What years did Marlin bring back the 218 Bee and how many did they produce??? I never see any listed anywhere.

It was the mid 80's. I don't have the exact years as my catalogs are in storage while I build. I believe it was a 4 year production run.

I purchased one month or so ago but I haven't shot a round out of it yet. I will get to that. It was a NIB rifle.

Just off the top of my head, I think it was scheduled for a run of 3500 rifles, but it may have been 5000. The 218 is a sweetheart of a cartridge, as long as you don't try to make it something it's not. I had one in a single-shot, and it was fun to load for. Holt Bodinson did an article years ago on "Ranch Guns", and spoke lovingly of his 218. He once jumped four jackrabbits at once while walking the desert, and four shots later, all had succumbed to the Bee! Four shots at ranges from 30 to 100 yards as they fled, and dinner time was shortly thereafter. Good shooting, and a wonderful little gun. You may find one eventually, but the prices are a bit steep, as you might expect. I'd love one!

Papajohn

I have a Ballard that was relined to 218 Bee, I use light loads and wow is accurate. Sure fun to shoot.