Just bought my first 35 from a member of the site so I know of what you speak.

 

Same reason that the pre-safety Smith & Wessons sell for a bit more. They are authentic to the original design and are easily identified as being made before 1983. That makes them a minimum of 35 years old.

To some, they are more desirable, having the classical appearance about them. Being older, most of them will have a bit more "character".

Do they shoot any better than the hammer block models? Probably not. But they are "just like Grandad's Marlin".

 

I have noticed that as well. Personally I don't mind the safety so if I can find one for less then all the better.

 

Yes. I like the safety models. If I can have those at lower price, I like them even more. As for 30-30 vs 35 Rem., the 30-30s are a lot more common and thus do not command as high a price.

T.S.

 

I am at that point in life that this season could be my last, I don't think so but you never know, if you find the right one safety or not buy it !!!!

 

I dislike the Marlins with the cross bolt safety for a couple reasons. First I think they are ugly and very unnecessary. To have a button to push sideways on the side of the receiver is pretty queer, especially when the prior models didn't have that hole there. Now what was compromised with the added hole, I just wonder. Secondly, and just as bad is the fact that an extra safety is not needed as the hammer had to be pulled back to fire and there is the half cock position that was used also. The cross bolt safety tries to make their guns idiot proof and that means that we must have been idiots to been able to use the guns before. Now I am being a little over exuberant in my opinions but that I believe that is the reason the older pre safety gun sell for more money. The cross safety can be eliminated or just left off.

 

I overheard some guys talking about the Marlin safety and one of the said that when he is in his stand with his Marlin he pulls back the hammer and puts his rifle on safe and when he sees a deer he pushes the safety to the fire position and fires. It never crossed my mind to do it his way, I just set the safety to the fire position and when I see something to shoot at I pull back the hammer and fire. How many just simply push the safety with the hammer back when they get ready to fire?

 

I have one of each. My 1894c is JM model made just before Remington bought Marlin, in .357mag. It has the cross bolt safety. On my first hog hunt I found that safety very useful when I was handling the gun in the guide's truck on the way out to the sight, and when following the dog to the kill zone. My guide appreciated it, too. It gave him an extra bit of assurance that I would not have a negligent discharged in my pursuit of that first kill. I took the hog at less than twenty yards.

My 336 dates to 1977 and does not have the cross bolt safety. The guide on my second hunt explained how to use the half-cock position, and encouraged me to use it instead putting the hammer all the way down while waiting for a good shot. I took my hog at 50-60 yards.

On this second hunt, with the 336, I was assigned a "bow stand" in the evening of the first day on site, which was much closer to the kill zone than when I took my hog with the 336 earlier in the day. I forgot to take my scent control device with me to the stand. I noticed that the hogs picked up my scent at a specific point as they approached my kill zone. They would come in from various directions, but as soon as they hit that spot they bolted. This made me wonder what would have happened if I had to cock a hammer at that point. There is an audible click when I moved from half-cock to full cock. I can hear it at a distance even with my old and weakened hearing. I figure the hogs will hear it also. I know the deer who passed by heard it. I saw them react instantly to it. Heads came up, and they stared directly at me for over thirty seconds. You know the drill–the frozen in place stand as they try to discern if there is a threat and when any movement at all would send them on their way. If I am fifty yards away I doubt it would be a problem, but I would prefer a silent cross bolt at the closer range.

I know, I am a rookie at this. My experience does not speak as strongly as that of you folks with years of experience; but I do see some value in the cross bolt safety. I just have to master the manual of arms for the rifle I am using, and remember which rifle I am using. The difference makes for a higher price for the pre-cross bolt units. Some folks like to do things the way they have always done them. I know, I am one of them. But since I came to this hunting community when I am already long in the tooth, I just learned it the cross bolt way from the beginning.

So, I conclude that both units are useful and safe. Some folks are willing to pay more for what they like. One must simply master one's equipment. Either way, you are shooting a Marlin–and that makes for a good day.

 

I used to have one with the safety years ago and It cost me a couple deer by not thinking about it when a deer was in front of me

 

I had that happen to me years and years ago, my first deer actually. I was carrying my Marlin 30AS and had gone back to the truck about mid-day to get some coffee from my thermos. I had already been hunting for 3 years and had never seen a single deer, with rifle in hand during season. They were pretty scarce back then. So my rifle is leaning up against the truck, safety on and hammer down. I'm parked in a field and standing there sipping hot coffee with the door open. I glanced up the hill nearby and up at the very top of the hill, I SEE A DEER! Holy Crap, It's really a deer! I don't remember what I did with the coffee, but I did get my rifle to my shoulder and pulled the hammer back. When the crosshairs finally settled behind the foreleg, I pulled the trigger. CLICK! Dang it! I slowly ejected the bad shell and got all set again,........ CLICK! What in the world!? I got a bad batch of shells here,.....maybe they go bad after 3 years?

I get the third shell in and the deer is still munching on pasture up on the top of the hill. I'm rattled and shaking now, so I ease over to the truck bed to use it as a rest. Third time's charm,....... CLICK! :motz: Then it hit me! :stupido2: THE SAFETY! I pushed it in, re-cocked the hammer and BOOM! I still remember seeing a red splotch through my scope when the bullet struck the deer. I never did it again. But I have about 50-50 safety vs pre-safety in my safe now. And everytime I get ready to shoot at a deer, I check to see if the safety is off, even when it doesn't have one. LOL Some lessons just stick the first time.

As far as value, I see pre-safety rifles as my preference and expect them to be a bit higher priced. But a rifle with a safety will not stop me from buying it if I like it. Just this past year I bought my first S&W revolver with and IL, and it's not so bad. Looks like doo-doo, but it shoots great! Doubt I'll buy another though for that fact, I don't like the looks. Which is pretty much the same reason on a Marlin.

 

As far as I can tell pretty much any make and model of firearm that is an original design or at least per-significant change will bring a premium around here, Marlins, pre-safety Smiths, 3 screw Ruger Blackhawks, etc.

When it comes to the .35 vs the 30-30, the 30-30s tend to sell for less mostly because they are more common. I've seen 30-30s sell for as low as $225 to around $400.

The .35 Remington on the other hand don't show up very often and when they do they almost always go for between $500-$600. I've seen exactly 2 that were priced, or were sold at local auctions, under $500 in the last 3 yrs and one that sold in the mid $700s. The .35 Remington seems to be unusually popular in east-central Missouri.

A little less than 2yrs ago I finally decided that I really wanted a .35 and got myself one, a 1983 with the safety, prices notwithstanding. I haven't regretted it yet, it shoots great and I've taken two deer with it so far and those won't be the last I'm sure.

 

I'm not a fan of the safety, but there is one on my .30-30 and my .45-70. The safety on my .45-70 cost me one shot at a buck and I decided this time I would rather not have the stupid thing to worry about. It's a sick feeling to take aim at a deer, pull the trigger, and hear, "CLICK"! I don't even know how it got switched on. My .35 does not have a safety and I'm sure I'll be just fine without it. I've been just cocking the hammer for quite a few years and never had a problem. I just wanted to see how others felt about it. Thanks.

I'll be looking forward to hunting with my .35 Remington this fall.

 

Crossbolt safety is not only fine, but exceptionally useful when
test/cycling rounds at home (or anywhere else for that matter)

 

:dito::dito::dito::dito::dito:

 

I don't know if the pre safety models are worth more...
but other than my 338 and 308ME, that's all I have ever bought.
and I deleted the other two.

 

I prefer the safety as well, but have noticed on the internet a pre safety model will bring more than safety models, and the waffle tops bring more than the latter non waffle tops even tho they are not drilled/tapped for a scope in most cases... In general the older a gun is the more it will bring in the same condition especially with features that differ from later models.. people find little niches that they like or don't like...

Local the safety or pre safety models bring very similar price it more about the condition of the gun, walnut or birch stocks, model etc, and stainless will always command a premium in this area due to the high humidity, and constantly fighting the Marlin flash rust. The LGS sells 5 30-30's to one 35, and I have not noticed a premium in price for a 35, in fact the ammo cost more, is harder to find, and I know for a fact for many years 35 rem guns would sit in the rack due to $40 a box ammo price. I have used both the 35, and the 30-30 and there isn't enough difference between the two to make any difference.. one has a little more range the other a little more knockdown power using factory ammo... I'm sure either can be took to extremes using handloads.

Something I find interesting is in this area a model 39 AS (with the safety) will bring more than a model 39 without they safety.. people like the safety in this area especially on a 22, and I agree with them. The stocks are genrally pretty nice walnut on the model 39 AS models as well, and they were very well made/finished

 

The 'safety cost me a deer'? No. You forgetting to take the safety off cost you the deer. It's called Manual of Arms and it needs to be practiced and perfected. Don't blame a piece of steel for a human error.



Rob

 

I can see that the safety has some useful points and I have used it when cycling live rounds through my rifles testing that the feed and chambering were good. The thing that I don't care for is the redundancy of two safeties.

Using both seems overly complicated, having the rifle halfcocked and the push button safety in the safe position. Carrying a exposed hammer rifle fully cocked with the pushbutton safety engaged somehow doesn't seem right to me. Old school?

I have hunted more with exposed hammer rifles with only a halfcock safety more in the last 20+ years than any other kind and am fully comfortable with them. I only had a problem the pushbutton safety one time. I have never had a problem with a halfcocked safety.

Everyone is different and a person should proceed with what works best for them. I can go either way, safety button or no safety button. For my long awaited .35 I decided to go without the second safety. YMMV

Thank you all for sharing your opinions and thoughts.

 

I have 4 pre-safety Marlins and 1 with safety. I like the look of the older ones better and I am sure there are a lot of people who like the look or have other reasons to prefer the older models (I personally find the safety to be part of the Big Brother, lawyer, cradle to the grave modern society problem...but thats just me).
The safety model I own does not create a function problem for me, I have put an o-ring on the button so that it cannot be put on safe without a lot of effort and I use it the same way I was taught...you are the saftey on a firearm not the mechanical device that the manufacturer installs.
Sorry for the rant...if you find a 35 Remington, saftey or not, in your price range...look for the JM and buy it...I have never had to track and animal shot with the 35...those that ran, fell while still in sight; it is a fine hunting round.
RT4

 

The safety doesn’t bother me, but because I prefer the older guns, I guess I prefer pre-safety. I do own and shoot both and the safety really is insignificant.

 

rt4,

I totally agree. I put o-rings on my two safety models too. I did find a pre-safety in 35 that called to me really loud and bought it. Just waiting on other people to whom the whole thing seems to matter less. Perhaps next week I'll have it.

 

Safety? What safety, of mine with safeties none have ever been on safety that I know of. Some have rode several miles in leather scabbard with no issues, and horses aren't super easy on guns!

 

I think it kinda' depends on the pricing, certainly some certain letter/designation models are more sought after, then age/condition can play a part, locations in the country, and then personal preferences, etc., etc... people pay what the market will bear basically. The .35 rems are often a bit more in asking price than a 30-30 and have a following, not as common, and being a personal favorite of mine I would pay more for one over a 30-30 as an example... guess I could say the same for .32 sp and all as well.
As for as the additional safety, that means a lot more to some people than others whether having it or not goes. I have models of both types, and the additional safety has never bothered me in any way, or would stop me from buying a nice rifle. In fact, I admit to having all my kids use one with the additional safety when first learning to hunt/shoot, and/or also those guys not familiar with using levers that want to try one; has it's advantages in the unloading arena and such for them, in camp, etc. I normally use the regular half-cock safety feature when actively hunting with one myself, and the additional when in vehicle, or done for the day so to say. That said, I do prefer the older models and more likely to buy them, but mainly because I like the smooth/un-checkered walnut stocks on a levergun, nice bluing, and even the gold trigger if having... the additional safety the least of my concerns really.
Good luck to you...

 

1911 or Marlin levergun cocked and locked would be the same except in the minds of some people, me for one. I would not carry one of my safety equipped Marlins cocked and locked. I always carry my 1911 cocked and locked. Levergun - hammer on halfcock, 1911 - cocked and locked, it's just the way I learned.

I guess any firearm is worth to me what I'm willing to pay to have it. Price for this one was not really a factor. I would have paid more, but that's all I had!

Sometimes things work out.

 

Why pass up a nice Marlin because it has a safety? If it has nice walnut and steel,looks good,and shoots straight,buy it and install the safety delete. The delete comes in blue,case hardened,and stainless. Search the internet for the style you like,there's 4 or 5 places they can be bought. Deletes come in flat,screw head,and saddle ring,brass or steel. The flat or screw slotted type is $10-$20,and the saddle ring is $32. I put a saddle ring on the bedroom rifle,it doesn't need a push button.



Rob

 

Matter of the preference of the buyer and the overall condition of the rifle.I have a 336 that dated 1967,no safety.It is in great shape.
My buddy has a 1990’s 336 with safety in great shape.Both rifles are chambered in 30 30.
i think if we sold them,we’d get around the same price.

 

I would not and have not passed on any Marlin because it had or didn't have a safety. The .35 I bought I bought because I really liked the wood and the overall condition of the rifle. I also knew a little of the history of the rifle and enough about the guy who owned it to know how it was taken care for. The fact that it doesn't have a safety I saw as a plus, but not a requirement. I like the fact that is an older model, from a time when I should have bought a .35 Marlin. I feel like I'm in a small way correcting a 40+ year old mistake. I can't go back in time but I came buy a piece from the past and thoroughly enjoy it going forward for whatever time I have left.

Also, I see that not too far into the future these fine rifles will be much higher priced and could very well be out of reach for many of us. I am working toward my next Marlin even now. I need to decide exactly what that next one will be, but safety or no when I find the one I'm looking for I'll do my best to acquire it.

 

I'm now reaching the age where I can count my remaining deer seasons on my fingers, with my boots on! So I wait no more.

OP that was funny. I have a 35 I just bought before deer season but never hunted this year. I have wanted a 35 rem for many years and am glad I finally have one. Maybe a deer hunt next year. Or better yet a pig hunt.

My gun has the cross bolt safety. All my Marlins except one have the safety. It doesn't bother me in the least. Since all I shoot are handloads the safety makes it safe to cycle rounds or at least check a few as I load them to make sure the brass is sized properly and there are no surprises when I get to the range or hunting field.