SKS-FILES FORUM

Commercial Weapons => Rifles & Carbines => Lever Actions => Topic started by: Misterdevan on March 29, 2019, 12:50:22 PM

Title: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Misterdevan on March 29, 2019, 12:50:22 PM
So it's been a while since I last got this old girl out and, as a result, I misspoke when I referred to it as a Glenfield 30A.

It is not and I feel a but sheepish.

It is a Marlin 336, of course, but it is a JC Higgins Model 45 from Sears. I believe it was gifted to my father for his 16th birthday in 1959, which would match the "S" stamp from Marlin.

I gave it a quick clean up and was surprised by how pretty she still is. The bore looks brand new, the action's butter smooth, and it just feel right at home on the shoulder.

I had planned to sell it and use the funds to pick up a Model 92 clone in 45 Colt, but I'm thinking that I'd have a really hard time parting with it. Between all the Michigan deer it's taken and the family history, I think I should keep it around for my kids.
(https://i.ibb.co/WGDFKj0/20190329-122505.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fq8t0L9)

(https://i.ibb.co/jDMdXtK/20190329-122440.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4pTcrky)

(https://i.ibb.co/TRwRQ9K/20190329-122449.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1K0KCFs)

upload images (https://imgbb.com/)
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Misterdevan on March 29, 2019, 12:54:20 PM
Pardon the multiple posts. The IMGBB service crashed me a couple times when I was trying to get them all up at once.
(https://i.ibb.co/6NxDsf3/20190329-122618.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yV1gsbw)

(https://i.ibb.co/YLGn1nS/20190329-122650.jpg) (https://ibb.co/CHFCYCy)

(https://i.ibb.co/yNmgf18/20190329-122700.jpg) (https://ibb.co/51XsMy5)
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Misterdevan on March 29, 2019, 12:56:58 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/9btsd59/20190329-122530.jpg) (https://ibb.co/PcQwVHZ)

(https://i.ibb.co/vd1K80p/20190329-122712.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Yd2qGHm)

(https://i.ibb.co/nz7Wd2m/20190329-122817.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dGPhC9M)
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Misterdevan on March 29, 2019, 12:58:20 PM
Alright, last post...
(https://i.ibb.co/3k4CVpD/20190329-122857.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jHbrqyc)

(https://i.ibb.co/d7xJM9s/20190329-122846.jpg) (https://ibb.co/N7bnChg)
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Phosphorus32 on March 29, 2019, 12:59:33 PM
I would hold onto it too, given its family history. I can't see any images. The link only takes me to imgbb's home page, the next post is blank.

Edit: must’ve been my work firewall settings, I see them fine at home.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: running-man on March 29, 2019, 01:03:09 PM
That's a beauty MrD, really nice example there.  I love the action on these, dirt simple and actually quite robust when all is said and done.  You don't have half the guts falling out like when you cock a Winchester 94.  I had a 336C from the 70's that I bought at a gunshow when I was in college way back when.  I think I paid $200 for it which was a ton of money to me at the time.  I loved that gun but I gave it to a good friend of mine about 10 years ago after he did some heavy machinery work with his backhoe, taking out a huge 60 year old concrete pad in my back yard. 

Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: running-man on March 29, 2019, 01:03:56 PM
I would hold onto it too, given its family history. I can't see any images. The link only takes me to imgbb's home page., the next post is blank.

Weird Jon, I see all the images just fine... think1
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: yellowjacket on March 29, 2019, 01:05:24 PM
That’s a classic!  Hang onto it for sure.  The gang over on MarlinOwners would love to see those pics.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Misterdevan on March 29, 2019, 01:50:38 PM
Thanks, gentlemen. I need to figure out if it's possible to take decent bore pics. This thing is remarkable, given the amount if time it's spent in the brush.

Running-man, I hear what you're saying about the Winchesters. My brother has my Dad's old Model 92 in 32-20 and I remember being legitimately frightened the first time I ever opened the action. Thought I'd broke it somehow for a split second.

I dont much care for the rattly buckhorn rear sight, so I may upgrade it to an aperture like a Williams or a Redfield. Other than that, I intend to just take care of it and get it out onto the field now and then.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Greasemonkey on March 29, 2019, 02:34:30 PM
drool2 Glenfield/JC Higgins, it's still a Marlin.  thumb1 :) I've become a big fan of levers.  banghead1

If it a '59 it's probably got the microgroove rifling like my ugly beastie Glenfield.. I think Marlin went to that style rifling in '56. Would I sell it for a Winchester, naw... I would probably just go get a Winchester, now a Henry on the other hand.... that would require some serious deliberation... I do like the smoothness, well, everything about a Henry.

I wasn't crazy about a scope on a lever, and it's harder to scope a Winchester.... but after some shooting.. I found these two really get along, especially with the Leverevolution ammo, you can stretch it out a little more.. and I can still use the open sights if needed.

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/vwmp1jdy1o7tcxf/SAM_1566_zps2eixmxyt.jpg?dl=0)
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Larry D. on March 29, 2019, 04:55:00 PM
Maybe I'm the only Winchester fan, BUT....that's a beautiful rifle.

Another vote for keeping it and passing it down. You might want to document the family history so that future generations have it.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: carls sks on March 29, 2019, 06:59:05 PM
a family heirloom and its a beauty.   thumb1 thanks for sharing. i have a 22 LR (higgans from sears too)that i got as a kid around the same time as your dad. will pass it down to one of my kids too. :)
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Misterdevan on March 29, 2019, 07:00:57 PM
I have heard very good things about the Leverevolution rounds. I will have to look into it.

You are correct on the rifling, as well. Seems that there was a bit of uncertainty about which is better, but I dont think the deer were ever consulted. The 336 in 30-30 wouldn't be near as popular if it wasn't a good tool for the job.

I think it's about the only lever gun that I can tolerate with a scope. And yours is a good looker.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Misterdevan on March 29, 2019, 07:04:45 PM
Excellent! I love a 22lr. I have my dad's old Revelation 100A, which is a Mossberg 321, IIRC. Single shot bolt action with a real muddy trigger. Shoots real straight, though.

He used to rabbit hunt with it. Told me a couple tricks, too.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Greasemonkey on March 29, 2019, 08:55:45 PM
I have heard very good things about the Leverevolution rounds. I will have to look into it.

You are correct on the rifling, as well. Seems that there was a bit of uncertainty about which is better, but I dont think the deer were ever consulted. The 336 in 30-30 wouldn't be near as popular if it wasn't a good tool for the job.

I think it's about the only lever gun that I can tolerate with a scope. And yours is a good looker.

What I was always told and read the microgroove barrels are good for jacketed bullets, where the ballard rifles perform well with cast lead. I've never seen enough difference between the two, to swear if one is better or worse. In the end, a deer knows one thing, it's better to be alive.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Loose}{Cannon on March 29, 2019, 09:50:25 PM
Love the 336.    thumb1
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: yellowjacket on March 29, 2019, 10:33:33 PM
A little confession... after a slight recovery from the SKS flu, I caught Marlinitis pretty bad.   Two .35 Rem JM 336’s and a .30-30 XLR (JM) later , I almost emptied my SKS locker.  8)
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Greasemonkey on March 29, 2019, 10:53:53 PM
A little confession... after a slight recovery from the SKS flu, I caught Marlinitis pretty bad.   Two .35 Rem JM 336’s and a .30-30 XLR (JM), I almost empties my SKS locker.  8)

Theres no shame in that..levers are addicting.. thumb1

Henry in .45-70
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/5k6sytpfzrk7oxu/SAM_1132_zpszr3ns4l9.jpg?dl=0)

Marlins are addicting too... chuckles1 and another Henry thumb1, 44Mag Henry Golden Boy octagon barrel, 9mm Marlin Camp 9, 45acp Marlin Camp 45, and a .357 1894 (JM) Marlin
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/tyqsn02ovpkc5lc/SAM_0714_zpsjgzly9ge.jpg?dl=0)

Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: yellowjacket on March 30, 2019, 12:16:49 AM
Grease, very nice!  Jealous of that 1894 .357.  Want one but not sure I want to afford it.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Misterdevan on March 30, 2019, 07:03:47 AM
Grease, good info on the rifling. I may compare at some point, but I haven't seen much of the non jacketed ammo in a while. It'd be a fun reason to look.
Beautiful collection, also. I have not had the pleasure of shooting a Henry yet. I hear almost universally good things about them.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Greasemonkey on March 30, 2019, 11:20:24 AM
You can find lead bullet ammo made by HSM and Ultramax, basically a lower power ammo for like cowboy shooting action. Only place, somewhat local to me that has it occasionally is Taylor & Co.(I love this place  chuckles1), everyone else has to order it and just has the hunting grade ammo.

https://www.taylorsfirearms.com/
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Misterdevan on March 30, 2019, 05:30:14 PM
Cowboy Action Shooting! I feel like I should've known that.
Actually, loading some cast bullet light loads might be a real fun way to get more use out of the old gal for pennies and nickels. That could be interesting...
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Greasemonkey on March 30, 2019, 09:50:05 PM
Always wanted to try doing the casting.. only thing I really have a use for it in is my black powder pistols, which might get shot once or twice a year.

Only other I might consider trying the casting on is one of my other .45-70s which I'm known to shoot lots of black powder loaded cases in.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Misterdevan on March 31, 2019, 08:05:54 AM
Yeah, it's a real hoot. I got a pot and a mold for .451 flat nose as a gift a good while back. I haven't used mine yet, but I helped out someone else once.
You can do it the fancy way with a Lyman pot and all that or you can just use a second hand sauce pan and a ladle. Wheel weight lead is as close as no different to the most common casting alloy and can be had for pennies if not free. Might not be right for a full power 45-70 load, but I'm no expert.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: 1mlt on March 31, 2019, 12:27:50 PM
I also love the "Henry" brand of rifles. I have a Henry 22mag lever. It is a lot of fun to shoot. Get one if you can. You will love the craftsmanship.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Misterdevan on March 31, 2019, 05:09:28 PM
A lot of real ringing endorsements on the Henry. I'll have to get one in hand and get a personal impression.

Grease - after a quick look I found a number of people who use straight wheel weight for 45-70 loads.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Greasemonkey on March 31, 2019, 05:25:05 PM
Nice thing about .45-70 round, you can go real mild to holy crap wild... Provided the rifle can handle the hot loads....like Buffalo Bore, which is probably the worst I've experienced.

I will be honest.. I have considered dumping the .357 1894 Marlin for one made by Henry, since I've had it, it's been a problem child.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: yellowjacket on March 31, 2019, 05:40:39 PM
Nice thing about .45-70 round, you can go real mild to holy crap wild... Provided the rifle can handle the hot loads....like Buffalo Bore, which is probably the worst I've experienced.

I will be honest.. I have considered dumping the .357 1894 Marlin for one made by Henry, since I've had it, it's been a problem child.

The Henrys are well made for sure but I’ve eyed an 1894 .357.  Assuming yours is the older JM quality, just curious about the types of problems you’ve had.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Greasemonkey on March 31, 2019, 06:04:42 PM
It's one of those rifles built and bought right during the transition when Marlin/H&R was bought out. It's a half breed, a JM stamped Remarlin heap. The whole Freedom Group mess... bat1

 So far it's made 2 trips back for repair, the first time, new out of the box after cleaning, it locked up, lever open and the second time, 2 months later or so, it locked up and would not fire, to add to it, it had a .38 SPL chambered in it, even a local Smith was if'y on dealing with it. So after two trips back, it works fine now short of a crappy trigger, but there is that lingering doubt, a kind of hate and discontent hanging over it.

Since...I have sworn off newer Marlin labeled stuff.. I still have a 795 .22 in the box, literally, still new, wrapped in the plastic, in the box, I have never messed with cause of this one rifle. I bought way back when there was a huge rebate on their stuff.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: yellowjacket on March 31, 2019, 06:29:40 PM
Remlins definitely have a much-deserved bad rep.  I have no doubt when they moved the line to Ilion from North Haven, all the decades-old assembly skills and undocumented production “tricks” did not get transferred to Remington.  Warranty costs I’m sure are contributing to Big Green’s red ink.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Misterdevan on March 31, 2019, 11:25:35 PM
Sorry to hear that. I'd be real frustrated as well. I've known a few people who've been plagued with quality control issues that should never exist with any durable product let alone one that operates with tens of thousands of PSI in cyclic stress.

The two that stick out in my mind were both modern Winchesters; a 94 in 30-30 and an 1886 in 45-90. The first had the magazine tube canted 30 degrees off center at the front strap. The 1886 was a deluxe takedown that wouldn't assemble due to an unthreaded part. Both baffling.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Larry D. on April 01, 2019, 02:01:25 PM
Remlins definitely have a much-deserved bad rep.  I have no doubt when they moved the line to Ilion from North Haven, all the decades-old assembly skills and undocumented production “tricks” did not get transferred to Remington.  Warranty costs I’m sure are contributing to Big Green’s red ink.

(G)Remlins?
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Greasemonkey on April 01, 2019, 02:18:06 PM
Remlins definitely have a much-deserved bad rep.  I have no doubt when they moved the line to Ilion from North Haven, all the decades-old assembly skills and undocumented production “tricks” did not get transferred to Remington.  Warranty costs I’m sure are contributing to Big Green’s red ink.

(G)Remlins?

Yup... Remlins.. or Marlingtons...... Remington-Marlin mashed together..  in '07 Remington....the Freedom Group or going deeper.. Cerberus Investments.. bought out Marlin who also owned H&R..  Pretty much why you don't see anymore H&R Handi Rifles, their Gardner Mass plant was boarded up and shut down around '08... cry1 I have 3 of them.. also quality of Marlins took a hit judging by many peoples reviews around that time.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Larry D. on April 02, 2019, 03:27:25 PM
I've been eyeing a Henry at the closest Wally World.
I thought it was a 45 Colt, but it's a 45-70. That makes it a no-go at this station.

I made myself a promise a couple of years back that I would not add any new calibers.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Greasemonkey on April 02, 2019, 03:52:07 PM
What's another caliber. I lost count of calibers a few years ago :)

I said I'd never own a 32acp... Now there are like 7 of them thumb1
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Larry D. on April 05, 2019, 03:37:04 PM
What's another caliber. I lost count of calibers a few years ago :)

I said I'd never own a 32acp... Now there are like 7 of them thumb1

Trust me, I get it!  ;)
I was up to 14 when I made myself that promise.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: yellowjacket on April 05, 2019, 04:53:50 PM
What's another caliber. I lost count of calibers a few years ago :)

I said I'd never own a 32acp... Now there are like 7 of them thumb1

Trust me, I get it!  ;)
I was up to 14 when I made myself that promise.

You guys have no will power...  wait... hey... where did that .45LC come from?     :)
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Greasemonkey on April 05, 2019, 07:42:15 PM
What's another caliber. I lost count of calibers a few years ago :)

I said I'd never own a 32acp... Now there are like 7 of them thumb1

Trust me, I get it!  ;)
I was up to 14 when I made myself that promise.

You guys have no will power...  wait... hey... where did that .45LC come from?     :)

Will power...

BAH!! 

Addicts don't have will power..... thats why they are addicts..  thumb1
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Larry D. on April 05, 2019, 09:40:38 PM
What's another caliber. I lost count of calibers a few years ago :)

I said I'd never own a 32acp... Now there are like 7 of them thumb1

Trust me, I get it!  ;)
I was up to 14 when I made myself that promise.

You guys have no will power...  wait... hey... where did that .45LC come from?     :)

Musta got loose from me.....
Just send it back home........ wink1
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Misterdevan on April 06, 2019, 01:18:51 PM
I think fighting caliber creep is a noble pursuit that deserves to be supported. It's just so damn hard to ignore the allure of fun stuff.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Greasemonkey on April 06, 2019, 02:17:30 PM
What's another caliber. I lost count of calibers a few years ago :)

I said I'd never own a 32acp... Now there are like 7 of them thumb1

Trust me, I get it!  ;)
I was up to 14 when I made myself that promise.

You guys have no will power...  wait... hey... where did that .45LC come from?     :)

.45LC.. check  thumb1

plus .44 black powder all rolled into one. Black powder is a little more fun... :) but, to change just takes a cylinder swap.

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/mcsp7kiz0gzolv6/SAM_1990_zpsqiownx4u.jpg?dl=0)


I think fighting caliber creep is a noble pursuit that deserves to be supported. It's just so damn hard to ignore the allure of fun stuff.

I have calibers that havent even been loaded in probably 70 years.. .41 Swiss rimfire
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Misterdevan on April 06, 2019, 03:45:49 PM
Oh, she's a real beauty there. Wow.

I've never even heard of .41 Swiss Rimfire. You're instigating a research spiral...
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Greasemonkey on April 06, 2019, 03:52:27 PM
Oh, she's a real beauty there. Wow.

I've never even heard of .41 Swiss Rimfire. You're instigating a research spiral...

I'm ENABLING!!!!!  Educating the unknowing...  :)

And 8mm Japanese... 6.5 Japanese... 7.62x45mm, I got bunches of them... :)
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Misterdevan on April 07, 2019, 09:03:26 AM
Hahaha! "Enabling" is much better. That's a good call.

I'll be diving into the rest of your list this afternoon.
Title: Re: Dad's Old Marlin 30-30
Post by: Larry D. on April 08, 2019, 11:39:50 PM
What's another caliber. I lost count of calibers a few years ago :)

I said I'd never own a 32acp... Now there are like 7 of them thumb1

Trust me, I get it!  ;)
I was up to 14 when I made myself that promise.

You guys have no will power...  wait... hey... where did that .45LC come from?     :)

.45LC.. check  thumb1

plus .44 black powder all rolled into one. Black powder is a little more fun... :) but, to change just takes a cylinder swap.

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/mcsp7kiz0gzolv6/SAM_1990_zpsqiownx4u.jpg?dl=0)




SCHA-WING!!!!!!

Me likey mucho!