Marlin Is Continuing to Rounding Out Their Models - 336 SBL

 I like to make sure that I try to keep track of new versions of existing models of firearms or when new stuff comes out. I had recently noted that Marlin released a .30-30 version of their Trapper line up. That model is a stainless steel model with a 16 inch barrel. Well, doing what I do and checking back in, Marlin also released a .30-30 version of the SBL. 

The 336 SBL (courtesy of the Marlin website)

I believe the nomenclature on this rifle is Stainless, Big Loop referring to the stainless steel construction and the "big loop" lever. While similar to the Trapper model, these feature a 19.1 inch barrel, also with 5/8x24 threads, and an elongated scope rail. This allows for a variety of sighting options, including the scout scope. The sights and rail are not likely to be from XS sights but they are similar. 

At this point, Marlin is missing a few things. First is a .22 LR lever action. Even if it wasn't a 39A, it could be a derivative. .45 Colt is also completely missing and I would expect we should see something within the next few years on it. 

I would also expect that Marlin will continue with sub-variants like this. They already had the SBL version with the 1895. I'm pretty sure the receiver is the same between the 336 and 1895 so having .30-30 and .45-70 versions of the Trapper, SBL, Dark, etc lines make sense. Now that the 1894 is out and being offered in both .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum under the Classic and Dark series, I would expect to see those models have versions that fall into the SBL and Trapper versions. I don't know if we'd see a Guide Gun version in anything other than .45-70 as guide guns tend to have be large caliber stopping rifles specifically. I could see Marlin bringing back the .444 Marlin cartridge in the Guide Gun but not any time soon.

This is the closest option I have seen yet that matches what I have been looking for from the industry which is a more traditional .30-30 with a threaded barrel. I don't really want the new tacticool versions for the build I have in mind. I will continue to hold my breath for Marlin to make a 336 Classic with a threaded barrel, however, this new 336 SBL could easily be my choice. It has all the needed requirements of a wood stocked rifle and a threaded barrel. I still prefer a 20 inch, however, I won't be so picky between the 19.1 inch and 20 inch barrel. It's near enough that the performance  difference won't matter. 

If I never see a Marlin 336 Classic Threaded, then this is likely the rifle of choice for my big lever action project. It would pair nicely with my 1894 CST should I go this route someday. The sad part is my Smith and Wesson 17-9 wouldn't match so I'll need to pick up a 617 or a Colt Python .22 LR not complete the full concept. Maybe even pair this with the new Smith and Wesson  32 H&R Mag J-frame. Gun nerd problems. 

Long Live the Lever Action.

Two New .30-30's - Marlin's Trapper and Pedersoli's 86/71 Droptine

 I haven't seen anything official on the Marlin yet but after jumping on their website and looking around, I found that Marlin added a .30-30 version of their stainless steel 16 inch Trapper model. She's got laminated wood stocks and a threaded barrel. 

A 16 inch .30-30 is still a viable option. I ran the numbers and while the velocity of my favorite Federal Fusion load likely wouldn't work out to 200 yards. I estimate that you can still run it out to 170 yards and still get expansion from those bonded soft points. I can't say the same for the Winchester Power Points but you'll still get a 150 yard rifle out of the Marlin 336 Trapper with generic .30-30 like the Power Points and the Remington Core-lokt. 

I think that's a pretty good combination right there. I will still continue to hold out for my blued steel and wood stocked, threaded 20 inch barrel.30-30. Speaking of which. Guess who released a high polish, blued steel .30-30 recently? Pedersoli.

They built their rifle off of the old Winchester 1886 platform and it gorgeous. I figure I should run out and get one? Wrong. It's still a Winchester top eject design so you need a scout scope. I replaced my Winchester 94 for that very reason. 

It's only a matter of time before SOMEONE finally makes exactly what I want but until then I feel like I'm being trolled here. Marlin please release a 336 Classic threaded. 

The Marlin Dark Series Is Back!

The Re-released Marlin Dark 1895 (Image from Marlin's Website)

While the original Dark series wasn't my cup of tea exactly, I appreciate what it was. Well, Ruger announced they're back. To be honest, I think the new version is better. 

You can find the release on Marlin's Website

The first two things I see differently are the stock and forend. The new butt stocks look like the old Ruger All Weather with a riser while the forend is a modernized M-LOK rail with QD pockets. The stock also have M-LOK slots in it likely for cartridge holders. While I've said in the past, I'm not a big fan of the new  M-LOK rails, this one works well. They also have a muzzle break threaded on the barrel. You can replace with a suppressor as you want.

They again started with the 1895 version in .45-70 and say that a .30-30 336 followed by a .44 Magnum 1894 next year will be available. All versions are likely to be 16 inch barrels. 

Honestly, I think this decision makes a ton a sense. They're starting with the most preferred versions then came out with a model that basically pre-built custom gun. Ruger is known for taking features that would otherwise been third-party or custom features and incorporating them into a production product. The Ruger Blackhawk comes to mind with the Flattop style frame and the beefy strength. If you look at what people like Elmer Keith were doing, see the Number 5 revolver, Bill Ruger incorporated many of those features into the Blackhawk. I think Ruger did the same thing with a stock like what Ranger Point Precision did then added an  M-LOK rail like what Midwest Industries and RPP have. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again, just because you put on the right parts, doesn't mean it looks good. I've seen plenty of lever guns with RPP and MI parts that look just awful. Well, I think the new Dark Series came out just fine and I think they are going to sell very well. I still want a Classic Series or Guide Gun Series threaded .30-30 so I will be holding off. 

The Marlin 336 - They Started with A Classic

 

Marlin finally announced that the Model 336 is back and chambered for the 30-30 cartridge. Their website updated on 27 Mar to reflect that the 336 Classic has returned with a few channels picking up on the news. 

Target Suite is probably the only channel right now that has the best video up on the rifle as of the end of what is likely an embargo date. He compares an older unit long before Remington and the new Ruger-made unit and found the quality appears to actually be better. 

TS hints at future models coming out with threaded barrels but no estimate on arrival or even in what configuration.

Generally, I'm excited to see the 336 back but disappointed that we don't know what a threaded barrel model will look like. I'm ready to build a 336 for hunting but I want those wood stocks and blued steel with the threads and not some plastic fantastic meant to look tacticool. 

SHOT Show 2023 - New Stuff I Think is Interesting

 SHOT Show is always interesting to me and 2023's edition is turning out pretty cool. I'm not an industry or media guy so I'll never be invited, not like I could afford to if I wanted. So I read what others put out on social media and their blogs etc. 

Henry

Henry dropped two cool things this year. The first I won't jump on since I don't need a new cartridge (especially after 350 Legend) and the other I would buy. The first is a collab with Remington called .360 Buckmaster. It's a new straight-wall cartridge based on 30-30 intended for those few states that limit gun season to straight-wall cartridges. It's rimmed unlike 350 Legend and is designed for lever action rifles. It's also more powerful. I think this will be a great option for folks like me who love lever action rifles but are living in those states.

The second thing is the Homesteader rifle. It's a traditionally laid out semi-auto rifle with wood stocks, chambered in 9mm. Apparently, the magazine well can be swapped from the proprietary magazines over to the more popular pistol magazines such as Glock, SIG and Smith and Wesson. The versions shown at SHOT have a threaded barrel. Congratulations, Henry. You've packaged out a semi-auto 9mm rifle I'm actually interested in. Wood stocks and threaded barrels for the win. This is the most surprising thing for this year. I'm very excited about it. I want a WOOX stock for it though. 

Beretta

Beretta brought back their old .380 pistol, the Cheetah but modernized it. They call it the 80X. It has an accessory rail and provisions for red dots. I want one with a threaded barrel. I would love to see how .380 suppresses from a larger pistol than these usual pocket guns. 

They also, released a shotgun based on the A300 platform for home defense. It's packaged similar to the 1301 that's very well liked but it's not as expensive. I want a 1301 but I won't spend the money just yet. This one could fit that bill. I have an A300 Outlander I use for duck hunting and I like the platform. 

Marlin

No official word yet on the 336 but there are rumors of one at Range Day. A new 336 is my most anticipated release for this 2023.

Update: I checked the Marlin website and they have the 336 as early 2023 and interestingly, the 1894 will be re-released in Spring 2023. Good thing I've saving my money now.

Update 2: Apparently, Ruger does have a new 336 and 1894 on the show floor! Apparently, neither of those guns have a threaded barrel but are the traditional wood and blued steel. Looks like I need to wait to see if they do a version of the 336 with a threaded barrel. It would be genuinely funny if I got all hyped up for a specific version of the 336 and it never comes out!

Update 3: After talking with YouTuber, Target Suite, he says Ruger does have an SKU with a threaded barrel for the 336 but didn't get into the specifics of how the rifle is styled. We'll just have to wait and see.

It's also got me thinking that since I've changed the configuration of my 1894 CST to use Leupold's 2.5x scope instead of the red dot setup, maybe I'll wait for Ruger to release a new 1894 in 357 and set it up like I did ProjectVaquero but this time I'll execute exactly on how I wanted it with blued steel and wood furniture. I liked the CST's stainless which makes sense as an outdoors gun in the weather and all but I still love that blued steel and brown walnut look. I can't wait to see what 

Harrington & Richardson

This is an old name in firearms that got caught up in the Remington bankruptcy. They've made a huge selection of guns over the years including guns for the war effort during the 40's but was most recently known for inexpensive single shot rifles and shotguns. Palmetto State Armory bought the brand from Remington. Apparently they are starting up production of retro rifles starting with the Colt 723. That will make the Cloners happy as it will given them an option to build Black Hawk Down clones. RIP MSGT Gordon. 

I'm not a cloner but the return of the H&R brand is good news. Some folks are hoping for new make M1 Garands since they had tooling to make the rifle back in the day. Count me in for that. 

Looks like that's it folks. I've learned from SHOT Show 2023 that I wanted to know and plus some. Marlin will indeed have a threaded barrel SKU for the 336 but we'll see how it looks and incredibly, Henry has blown me away with the Homesteader. I can't wait to see how the Homesteader turns out when it's officially released. I think I'll make it my 2024 or 2025 project.

Bond Arms

Bond Arms is known mostly for 2 shot derringer pistols but they jumped into the lever action rifle market. They have a lever action lower receiver for AR-15 pattern uppers and uses Remington 870 pattern stocks. I'm toying with the idea of a .300 Blackout upper for that gun but apparently Bond Arms is planning a 9mm build. I might jump on that. I love lever action too much.