More Marlin questions

[TheCoachZed]

1). Is the "straight stock" Marlin 336 more desirable? (seems like an awful lot of guys on Marlin forums convert their pistol grip stocks to straight stocks?? )

2). If the gun has been factory drilled for scope mounts . . . what are my options? I know nothing about scope mounts. Can I just bolt a Weaver rail to the top of the receiver? How much would a scope mount suitable for the gun cost?

I apologize for the newb questions. I know nothing about scopes.

 

[droid1963]

1) it's up to personal taste, though many find the pistol grip more comfortable to shoot. The straight stock fits nicely in a scabbard if you're on horseback... but that doesn't stop Marlin from selling a helluva lot of Guide Guns with pistol grips.
2) if the receiver is pre-drilled, then it takes a one-piece mount. Weaver's 63B is your part #. They're pretty cheap, usually around $10 on eBay, though it's been a while since I had to buy one. You'll need rings to go with it, count on spending from $10 to $50 depending on brand/style. Weavers again... they make great rings. For a 336/1895, some folks like the tip-off rings if they can find them, and others the extra-high rings where you can see through underneath the scope. (both of these styles since it's typically used as a brush gun, and you may want to use your iron sights at close range)
Put a WTB feeler out on the EE, you never know if someone has a few kicking around....

 

[Kilo Charlie]

The Weaver base is only a few bucks. Works great. There are also Leupold mounts for the rifle. I always thought scopes were just "wrong" on a lever rifle until I bought a Marlin. With a small, light 20mm 4X scope or some such, it's the cat's meow.
If the straight stock were more desireable, I don't think Marlin would have switched over to the pistol grip in such a big way. I personally favour the Marlin's pistol grip for deliberate shots, but in my opinion, the straight grip is what makes a Win 94 point so fast. I haven't tried a straight-grip Marlin so couldn't say if it points well.

 

[hairless tigger]

I have a straight stocked 45-70 guide gun. Very nice to sling across the back when fishing etc, but I like the looks and feel of the pistol grip. We don't shoot it alot, it's mostly a camp gun, so I guess shooting comfort is not a huge issue. I thought of selling it a few times, but my wife has a love affair going with it, and she's darn accurate with the XS Peep sight. Like 3/4 inch group at 50 yd last weekend!

 

[bogie]

For me the deal breaker is the pistol grip. I prefer the looks of them. Dont get me wrong, if it only comes with straight stock well then I might get it anyways. Have 2 levers with pistol stocks-the Marlin and a Savage 99c 308 but I also have 2 winnies-a 1900 vintage 1894 in 38-55 and a newish 9422. I do not really notice a big differenct shooting any of them-they are all comfortable grips. I just prefer the look of the pistol grips is all.