I'm not up on those Models but someone will be along that is... I saw your other post about getting a couple of 783's... Well done!

 

I think the trigger mechanism may have been updated with either the 883 or the 993, I know the triggers changed on the 22lr series of rifles, not sure about the magnums.

 

Somewhere within the three models (783 883 983) I know the safety changed and I believe the sights have been changed/upgraded but Im not sure exactly where the change occurred. As I mentioned, the difference in stock design has me puzzled--it doesnt appear to be year related? Guess Ill find out when the two guns that Ive purchased arrive (still being shipped) as one has the rounded forearm and the other has the blunted version.. Just something that makes you go ---HUH!

 

Regarding the stocks, the 781 (top) slanted front was a Late model production and the round nose was early model. the 783 was the same way. The two above are 1979 781 (early) and 1985 783 (late) respectively

 

Humm, thats backwards to what I found last nite? I bought an 84 (783) with a rounded nose and an 81 (783) with the blunted nose. I missed out on a later year 783 also with a rounded nose. I havent "seen" several guns yet but it seems like the rounded nose is in both early and late production?? I dont know, I guess one or more of the ones that Ive seen so far could have a replacement stock? Not really important, just curious. I actually prefer the rounded nose. (for looks). Nice looking guns by the way, thanks for your reply.

 

Here is my '77 783. It has nice scroll work in the stock at the grip and under the forearm and the nose is angled back to the barrel. I believe between the 783 and 883, the trigger and safety changed. The 783 is very simple, just a post and some pins and springs and the safety is backwards(back is fire, forward is safe) from newer models. The 883 has a different trigger and safety all together and the safety changed directions(back is safe, forward is fire). I have an 83TS, which is basically the same rifle as an 883.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

 

I believe that the 780 series used a metal trigger guard and 880 and later were plastic. Gasguzzler has a post a little further down about the differences . Very well lays them out

 

Like most company's guns, Marlins are "better" the older they are. 783s are generally walnut whereas the 883+ are "hardwood" or synthetic. There are exceptions. The direction of the S/F was changed after the 783. My 783 is from the early '80's so it does not have the scrolls but it does have checkering and the slanted forearm shape. Mine also came with a Marlin sling. I really hit a home run finding this one, this complete, this nice ... for what a paid. I think some of the 883 still had metal trigger guards. The 78X series was made from 1971-1988. That's a long time and a few things changed in that time.

The LR version with a box magazine (780) has a magazine that will feed shorts, longs, and LR. The 880+ has a different magazine that only feeds LR. Since the 781 is tube fed, it feeds all anyway. 782 and 783 are WMR only.

 

Like most company's guns, Marlins are "better" the older they are. 783s are generally walnut whereas the 883+ are "hardwood" or synthetic. There are exceptions. The direction of the S/F was changed after the 783. My 783 is from the early '80's so it does not have the scrolls but it does have checkering and the slanted forearm shape. Mine also came with a Marlin sling. I really hit a home run finding this one, this complete, this nice ... for what a paid. I think some of the 883 still had metal trigger guards. The 78X series was made from 1971-1988. That's a long time and a few things changed in that time.

The LR version with a box magazine (780) has a magazine that will feed shorts, longs, and LR. The 880+ has a different magazine that only feeds LR. Since the 781 is tube fed, it feeds all anyway. 782 and 783 are WMR only.

Nice to see you chime in

 

I know I started out talking about 783/883's, this morning I was cruising thru gun sites and noticed a notification from GB I had received about a 983 being listed. I went there and looked---Yep, its a rich mans gun, a 983-----wanting $1795. I may have to wait another week or so and sell my 783 (as soon as it arrives). Its starting to look like a retirement fund!!