[hoplophile]

Found me a decent deal at a pawn shop during lunch. There was a "Marlin 336" for 250 in the middle of 5 others on the rack. I noticed it had a cracked stock that was loose, but fixable within my expertise. The brand said "Revelation/ Western Auto Supply" and "Marlin Firearms Co, Newhaven, Conn." underneath. I cried about the stock to the guy and got him down to $228.00 OTD.

It must be from the 1950's or 60's (my guess) because I haven't seen a gun marketed by W.A. for many years. Anyway, I took it apart for cleaning and it looked like it had NEVER been apart for that purpose in its life. Everything's in great mechanical shape with little evidence of use, and except for the blueing wear and stock dings it's pretty nice. I figure some old rancher kept it in his pickup for years behind the seat and it probably got squeezed due to seat adjustments over time which dinged and broke the stock. It was likely sold to the shop by the guy's grandkid.

The buttstock's in the basement letting the glue dry on the fractures, and then I'll graft-in a piece of walnut to fill the broken area before stripping, staining and refinishing. I plan to give it to the wife, since I already have a couple of .30-30's.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

seems Montgomery Ward and/or Sears sold a lever 30-30/.35 Rem that was made by Marlin too.

 

[hoplophile]

I think you could be right. Lots of companies like Wards, Sears and other, more local hardware entities had their "home" brand marked on Marlin products. I've also seen Savage, Stevens, Winchester and other manufacturers produce rifles and shotguns with private brands on them, most with little or no changes to the original design.

 

[Bear 45/70]

Go here to find who made your store brand and what model it is.

http://www.e-gunparts.com/crossref.asp

 

[hoplophile]

Thanks for that info Bear. I checked several places for my model 200M but they only show 200-2250 for Western Auto 336's made by Marlin. It has the Marlin name stamped into it, so there's no doubt that way. The Marlin site shows a 1973 year for my serial# though.

 

[Drifter]

You might find some info on the marlinowners website / forum.

 

[hoplophile]

I checked them out for some good info. Thanks for the tip Drifter.

 

[WyrTwister]

seems Montgomery Ward and/or Sears sold a lever 30-30/.35 Rem that was made by Marlin too.

I have seen a couple of Sears .30-30's made by Winchester .

God bless
Wyr

 

[hoplophile]

I have seen a couple of Sears .30-30's made by Winchester

My S.I.L. found one of those at a really decent price a while back. The only diff I recall was that the mag tube is slightly shorter and it holds 1 less round than the Win. 94.

Other than that, it was the same gun.

 

[mjm54]

yup its a marlin. they made them for a couple stores. sweet. nice price.

 

[hoplophile]

yup its a marlin. they made them for a couple stores. sweet. nice price.

Thanks. A more recent find was a great deal too..........Rem 870 Wingmaster (The shiny one) for 125. Non-ribbed barrel, but still in sweet condition with limbsaver pad..............and at a GUN SHOW of all places!

Sorry, I don't mean to brag. this is just one of the few places where people might appreciate that like I did.