Hi,

I just picked up my first lever gun. It's a Marlin 336 Spikehorn. I haven't shot it, yet I am already planning some modifications purely on cosmetical basis. I would like to remove barrel bands and attach a forend cap. I was wondering if you can tell me where can I get the replacement forend cap for model 336. Also what are the pros and cons of barrel band removal (meaning how to do it without making things worse for myself)? I am planning to cut a dovetail at the bottom of the barrel,drill and tap piece of steel that goes into it and attach the mag tube in that manner.
Any(and all) help is welcome.
Thanks guys.
Valter.

I would not do it!!!!!

I have thought about this type of coversion on other Marlin carbines and have come to the conclusion is it REALLY is not worth the trouble in terms of either looks or performance.

Properly set up,with good ammo and sights a barrel banded carbine CAN shoot just as tiny of groups as a rifle style forend gun(of the same caliber ,barrel weight and length).This has come from bench tesing MANY different brands,calibers and types of lever guns of the bench the last 25years.

Read the thread below titled "Accuracy from my 336A".That gent's rifle is the newer 20" barrel economy hardwood stocked "A" model carbine sold at the discount marts.I own a 336 Cowboy in 30-30 with a heavier 24" oct barrel and my rifle will shoot no better than that 336A carbine!!

If the ultimate accuracy from your Spikehorn is what you are after,I suggest buying a copy of ML Mc Pherson's book "Accurizing the factory rifle".It has a lot of good tips for tuning lever forends.etc....

Also ,that 336Y Spikehorn (knowing Marlin's marketing dept.)will most likely be dropped from the line in a few years and will be quite rare.I would keep the gun in it's origional configuration..

Also such obvious modifications WILL void the Marlin 5 year service warranty for sure.

Finally,the barrel and the magazine have BOTH been notched at the front of the barrel for the front barrel band screw.This will be exposed when you remove the front band and there is no cheap and easy fix for this..

There are plenty cheap used standard Marlin 336 carbines around to do such conversions to.I would do the rifle forend conversion to one of them.They have 20" barrles and by cutting them back past the barrel band notches,you will have a clean barrel (no band notches)ready for your conversion ....

You say this is you first lever rifle .I say shoot the rifle just as it is out of the box awhile.The rifle will probably shoot well enough that you may learn one of the most important gun owning lessons of all-

IF IT AIN'T BROKE- DON'T "FIX" IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just some advice from a guy who's been there.....

Jim62,

thank you very much for taking the time to write. I do appreciate it. As I said I was interested in doing this purely on the basis of looks, but it just seems to be to much trouble for nothing.
I will take your advice and leave it as is.
Thank you.

There are alternatives to milling a V for the attachment peice. It can be TIG welded in place using heat paste to control temper loss. The nose cap and other parts are available from:
Jack First Gun Shop
605 343 8481 ask for Becky in Parts.

It's a simple project for a skilled TIG welder to perform in less than .5 hour including set-up.
TR

T.R.,
thank you for the info.
Best regards,
Valter