35 Remington info/input needed.

[Leatherhead Bullets]

I have an opportunity at purchasing an early (1950) Marlin 336A in 35 Rem (waffle top). It is not drilled/tapped for scope. It appears to be in sound condition, with only a couple small blems on one side of the receiver. It does not have a front sight hood (if they came with them). The guys is asking $450.

I am new to the caliber, and Marlins altogether. Are there any concerns or issues I should be watching for? I know it is not a long range gun, just like the uniqueness of the old Marlins and the ability to shoot a great gun meant for cast.

Any input would be great!

[sthwestvictoria]

Here in Australia I would snap it up, if it came with some brass. There seems to be none in Australia currently.
Is that Ballard rifling at that age? Standard open sights?

[Leatherhead Bullets]

It is Ballard rifling, and irons. I already have a couple hundred pieces of brass as my buddy has a 70's RC model that we have been prepping to load for.

[Tatume]

For U.S. shooters brass won't be a problem, as Grumpa makes them. See here:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...ired-Mil-brass

Sorry about the state of affairs overseas.

[georgerkahn]

The "going price" for similar 336 Marlin's in .35REM around here seems to start at $550, with several at gun shows selling for more than $600.00. It seems a great price -- but, there are always the BIG "but's" -- to wit, what does the bore look like? It's furniture? Smoothness of action, not limited to trigger function. Early Marlins had great -- "pre-slop" -- triggers, so this is also a plus. Lastly, of course, this pre-dates the redundant safety (NOT a problem for me, although a lot of collectors don't care for its presence).
I always listen -- yes, LISTEN to the firearm. If it whispers "buy me!", how could I say no?
BEST -- it would be hard to go wrong with this firearm!
geo

[MrWolf]

I always listen -- yes, LISTEN to the firearm. If it whispers "buy me!", how could I say no?
BEST -- it would be hard to go wrong with this firearm!
geo

I must have a hearing problem as every gun says that to me! That started after I left a NIB Winchester lever in 45 lc on the table for $250. I had already bought four other rifles/shotgun. Should have bought it and still think about it even though I am a Marlin guy.

[Pereira]

I would say
BUY IT NOW!
Really thats a good price on an A.
Will be expecting pics. soon.

[Leatherhead Bullets]

Alright ..... You guys confirmed my inner voice. It will be on its way soon. I will definitely post some pics and progress reports. I am needing to order a mold for it. I know the RCBS 200 FN is reported and best. I cast on Magma equipment. Has anyone used one of Tom's molds from accurate?

Thanks ms for the input!

[Powersgt]

Alright ..... You guys confirmed my inner voice. It will be on its way soon. I will definitely post some pics and progress reports. I am needing to order a mold for it. I know the RCBS 200 FN is reported and best. I cast on Magma equipment. Has anyone used one of Tom's molds from accurate?

Thanks ms for the input!

Tom's molds are excellent - I have a few {Magma's} and have no problem casting even with flat bottom bullets. I am hoping to have a 35 Rem also, made a trade offer and waiting for an answer.

[Leatherhead Bullets]

Tom's quality is not in question for sure. I am curious if there are any performance differences with his cloned profile. Thinking of having him cut a flat based version to run with Hi-Tek coating in the soon new to me 35 rem. Anyone have any field experiences?