deal and these minor fitting issues are expected. You want perfection take a look at the browning BLR's for almost 3 times the price! For the money they are more than I expected. The only better deal out there is a Stevens 200! You will not regret your purchase. Just inspect before you buy.
 
mlehtovaara said:
The big question is WTF do you expect for $450? For that price the 336 is a great deal and these minor fitting issues are expected. You want perfection take a look at the browning BLR's for almost 3 times the price! For the money they are more than I expected. The only better deal out there is a Stevens 200! You will not regret your purchase. Just inspect before you buy.
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The BLR doesn't count when the discussion of true lever action rifles comes up. I've owned a BLR in .308, I felt so dirty it was sickening. And I've owned several Marlins in various configurations and their quality will normally exceed rifles costing much more, including Browning. And this is coming from a Browning fan.
 
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