1948 Marlin 336A, 30-30 with "JM" barrel

[Trooper Joe]

Just found this really nice Marlin 336A 30-30 made in 1948 which I believe was the first year for the 336 models.  Has a 24" "JM" stamped barrel, and a waffle top (no screw holes).







Sometime in it's 71 year life span, a prior owner had installed the dreaded side mount scope mount.  Ironically, the scope was only an old Weaver 2.5x rim fire scope which was very cloudy.  Walked past this for several days before I woke up the other day and decided to save this great rifle from extinction.  The dealer made me a good deal so the gun came home with me.

I decided against doing anything to repair the damage (like welding up the holes and rebluing, etc.) other that to remove that scope assembly and plug the holes with some nice plugs from Brownells as soon as I can figure out the thread size.  After all, these side mounts were sort of "period correct" accessories so the old girl will wear the plugged holes as a sort of "badge of honor".



Can't really figure out what the deal was on a 2.5x rimfire scope.



Sat holding it last night wondering how many deer it has taken in the Michigan woods since 1948.

Repairs made on my 336A

Lucked and found a whole pack of 8-40 screw hole plugs brand new.  The one in front of the ejector stud hole had to be ground down a little since it was interfering with the installation of the ejector. (Don't drink two beers before trying to grind that little puppy down.  Can't believe I didn't lose it.)



At least no one drilled holes in the waffle top during the last 71 years.  Also, it was nice that no sling mounts were screwed into the stock or "tack welded" onto the magazine tube.







Is this the correct butt plate for a 1948 336A?



Thanks for all the info and advice.  By the way, the scope is an  El Paso J-2.5 model Weaver scope as identified by a gent on another forum.

Trooper Joe

[Coffinmaker]

Swell Jammies   

[Coal Creek Griff]

Swell Jammies   

OK, that made me laugh.  Trooper Joe writes up a great review of his new old gun with lots of pictures and details and you comment on his clothing.  That's funny.  (On the other hand, I was going to comment on his books.)

Trooper, that's a great gun and I think you did well.

CC Griff

[Trooper Joe]

Just corrected my original post from "wondering how many dear it has taken in the Michigan woods" to "wondering how many deer it has taken in the Michigan woods".

Guess I am so used to saying "yes dear" that it caused me to make a typo.  .

Thanks for the comments gang.

Trooper Joe

[boilerplatejackson]

That is a great find, and still has years of service left. The 24 inch is a great barrel length to get a little more speed out of the 30/30 cartridge. Ballard rifling to boot I own a Model 45 JC Higgens which dates from 1960 that I have been having a lot of fun shooting cast bullets in.  The rifle likes .312 cast bullets gas checked to .311. Yes please don't do anything to the waffle top, as they are a unique piece of history. The factory drilled and tapped the back left side of your receiver for a Williams sight.

[Major 2]

Great score on the Old Marlin .... 1948 was indeed my 1st. year of manufacture.  nearing 72 years young....


Oh ! + 1 on the Pj's 

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

A very common scope tube dimension in those days was 7/8". The first centrefire rifle I ever shot was a sporterized Mauser '95, with a 7/8" scope in a sidemount just like that.

7 X 57  is still my favorite caliber.

[Darto]

I never knew early Marlins were not drilled. I have a made in '50s Marlin Texan (scoped). Even without the scope it is thicker/heavier than a dainty Win 94 and therefore I don't like carrying it as much through the forest. But JM's are great for older people which need a glass eye.

[Coffinmaker]

  What??  WHAT??   

WHAT "Older" people.  I'll have you know I resemble that.  Glass Eye indeed.  Harrumpff!!

Hide and Watch

[Dave T]

Like Major 2, that would be a "birth year rifle" for me. If I ran across one of that vintage I might be very tempted, and I have no use for a 30 WCF. (smile)

Dave