[SkookumJeff]

Went to the local gun show today in search of another gun for my collection. I found one of the hardest guns on my list to locate. I bought a Marlin 336-44 magnum. It's in almost new condition. No box, but you can't have everything. To say I'm pretty happy just doesn't quite capture the moment. I'm stoked. Can't believe my good fortune. I've only seen about 3 of these in the last couple of years of looking for one. I've attached a couple of poor quality pics to show the rifle. The pics are the best I can do for now.

 

[1895Gunner]

Very nice, congratulations.

 

[trapper-xx]

That was a super nice find! I've heard of them but never have seen one.

 

[CITYSLICKER1]

Real nice! I have only seen one and it was in ruff shape.

 

[gewehr]

pre saddle ring - 1963 or 64; VERY nice, congrats on your find!!! enjoy and shoot straight!

 

[glockmeister]

Very nice find there, congrats on that one. Appears someone took very good care of this one just for you, enjoy. Take care and send us a range report when you can, John.

 

[wisc]

Congrats. Hard to find guns and you were in right place at right time. Pictures look good and let us know how it shoots!

 

[RevDerb]

Nice addition. Congratulations.

 

[SkookumJeff]

Thanks for the comments.

pre saddle ring - 1963 or 64; VERY nice, congrats on your find!!! enjoy and shoot straight!

According to what I find on the internet, it's a late 1964 model. Z serial number prefix. It's almost as old as I am. I was six years old when this rifle was born.

Now I have to make a decision. So far as I can tell, these rifles ARE very rare. That said, from what I've seen over the years, just because there weren't very many of these made doesn't necessarily make them all that valuable as a collectible item. I bought this rifle to use as a shooter in the field using cast lead boolits. Now that doesn't necessarily mean it will get torn up. On the other hand...you never can tell what adventures await...

What to do, keep it as a collectible, or enjoy it as a shooter. I'm inclined to do the latter.

 

[Midnightrider]

Shoot it.
If you change any parts, keep the old ones to restore it to its current condition.

 

[Jake]

Wow

 

[cody77]

Congrats. I would love to have one of those.

 

[mikem2]

Excellent find!

 

[shawlerbrook]

Enjoy it and shoot it!

 

[Lil Bear]

Nice find! It is always good to find a unique rifle. Enjoy!

 

[Leverdude]

Thanks for the comments.

According to what I find on the internet, it's a late 1964 model. Z serial number prefix. It's almost as old as I am. I was six years old when this rifle was born.

Now I have to make a decision. So far as I can tell, these rifles ARE very rare. That said, from what I've seen over the years, just because there weren't very many of these made doesn't necessarily make them all that valuable as a collectible item. I bought this rifle to use as a shooter in the field using cast lead boolits. Now that doesn't necessarily mean it will get torn up. On the other hand...you never can tell what adventures await...

What to do, keep it as a collectible, or enjoy it as a shooter. I'm inclined to do the latter.

I shoot mine, mines a little later & has a saddle ring. Some day they might command a high price but right now theyre usually just another 336 to most people. Good for us & bad for the, I guess.
My bore slugged .431 if I recall, yours is likely on the large side as well, most Marlins 44's are it seems. Congrats, yours looks like a very nice one!

 

[glockmeister]

Marlins are ''Blue Collar Guns,'' they work for a living. Just take good care of yours and shoot it, that will develope a good history for you and can lead to good stories to tell. Take care, John.

 

[Littlemarlin]

What to do, keep it as a collectible, or enjoy it as a shooter. I'm inclined to do the latter.

Definitely, shoot the darn thing. It will bring you a much higher magnitude of enjoyment as a shooter than as a safe queen!! It's not like they only made a dozen of them at the turn of last century and we're not talking a museum piece here. Put a few dings in it and wear a little blue off. If taken care of and worn honestly, it will still look wonderful! - The rifle would thank you for it if it could talk.

Fine looking rifle by the way. Congratulations!