Marlin Model 308SDT Limited .308 Marlin Express 16 1/4” Lever Action Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,975.00
LSB#: LSB250824GS001
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 308SDT
Serial Number: 308SDT185
Year of Manufacture: 2009
Caliber: .308 Marlin Express
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “308SDT THE MARLIN FIREARMS CO. NORTH HAVEN CT. U.S.A. / ***MODEL 308SDT “LIMITED” CAL. 308MX***”. The right side of the barrel is marked with Marlin’s 2-line warning. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 16 1/4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a red fiber optic rod insert, dovetailed to a serrated ramp, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a green fiber optic U-notch sight, dovetailed to a ramp base that is adjustable for windage, dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two-piece checkered gray laminate stock set, with a straight grip, straight comb, rubber buttpad, and a capped forend. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show light wear, with a few scattered scratches and dings throughout the buttstock and forend. The checkering is well defined. The stocks fit the barreled action tightly, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some dust in the bore from storage. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99%+ of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear with scattered scratches and scuffs throughout all of the metal surfaces. There is no rust or corrosion to be found. The stainless finish is strong throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the cross-bolt and half-cock safeties. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Marlin 308SDT Limited is a limited edition rifle produced in 2009 as a special run for Davidson’s. With only 251 produced, and chambered in .308 Marlin Express, this compact lever rifle is the perfect addition for a Marlin collection, or for the hunter who wants a shorter rifle for those hunts in dense cover.
The .308 Marlin Express itself was developed by Marlin in cooperation with Hornady as a lever-gun answer to the .308 Winchester, using Hornady’s LEVERevolution/FTX elastomer-tipped projectiles to safely employ pointed bullets in tubular magazines while delivering markedly higher velocity and energy than traditional .30-30 loads. In short, the cartridge lets a short-barrel lever gun punch well above its weight class for medium game at moderate and ethical distances.
This particular rifle lives up to the “Limited” billing in condition and presentation: bright, sharp rifling, superbly preserved stainless surfaces (we note ~99%+ finish retention), tight checkered laminate stock with only light handling marks, and a solid 13 3/8″ LOP that keeps handling compact and fast. The action is crisp to the lever and the receiver is already drilled/tapped for optics—paired with the short 16-1/4″ barrel this makes a fast, flat-shooting truck-gun or woods hunter that’s easy to carry in thick cover. For a collector or hunter who wants Marlin’s modern lever-gun solution in a scarce Limited run, this 308SDT is a rare, ready example. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
