Henry Rifle Forums

I took my Made-in-1982 Marlin 336 to the range today, along with a box of handloads, Sierra 150 grain bullets, and 30 grains of IMR 3031.

I put a target out at 50 yards, and my first shot was an inch high and to the left. I adjusted the scope, and my second shot hit the "X."

At 100 yards I found out that: 1. My rifle is capable of shooting very accurately. 2. My handloads are accurate in that rifle, and 3. The shooter leaves a lot to be desired.

Seriously, if I do my part with that rifle, the shots go exactly where they're supposed to go. But it sure doesn't take much to pull shots and have them fly two or three inches out from where they were intended to go. I made some really good shot today, but I also pulled quite a few.

If I'm entitled to make one excuse, I will say that the triggers on Marlin lever guns could be a lot better.

On the bright side? Every one of the 20 shots I made today would have killed a deer.

I can identify with #3

A great rifle and as long as it will kill a deer that is what is important.

JEBar wrote:I can identify with #3

You and me both!

The shooter may leave a lot to be desired but I bet he had more fun than going to work.

BigAl52 wrote:The shooter may leave a lot to be desired but I bet he had more fun than going to work.

Yup. Actually, my real job isn't really work either, but the range is still much more enjoyable.

Now if I can get a few more boxes of 30-30 loaded up...

I love the Marlin in 30-30 here a target I shot many moons ago . Sold the rifle in about 1990 .

Good for you, gotta love those Marlins. (Henrys, too. )

For a heavy trigger, you might want to try one of the Wolf lighter hammer springs. Very easy install and have never had one yet that produced light hits. Has helped on half dozen Marlins I changed over.

North Country Gal wrote:Good for you, gotta love those Marlins. (Henrys, too. )

For a heavy trigger, you might want to try one of the Wolf lighter hammer springs. Very easy install and have never had one yet that produced light hits. Has helped on half dozen Marlins I changed over.

I may look into that. Another option I am curious about are the Trigger Happy replacement triggers. I've read a lot of good stuff about them.

Those I have never tried, but have never felt the need for one. Most of the time, the spring does the trick and, to be honest, a lot of the Marlins, especially the older ones, have pretty decent triggers on them, anyway.

Still sounds like you had a good time! I've always admired the Marlin and Winchester 30 30's, but never owned one.

ace73 wrote:Still sounds like you had a good time! I've always admired the Marlin and Winchester 30 30's, but never owned one.

The "JM" stamped Marlins and the pre-64 Winchesters are joys to own and shoot. Although they were built and sold as "working man's rifles," they were made with quality materials, and built by craftsmen.

ditto1958 wrote:

ace73 wrote:Still sounds like you had a good time! I've always admired the Marlin and Winchester 30 30's, but never owned one.

The "JM" stamped Marlins and the pre-64 Winchesters are joys to own and shoot. Although they were built and sold as "working man's rifles," they were made with quality materials, and built by craftsmen.

Amen, amen to that.