1954 Marlin 336 that Bubba got hold of...

[Kevinakaq]

Picked up a nice condition, or so it appeared, 1954 Marlin 336 this afternoon from an LGS. Ballard rifling etc. and about in 88 percent condition including excellent rifling. Top, not waffle top, but has never been drilled for a scope. All original. Anyhow, while breaking her completly down as I do all new to me guns I discovered that Bubba had ground on the barrel, and the magazine - though of less consequence, to fit a quick release sling mount screw. Sigh. The magazine sling mount covers the offending area completly. I can return her easily and get a full refund, though it will cost me a couple hours total in the car. The grind is about .040 into the barrel from my measurements and not as deep as the slot for the rear band screw, but what an eyesight and a fine example of authentic frontier jibberish...i mean craftsmanship... And maybe a hazzard, but am not convinced as of this moment.

Anyhow, would you return her or keep her and shoot? I have 360 in her which 'ain't' bad for a Marlin 30-30 with Ballard rifling....but I do already have one that I restored a few years back. My thoughts earlier today was that I couldn't pass up one in original condition at a good price. But now that I have discovered Bubba was here I am considering a return... Thoughts?

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[Uncle Grinch]

I'd keep it since it has Ballard rifling and doesn't appear to be bad.

[Tedly]

No big deal

[NavyVet1959]

In the end, the question will be, "how does it shoot?"...

[leveraction 45 colt]

I'd keep it since it has Ballard rifling and doesn't appear to be bad.

amen to that as I own the newer marlin 336w with micro groove rifling which .311 diameter cast bullets do work fine as they must be bigger that the standard .309dia that ballard rifling likes so that one would make a great cast bullet shooter!

[richhodg66]

I'd keep it.

[Artful]

I'd keep it - character scars

[izzyjoe]

Sounds like it needs a range trip, and I wouldn't worry about it, a lot of guns get tweaked on and still shoot great.

[bedbugbilly]

keep it and enjoy it - I'd rather have a vintage one with Ballard rifling than what is being made today

[junkpile]

Keep it.

[Texas by God]

You didn't see it when you bought it so it's not noticable.
I would keep it and shoot it - a lot. You still got a good deal.
Best, Thomas.

[Scharfschuetze]

That had to be disappointing to find that. Still, the notch cut into the barrel looks to be more shallow that many dovetails cut into barrels for sights and what not. Give her a try and see. If it doesn't shoot well, then you have a good reason to return the rifle to the gun shop.

[Kevinakaq]

Thanks guys for the opinions. I do think I will keep her. Will most likely make a nice gift for a nephew/niece down the road. These older Marlins are top notch.

Thanks again,
Kev

[Mauser48]

I'd probably keep it unless I paid a lot for it.

[EDG]

Ask the seller to knock off about $50.

[CraigOK]

Did you pay a low enough price that you could.get your money back out of it?

[Geezer in NH]

Ask the seller to knock off about $50.

Called blackmail IMHO he had it in his hands when he looked at it and bought it not sight unseen. That would have you banned from the shop IMHO.

Found it before shooting take it back and tell him the problem and that you have buyers remorse do to that problem. It is a used gun once shot it yours IMHO

[Wayne Smith]

It was a used gun when he bought it! I'd agree, keep it and shoot it. If this is where a sling goes go ahead and use what Bubba did for it's intended purpose. I'd cold blue it because it looks as if Bubba didn't - or maybe the pic. As you said, when it goes back together it's not noticeable and there absolutely is no safety issue from that little scratch!