I was wondering if any of you could tell me if first of all you've heard of this rifle, and secondly would $350.00 be reasonable for this used gun in great shape?
Don

The MARLIN 336 ZAND GREY CENTURY 30-30 rifle was made in 1972 to commemorate the 100th anniversary his birth. Although advertised that the Zane Grey would be limited to 10,000 units, the total manufactured was only 7,871.

It features a traditional tapered octagon barrel, cartridge brass butt plate and forend cap, and select American walnut stock with classic pistol grip. Inlaid in the receiver is a portrait medallion in cartridge brass inscribed "ZANE GRAY 1872-1972". Suggested retail price was $150.

As far as the value is concerned, it depends on many factors. The top three are condition, condition and condition. It must be unfired and in the box with all documents. Box condition makes a difference. If it has been fired and/or the box is missing then it is not collectable and is worth the same as a regular garden varity Marlin 336CS in 30-30.

If you like it then buy it. I feel certain that almost every member here wishes they had the one that they missed because they were sitting on the fence. I missed one at a gun show today.

$300-$350 is a fair price if it is in excellent condition and is not a collectable. If it is NIB, therefore collectable, I would have to defer to my fellow members on this board.

Hope this helps,

JJ

NITRO,
Thanks so much for the reply. Someone had asked me about this gun, and I didn't have the answer. I did pass along your information, and told them where I got it. A couple of months ago, I would have asked on the Marlin Talk forum, But......
Thanks,
Don

A couple of months ago I may have responded to your post. I was a member of Marlin Talk for 2 years. Member name was Cordite.

I am going to disagree slightly with Nitro.
The Zane Grey is a collectable, fired or unfired.
There are relatively few unfired rifles in the world of firearms, and even fewer unfired collectable firearms, so the rule is that most collectables have indeed been fired.
It really boils down to condition.
Granted, fired firearms bring less than unfired, but collectables always command a premium.
Collectors can be finicky as well. Some will pay more for an unfired firearm that has scratches and bluing loss, and perhaps even pitting and rust, then for a fired one that is in mint condition, and then there are others who will go the other way, prefering condition over whether it was fired or not.
As a collector myself, I take the whole package including the price into consideration because I look at overall value.
If I find a firearm that I would like to add to my collection, then I do my homework, starting with history of the piece, variations, quantities manufactured, etc, and then I look at the market to see what they are selling at.
If I find one that is selling for less than market and in marketable condition, I consider it a profitable piece from the getgo.
If one looks at the investment history of firearms, historically speaking, they usually out pace the stock market as far as increase in values go, but, you must realize that purchasing new firearms, unless they are known limited runs, it will take a long time if not forever to become good investments.
You must choose your purchases wisely and get a good feel for what is and is not a collectable.
Back to your question, the Zane Grey at $350, fired or unfired, if in excellent condition is a steal. I have seen them top $500.
Sorry for the lecture and good luck.
Ranger

NIB Zane Grey commemoratives typically will run about $700 in the Southern California area from what I've seen. Used ones that show a fair amount of usage will still bring over $500.

Location will have a lot to do with the value of a firearm. SoCal isn't lever action country so prices are inflated somewhat. I've seen rifles in Kansas that I have literally drooled over with prices that seemed obscenely low at the time. I guess you can purchase and then have them shipped to a FFL in your home area, but judging from the prices I see, not too many do this.

I sold one to dealer for $300. Condition and location are the key. Guns vary wildly and widely in price. Anything you like for a price you can afford is a good deal. They sold mine NRA good for $425. Had a scratch, minor one on the stock, some minor action wear and was clean but fired a bit.