Marlin 336ss?

Given the issues that Remlin/Marlington have been having lately. You should inspect it in person before you buy it. I saw a nasty specimen on a popular Marlin forum that came with plenty of pictures. Unbelievable.

Maybe these are exceptions who knows. I sure wouldn't want to be the one spending $700 to win that particular lottery. I missed my chance to get a 336SS a few years ago. Now I can't feel comfortable buying one sight unseen anymore. If you do take the plunge, post some pics as this forum hasn't had much in the way of exposure to the "new" Marlin yet.
 
Tan said:
Given the issues that Remlin/Marlington have been having lately. You should inspect it in person before you buy it. I saw a nasty specimen on a popular Marlin forum that came with plenty of pictures. Unbelievable.

Maybe these are exceptions who knows. I sure wouldn't want to be the one spending $700 to win that particular lottery. I missed my chance to get a 336SS a few years ago. Now I can't feel comfortable buying one sight unseen anymore. If you do take the plunge, post some pics as this forum hasn't had much in the way of exposure to the "new" Marlin yet.
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I agree with this. Take half an hour over at Marlin Owner's forum to see for yourself. Also, I've spoken with two Marlin dealers recently and they both recommend carefully inspecting new Marlins before purchasing them, especially the 336 and 1895 models, although QC issues have been noted in other models also. If you can find older stock with the JM stamp on the barrel you should be fine.
 
Other than the aforementioned cautions, which are great ideas:
If you find a new one with no problems, as it ought to be, the Marlin 336 is a great rifle, period. The stainless steel is practical and, to my eye, nice looking too.
Given the parameter of a 200-yard max range, I'd hunt pretty much anything with one of these .30-30's.
 
thatsteveguy said:
Thanks guys for the heads up. Anybody own one? Or know anyone who owns one?
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I just picked up a used 336SS. It's a late 91-prefix, which makes it a 2009 Marlin/Remington transition rifle with laser-engraved serial number on the left side of the receiver, laser-engraved bar code/square on the hammer, and (fortunately!) a JM-stamped barrel. The laser engraving and barcode were production changes that Remington introduced, but the JM proofmark should mean that the rifle was assembled in Marlin's Connecticut factory.

The fit-and-finish on this 336SS are what I normally expect of a decent Marlin. The wood to metal fit could be slightly better at the buttstock/receiver shoulders, but it's not bad and not worth complaining about. My only real dislike is the muddy-toned Marshield finish --- there's some nice wood underneath it just wanting to come out.

I'd been wanting a stainless 30-30 to complement by blued 30-30's. I also prefer the 20" 336SS barrel to the 24" 336XLR barrel since a levergun for me is all about compactness and handling.

I'm really pleased with the rifle, but I bought it locally so was able to inspect it prior to purchase. I haven't heard of any specific QC issues with the latest 336SS models, but I'd still look to find one locally to avoid any problems.
 
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