What do you look for when buying a used Marlin 336? What do you avoid like the plague? thanks.

I don't know about a used 336, but when your buying any used gun there are some specific things you look for.

The bore condition is probably the most important and that includes a careful look at the throat and the muzzle. A dark bore can mean lots of shooting and very little cleaning.

How worn the blue is can give an indication of how it's been treated. I would avoid a gun that looks like it's spent it life bouncing around under a pickup seat.

I've bought and sold hundreds of guns over the last 45 years and gotten bitten a few times, but have gotten a jewel once in a while. Hope you get that jewel.

What do you look for when buying a used Marlin 336? What do you avoid like the plague? thanks.


The only thing I absolutely avoid is a ruined bore. I'm not talking just dirty here, but pitted. Since all 336s were made in the noncorrosive primer era, truly ruined bores are rare.

Otherwise, I look at overall condition. Does the action work? If the gun has been neglected, I don't expect the action to be very smooth because it's liable to be dusty and dry, but it should cycle properly. I open the action and peek inside to be sure the ejector is in place in its slot on the left side of the receiver. If it's gone, no big deal -- they are cheap and easy to replace.

Frankly, there's little to go wrong with a 336, and if the price is right I'll buy even a ratty one. Cosmetic problems (aside from heavy pitting) are easily addressed, parts are plentiful and fairly cheap, and even a complete teardown and rebuild is a simple job well within the capabilities of anyone who has modest mechanical ability.

Thanks fellows. I learned a bunch yesterday just reading the threads in this forum. I think I've found a jewel made in 1983 (2000 minus first two SN) -- clean bore and everything works. Wood needs some attention but that's the easy part. I think I'll start this adventure today!

Thanks fellows. I learned a bunch yesterday just reading the threads in this forum. I think I've found a jewel made in 1983 (2000 minus first two SN) -- clean bore and everything works. Wood needs some attention but that's the easy part. I think I'll start this adventure today!


Good luck! Chances are very good that you're in for a treat! :)

I would print off pisgahs response as a primer on the matter.

The other thng I look for in a used 336 is price. There have been so many of them made and they are often so plentiful that you can factor price into the picture- - perhpas more so than with a gun that hasnt been made in such numbers.

I think I'll start this adventure today!
Did anyone mention that these things are addictive... ;) Thought you should know. I bought one last year (made in '62), and the dern thing just calls to me to go out shooting. :D

Have fun!

These guns can be very addictive... I'm a ruined man over 336s! Carry a medium slotted screw driver with you and a bore light. Drop the lever and remove the bolt to examine it. On some guns such as the 336D and other limited runs, I wouldn't buy it if the serial number on the bolt didn't match. If it didn't, I would make a point of it to get a deep discount.

Not a problem on the 336s but if you get into the big bores watch the magazine tube under the front barrel band. This area can receive recoil damage from the front barrel band screw.

Went to Sams playhouse and got a new toy, a 336W for 295.00. FYI, lots of used for that price. I will take new....:)

V

Read the forum on the 35 cal and lead bullets. Marlin has some issues with rifle bore as I have stated and you might confirm this with the forum on the new XL stainless rifles with bore problems.

My experiance so far no one has repored issues with the model you just bought.
If ever you see a fifty year old Marlin RC pick it up. Work the lever! Now if the finish is gone and you can see the rifling is still good , buy it even if the guy wants three bills. They just do not make them any more . These units were hand fitted and sure are fine rifles.The 336/35 Rc I bought , I paid three and a half about the same spent on a new rifle at the time, But you will need to pry my cold hard hand off this unit long after I am dead.
A bit of cold blue and sand paper and an oil stock finsh sure brought his fine rifle back in service with a smile . You see the former owner carried this rfle lots but shot it only at game , so the bore and reciever was perfect other than the rifles out side finsh was almost gone.

So shop around have the bore slugged if your looking at another Marlin . If you have a good one you will love them and want to buy another and another.
You will soon have the fever :D