Anyone re-barreled a Marlin .30-30 to .38-55

[warren5421]

I am looking at a Marlin in .30-30 that I want to have a 26" or 28" hex barrel chambered in .38-55 put on it. Any idea what cost would be for barrel, chambering and fitting. What barrel maker would you use. I know the .30-30 barrel can be bored out to .38-55 but just like the looks of a hex barrel. I would ask one of the SASS gunsmiths that worked on lever guns to do the work but I need to have an idea before asking. What twist would you use on the Marlin. I have a Browning High Wall that uses a 330 gr that is 1:12 twist.

[Texas by God]

I would think that by the time that you pay for the donor rifle, the barrel, and all the custom work needed, you could find a Marlin 336 Cowboy rifle in 38-55 with Octagon barrel for a lot less. I know that sometimes people say "hex" barrels, but a six sided barrel would have the edges on the sides. An original Winchester 1894 octagon barreled 38-55 might even be less than the custom Marlin. I believe Green Mountain makes octagon .38-55 barrel blanks.

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[Warhawk]

I’d look for one of the Win 94 commemoratives in 38-55.

[David LaPell]

You could probably buy one of the new Cimarron Arms 1894 carbines or rifles for what it would cost to do the work, you could also look for a Marlin 1893 in .38-55 and they seem to be pretty affordable in many cases.

[Harleysboss]

I bought a Winchester Canadian Centennial 30/30 and sent it to JES in Oregon to be bored to 38-55. It has the 26" octagon barrel you desire. I added a really nice Skinner ladder sight to mine. Love it!

[Speedo66]

JES gunsmithing currently gets $250, which includes return shipping, to rebore a Marlin 336 .30-30 to .38-55.

People seem to be very happy with his work, they say the 3 groove barrel is fine.

Here's a link: http://www.35caliber.com/2.html

[Mk42gunner]

I would think that by the time that you pay for the donor rifle, the barrel, and all the custom work needed, you could find a Marlin 336 Cowboy rifle in 38-55 with Octagon barrel for a lot less. I know that sometimes people say "hex" barrels, but a six sided barrel would have the edges on the sides. An original Winchester 1894 octagon barreled 38-55 might even be less than the custom Marlin. I believe Green Mountain makes octagon .38-55 barrel blanks.

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Considering a run of the mill .30-30, either Marlin or Winchester is going for $400 on up at local auctions these days, I'd definitely look for one of the 336CB's first.

Robert

[warren5421]

I have been looking for a Cowboy .38-55 but have not found one in the Indianapolis area that the owner hasn't thought it was worth it's weight in gold. A good .30-30 goes for $400-$600 with rebarrel I would still have under $1000. It would be just what I want and would go with my 30" Marlin .45-70. I could request the twist I want and the length of the barrel and full cross section or taper.

[beagle]

I've rebarrelled two M336s. One to .25-35 and one to .32-40. Years ago, barrel and gunsmithing were right at $600 and then there's shipping. These were with round Douglas barrels.

Cost of rifle/ cost of barrel / cost of gunsmithing and you're right at $1,000. Lot of gunsmithing. Dovetail cuts for iron sights, magazine hangers are time consuming and expensive. And clearance has to be milled at the receiver barrel junction for the mag tube. Then, there's the blueing. Many gunsmiths shy away from octagon barrels as well.

Better off buying ready made./beagle

[skeettx]

I have a 38-55 Cowboy and it is AWESOME and Accurate
Mike

[T-Bird]

I've got a win mod '94 that JES did for me from 30/30 to 38/55 a couple years ago. I love it! I was thinking it was $225 then...

[BobBill]

Am thinking of sending Marlin to JES to rebarrel to 375...how do I pack and ship properly?

[pietro]

Am thinking of sending Marlin to JES to rebarrel to 375...how do I pack and ship properly?

I would first ensure it's empty, then remove the wood, magazine tube, barrel bands and front/rear sights before getting a free delta-shape mailing tube from your local USPS office, reinforce both inside ends of the tube/carton with some thin plywood, and pad the barreled action with newspaper so tight that it won't move around during shipping.

USPS is also the least expensive way to send/receive long guns.

https://www.usps.com/ecp/asset/images/O_1098M-L0.jpg

[beltfed]

BobBill
JES is a rebore, not a rebarrel
beltfed/arnie

[missionary5155]

We have numerous rebores on "rusty bore" 30-30 Marlins and Winchesters to .375 & .412. They all shoot better than you an imagine.

[ohiochuck]

I no longer use the USPS for mailing gun parts. in late summer, 2020, received a 1960's Marlin 39 A-DL with beautiful wood and squirrel engraved in the wood stock . When we opened the box at my FFL, we found the stock broken in 2 places at the wrist. The box had been dropped/crushed. My FFL dealer mailed it back to the senders FFL. For 3 weeks the PO could not tell us where it was, even with priority mail tracking.
When it was finally delivered to the FFL, there was no notice of it being delivered.
MY suggestion- choose carefully.
Jim

[BobBill]

Thank-you much. Will take it down, pack carefully, i usually ship "Brown" insured. Very good.

[.45Cole]

FYI - the 336 cowboy also came in 30-30 and they bring in less than the 1200 tag on the 38-55's. I'd buy a 30-30 and bore to 38-55 so you have your own chamber/bore diameters. I actually have a 30-30 barrel with JES now.

[nhithaca]

It would be a shame to modify a 336CB in 30-30 as they are much rarer than the 38-55. Almost never see one for sale. I would guess that the factory made way more of the 38-55 guns. Would love to have a 30-30 but have never found one locally and the guns on GB are way over priced.

[wgg]

One for sale now on Marlinowners.

[BobBill]

FYI - the 336 cowboy also came in 30-30 and they bring in less than the 1200 tag on the 38-55's. I'd buy a 30-30 and bore to 38-55 so you have your own chamber/bore diameters. I actually have a 30-30 barrel with JES now.

.45Cole was me plan but might be easier to do the Encore...for me.

[Geezer in NH]

I have replaced a Marlin 336 30/30 to with a Marlin 375 barrel. My Nephew has killed several deer and 1 bear with it. He has also shot at least 4-500 rounds of cast. He is still using the original brass he bought when we re-barreled the gun.

Twenty years ago Numeric arms had many of the Marlin barrels. I still have a few of them in 9mm, 45/70.

[.45Cole]

Watch out for marlin chambers, they tend to run on the generous side.

[BobBill]

Apparently, the best way to ship rifle to JES is to remove wood and magazine...but how do they test rifle, no stock and magazine etc.

[missionary5155]

You put leather gloves on your hands, go outside and touch it off.
His job is the barrel.

[BeemerMark]

I no longer use the USPS for mailing gun parts. in late summer, 2020, received a 1960's Marlin 39 A-DL with beautiful wood and squirrel engraved in the wood stock . When we opened the box at my FFL, we found the stock broken in 2 places at the wrist. The box had been dropped/crushed. My FFL dealer mailed it back to the senders FFL. For 3 weeks the PO could not tell us where it was, even with priority mail tracking.
When it was finally delivered to the FFL, there was no notice of it being delivered.
MY suggestion- choose carefully.
Jim

Unfortunately all mail services have their issues. 40 years of shipping expensive stuff is to ship Fedex or UPS overnight. If you use USPS the best service is registered mail. Takes literally forever (3~4 weeks typically) but the package is put in a safe at every step and the signed for, going in and going out.

[Midohhntr]

For those that had this done, was it worth it? I own a 336 in 30-30 and might have it sent to JES to be bored out to .375 Winchester.
Could it also shoot the 38-55, is the 3 groove rifleing accurate with cast bullets?

[Texas by God]

For those that had this done, was it worth it? I own a 336 in 30-30 and might have it sent to JES to be bored out to .375 Winchester.
Could it also shoot the 38-55, is the 3 groove rifleing accurate with cast bullets?My 94 Winchester/JES .38-55 3 groove shoots cast just fine. I will not shoot .375 Winchester level loads in it. That's why they made the Big Bore action. I don't know if Marlin beefed the. 336 up internally for the. 375 but they didn't make them very long.

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[.45Cole]

The current 1895 marlin and 336 are all the lineage of the old 1893 safety. I think it's strong but I'd go 38/55 and shoot mid loads.

[T-Bird]

My 3 groove JES barrel shoots the Lee 250 grain plain base great. I load it to about 1350fps with 4227 and dacron. Ditto on the 375 reply. Mine started life as a Win '94 30/30 tho.

[Midohhntr]

I believe I will have my 336c done, I spoke with JES today on the phone and thinking of rebore to 38-55. It will be a good one for the grandkids to move up to. If I need more power than that I'll shoot the 45/70.

[farmbif]

my marlin 336's in 30-30 and 35 rem look exactly the same as the marlin 375 win. seem to be same dimensions when overlaid or side by side. I'm pretty sure both the 444 and 45-70 use the 1895 frame and are stronger than 336.

[Midohhntr]

My 3 groove JES barrel shoots the Lee 250 grain plain base great. I load it to about 1350fps with 4227 and dacron. Ditto on the 375 reply. Mine started life as a Win '94 30/30 tho.

May I ask what do you size your cast bullet to? Was thinking of using the same mold.

[Shawlerbrook]

Had a Marlin 30AS rebored to 356 Winchester by JES. Fast, fair and great work. I love it !

[John Taylor]

I have rebarreled quite a few Marlins over the years. Most round barrels run about $500 depending on the barrel blank I use. My own 93 is in 38-55, a rebore I did when I built my rifling machine. The 38-55 is loaded to black powder pressures, quite a bit lower than the 30-30. Marlin barrel are a little bit more than Winchester barrels to fit to an action because of an extension at the top of the barrel and square threads.

[milsurpcollector1970]

I threaded and profiles a 38-55 barrel, It wasnt as easy as a AR-15 barrel but not super difficult

[mattri]

Very interested in this.

Just inherited an early 80s Glenfield 30A.

Been in the family since new so I'm going to hang on to it.

I'd like to hunt with it but live in IA so can't with it as a 30-30.

Have read the great reviews on JES, will definitely call them.

Are there any other companies that bore/rebarrel 336s or are they it?

[WALLNUTT]

JES is good and reasonable.

[mattri]

Don't doubt it for a second just curious if they are the only company that does this.

[Shawlerbrook]

JES is not the only outfit that rebores, but I doubt you will find anyone that does a better job as fast and as reasonable as Jesse. Many gunsmiths will rebarrel also, but it will be much more expensive than a rebore. That said, depending on what you are starting with and what you want to change it to, a rebarrel may be the only option.

[pietro]

my marlin 336's in 30-30 and 35 rem look exactly the same as the marlin 375 win. seem to be same dimensions when overlaid or side by side.

I'm pretty sure both the 444 and 45-70 use the 1895 frame and are stronger than 336.


The only differences between a Marlin 336 and a Marlin 1895 is the name, a larger EJ port, a bulge in the LH side of the magazine tube opposite the loading gate to allow longer/fatter cartridges to pass, a few minor action parts, and a larger diameter magazine/throat in the front receiver wall.


.

[WALLNUTT]

My 94 shoots better as a 38 55 than it did as a 30 30. A friend bought an old 94 restoration with a toast octagon barrel pretty cheap and sent it to JES. He ended up with a really nice rifle at a reasonable cost.

[mattri]

Thanks, think you may have misunderstood the question. Not asking if JES is good, asking who all does it.

Not asking which pickup is the best, asking which companies make pickups if that makes more sense.

[warren5421]

Matti right on!!!

[Texas by God]

I'm sure there are other shops that offer reboring, but those of us that recommended JES have done so because that's who we used and are pleased with the work.
I've had two rifles rebored by him, and both are more accurate than they were in the previous caliber.

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[mattri]

Warren5421 I'm sorry man I tried.

Hey guys have you ever heard of JES? Do they do reboring? How's their work?

Maybe now they'll answer the other question :smile:

[Texas by God]

The OP didn't like anyone's suggestions so he should pursue his idea of a full custom rifle for less cost than a factory rifle. And you can do a Google search for other reboring services since none of us idiots can do it for you, Mattri.
Sorry to disappoint..

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[mattri]

No reason to get salty, this is just the internet after all.

A company was listed and recommended, when more data was requested- as objective decision making requires- the same previous data was repeated over and over.

Dilbert is funny for a reason, this is that reason.

We've all done it, we don't need to take ourselves so seriously that we get upset about it.

[sharps4590]

I wanna see that 6 sided barrel when it's finished.

[Shawlerbrook]

Do a google search and see. Here is another outfit that advertises reboring.
https://cutrifle.com/reboring.html

His price is almost $100 more and unlike JES, where you will get literally hundreds of great reports, there is very little( if any) first hand reports of their work. It may be great or not, but why reinvent the wheel. No saltiness here, but it is frustrating when someone asks a question and then questions the answers they receive.
Generally when I find what I am looking for, I stop looking.

[mattri]

Fair enough. Its also frustrating when people assume they know what you're looking for.
I drive an F150, am very happy with it. If someone were looking for a truck I would recommend one like mine because I'm very happy with it.
I also underatand that not everyone wants/needs/values the same things I do. If someone had never owned a truck before I would suggest they look at all their options, drive multipal models by multipal manufactuters. I would help them look into all of their options, whether they are options I would pursue or not.
If in the end they end up wirh a tuck just like mine- great. If they go a different direction- great.
I would be glad to help them make an objective decision based on all of the options, not just the ones that matter to me or that I am familiar with.

[wwmartin]

Option #3.
Find a 1893 barrel (EBay) expect to pay between $2-300 for a good one.
You need to modify the breach face for the round bolt and wider extractor. If your lucky the thread will time.
If your using a 35 Remington cadaver you need to find a 30-30 bolt or recut the original for the rimmed cartridge. These were the things I found when rebarreling a 336 to 32-40 1/2 round.
I know it can be done but depending on your skill and access to the machinery not for the faint hearted.
JES does very good work at a reasonable price with a reasonable turn around time.
If you need octagon with a longer barrel buy a Cowboy Marlin or go the less expensive route a Winchester commemorative. Watch Gone Broker!
Bill

After checking GB Winchester comeratives have finally found some value.

Bill

[mattri]

Good info thanks for the tip��

[obssd1958]

mattri,

Here's a direct answer to your question:

John Taylor, who has post #35 in this thread, does all sorts of gunsmithing, which includes sleeves, rebores, and rebarrels. He has a great reputation, and if you're interested, you should contact him and discuss what you are looking for.

Don

[onceabull]

A quick second to Obssd1958 re:John Taylor.. might also try Olson Gunsmithing (Plains,Montana) still found by googling...Onceabull

[mattri]

That is an excellent reply.

As was the info on JES.

Someone looking for more information isn't being disrespectful to the previous suggestions.

[Shawlerbrook]

Ditto on John Taylor. No first hand experience, but all the reviews I read and Mr. Taylor’s posts make me hope I get to send him a project. I guess what we all are trying to figure out is what exactly you are looking for . Projects like this have 3 major factors 1) quality of work, 2) price and 3) time required to get the job done. For reboring work, if you can find someone that beats JES on all three, please share because we all want the best. Good luck and keep us informed on your project.

[mattri]

Good points, in order:
1) quality of work. Definitely a big consideration. This is a "want" project way more than a need. There is nothing wrong with the rifle per se but its a neat platform to work with. If the work isn't going to be top notch mine as well just leave it alone.
2) cost. Cost is always a consideration to some extant. How much work will get done will determine a lot of that on this project. Will it be a straight rebore, add a tune up, maybe some action work, trigger job? All of that remains to be determined and will be a part of the conversation with prospective smiths. The only thing "wrong" with the rifle now is that it can't be used for hunting here as long as its a 30-30. So a rebore is step one, or part of step one, its where the conv starts anyway. I'd like to make it a little nicer all around for myself now and whoever gets it next, maybe they can continue the project. I'd like to keep this phase to $1k but depending on work can see $1500, hope that's realistic.
3) time. Prob the least important of the three. If it's done by Nov that would be great but if not no big deal.