I need info on an old MArlin 336 - controversy concerning the stock

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G-DOG58

New member
Here's some info on an old Marlin. I'm trying to find out if the stock is original and if the Grip Cap is original. Also, is the checkering added or is it original to the gun. One more question, is this the original rear sight, it says ''Marbles'' on it......
The serial number is J439XX
The stock is 12-3/4'' long
The barrel reads 336SC
THANK YOU for any help!!!

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The stock looks original, but the grip-cap and the checkering are aftermarket. The rear sight is also aftermarket.
 
I agree with Abel. If yo look uclosely, you can see small over-runs on the checkering lines. Nice job, though. It really makes that rifle look good!
 
You appear to have a somewhat scarce 1952 Model 336 SC Deluxe, with an aftermarket Marbles rear sight.

IDK if the Marbles was a factory option at the time, but it's entirely possible, and something to research at www.marlin-collectors.com

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You appear to have a somewhat scarce 1952 Model 336 SC Deluxe, with an aftermarket Marbles rear sight.

That's the 4th year for the Model 336, and the 2nd year for both the SC version and Marlin's .35 Remington chambering.

IDK if the Marbles was a factory option at the time, but it's entirely possible, and something to research at www.marlin-collectors.com

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I have to disagree with some that this is a SC deluxe. If you look close at photos 3 and 4 you can tell the wood has been poorly sanded. The stock to reciever fit is WAY off. Marlin as well as most other manufacterers made their wood "proud". Meaning the wood was larger than the metal fit. The top of the tang is far higher than the wood. Also look at the wood where it intersects the side of the reciever. It has a rounded profile. Original wood was installed on the gun and then final sanded leaving nice square ends. Could this have been a SC deluxe some ham handed previous owner sanded and refinished? Again I have reservations as after the obvious poor sand job the checkering is sharp, no sandpaper has dulled the points. With a little detective work I would have to assume it was a standard rifle that was refinished and then checkered. These are just the observations of an antique gun and knife collector of 45 plus years. A nice looking rifle none the less.
 
Ha! After closely examining the checkering, I now agree that it is the factory pattern at least. I do not think that the grip cap is factory.
 
Unfortunately a broken butt stock is a fairly common occurrence. I’d bet that this is a replacement doctored up to look nice. The poor fit is indeed the giveaway. It might be possible to have a better fitting stock made. It can even be aged to match the fore end if the maker knows his stuff.
 
YIKES ! ! !
The stock numbers match the rifle!!!
I've got a buddy with what he thinks is a 1940's Marlin lever gun in 30-30, his is Case Hardened. The wood on that one is not proud around the Tang. I'll try to post pictures of it soon.

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I had a 336T and my Dad had a 336SC (both bought in about 1964) and neither of them (I'm going on memory) had stocks that were particularly proud to the metal. I refinished my rifle stock and I remember that the fit of wood to metal was great. And as for the grip cap, my 336T (Texan) had a straight grip stock, whereas my Dad's had a grip like the one shown in the picture. Neither were checkered, but I'm almost positive that my Dad's SC had the grip cap. A Brother-in-Law has it now, and I'll call him tomorrow, just to be sure my memory is correct. And I just checked to verify that my 39A from about 1980 also has the grip cap with white spacer. To me, that stock shown appears to be original, with an aftermarket checkering job that looks pretty nice.
 
While I'm willing to eat my words I wonder if the stock has been refinished. I have an old Marlin and the wood to metal fit is excellent compared to this gun.
 
I'd love for you to have a real Deluxe SC but the J date means it was made in 1952. The deluxe wasn't made until 1954. Close, but no banana. But the good news, it's one of the finest old levers out there. I have several and one will shoot a ragged hole at 100 yds. If you load for it, the Remington 200 gr bullets are not aware that they are not match grade bullets. I've also worked up a load using the 250 gr winchesters and they shoot real tight but I've never had any luck with any of them shooting the 180's or lighter.
 
I would say original stock, original cleckering and original sight. End cap most likely original.

Jim
This is a 2008 or there abouts 336C.

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We know for SURE it's the original stock, the numbers on the stock certainly confirm that.
Jim243, what makes you think it's original checkering?

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The place to find out any info on this rifle from the experts is on Marlinowners.com. It looks to be aftermarket checkering though I am sure Marlin checkered different years in different ways. The end cap might be original but I've never seen one like it. I like it though.
If the barrel says it's an SC then it is hard to argue if it is or not. I have had guys tell me that I can't have a 59 RC in 35Rem because they didn't make them then. Well my barrel and Marlin disagree with them.
Pretty rifle. Enjoy it.
 
Jim243, what makes you think it's original checkering?
Click to expand...

We know that the stock is orginal to the rifle. And while the design is a bit different than todays checkering, the checkering on the rifle show strong deep grooves without gaps in the pattern (good craftsmanship) there is no reason to believe it was done after the stock was manufactured. I agree that you may need to match the pattern to a Marlin of the same period just to be sure that that is what they were using when the rifle was manufactured.

I have seen that end cap before, I just can't remember where or when. My first reaction to it was it was a Remington or Whinchester design. But Marlin may have copied it to give their rifles a bit more class. That is a nice touch with the white spacer on the end cap, looks good. (Wheatherby maybe??) The fit and finish to the stock looks perfect, hard to do with a aftermarket part.

With out proof to the contrary, there is no reason to believe that it is anything but original (I could be wrong, but have no reason to think so).

I also noticed you do not have the trigger safety on that model.

Good luck, that is a fine rifle you have there.
Jim
 
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