re: Thoughts on 30/30 repeaters?

I would be patient if I were you and look for a true Marlin. I bought a 336c pre-safety ('79) that was spotless and had never been shot (said my gunsmith). It shoots consistent 1" groups with a Nikon 2x7. Paid $325 for it and only looked for a week in Texas Gun Trader. Wouldn't trade that for a Remlin. Also bought a stainless Guide Gun in .45-70 in similar condition for $650 in same online classifieds. It literally drills one hole three shot groups at 100 yards.

The deals are there, my friend.

No shitstorm here, Pro! This ain't the Rant or the Poli board.

Remlins would probably include model year '08 to present. But it's also true that Remington has made a concerted effort more recently to improve QC.

Just too many true Marlins out there looking for a good home.

What happened with Marlin was significant. A lot of ageing and sensitive (tolerances) machining equipment was packed up and moved from a plant where they had been for nearly 50 years to a plant hundreds of miles away. All the old machinists who were quite familiar with theses machines were let go and new and inexperienced machinists were hired in Ithaca to run machines they were unfamiliar with. Quality control sucked as well and the result was a poor product that ruined an exceptional name in gun manufacturing.

Every firearm maker had a TDP for every product they make, all that is except Marlin which caused a majority of the teething issues. The old Marlin factory wasn't in good shape, lot poorly maintained equipment and while what they shipped was a good product it could have been a lot better. I have experience in moving and setting up older machining equipment and even the best isn't happy and I'm talking multi-ton lathes made in Germany. Remington rushed the move and that caused some bad products too but what is being currently produced is pretty good and will only get better. Unless you've actually handled a 1895 this year you aren't helping the brand get back what is lost. Seems some of the Marlin faithful would rather see the brand go defunct out of spite than see it come back.

I purchased a older used Marlin several years ago to replace one that was stolen. The gun stayed in the safe for 6 or 7 years before I shot it. That is when I discovered it had a bad, real bad scared chamber. The gunsmith couldn't find a good used barrel so off it went to Remington for a new barrel, chamber, etc. The gun is now a tact driver (won't shoot core lokt) but anything else is good to go. That said If you wait till deer season is over you should be able to pick up a good used "Marlin 336" at a reasonable price.