Got a "Lemon"
Hello all,
This is my first post, and I hope it's not bad form to start out negative....but I felt like I needed to run this past some folks with experience. This past Thursday I picked up a brand-new 336SS that I'd special ordered. I'll start by saying that I'm feeling seriously stupid for not having noticed these issues in the store. Frankly, I've spent the past couple of days beating myself up over it....but I was excited to get the gun, and for that reason the pre-purchase examination was more cursory than it should have been (and, in my defense, not in the best lighting conditions). Also, at the time I wasn't aware of Marlin's recent quality control issues, so I sort of assumed I'd be getting something "cherry."
Anyway....I'll let the photos speak for themselves. My two biggest concerns are the cracked forearm (looks like someone clamped it in a vise) and the marred stock. The damaged screw in the top of the receiver....the crooked front sight....the notch in the barrel next to the "REP" stamp...all that I could probably live with if necessary (though I don't think I should have to in a $565 rifle). There's also a nickle-sized area of light scratching on the left side of the receiver, and a small pit in the right side of the forearm (not pictured--ran out of photo slots).
In addition to the cosmetic issues, the action seems kind of balky--though I don't have an immediate reference for comparison. Seems to hang up a little bit at a couple of spots, unless you're using a pretty good amount of force. I have not loaded or fired the gun. To my knowledge it had never been out of the box prior to my picking it up...and it's never been out of my house since.
Obviously, I'm going to contact Marlin and try to get this put right. With that in mind, what would you suggest? Should I try to get them to pay return shipping? Should I accept a repaired gun--or given these issues should I press for a new one? If I end up with a new one, am I likely to see the same kinds of issues? Are they good about dealing with problems like this, or am I gonna get the run-around?
Appreciate any thoughts you have. My dad has a 1950s-vintage 336 that is absolutely perfect (he's had it since high school), and I've always wanted one. Obviously, this isn't quite what I'd hoped for...
Thank you
Hello all,
This is my first post, and I hope it's not bad form to start out negative....but I felt like I needed to run this past some folks with experience. This past Thursday I picked up a brand-new 336SS that I'd special ordered. I'll start by saying that I'm feeling seriously stupid for not having noticed these issues in the store. Frankly, I've spent the past couple of days beating myself up over it....but I was excited to get the gun, and for that reason the pre-purchase examination was more cursory than it should have been (and, in my defense, not in the best lighting conditions). Also, at the time I wasn't aware of Marlin's recent quality control issues, so I sort of assumed I'd be getting something "cherry."
Anyway....I'll let the photos speak for themselves. My two biggest concerns are the cracked forearm (looks like someone clamped it in a vise) and the marred stock. The damaged screw in the top of the receiver....the crooked front sight....the notch in the barrel next to the "REP" stamp...all that I could probably live with if necessary (though I don't think I should have to in a $565 rifle). There's also a nickle-sized area of light scratching on the left side of the receiver, and a small pit in the right side of the forearm (not pictured--ran out of photo slots).
In addition to the cosmetic issues, the action seems kind of balky--though I don't have an immediate reference for comparison. Seems to hang up a little bit at a couple of spots, unless you're using a pretty good amount of force. I have not loaded or fired the gun. To my knowledge it had never been out of the box prior to my picking it up...and it's never been out of my house since.
Obviously, I'm going to contact Marlin and try to get this put right. With that in mind, what would you suggest? Should I try to get them to pay return shipping? Should I accept a repaired gun--or given these issues should I press for a new one? If I end up with a new one, am I likely to see the same kinds of issues? Are they good about dealing with problems like this, or am I gonna get the run-around?
Appreciate any thoughts you have. My dad has a 1950s-vintage 336 that is absolutely perfect (he's had it since high school), and I've always wanted one. Obviously, this isn't quite what I'd hoped for...
Thank you
I would also point out that you were going to reference the gun magazines to the MO forum to review the rants and dissatisfaction shown on the recent Quality of workmanship and QA of Marlin products following the merger with Remington. Note that I say Remington/Marlin when I talk about the manufacturer; this would never of happened under the old New Haven "Marlin"! :'(
