Beaverhunter2
08-08-2010, 12:51 AM
Stopped by the local Gander Mountain to pick up some fishing sinkers and (of course) found myself wandering through the fiearms department. Lo and behold, there were a couple new (used) leverguns in the rack. A 336A in .30-30 and another 336 in .35 Rem. The .30-30 had what appeared to be some lead or copper fouling in the bore (microgroove) and stocks that looked like it had been drug behind the truck rather than carried behind the seat. The blueing was good except for a wear spot about 3/4" back from the muzzle on the bottom of the magazine tube. For under $200, it was tempting to take her home and show her the love every Marlin lever gun deserves.
The 35 was in a little bit better shape but was also pretty dinged up. It also appeared to have the same fouling problem. It was also $100 more.
Both carried tunnel mounts and Bushnell 3-9x scopes.
After hemming and hawing and having the gunsmith snake both bores, I was fairly certain that neither had bore pitting, but only a through cleaning would tell me for sure.
In the end, the decision was made based on the fact that I already cast and load .30-30 and have nothing for reloading or casting in the .35 persuasion. For $200, it was a risk worth taking. The .30-30 came home with me, and like any other stray, was treated to good cleaning. The bore is pristine now. No pitting and not a lot of wear signs.
Based on the serial number, it was made in 1974 and obviously saw a lot of use (and a little abuse). I sure wish it could tell me it's story! I'm now trying to decide if the stocks can be refinished or should be replaced with some nicely grained walnut that has been waiting for a worthy purpose.
My wife would tell you I need another gun like I need a hole in the head, but I just couldn't look at that poor, sad-looking baby and then walk away.
I think I'll start out with the RCBS 180gr FN....
John
The 35 was in a little bit better shape but was also pretty dinged up. It also appeared to have the same fouling problem. It was also $100 more.
Both carried tunnel mounts and Bushnell 3-9x scopes.
After hemming and hawing and having the gunsmith snake both bores, I was fairly certain that neither had bore pitting, but only a through cleaning would tell me for sure.
In the end, the decision was made based on the fact that I already cast and load .30-30 and have nothing for reloading or casting in the .35 persuasion. For $200, it was a risk worth taking. The .30-30 came home with me, and like any other stray, was treated to good cleaning. The bore is pristine now. No pitting and not a lot of wear signs.
Based on the serial number, it was made in 1974 and obviously saw a lot of use (and a little abuse). I sure wish it could tell me it's story! I'm now trying to decide if the stocks can be refinished or should be replaced with some nicely grained walnut that has been waiting for a worthy purpose.
My wife would tell you I need another gun like I need a hole in the head, but I just couldn't look at that poor, sad-looking baby and then walk away.
I think I'll start out with the RCBS 180gr FN....
John