Marlin Model 1936 .32 Special 24″ Lever Action Rifle MFD 1941-1945 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2285

LSB#: 210317JM08

Make: Marlin

Model: 1936

Serial Number: B9440

Year of Manufacture: 1941 – 1945 (https://marlin-collectors.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6347&start=30) A few case colored models were put together in 1945, after the war, from parts on hand. The features to the stock are not consistent with a 1936 variation 2 and have some of the later model 36 features.

Caliber: .32 Special Cartridge

Action Type: Lever Action with Tubular Mag

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “Marlin Firearms Co. – NEW HAVEN CONN U.S.A. / 32 SPECIAL CAL. — SPECIAL SMOKELESS STEEL”. The “JM” in a circle proof is on the right side of the barrel near the receiver. The bottom Tang is marked “B9440” the top tang is marked “Marlin / MODEL 1936”. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”.

Barrel Length: 24”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded bead on a raised ramp dovetailed top the barrel. The rear sight is a marlin leaf and elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The rear tang is factory drilled and tapped for a tang sight (not included). The receiver is not drilled and tapped for a receiver sight. This is how we narrowed the date of manufacture to prior to 1945, after that date the receivers were drilled and tapped.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are deluxe checkered wood with a hard rubber buttplate and capped pistol grip. The stocks appear to be a later model 36 ADL. This rifle was likely part of a limited production post war with parts on hand. The Marlin “bullseye” is on the belly. There are sling swivel bases mounted to the forend and buttstock. There are light patches of finish loss, some light scratches and compression marks. There are a few marks into the wood at the toe. The most noticeable scratch is on the underside of the forend, it has darkened with age and oil from the years. The most noticeable finish loss is on the right side of the butt at the rear. The checkering is strong. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the hard rubber buttplate. The plate has some scattered little scattered light marks. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Case Color & Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear from handling and storage. There are some patches of light surface frosting on the receiver, most noticeable on the left side. The case colors are still very vibrant and beautiful. The muzzle has some finish loss. The barrel has a few spots of light surface oxidation, most noticeable at the front of the forend on the left side. The barrel has a few little nicks and light hairline scratches, most noticeable on the sides at the front of the magtube. The screw heads are slightly disfigured, but still serviceable. The markings are mostly sharp, there is some lightness to the edge of the markings on the barrel. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: WOW! This rifle has light marks from handling and storage, with a strong bright bore and a beautiful stock set. The colors on the receiver are so bright the gun looks to good to be true. This gun stumped us for a while, this “B” prefix gun appears original, but has a stock that is not consistent with the 2nd variation 1936 rifles. There was no mention of this in Brophy’s book “Marlin Firearms”, so we scoured the web and found numerous accounts of 1936 marked tang rifles being manufactured just post war with the parts that were still in inventory. This would explain the use of a lot of early metal parts in high condition and a great ADL stock. This Marlin will turn heads and a nice conversation given the post war configuration. Please see our photos and good luck!