He had years to look and missed it.

[winmarsav]

I ran across this Marlin for sale and just had to let the guys on here look at it. Some of you might have already seen it but in case you missed it, here it is.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=144340914
Lets see now maybe it was just laying there all the time. Could also have a star on the tang. Sounds good to me anyway. I think that a Cody or Marlin-Collectors check on this one would be in order.
   Ken

[jorgy]

That gun will not letter because the serial number is too high. Marlin records
only go up to 355xxx. It maybe on the list the BATF keeps for cleared guns
(barrels shorter than 16").

[winmarsav]

I should have thought about the ser. no. but I never even thought about it. The barrel is listed as 16.25 inches so it would not be on the BATF list. I would bet that the barrel has been cut though without seeing it in person.
  Ken

[Mike Leck]

Oh, my stars! It's the highly sought-after 16-1/4" short rifle! Give me a break...

[marlinman93]

 One of the problems with post 355,600 serial numbered Marlins is there's just no way to figure out if they're truly original configuration or not. It's all left up to a close exam, and online auctions are not the place to purchase these type of Marlins, unless they're just so darn cheap you don't care if it's correct or not.
 The gun makes the hair on my neck stand uip, so I'd pass regardless. I turst my gut feeling more than a good story.