Western Field ser. no. search

[seabeescotty]

I have an old 30-30 levergun that appears to be a Marlin 336 in all but name. Iknow it's an older rifle because it lacks the cross-bolt safety feature of the newer rifles. I'd like to find out just how old it is. Any suggestions? Seabeescotty

[fal308]

What markings and names are on it? Without any information I'd say offhand it is a Western Field.
Many major manufacturers used to make firearms for other companies. They would brand stamp whatever the contracting company wanted.

[Scorch]

Western Field lever actions were made by Mossberg. They kinda look like a Marlin until you compare them side by side. They are an OK gun.

[elrod]

You indicate in your OP that the rifle is, indeed, a Western Field brand. This is a store brand of Montgomery Ward. Many of these guns were manfactured by Mossberg and were private labels of their models 472 and 479. Other 30-30 lever guns sold under the WF brand were manfactured by Noble, Savage, and Marlin. To know for sure, the model number must be known. I had a WF 30-30 that was unique insomuch as the trigger traveled with the lever when the action was opened. That rifle was a model 72 manfactured by Noble.
As a side note, these guns are generally worth 15-40% less than the respective manfacturers' model.:(

[nfmMike]

I also have aquired a WF 30-30 and the trigger stays with the lever as you cycle it. Why can't I find any references to Noble in any WWW search? Does anyone know anything about hte Noble company?

I did read on another forum that the 20" barrel WF was only made in 1972 - anyone know any truth to that?

[RJay]

Nobel, Haydenville, Massachusetts. In business 1946 to 1971, Firearms built were plain Jane utilitarian type guns. Many were sold under " Brand Names". Value in excellent condition is around 150-175. Why couldn't you find information on Nobel on the WWW, because the net is not the source of all information. The web pages have helped a lot of new gun owners, but there is a tremendous amount of information that is not on the web. Your rifle was made just before they folded so I would date it around 1969/70. Hope that helps:) By the way, since they ceased business in 1971 I doubt your 20 inch barrel was made in 1972