Are Marlin's Good Again (yet)? Recent Marlin Experiences

skimmer

skimmer

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I'm seriously considering an SBL but don't know if I'll be able to inspect it at a gun store before purchasing since there aren't many around here and I don't want to drive.

What's the consensus? Has the QC gotten under control? I'm still hearing the occasional horror story but would like to hear from those of you who have bought recently.

Further, I don't imagine the Chapter 7 for Remington will do anything good for their quality...
 
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I have seen some examples that have better fit and finish than some late JM guns, and have owned a few remlins that shot, and functioned extremely well. The 2018 line of Marlin guns features some very interesting models, especially along the trapper configuration, I handled one of the new Texan 30/30’s and was extremely impressed. Also seems Marlin now has a custom shop division, featuring some ( what appear to be) very fine looking guns. And for me to write this is something, as I hate Remington and what they have become as a company.
 
bunny said:
I have seen some examples that have better fit and finish than some late JM guns, and have owned a few remlins that shot, and functioned extremely well. The 2018 line of Marlin guns features some very interesting models, especially along the trapper configuration, I handled one of the new Texan 30/30’s and was extremely impressed. Also seems Marlin now has a custom shop division, featuring some ( what appear to be) very fine looking guns. And for me to write this is something, as I hate Remington and what they have become as a company.
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Hi bunny,

That's a really interesting comment. When I saw the custom shop on their website I actually had a different reaction; I was a little turned off. I guess it might haev been based in my prejudice against Remington but I saw the option to cerakote and have a painted stock as anathema to what a lever gun is. It seemed like a surface-level attempt to reach out to a market that wasn't there to be tempted. Do you think it'll work? I'd love to hear more people's thoughts on this.


The trapper looks pretty interesting. I bet it will sell well even though it's not cheap for what it is. Do you think it offers something tempting over the other models?
 
I have been selling marlin's in the retail world since 1977 and to this day I have never sent one away for any type of issue and we sell 2or 3 lever guns every month I guess we have been lucky and not recieved any of the poor quality ones .
 
struff55 said:
I have been selling marlin's in the retail world since 1977 and to this day I have never sent one away for any type of issue and we sell 2or 3 lever guns every month I guess we have been lucky and not recieved any of the poor quality ones .
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Would you be offended if I asked you what sort of intake quality control you have in place? What do you inspect? Is it a thorough review or a quick examination? Do they all get looked over or do most come out from the back the first time when the customer wants to take it home?

I ask because I'm curious about what issues can be expected to be caught and what might go unnoticed on any gun I buy.
 
Two years ago,I bought a new 1895. So far,this rifle has been excellent with function,fit and finish with deadly accuracy right out of the box. Last week,I bought a new 336C that I haven't had up to the range,yet. It arrived in excellent condition,cleaned up beautifully. Fit,finish and function with it looks great,too.
 
I bought my 1894 (.44Magnum) from WholesaleSports liquidation, DEC '17. It was the one on the display behind the counter, don't know how long it had been up there. No handling marks. Fit and finish is good and it works well. (Not more accurate than my Handi-Rifle in .44Magnum. Will sell one or the other eventually but haven't shot them enough to make up my mind.)
 
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I picked up a Marlin 1895SBL about 6 mths ago from a BC company (I'm in ON). I emailed the company with the same concerns and asked them to ensure that the one they sent me was free from the nightmare QC issues one reads about. When the rifle arrived, sights were straight, the laminated stock and hand guard fitted perfectly and the lever operated reasonably smoothly. I stripped the rifle down and polished up the lever parts and it is now very smooth indeed. Its a great gun to shoot and love the thump of the 45-70. Just wish ammo was cheaper.....

I would email the seller and ask that they conduct their own QC inspection prior to delivery. At least that way if you have issues you may have traction with the seller.
 
Purchased a Marlin 60 SS back last year. Great rifle. I was also worried about the QC issues I had heard about but this is a great rifle to shoot right out of the box.
 
Ive also got a remlin 1895. I believe it’s a 2013 production.
Fit and finish are excellent and it has given me zero problems. I put a Burris fastfire on it and it is a blast to shoot.
Have also hunted with it successfully.
 
Bought mine online last year. Fit and finish are very good. No issues at all. Accuracy is good.

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.45-70 Marlin 1895 GBL with Leupold M8 Compact 4x28mm

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bought a lemon almost 3 years ago and sat on it thinking its not that bad. tried to scope it to find that i couldn't get it sighted in due to misaligned barrel to the receiver. barrel was also canted. their warranty covered replacement nearly 3 years after purchase so i am impressed with that. I'll let you know how the new one is when it gets here but I'm sure it'll be inspected and just fine this time
 
I just picked up a 1894 new production 357 and the fit and finish are excellent, took about 100 rounds to smooth the magazine tube. Very happy with it. Also have a 1895 gbl from 2015 that I have no complaints about. Comparing both to my 1995 1894 44 mag the only real difference between them is the finish on the stocks, they get duller the newer they are.
Adam
 
sask31 said:
bought a lemon almost 3 years ago and sat on it thinking its not that bad. tried to scope it to find that i couldn't get it sighted in due to misaligned barrel to the receiver. barrel was also canted.
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I have a 1970s production 444 with a slightly canted barrel..
 
Not a fan of the matte blued rough finish, blued bolt, and laminated stock look. Prefer the classic polished blue, bolt in the white, walnut/birch stock look.
 
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