O Boy, i didnt know this either :hmmmm: , like you said better not Boooger'em up!!!

 

As I've thought more about this, I've concluded that Marlin probably changed to a bigger, stronger front band screw because the old design was too fragile; it was too small in diameter and the fine threads were too susceptible to stripping and breakage. These reasons warrant particular care in disassembly and re-assembly, and its probably a good idea to make sure the threads are oiled for rust prevention.

Many Marlin rifles are not taken apart like our's are from time-to-time, so front band screw breakage or loss isn't an issue. Im not saying this is an Achilles heel for our beloved old 336 rifles, but I do think it is a potential issue for us to be aware of.

If someone knows when this change came about, please let us know. The barrel band and screw condition, to the extent we can examine it on Marlins built prior to the design change model year, would be factor to consider in buying older rifles. Why? If rust is clearly visible or if the screw head is badly boogered, we may be looking at a "new style" modification at $??? cost.

I may be blowing this way out of proportion, or there may be an existing thread in the gunsmithing section that sorts this all out. If the issue is actually less than I've made it out to be, I'll be a happy camper. If the barrel band change can result in a significant modification for the older Marlins, I'll be thinkin' twice about taking mine apart in the future.

 

The band screws bend, just the nature of the beast. The older screws were thinner and thus more prone to bending.

 

Erik - When did they change to the new band/screw? How difficult is it to change to the new style band/ screw? I don't find anything in the gunsmithing section about this modification.

 

I spoke with a very knowledgeable guy at Marlin customer service today about the change from old style to new style front band screws for model 336.

The change to a larger screw occurred in 1984 at the same time as the cross-bolt safety was introduced. Thus, all of our pre '84 336 models have the small screw setup.

Marlin sells only current model replacement parts, so the old style screws have to be acquired from individuals and companies that deal in old firearm components.

Converting to the larger diameter screw does require enlarging the barrel and mag tube channel that the screw fits through. This would seem to be a fairly precise filing project with respect to location and size.

Handle your pre '84 front barrel bands and screws with extreme care. They are truly an endangered species.

 

front band change

I noticed today that Brownell's sells a "new style" band for "1978 and later"...ordered one and other parts for a newly acquired '80 336 with a jacked up barrel band and improper mag cap screw....
Kivaari

 

I noticed today that Brownell's sells a "new style" band for "1978 and later"...ordered one and other parts for a newly acquired '80 336 with a jacked up barrel band and improper mag cap screw....
Kivaari

Let us know how the new parts fit your '80 model 336. I think the Marlin Service Dept. told me the new band/screw started in '84. You may have to do some fitting.

 

Search for Castbullet.com, and scroll down to individual scope & Gun screws, and there is a wealth of fasteners gun related to choose from. If you know what size the screws are, it should be an easy fix.

 

Many screws with deformed screw slots, can be reconditioned by placing them in a close fitting hole in a steel block and tapping the metal back into place.

Then you have to remove a little by chucking the screw into a drill and file it smooth again. Reshape the slot with a tool or by putting it back into the metal jig and hammer a shaped screwdriver blade into it.

Then the older screws have one source at Numrich but very expensive to buy a complete set of "Bands of Gold" for one screw.

SUPER Bands Of Gold- Set Consists Of Front & Rear Band Gun Parts | 308490 | Numrich Gun Parts

 

Enlarging the slot on the barrel and magazine tube is an easy fix, it takes a few mineuts and a simple tool. Purchase a round chainsaw sharpening file, a few passes on each slot and reassemble, and its done. Also recommend some cold blue on the fresh metal.

 

get the old style screws at jack first gun parts....

 

I talked to them few weeks back and she told me they did not have any. No plans of getting any either. Is this recent information?

 

I have a '70 Revelation 200m, the Western Auto version of the 336. My front band got badly bent out of shape while I had it off to work on the gun, in your searches did you find any 'old style' bands? My screw is still in fantastic condition.

 

After many days/weeks of shopping around for this Front Band Screw for my 1976 Model 336C 30-30 I finally had success in locating the "Old-Style" Screw. Today, 1/22/15. I purchased two of them from Jack First Gun Shop in Rapid City, South Dakota. I received their phone number from a Marlin customer service rep. The price, from Jack First, is very reasonable and it surely beats having to purchase a "New-Style" Band and screw or even the set of Golden Bands to get a screw that may fit.

 

I had a co worker loose one out in the field because he didnt tighten it down. He went to a specialty shop that have all sorts of fasteners and the people there match the threads and size. Now one thing is that he got the replacement screw that was harden if you know what I mean. So if you live near a big enough town/city that might have such a place I would recommend maybe getting a few as back up.