Marlin Guide gun- did quality control finally wake up?

QuickDraw16

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I read on another thread that someone had been told by a clerk at reliable that the new batch of GGs were of better quality the typical remlin guide guns.
Is there any merit to this?

I might need to acquire one if this is the case...
Thanks
 
I bought a new Marlin 1894C a few weeks ago and it has jammed pretty frequently--enough that I sent it away for warranty. While I have to admit I absolutely love shooting it when it works, I'd be super hesitant to recommend a Marlin to others because of my experience. The gun I bought has some pretty important differences from yours, though, so you might not see the same problems.
Best of luck if you go ahead with your purchase.
 
Have a new 336W, a 2010 1894C and a 2006 1895 CB. All function flawlessly and are great shooters. Definitely not worthy of the "junk" label some others affectionately attribute to the Marlin brand.

Alas, the passionate, they do entrench!
 
I bought my guide gun 3 weeks ago and have shot 40 rounds threw it with no problems. The fit and finish looks great to me now I'm just waiting for my skinner sights to show up.
 
My dad bought a GBL three weeks ago. The extractor was NFG and was almost impossible to work and ate brass if it did work. Returned it; the next rifle would not feed at all; the next rifle had it's front sight clearly improperly indexed; the next one the lever would not stay closed and would pop open after cycling; the fifth rifle seems okay.

Lucky we were shopping locally and not mail order...

I heard yesterday from a friend trying to order another GBL from a dealer in B.C that all the GBL's are currently being recalled; yes, even the "newer and better" ones from this year.

Also, I noticed, the "heavy ballard style rifling" that Remlin always touts is only about 25% as "heavy" as the older guide guns, and looks no different that standard rifling any more. All five rifles I looked at had the same skimpy "ballard style" (my ass) rifling...Sucks....

:jerkit:
 
I'm so glad I have a a very early Remlin GBL. Was still made in the Marlin plant after the buy out. Hate hearing these horror stories
 
I bought a new (then) 1895 in 45-70 in the early 80's.

I had to replace the rear sight when it broke in two. Internal timing was off and I had to custom file the "cam" to get it to feed if I moved the lever quickly.

Since then it has been pretty good.


I have a story about Marlin I posted on here awhile back about its quality. Like you... mine were purchased in early 80's. Long story short.. I bought the 375win calibre. Had to send away to factory. Dealer wouldnt help at all. Marlin said the barrel was bent as it was initially put on too tight. They replaced the barrel. Shoots fine since. My uncle gave me the model 39 in .22lr. Kept jamming. Took it to gunsmith who worked the internals. Works good now. Not at smooth as my Win 9422, but good. So... 2 marlins bought NEW in early 80's. Both defective. Go figure.
 
I bought a brand new Marlin 1895 GBL this last summer. The only thing I could find wrong with it was that the buttstock wasn't inletted deep enough, leaving a tiny (1/32") gap between the butt and receiver. Aside from that, function is perfect, with not a single FTF or FTE in several hundred rounds. Accuracy is 5 shots into about 3 to 4 inches at 100 metres, but I haven't finished working up loads for it, and it's not a long-range gun anyways. She's coming with me when I'm hunting in bear country!
 
My old Marlin (without safety) model 336 in .30-30 will consistently shoot 1 MOA if I do my part. I will keep the old ones. I should have never sold my 444s.
 
I bought a 1895GS back in July and absolutely love the thing. I have about 300 rounds through it now and it has undoubtedly hooked me on the 45-70 cartridge. The action wasn't super smooth out of the box, but after 300 rounds she's as smooth as my Winchester 94XTR in .356
I put a leopold 2-7x33 on it with a weaver base and QRW rings and it will constantly shoot 1.2-1.5 inch groups at 100 yards with Remington factory 300gr HP's. I just started reloading for it so maybe it can do even better. I couldn't be happier with my gun. The wood fit isn't perfect, but I would say its damn close to where it should be and the finish is just as good as one would expect on any other rifle. I love my 1895 and have already started looking for a 1895CB and maybe one day a 1874 sharps replica :)
 
In the Marlin department, I have three;
An old 1894 in 44-40 with a lot of family history behind it.
Marlin189444-40.jpg

A 444S in 444 Marlin that has done well on Moose, Black Bear and Mule Deer
Marlin444S444.jpg

And an 1895GS in 45-70 that so far, has only punched paper. Soon to change I hope.
Marlin1895GS45-70.jpg

Keepers all.
 
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