[Greenhorn]

So finding a deal on a marlin lately is pretty rare, and I am not going to even pretend this is a deal. I was bitten by the "got a bit of extra cash" and have not bought a gun in many months...actually almost 7. Found this Zane Gray on GB, pictures are grainy and bad, seller is a pawn shop and description mentions nothing of the condition of the bore or the metal, only the wood. Now, normally all these red flags are a big get away from this rifle, but from time to time I get a crazy feellin! Now crazy is what I got, thinkin about that octagon barrel.

I got it for $400 and thats not a deal my any means, and I am nervous about not having enough time to contact the seller before the auction ended. For some reason I just could not pass this one up. I figured it would make a fun project cowboy rifle if its in bad shape (turnbull is right down the road...literally) but I hope its still in decent shape. I just have this funny feeling it might just need a screw here and there and some spit and polish. I got a idea that what I think might be issues (barrel in picture #2) are actually just bad lighting. What do you guys think about my loss of personal control and the rifle too of course!

 

[Mikeflies]

Re: Gamblin a bit...but its a ZG

For $400 its worth the chance. I wanted a ZG but the price for a NIB was out of my league back before X-Mas. It looks really nice from the outside, I hope the inside is just as nice. Good Luck & God Bless.

 

[dpe.ahoy]

Re: Gamblin a bit...but its a ZG

Looks to me like it's in pretty good shape. I think you did good, oct. barrel is a sale maker, and if you want it and can afford it, it's a good deal. I have made some very good deals in the past and I have paid to much, but for something I wanted. If you are satisfied with the deal, that is what matters. I say good on ya! DP

 

[stubbygun]

Re: Gamblin a bit...but its a ZG

you done good. and 7 months with no gun purchase has been known to cause serious gunsweats. last time i went that long without a gun buy, i bought the ammo for a gun i didn't even own yet because it was a good deal. these things happen.

 

[Tomray]

Re: Gamblin a bit...but its a ZG

I think the flaws in the pics are a bone dry metal surface that needs oil. I think the price is OK too..............Octogons.........I Luv 'em..............
Let us know when it arrives.

Tom

 

[Bedrock]

Re: Gamblin a bit...but its a ZG

From what I can see in the photos, I think you did great. As has been said, an octagon barrel kind of creates a pull of its own. And after enduring a dry spell of seven months, who could fault you for falling under the spell. Enjoy the heck out of it.

 

[Greenhorn]

Re: Gamblin a bit...but its a ZG

Picked up Zane today. It has a few very minor handeling marks on the stock, and a little blueing (rub) loss on a small area the barrel...from sitting in a safe for so darn long! A small scratch here and there...maybe 3. I would be suprised if this got shot more than a handful of times. I will post pictures this weekend when I get some time and good light.

I would like to know about the barrel markings and stamps...mine has some I have not seen before.

 

[Longfin]

Re: Gamblin a bit...but its a ZG

Looks like you did just fine to me. As has been said, that octagon barrel just adds a lot of class to an already classy rifle. Congratulations. Now shoot it

 

[Lonnie]

Re: Gamblin a bit...but its a ZG

From the pics that's a good looking rifle. I think you did good .

 

[Bruiser]

Re: Gamblin a bit...but its a ZG

When I first read the title I thought you had bought the one I recently saw on Gun Broker. It was listed as a Marlin 30-30, but it was a Zane Gray that was "off" a little, like instead of the Zane Gray medallion, it had a quarter on the receiver. It was gone when I went to look at it again and I wondered about it since.

Anyway, your rifle looks like it's in good shape and from your report it sounds like you got a good deal.

What were your questions about Barrel markings? I have a Zane Gray so I can tell you if mine has the same markings.

Congrads,
-Bob George

 

[Greenhorn]

Re: Gamblin a bit...but its a ZG

its got a "flower" or could be a buckhorn sight, a "basket" like crosshatched one, numbers one and two, 72 in a shield and HEGE all on the side near the rear sight.

 

[Timber]

Re: Gamblin a bit...but its a ZG

Guilty about that one on Gunbroker. It was a one owner that was purchased in Germany. Owner lost the medallion, and replaced it with a quarter. I do not know how the medallions were attached, or what would be revealed if one fell off. For that price, I thought it must be worth it as a shooter if nothing else. The gentleman is now in his eighties, and thought it needed a new home. If I can't find the correct medallion, then it is just a shooter that was not overly priced. Described as a Marlin 30-30, as is. Waiting to see what he was, or was not telling me.

 

[Greenhorn]

Re: Gamblin a bit...but its a ZG with pictures!

Here are some pictures but they were done indoors, been raining for almost a week.

Skinner express in Black Gold on top. Sorry pictures are not the best, but the gun is very nice with just a few blemishes here and there..also found a little speckling on the back side of the receiver but cleaned it up. Only a few spots.

 

[Brian in FL]

It looks to me like you did pretty darn well for yourself with that Zane Grey. If you ever get unhappy with it, I'd be glad to take it off your hands. ;D

 

[Timber]

Mine has the same markings, on the barrel, on the reciever left and high forward, and also a stamp on the bolt that looks like a standing eagle with wings spread.

 

[Greenhorn]

thanks Timber...I think those markings are kinda cool.

Brian, thats what I got my dad for. Should have heard his voice on the phone "an octogon barrel you say!" I thought oh man, at least my newer 39A will have company (he has that one too).

 

[Timber]

Yesterday was the first time I had a chance to really look it over, and handle it. Very near mint condition, and yours looks great also. Fast taper octagon barrel balances even better than the 26" cowboys. To carry hunting, it would be hard to improve upon. A shame they only made it one year.

Be sure and take a picture of your Dad's face when he takes it down from his shoulder the first time.
He is going to be one Happy Pappy. Mine has what looks to be a Marble buckhorn rear sight similar to current cowboy models, but maybe a bit smaller. Trigger and action are very smooth and easy while feeling very tight. Like you would expect in a custom rifle. Marlin did a great job with this rifle.

 

[Bruiser]

Greenhorn and Timber,

Sorry it took so long but I finally found a few minutes to look at my rifle. It doesn't have those marking you described. Mine has "Zane Grey Century" on top of the barrel just in front of the leaf sight. Then just under the left side of the site, it has two lines. The first is "The Marlin Firearms Co." and the second is "NORTH HAVEN, CONN, U.S.A.". RIght behind that rollmark there is another single line that reads "Cal.30-30 Win.". Behind that, just in front of the reciever is the JM in the oval stamping. These marking look the same as the on the first pictures you posted. The other markings aren't on my barrel. The only marking on my reciever is the serial number which is actually on the top tang. BTW, my serial number is ZG012??. There is no marking on the bolt either. I didn't see any other markings on the rifle.

Kinda wierd that miine isn't the same.
-Bob George

 

[Golfbuddy45]

You mentioned the gun was purchased in Germany , , they put extra marks and special markings on guns over there. I have seen that on other American rifles and handguns that were sold over seas. They did that a lot during WWII also on military weapons purchased from the US. With some detail pictures someone may be able to help on identifying them.

GB45

 

[Shenandoah]

My Zane Grey was purchased new in December 1972 and given to my father in law as a Christmas gift. He set it in a gun cabinet without even loading it. He completed the hunting season with a very worn standard Marlin 336SC. He died unexpectantly of a heart attach in January 1973. I purchased it from my mother in law to pass on to my first born (not arrived at that time), still unloaded and unfired. It has been stored in various places around my house ever since. The last 12 years in a gun safe. It has more nicks, dings and scratches that what you indicated you have on yours. After a few years I quit polishing the brass buttplate and forend cap.
The gun seems to be the twin of Bruiser's except for serial number (ZG039**). The rear sight is a Marbles, with a small white diamond facing the shooter. Front sight is the standard Marbles bead sight. With all the stories of Zane Grey rifles lately I may take this puppy out and put a few rounds down range.
Story of my life, my son, now 37, has no interest in firearms and is an old car buff. I don't know where I went wrong.
I can't remember where I read it, (CRS at my age), but while it was stated there were 10,000 rifles made (1972), that the actual total is just under 7,000. Maybe someone can shed some light on this.
Either way, nice looking gun, and hope it turns out well for you. Shenandoah