Idea for a Marlin 336

Nine the Ranger · August 26, 2012, 09:21 PM

I've been looking for a compact lever gun. I would like to have the barrel cut down to 16 inches (or whatever the minimum length is), and replace the stock irons ( I HATE HATE HATE the hooded front sight) with a ghost ring/post system. A short action, and replace the wood with a darker colored wood, maybe hollow out the butt to hold a few extra rounds.

I'm going for a light, handy, little rifle that could be as close to a 'do-all' rifle as possible.

Thoughts or recommendations? Does anyone know how much money this would be?

gaseousclay · August 26, 2012, 09:33 PM

why not just buy a coach gun instead of ruining a perfectly fine levergun?

jmr40 · August 26, 2012, 09:35 PM

It could be done, but there have been a few versions made over the years with a factroy 16" barrel. Finding one of those will simplify your project considerably.

They currently offer a Spikehorn version as a youth gun. It comes with a 16" barrel and cheap wood cut down to a shorter LOP. It is not hard to find a full size replcement stock. Several options for better sights.

They made a straight stoked version with short barrel back in the 50's, 60's called the Maurader. They turn up from time to time. I have an LTS version from 1988 with the same short barrel. Basically a newer version of the Maurader.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/72758

http://www.gunlistings.org/californi...arauder__rare_

http://www.gunsamerica.com/992114087...in_LTS_336.htm

Salmoneye · August 27, 2012, 06:25 AM

The hood slides right off the front sight...Replacing with Skinner rear <$100...

Strip the stock, and stain it whatever color you want for time and $10...

Barrel cut down and recrown <$200...

Drilling the butt is no difficult feat...

Below is a link to a guy that made a 'trapper' from a Carbine...Basically the saem idea, only he scoped his...Results are on page 16:

http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/33...-underway.html

1stmar · August 28, 2012, 08:06 AM

I have a 336 with a Williams rear peep and a scout scope, Burris, mounted on the barrel by warne. Works awesome, could easily be adopted for Picatinny rail and red dot if you wanted..

Malamute · August 28, 2012, 10:08 AM

None of what you want is hard to do. I never cared for hooded sights, I always took them off first thing whenever I got a gun with one on. I'm not a fan of the skinner sights, a sourdough front blade and a (steel) Lyman or Williams Foolproof rear are good sights, stick up less, have better adjustments, and cost less. I understand some of the later Marlins aren't drilled and tapped on the side from the factory, but that's simple to correct, without resorting to the odd looking top mounted receiver sights. Wood color can be changed simply with a refinish.

Marlins are fine guns, especially if you want to scope one, I'm more a fan of Winchesters for a couple reasons, one of which is they are a little lighter than a similar length Marlin.

Shorter is nice for carry and getting in and out of a vehicle, but has noticably increased muzzle blast compared to a 20" barrel. I have a 16" barreled 30-30, but simply don't like shooting it compared to a 20" gun. Nice to carry, not so nice to shoot. I think the 20 carbines are about perfect as a general purpose gun. YMMV

Here's a link to a guy that made a couple short Marlins.

http://leverguns.com/articles/AKChurch/trappers.htm

Nine the Ranger · August 28, 2012, 05:20 PM

This is me going a little off topic in fmy own thread.

How is the recoil/ballistics of the .35 Rem v.s the 30-30, I was thinking of tracking down a 336 in .35.

1stmar · August 28, 2012, 05:34 PM

Apples to apples they are pretty close, 170 gr 2100 fps 30/30 vs 180gr 2100 fps 35 rem. 35 rem gives you more options in bullet weight at the high end and you can load some 158 gr at the low end. It may be a little more versatile but you will find a lot more 30/30 ammo on shelves and reloading info in books. I like 35 rem, pretty accurate cartridge.

ferg · August 28, 2012, 07:30 PM

This guy does some really nice work.

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=101091

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=98047

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=90111

1stmar · August 28, 2012, 07:40 PM

If you looking for a combined hunting/tactical weapon I would look for a short throw caliber, ie 44mag. It will allow for quicker follow up shots.

badlander · September 3, 2012, 09:48 AM

I have A 336 SC cut to 16.25" with skinner sights, and xs leverscout mount. with A leatherwood Scout scope. in Leupold QR rings. It is A handy little gun and is A favorite. Brockman has A cartridge carrier that fits in the buttstock.

Go for it!

PawPaw · September 3, 2012, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nine the Ranger

How is the recoil/ballistics of the .35 Rem v.s the 30-30, I was thinking of tracking down a 336 in .35.

The .35 Remington is a sleeper cartridge of the short-range deer woods. I bought mine in 1974 and it's accounted for several of our whitetail brethren. What I like about that big 'ol 200 grain Core-lokt is that it kills like the hammers of hell. Anything under 150 yards reacts most promptly. I've had them go down before the gun came out of recoil and I've never had to track a deer shot with that cartridge. On paper, most folks turn their noses up at it, but the effect on game is immediate and undeniable.

Salmoneye · September 3, 2012, 01:39 PM

Another thing I like about .35 Rem is the ability to use most .38 caliber handgun bullets in it...

I load cast all the way down to .38 Special velocities for plinking and small game...

Shotgun693 · September 3, 2012, 08:26 PM

Shop around until you find a shorter barreled Marlin. Replace the rear sight with a full buckhorn. Take off the front sight hood. You can refinish the stocks yourself. It sounds like you're making this harder to do than it ought to be.
As for a do all rifle, I doubt that one has ever been made. There will always be something come up that calls for a different tool. For a general purpose 'Truck Gun' your concept sounds as good as any.

twhidd · September 3, 2012, 08:36 PM

Have you looked at the Rossi M92? They can be had with 16 inch barrels and 357, 44, and 45 Colt calibers.

NYPD13 · September 4, 2012, 10:22 AM

Look for a Marlin 30A, its a 20" version of the same rifle with a shorter lighter birch stock, no recoil pad, front sight post without a hood, tapped rear for a sight of your choosing.

L_Killkenny · September 4, 2012, 10:53 AM

16" Marlin .30-30's are fairly hard to come by but they are out there. So if you are wanting one you may very well be on the right track albeit not a cheap one. Lever guns aren't as easy to shorten as bolt actions, they have mag tubes, springs, bands, etc but more than one has been shortened so it's far from impossible. A better option may be to look for a Winchester 94 Trapper in .30-30(16", many more made) or a Rossi .357 or a Marlin .357. You don't lose much if anything with the .357 out to 100-150 yards, they can be easier to find (still in production as far as I know) and in the long run might be the more cost effective way to get what you want.

I've owned both 16" and 20" versions of the Winchester 94 and if I had to do it over I'd go for the 16" trapper every time. I never noticed much, if anything, for increased blast or recoil and IMO leverguns are at there handiest with the shorter barrel. The Marlin isn't a collector its a shooter and if you want a shorter barrel do it. Being said I'd also choose the .357 over the .30-30 every time too.

jmr40 · September 4, 2012, 06:26 PM

That was the point of my 1st post. Buying a 16" gun will be a little more costly, but will be cheaper in the long run than buying a longer barreled gun and modifying it. Another plus is that modifying a gun will decrease its value. Buying a more expensive gun made in the shorter length will only increase in value over time.

Not saying it can't be done, but I've got 2 shorter barreled guns made that way and run across 3-4 a year at various gunshows and in gunshops. Worth the trouble and time spent to me.

badlander · September 5, 2012, 04:22 PM

I am A big Marlin fan but I have been looking for A 1894 Marlin in .45 Colt. When I see them for sale they are About $800.. I started looking at the Rossi M92 lineup. Just over $400. They are looking pretty good. the ones I have handeled looked better than the new offerings from marlin. they also offer barrel lengths from 16 to 24 inches round or octogon. The wood is nicely shaped and fitted but not very pretty.
Cutting A 336 30-30 is not as expensive as you would think. Brockmans does it for around $150. I love my Marlin shorty.

I went and checked. Brockmans price to shorten the barrel is $110.

Big Shrek · September 6, 2012, 03:11 PM

After hunting for years with a 5' recurve bow, I find a 20" barreled rifle to be far easier to swing around

3"-5" ain't gonna make or break ya unless improperly prepared when stalking...

And if yer in a tree stand, what's the point of a shorter rifle?

bamaranger · September 7, 2012, 12:45 AM

Grizzly Custom will do a lot to a lever, as will (I think) Dave Ray Clark (?) DRC guns. But as noted, you will pay for it.

Somebody already sells a synthetic stock set for M94' and 336's, I think. But a can of truck bedliner is cheaper. I've lost more than one hood from a front sight....except the one from my Grandad's M88, which I looked for for an hour as a teen ager. It is now epoxied in place.

I hate buckhorn rear sights..........and plus one to a XS peep and ramp front, or a set of Skinners.

As I get older, I've noticed that the rifles I hunt the most, are short and light.

L_Killkenny · September 7, 2012, 08:51 AM

Quote:

3"-5" ain't gonna make or break ya unless improperly prepared when stalking...

No, not gonna make or break ya but it works both ways. An extra 4" in length ain't gonna make or break things either. But obviously someone's never felt how the handling of a gun can change with just an inch or two off the barrel let alone four. It's all in what you like and I like shorter, quicker guns.

For those of you posting about ruining or changing a perfectly good gun, get a grip. Rifles don't come in one size fit's all, I don't have one rifle in factory trim. Are they ruined? Heck no, they're about 10 times better now. It's not like run of the mill 336's are collectors or rare. In 100 years after we're all dead and gone the value of such a mod might ding the value A LITTLE but 16" Marlin .30-30's are rare enough that if it's done well this modification may actually increase it's value on today's market.

For the record: This mod can be done WELL at home with some basic tools although I'd tend to go more like 17" on the barrel in case you make a boo-boo and need to get some professional help. OP needs to go do some reading over at leverguns.com.

rallyhound · September 8, 2012, 07:23 PM

.

Started with a slightly rusted Glenfield 30 at Cabelas with a broken front sight.

A hacksaw and some black spray paint and this what you get.

Total investment of $140.00

bamaranger · September 8, 2012, 08:56 PM

Walked into a shop quite a few years back, and there was a very peculiar Marlin 1894 .44 mag on the wall. It looked like it shrunk, both ends.

Conversation yielded that it was the result of too much Budweiser and a Dremel tool while watching westerns!

It didn't look too bad, but the story was it needed recrowned.

rnpollard · September 13, 2012, 08:34 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l03mP9LlAb8

Here is a short video of my Marlin Spikehorn. Basically a youth model. I'm 5'9" and it works just fine for me.

I added the XS Scout scope mount and put a TRS25 on it and it is a decent little close range carbine.

I really like it.

August 26, 2012, 09:21 PM	#1
Nine the Ranger Senior Member Join Date: June 22, 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 248	Idea for a Marlin 336 I've been looking for a compact lever gun. I would like to have the barrel cut down to 16 inches (or whatever the minimum length is), and replace the stock irons ( I HATE HATE HATE the hooded front sight) with a ghost ring/post system. A short action, and replace the wood with a darker colored wood, maybe hollow out the butt to hold a few extra rounds. I'm going for a light, handy, little rifle that could be as close to a 'do-all' rifle as possible. Thoughts or recommendations? Does anyone know how much money this would be? __________________ 'A Vote is like a Rifle; It's usefulness depends upon the character of the User.'-Theodore Roosevelt

August 26, 2012, 09:35 PM	#3
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,808	It could be done, but there have been a few versions made over the years with a factroy 16" barrel. Finding one of those will simplify your project considerably. They currently offer a Spikehorn version as a youth gun. It comes with a 16" barrel and cheap wood cut down to a shorter LOP. It is not hard to find a full size replcement stock. Several options for better sights. They made a straight stoked version with short barrel back in the 50's, 60's called the Maurader. They turn up from time to time. I have an LTS version from 1988 with the same short barrel. Basically a newer version of the Maurader. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/72758 http://www.gunlistings.org/californi...arauder__rare_ http://www.gunsamerica.com/992114087...in_LTS_336.htm Last edited by jmr40; August 26, 2012 at 09:41 PM.

August 28, 2012, 10:08 AM	#6
Malamute Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2004 Location: Rocky Mts Posts: 859	None of what you want is hard to do. I never cared for hooded sights, I always took them off first thing whenever I got a gun with one on. I'm not a fan of the skinner sights, a sourdough front blade and a (steel) Lyman or Williams Foolproof rear are good sights, stick up less, have better adjustments, and cost less. I understand some of the later Marlins aren't drilled and tapped on the side from the factory, but that's simple to correct, without resorting to the odd looking top mounted receiver sights. Wood color can be changed simply with a refinish. Marlins are fine guns, especially if you want to scope one, I'm more a fan of Winchesters for a couple reasons, one of which is they are a little lighter than a similar length Marlin. Shorter is nice for carry and getting in and out of a vehicle, but has noticably increased muzzle blast compared to a 20" barrel. I have a 16" barreled 30-30, but simply don't like shooting it compared to a 20" gun. Nice to carry, not so nice to shoot. I think the 20 carbines are about perfect as a general purpose gun. YMMV Here's a link to a guy that made a couple short Marlins. http://leverguns.com/articles/AKChurch/trappers.htm __________________ "Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." -Theodore Roosevelt-

August 28, 2012, 05:20 PM	#7
Nine the Ranger Senior Member Join Date: June 22, 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 248	This is me going a little off topic in fmy own thread. How is the recoil/ballistics of the .35 Rem v.s the 30-30, I was thinking of tracking down a 336 in .35. __________________ 'A Vote is like a Rifle; It's usefulness depends upon the character of the User.'-Theodore Roosevelt

August 28, 2012, 07:30 PM	#9
ferg Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2006 Posts: 135	This guy does some really nice work. http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=101091 http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=98047 http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=90111 __________________ Some idiots are too busy knowing it all to ever learn anything

August 26, 2012, 09:33 PM	#2
gaseousclay Senior Member Join Date: August 4, 2010 Posts: 1,210	why not just buy a coach gun instead of ruining a perfectly fine levergun?

August 27, 2012, 06:25 AM	#4
Salmoneye Senior Member Join Date: December 31, 2011 Location: Vermont Posts: 2,076	The hood slides right off the front sight...Replacing with Skinner rear <$100... Strip the stock, and stain it whatever color you want for time and $10... Barrel cut down and recrown <$200... Drilling the butt is no difficult feat... Below is a link to a guy that made a 'trapper' from a Carbine...Basically the saem idea, only he scoped his...Results are on page 16: http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/33...-underway.html

August 28, 2012, 08:06 AM	#5
1stmar Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,378	I have a 336 with a Williams rear peep and a scout scope, Burris, mounted on the barrel by warne. Works awesome, could easily be adopted for Picatinny rail and red dot if you wanted..

August 28, 2012, 05:34 PM	#8
1stmar Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,378	Apples to apples they are pretty close, 170 gr 2100 fps 30/30 vs 180gr 2100 fps 35 rem. 35 rem gives you more options in bullet weight at the high end and you can load some 158 gr at the low end. It may be a little more versatile but you will find a lot more 30/30 ammo on shelves and reloading info in books. I like 35 rem, pretty accurate cartridge.

August 28, 2012, 07:40 PM	#10
1stmar Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,378	If you looking for a combined hunting/tactical weapon I would look for a short throw caliber, ie 44mag. It will allow for quicker follow up shots.

September 3, 2012, 09:48 AM	#11
badlander Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2008 Location: So. Fla Posts: 344	I have A 336 SC cut to 16.25" with skinner sights, and xs leverscout mount. with A leatherwood Scout scope. in Leupold QR rings. It is A handy little gun and is A favorite. Brockman has A cartridge carrier that fits in the buttstock. Go for it! __________________ We have room for all of Alaska's wildlife. Right next to the mashed potatos- Sarah Palin

September 3, 2012, 01:39 PM	#13
Salmoneye Senior Member Join Date: December 31, 2011 Location: Vermont Posts: 2,076	Another thing I like about .35 Rem is the ability to use most .38 caliber handgun bullets in it... I load cast all the way down to .38 Special velocities for plinking and small game...

September 3, 2012, 08:26 PM	#14
Shotgun693 Senior Member Join Date: September 3, 2011 Location: Poteet, Texas Posts: 959	Shop around until you find a shorter barreled Marlin. Replace the rear sight with a full buckhorn. Take off the front sight hood. You can refinish the stocks yourself. It sounds like you're making this harder to do than it ought to be. As for a do all rifle, I doubt that one has ever been made. There will always be something come up that calls for a different tool. For a general purpose 'Truck Gun' your concept sounds as good as any.

September 3, 2012, 08:36 PM	#15
twhidd Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2005 Location: Athens, Georgia Posts: 823	Have you looked at the Rossi M92? They can be had with 16 inch barrels and 357, 44, and 45 Colt calibers.

September 4, 2012, 10:22 AM	#16
NYPD13 Senior Member Join Date: September 10, 2008 Posts: 370	Look for a Marlin 30A, its a 20" version of the same rifle with a shorter lighter birch stock, no recoil pad, front sight post without a hood, tapped rear for a sight of your choosing. __________________ "THE CONSTITUTION ONLY GIVES PEOPLE THE RIGHT TO PURSUE HAPPINESS, YOU HAVE TO CATCH IT YOURSELF." ~BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.

September 4, 2012, 10:53 AM	#17
L_Killkenny Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,676	16" Marlin .30-30's are fairly hard to come by but they are out there. So if you are wanting one you may very well be on the right track albeit not a cheap one. Lever guns aren't as easy to shorten as bolt actions, they have mag tubes, springs, bands, etc but more than one has been shortened so it's far from impossible. A better option may be to look for a Winchester 94 Trapper in .30-30(16", many more made) or a Rossi .357 or a Marlin .357. You don't lose much if anything with the .357 out to 100-150 yards, they can be easier to find (still in production as far as I know) and in the long run might be the more cost effective way to get what you want. I've owned both 16" and 20" versions of the Winchester 94 and if I had to do it over I'd go for the 16" trapper every time. I never noticed much, if anything, for increased blast or recoil and IMO leverguns are at there handiest with the shorter barrel. The Marlin isn't a collector its a shooter and if you want a shorter barrel do it. Being said I'd also choose the .357 over the .30-30 every time too.

September 4, 2012, 06:26 PM	#18
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,808	That was the point of my 1st post. Buying a 16" gun will be a little more costly, but will be cheaper in the long run than buying a longer barreled gun and modifying it. Another plus is that modifying a gun will decrease its value. Buying a more expensive gun made in the shorter length will only increase in value over time. Not saying it can't be done, but I've got 2 shorter barreled guns made that way and run across 3-4 a year at various gunshows and in gunshops. Worth the trouble and time spent to me.

September 5, 2012, 04:22 PM	#19
badlander Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2008 Location: So. Fla Posts: 344	I am A big Marlin fan but I have been looking for A 1894 Marlin in .45 Colt. When I see them for sale they are About $800.. I started looking at the Rossi M92 lineup. Just over $400. They are looking pretty good. the ones I have handeled looked better than the new offerings from marlin. they also offer barrel lengths from 16 to 24 inches round or octogon. The wood is nicely shaped and fitted but not very pretty. Cutting A 336 30-30 is not as expensive as you would think. Brockmans does it for around $150. I love my Marlin shorty. I went and checked. Brockmans price to shorten the barrel is $110. __________________ We have room for all of Alaska's wildlife. Right next to the mashed potatos- Sarah Palin

September 6, 2012, 03:11 PM	#20
Big Shrek Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: NorthWest Florida Posts: 1,358	After hunting for years with a 5' recurve bow, I find a 20" barreled rifle to be far easier to swing around 3"-5" ain't gonna make or break ya unless improperly prepared when stalking... And if yer in a tree stand, what's the point of a shorter rifle? __________________ Marlin Specialist Calico Specialist A gun should be a tool in the hands of a deadly weapon, not a deadly weapon in the hands of a tool.

September 7, 2012, 12:45 AM	#21
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,308	custom Grizzly Custom will do a lot to a lever, as will (I think) Dave Ray Clark (?) DRC guns. But as noted, you will pay for it. Somebody already sells a synthetic stock set for M94' and 336's, I think. But a can of truck bedliner is cheaper. I've lost more than one hood from a front sight....except the one from my Grandad's M88, which I looked for for an hour as a teen ager. It is now epoxied in place. I hate buckhorn rear sights..........and plus one to a XS peep and ramp front, or a set of Skinners. As I get older, I've noticed that the rifles I hunt the most, are short and light.

September 8, 2012, 07:23 PM	#23
rallyhound Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 271	. Started with a slightly rusted Glenfield 30 at Cabelas with a broken front sight. A hacksaw and some black spray paint and this what you get. Total investment of $140.00 __________________ When it's all said and done--- More will be said Free" men do not ask permission to bear arms.

September 8, 2012, 08:56 PM	#24
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,308	at home Walked into a shop quite a few years back, and there was a very peculiar Marlin 1894 .44 mag on the wall. It looked like it shrunk, both ends. Conversation yielded that it was the result of too much Budweiser and a Dremel tool while watching westerns! It didn't look too bad, but the story was it needed recrowned.

September 13, 2012, 08:34 PM	#25
rnpollard Member Join Date: March 1, 2001 Location: Fort Benning, GA Posts: 26	Here is mine. It works! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l03mP9LlAb8 Here is a short video of my Marlin Spikehorn. Basically a youth model. I'm 5'9" and it works just fine for me. I added the XS Scout scope mount and put a TRS25 on it and it is a decent little close range carbine. I really like it. __________________ Hooah! It's an Army thing! DAV Life Member [email protected]