Marlin Arms - any good now?

[bch1988]

Hey guys,

So I'm in the market for a lever gun (just paid off my M1 garand, and now waiting for cmp to ship), and I've always liked the 336 series 30-30 marlin guns.

HOWEVER, I do know about the initial Remington debacle on these guns, and was wondering if anyone has any recent experience with new Marlins.

Are they any good yet, or should I just look towards one of the other makers.

Thanks guys,
Ben

 

[nickortizzle1035]

marlin isn't what it used to be. I have a 336C from the 70s. holding it next to a new one is like night and day. the newer ones have the laminate stock that I have never been wild about. I would look for one from before the Rem buyout

 

[BriMac]

If you have the time look for a used one. You can find a near new one if you look around, that was made way before Freedom Group or what ever they call it now.

 

[bch1988]

If you have the time look for a used one. You can find a near new one if you look around, that was made way before Freedom Group or what ever they call it now.

I have all the time in the world just little patience. Well I guess I'll start the search for a pre-remlin. If only my dad didn't sell his 1960's .35

 

[dnepro-mike]

i had one of the new marlins, very briefly. specifically one of their big bore ones M1895SBL. i don't know what marlin used to be decades ago, but i loved mine from 2011. fit, finish were exclent action very smooth. i wasn't a first owner so it might have not been like that out of the box but while i had it i loved it. i'm actually very sad that i traded it for an AK. especially lately hearing that marlin will be closing it's doors soon. i sold it because finding 45-70 was tough enough and price waswhole another can of worms. 45-70 not what you would call a plinker round, unlike 5.45x39. it made sense at the time... now not so much

 

[WallHack]

Especially lately hearing that marlin will be closing it's doors soon.

Isn't that just one of those it-never-dies rumors?

 

[Palladin]

my Marlin 336CS is from 1954........built like a tank

 

[napoleon1815]

They ARE getting better as Remington is working through it but anything older than 2009 (with a JM stamped barrel) is better right now. I just bought one today...a 1970 336 in 35 Remington...~43 years old and looks as good as new!

- - - Updated - - -

my Marlin 336CS is from 1954........built like a tank

The 50's and 60's rocked for this gun. Nice find!

 

[bch1988]

Well I'll probably just look for a good quality pre2009 model (hopefully pre safety).

But it's great I hear they're getting better at QC

 

[ntomsw]

Remlins suck.

If you want a real Marlin, look for an old one. I have a Model 336 30-30 lever action that is still like new. It's from 1954 or something.

 

[napoleon1815]

Well I'll probably just look for a good quality pre2009 model (hopefully pre safety).

But it's great I hear they're getting better at QC

For pre-safety that is pre-1982 I believe.

 

[napoleon1815]

FYI...best resource for Marlins is Marlin Firearms Forum

 

[mcb]

my 1894C from 2011 is great.

 

[BriMac]

I think last week the New Haven plant closed for good. The local paper said the 20 or so locked the doors.