Old Marlin or New Marlin

[6pt-sika]

Impressed, then a noticed the "new safety"

I had a circa 2002 Marlin 444 that had the cross bolt safety . I restocked the gun with some relatively nice figured walnut and got a button replacement for the safety . The safety was gone and it looked like a pin in its place .

 

[6pt-sika]

When I first got my 336 I tried a few different ways to mount a scope but there was just no way I could get one far enough forward for reasonable eye relief (for me and my gibbon-like arms that is). Initially I was pretty gutted as the flat-top of the 336 and its consequent suitability for scope mounting had been widely touted as one of the main advantages of the Marlin vs the Winchester.

I’m of average build and I had not much of any issue with scope eye relief using both Weaver and Leupold/Redfield mounts . I will say Weaver made the 63B base in two different lengths . The older ones were an inch or so longer extending out over the barrel a bit and worked better than the newer made ones . I had the short base on a Marlin 1895 circa 1972 with an older Weaver K2.5 on top and eye relief was a bit awkward but still usable as I killed a semi decent eight point buck with it .

 

[Andy Mauthe]

I recently submitted a variation for a 30-30 with a view to buying a Lever gun for woodland stalking.

I really like the look of the new Ruger made Marlins however I am struggling to find stockists in 30-30. I hear they are having a hard time keeping up with demand in the US so I am guessing it's unlikely I will be able to pick one up for a while

I am able to find the older Remington made Marlins however some say that these guns had some quality control issues leaving the factory and aren't of the best quality.

My question is - does anyone have one of the older Remington made Marlins and have they had any mechanical issues?

Are there other brands I should be considering?

Thanks,

I believe that the main issue with the Remington made Marlins was spotty quality. Some were fine but a good amount came through with quality issues ranging from cosmetic problems with wood fitment to major functional issues with the actions. I would stay away from them unless you can lay your hands on it prior to laying out your cash. I don’t know what Ruger’s repair policy is for Remington made units. Also consider Henry. I have one and the quality is excellent. On par with my original JM Marlins

 

[alberta boy]

I believe that the main issue with the Remington made Marlins was spotty quality. Some were fine but a good amount came through with quality issues ranging from cosmetic problems with wood fitment to major functional issues with the actions. I would stay away from them unless you can lay your hands on it prior to laying out your cash. I don’t know what Ruger’s repair policy is for Remington made units. Also consider Henry. I have one and the quality is excellent. On par with my original JM Marlins

The initail production rifles varied from barely usable to non functional . They did improve drastically over the first year . The never came near the fit and finish of the older JM stamped rifles though .
Ruger has actually made a point of telling people that they do not repair or service any rifles other than their own and recommend seeking the services of a reputable gunsmith if necessary . And you're right about the Henrys , they really are well put together rifles . I've been eyeing a colour case hardened , side gate version in 30/30 lately , very nice .

AB

 

[Vince1968]

I have several Marlins , a JM stamped Marlin 38/357 Cowboy Rifle , a Remington Marlin 44 mag rifle and a Ruger Marlin 45/70 Trapper Laminate.

They’re all excellent quality guns !

My mate has a Winchester Legendary Lawman Commemorative 30/30 for sale on guntrader but I’ve not seen another one like it

I personally prefer Marlin Centrefire but I’ve also got a Henry .22 lever action.

I’ve always wanted the Henry pump action .22lr rifle but I’ve never seen one in the flesh or for sale !

 

[Muir]

The newest Marlin I own is a1967 ,39A Levergun. My son has a Model1895 Cowboy 45-70 that is pre Remington; shoots great.~Muir

 

[M@tt]

I have a few marlins, from the late 1890s to Ruger ones. All in 22 or pistol calibres. I haven't tried the large calibre versions so cannot comment on them.

The early Remlins were the same quality as the last of the Marlins but Remington pulled it back and I haven't had one that didn't or I couldn't get to work smoothly, much like the earlier Marlins and the famous jam.

The new Ruglin 357 arrived just before Christmas and although I haven't shot it yet, it looks nice, a good finish but a little stiff on the cycling action. A few spring tweeks and it'll smooth right out I'm sure. A project for the new year.