Marlin Model 336 .30-30 Winchester 20″ Lever Action Hunting Rifle, MFD 1979
SOLD FOR: $1,077.00
LSB#: LSB251031JK012
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 336
Serial Number: 21053469
Year of Manufacture: 1979
Caliber: .30-30 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked with Marlin’s North Haven address, “EST. 1870 – MICRO-GROOVE BARREL – MOD. 336 CAL. 30-30 WIN.”, and a “JM” stamp just forward of the receiver. The top tang is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 20″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade, dovetailed to a serrated ramp, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flip-up semi-buckhorn U-notch sight, on a ramp, dovetailed to the barrel. The receiver is mounted with a Simmons 3-9×50 scope with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light wear, with a few scattered scratches and dings in the scope’s finish. Overall, the scope rates in Very Good condition. The scope is mounted directly to the receiver by high-mount 1″ Weaver rings that allow for dual use of the optic, and the iron sights.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece smooth walnut stock set, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, checkered plastic Marlin buttplate, and a banded forend with sling rings front and rear. There is a leather sling attached to the stocks. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks show light wear, with scattered scratches, dings, and scuffs throughout. The stock’s finish is largely intact. The stocks fit well to the frame, with only slight play in the forend. There is a hole in the buttstock where the Marlin “Bullseye” should be, but it is missing. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some minor surface corrosion in the chamber. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with a few scattered scratches, dings, and imperfections throughout the metal surfaces, and some minor freckling of surface corrosion starting to form on the lever. Otherwise, the bluing is deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads range from tooled to sharp, but all retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the half-cock safety. 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: This rifle comes with the leather sling, and the scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: By the late 1970s, Marlin’s 336 had long since earned its reputation as one of America’s most reliable and instinctive hunting rifles, and this 1979 example reflects that mature stage of production when JM-marked North Haven guns were at their peak in terms of consistency, machining, and overall build quality. The 336 action had already become a standard in deer camps from Maine to the Pacific Northwest, prized for its smooth cycling, solid-top receiver, and the ease with which it carried through thick timber or rode behind a truck seat. The Micro-Groove barrel system, well established by this time, continued to deliver the accuracy Marlin owners expected for the lever-action platform.
Chambered in .30-30 Winchester, this rifle sits firmly within a tradition stretching back to the cartridge’s introduction in 1895. The .30-30 became the quintessential North American woods round thanks to its moderate recoil, dependable performance at practical hunting distances, and long history of field success on deer-sized game. Its combination of efficiency and proven ballistics kept it relevant well into the modern era, and rifles like this one reflect why: it is a cartridge and platform pairing that simply works.
This rifle remains clean and mechanically sound, with deep original bluing, an excellent bore, and period-appropriate upgrades like the Simmons optic mounted high enough to preserve sightline to the irons. The stocks show honest use but retain their solid fit, and the rifle’s overall presentation speaks to careful ownership rather than hard wear. As a practical hunting carbine, a dependable ranch rifle, or a classic JM-marked example of Marlin’s North Haven craftsmanship, it remains a capable and appealing piece from one of the most iconic lever-action lines ever built. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
