RARE Marlin Model 336SC 336-SC .219 Zipper 20″ Lever Action Rifle, 1957 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2500
LSB#: 230113ED021
Make: Marlin
Model: 336 S.C. Zipper
Serial Number: P33291
Year of Manufacture: 1957 (P date code)
Caliber: .219 Zipper
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel “The Marlin Firearms Co. NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. – EST. 1870 / — MODEL 336 SC – CAL .219 ZIPPER — MICRO-GROOVE—”. The right side of the barrel at the receiver is marked with a circled “JM” proof. The lower tang is marked “P33291”.
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded brass beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated ramped riser that is screwed to the top of the barrel. The rear sight is a flat top U-notch that is dovetailed to the barrel. The elevator piece is missing. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled in four places for mounting an optic (not included). The left side of the receiver has two drilled, tapped, and filled holes for a side mounted sight (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a capped forearm and pistol grip, fluted straight comb, sling stud front and rear, and a hard rubber Marlin buttplate. The Marlin bullseye is present in the belly. There is scattered finish wear and blotched discoloration throughout the buttstock. There are some faint lines and minor compressions throughout. The wood has darkened with age and handling. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate shows light marks with sharp checkering; there is discoloration in the checkering. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright and the rifling is well defined. There is some fouling, erosion, and faint pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is thinning at all leading edges of the receiver, lever, and at the muzzle. There is sparsely scattered freckled oxidation on the mag tube, barrel, and left side of the receiver. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. The action and hammer have minor operational wear. The screw heads are slightly tool marked yet serviceable. The markings are legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lever locks up tightly and the hammer has a half-cock safety position. The lever safety is present and functional. The action is a bit gummy and will need proper cleaning and lubrication. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Marlin’s Model 1893 rifle was a direct competitor to the Winchester Model 1894 rifle from 1893 to 1936, when with minor changes to the stock, forearm and sights, it was re-designated the Model 1936, which changed to M36 shortly thereafter. Compared to the Winchester M1894, it offered side-ejection of fired cartridges, a round breech bolt and a full pistol grip buttstock. In 1948, the Model 36 was replaced with the Model 336, which incorporated the patents of Thomas R. Robinson, a Marlin employee. The Model 336 has been in continuous production until the present day. This rifle is a 1957 vintage Marlin Model 336 SC Zipper carbine chambered in .219 Zipper. This is a unique model of which only 3,230 units were made from 1955 until 1959. This model was found to suffer from poor accuracy and short barrel life given the combination of the chambering and micro groove rifling. Needless to say, this is certainly one that belongs in a respectable Marlin collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
