Marlin Firearms Co. Model 1936 .30-30 W.C.F. Lever Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,726.00
LSB#: LSB251109RC014
Make: Marlin
Model: 1936
Serial Number: 5483
Year of Manufacture: 1936-1937
Caliber: .30-30 Winchester Center Fire
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full Length Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the top of the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight that is dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a banded forearm, semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and a serrated black hard rubber buttplate. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are handling marks, compression dents, and scratches scattered throughout. There is oil darkening near the receiver. The stocks rate in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is mostly sharp. There is no visible erosion. There is stubborn fouling on the lands. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish. There are scratches, corrosion spots, and handling wear throughout. The bluing has turned to a dark gray/blue patina. The color case has lost 98% of its color, only some on the lever and around a few screws still show. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lever locks up tightly and the hammer has a half-cock safety position. 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: The Marlin Model 1936 represents a pivotal step in Marlin’s lever-action development, serving as the immediate predecessor to the iconic Model 336 and introducing the solid-top receiver design that would define Marlin rifles for decades. Manufactured in the 1936–1937 period, this rifle dates to the earliest production years of the model, when Marlin was refining its post–Great Depression sporting line. The 20 inch barrel, banded forearm, and streamlined profile reflect Marlin’s focus on practical, no-nonsense hunting rifles built for reliability and balance in the field.
Chambered in .30-30 Winchester Center Fire, the Model 1936 was paired with one of America’s most successful sporting cartridges, already proven by decades of widespread use. The .30-30 offered manageable recoil and dependable terminal performance within typical woods ranges, making it an ideal match for Marlin’s robust lever-action design. The bore on this example remains bright with mostly sharp rifling and no visible erosion, rating approximately 8.5 out of 10, with stubborn fouling present on the lands that is consistent with age and long-term use.
Overall condition reflects honest wear from extended service, with approximately 60 percent of the original metal finish remaining and the balance worn to a dark gray-blue patina. Nearly all original case color has faded, with only traces remaining on the lever and around select screws, while the markings remain crisp and legible. The walnut stocks show scattered handling marks, compression dents, and oil darkening near the receiver, presenting in good overall condition for an early production Model 1936. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with tight lockup and a proper half-cock safety. As a C&R-eligible Marlin Model 1936 from its first years of production, this rifle offers a solid and representative example of Marlin’s transition into its modern lever-action era. We are no longer offering layaway. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF
