Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

3101 Views 20 Replies 14 Participants Last post by 444Hal, Apr 9, 2011

444Hal

Discussion Starter · Mar 12, 2011

Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

Well my new 336SS finally arrived. Upon first inspection at the store I noticed that the inner edges of the lever were not rounded. Discovered that when I thought I’d sliced the back of my fingers open when I cycled it. This thing could not have been checked (mechanically) before shipping or they would have found the sharp edges. Also the tip of the top tang was curved a little too flat causing a gap at the tip between it and the butt stock and the rear sight was only half on the barrel.
Wasn’t till I got it home in better light that I noticed the bright strip of stainless metal glaring from under the butt. Turns out that while the top tang is (almost) even, the bottom tang protrudes 1/8” below the wood. I switched butt stocks with my 336C and found that even though the wood is cut a little small, most of the difference is in a wider tang (opening). Maybe I can try shimming the top a little to even it out some.
On the plus side, it shoots way better than I expected for a brand new barrel and a box of old Rem 170 factory loads and mechanically it’s very tight. It could be a real shooter, once it’s broken in and I work up some hand loads.
But the one thing that really, really discuses me is finding that those idiots stamped the serial number on the side of the receiver. I mean it really cheapens the look. I was considering buying one of those 1895 “Cowboys” 45-70 with the long octagon barrel this fall, but I’ll wait to see if they get any better.
But I will never, ever buy one if they keep putting the number on the side like that !

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

moofy07

· #2 · Mar 12, 2011

Re: Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

It seems as though we have to take the good along with the bad. This should not be the case, it should be all good.

dixiebear

· #3 · Mar 12, 2011

Re: Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

im picking up my new 336ss on monday.. now im not so excited...

AR-JR

· #4 · Mar 12, 2011

Re: Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

Get used to the serial number being on the side and the crappy looking lazered numerals.
I can stomach the serial number roll stamped on the side of the cowboys but that lazer crap has got to go.

Golfbuddy45

· #5 · Mar 12, 2011

Re: Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

The serial number was moved off the tang due to legal issues with people putting sights on the tang and thereby screwing up the serial numbers. I don't know when they started putting them on the tang but it seems they would have know about the sights problem long ago. It would have made more sense to put it on the bottom tang behind the trigger shield but that is not what they did. My main issue with the laser etched serial numbers is that they are not cut that deep and it would be very simple to buff the whole number off with some fine sandpaper without leaving a groove in the receiver side. I have 5 stainless steel Marlins - 2 have the serial number on the top tang and 3 on the receiver - 2 of those are laser etched.

It is too bad about the problems you did have onn your new SS but at least the gun shoots good and the mechanism is good. Sounds like the cosmetic stuff you can fix.

GB45

444Hal

Discussion Starter · #6 · Mar 13, 2011

Re: Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

dixiebear said:
im picking up my new 336ss on monday.. now im not so excited...

Let us know how you make out with yours, we'll all be interested.

wolters4

· #7 · Mar 13, 2011

Re: Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

How's it shooting

444Hal

Discussion Starter · #8 · Mar 13, 2011

Re: Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

I laser bore sighted it and was almost right on at 50yds. First group from an old box of 170 Core-Lokt grouped under 3" with one flyer. Changed out target and had 4 within an inch and two flyers. I discovered that some rounds showed signs of excessive pressure so I'm figuring those were the strays. I usually shoot about 100 rounds before I start testing loads but it's looking pretty good already. So I made up some of my best 150 & 170 loads (for the 336C) to test next time out.

FredT

· #9 · Mar 13, 2011

Re: Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

Well that sounds encouraging. I can live with an ugly gun that shoots really well.

Plumber

· #10 · Mar 15, 2011

Re: Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

FredT said:
Well that sounds encouraging. I can live with an ugly gun that shoots really well.

I can't live with poor quality. I don't do crappy work and don't expect it of others.

Abel

· #11 · Mar 15, 2011

Re: Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

I don't do crappy work and don't expect it of others.

And I won't pay for crappy work.

dixiebear

· #12 · Mar 16, 2011

Re: Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

got my 336 ss today..craftsmanship looks great..no dings or blemishes..the only issue is that the lever is very hard to work..is this because its new..will it loosen as i break it in?

444Hal

Discussion Starter · #13 · Mar 16, 2011

Re: Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

Mine was very tight too. It just needed some "breaking in". While watching tv, I tied the hammer down and worked it. Then I took the bolt out and worked it some more.

BTW, Just got back from the range. I loaded up a dozen Rem 150's w/748 & a dozen Rem 170's w/Varget (my best loads for my 336C), to see what they'll do. At 50yds the 170's weren't that great off a rest, but the 150's went first 10 rounds in a 2" wide X 1" high group, with the too small (for my eyes) factory front sight.
Got a Williams peep with fiber optic front site and a Wildwest "Happy Trigger" to put on it before I go back this weekend to sight in. Then I'll be starting to tweek that Rem 150 load next week. ;D

444Hal

Discussion Starter · #14 · Mar 27, 2011

Re: Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

Just to update this post….

After about 50 rounds of factory & hand loads ([email protected] from my 336C) and adding a Williams peep & Wild West trigger, I’ve started testing my handloads. This is the first results with Rem 150‘s & W748 @ 34-34.8gr……

I’m going to try a little under 34grs also, because 34.3 starts popping primers and I even stuck & split a case at 34.5. Next will either be the 150 Combine Tech. “Ballistic Silvertip” or Rem. 150’s with Varget. Haven’t decided yet.

I have to wonder if it’s because the barrels are being cut on a different machine now & I hope they get the cosmetic stuff straightened out soon. But with results like this, I’m not complaining…too much. ;D

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MontanaMan

· #15 · Mar 27, 2011

Re: Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

Hal it looks to me like you're on to something with the beginnings of that 150 grain load. Keep us posted on your progress, I'm going to start loading for my 336SS this summer. My gun is one of the North Haven ones and it shoots great, I've only used factory fodder in it so far but with great results. I'm glad you're into a shooter there, good luck.

MM

lever addict

· #16 · Mar 27, 2011

Re: Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

Golfbuddy45 said:
The serial number was moved off the tang due to legal issues with people putting sights on the tang and thereby screwing up the serial numbers. I don't know when they started putting them on the tang but it seems they would have know about the sights problem long ago. It would have made more sense to put it on the bottom tang behind the trigger shield but that is not what they did. My main issue with the laser etched serial numbers is that they are not cut that deep and it would be very simple to buff the whole number off with some fine sandpaper without leaving a groove in the receiver side. I have 5 stainless steel Marlins - 2 have the serial number on the top tang and 3 on the receiver - 2 of those are laser etched.

It is too bad about the problems you did have onn your new SS but at least the gun shoots good and the mechanism is good. Sounds like the cosmetic stuff you can fix.

GB45

There was a time long ago when they put the serial # on the bottom tang, but the bottom tang can be removed! I has to be on a permanent part of the reciever. Unfortunatly. :

444Hal

Discussion Starter · #17 · Apr 7, 2011

Re: Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

Well, guess I’m gonna have to send it back, I tried some Varget with the 150 Rem. Yesterday. I started with the 33.3 grains (my 336C takes 34.5 & is plenty safe) and blew the case head off the first shot ! Next two popped the primers and bulged the cases. I’ve given up and taking the WW trigger & Williams peep off before I send it back. With everything else that I first found wrong with it, I’m declaring it a Junker.

Leverdude

· #18 · Apr 8, 2011

Re: Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

lever addict said:
There was a time long ago when they put the serial # on the bottom tang, but the bottom tang can be removed! I has to be on a permanent part of the reciever. Unfortunatly. :

Not really. Even when they put it on the bottom it was on the side of the top tang so it was identifyable, even mores imo since the plate was numbered to the gun.

Halwg

· #19 · Apr 8, 2011

Re: Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

444Hal said:
Well, guess I’m gonna have to send it back, I tried some Varget with the 150 Rem. Yesterday. I started with the 33.3 grains (my 336C takes 34.5 & is plenty safe) and blew the case head off the first shot ! Next two popped the primers and bulged the cases. I’ve given up and taking the WW trigger & Williams peep off before I send it back. With everything else that I first found wrong with it, I’m declaring it a Junker.

I'm not understanding this. You shot a group under the size of a dime, and now the gun is a junker? What gives here?

GJinNY

· #20 · Apr 8, 2011

Re: Finally got my "SS" from the new factory

wow, really odd about the handloads....give the bore a really good cleaning with copper solvent and try again before it goes back.

As far as dressing it up a bit, go see Levergun Leather and the Marlin leather bling.

http://www.levergunleather.com/p_buttstock_covers.htm

He can even make a pig look good, WITHOUT beer!

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

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