Marlin 336BL

Looking to buy a new deer rifle with my tax returns. I want to get a lever action 30-30 or .30-06. I immediately fell in love with the Marlin 336BL 30-30. A great company, and from what ive read a damn good gun. I was wondering if anyone here owns one or knows anyone who does and what you guys think? I would remove the stock sights and put on some XS Ghost ring sights

 

bump

 

not sure if you watch mad ogre's gun reviews... but he's been soured by marlin's recent crop of lever actions, ... he said rossi makes a better one right now...

http://madogre.com/?p=2456

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi79kO51R4U

 

There are not many, if any 30-06 lever guns out there. Seems Browning made one awhile back, not sure if they still do or not.

 

I have a mid 80's 336CS that is absolutely great. It is very accurate and has never given me any problems. I had a Weaver scope on it originally that went bad and I replaced it with a 4x Nikon. I sighted it in around 93 or 94 and have never had to adjust it since. My favorite round is a 150 gr jacketed hollow point that makes a fist size entry wound on a deer. I would definitely recommend it.

 

thanks for the input guys. ya browning was the only one i found that made a lever .30-06

 

Most won't even remember, but one of the best EVER lever guns would be the Savage 99, with rotary magazine. In a .300 Savage, (prolly a hard to find cartridge, unless you reload) is in my opinion, the best lever gun ever made.

 

Please tell me you meant exit wound???

 

No, I meant entry wound! Here is a photo. The ribs were blown out and my nephew ran his fingers through to his thumb with no effort.

 

love my 336!

 

damn!!

 

Looks like you hit a limb before hitting the animal.

 

Nope. 75 yard open shot across a field.

 

If you are going to get a Marlin lever gun, buy a good condition older pre-safety one.
At the very least avoid any Marlins made after the Freedom Group (Remington) buyout.

 

do you know the production years? and is there a reason behind this? just curious

 

Just like everything else in the world. Price has gone up, and quality has gone down. Older is better in everything, but women... And lawyers, also, have fucked up the gun market.

 

haha good call. thanks for the info

 

Just calling it the way I see it... But really, some older chicks KNOW how to rock your world. You'll see later in life...

 

haha thanks

 

I think it is 2008 that Marlin was bought out.

Newer Marlin lever guns are having failure to extract problems on many models, and fail to fire problems on the 39a. All around fit and finish has declined and customer service has left something to be desired as of late.

Look for the "New Haven, Conn" stamp at very least, better yet would be to find on older one without the cross bolt safety. If you want to get further into it you can look up Marlin rifle ages based on serial numbers and make a little chart to bring with you when you are looking.

If you want to buy new I would suggest a Henry (excellent customer service and still US made) or Rossi (made in Brazil).