[WyomingWhitetail]

so im starting a .219 zipper project using an early 336sc action that was originally 30-30 and i picked up a factory barrel in 219 and im refinishing everything and will most likely build a walnut stock. my question is how often do you guys see just action or guns with bad barrels for sale. I would like to find a few more actions to build guns off of but i haven't really seen many around. Also what would be a fair price for a builder action or rifle. Just want to know so i know what to look for at gun shows and auctions and such.

 

[papabear]

WW, I'm not in the shops as much as in the past, but I rarely see a Marlin with just barrel trouble. Once in a while I used to see one that had cleaning rod abuse. Loop off an inch or so and that went away. Marlin rounds (Zippers excepted) were and are not barrel burners. Usually, if the barrel was trashed, so was the action. IMO, your best bet is to look for well used-but not abused- Marlins that can often be bought cheaply. I gave 185 for a first year 336 ADL a couple of years ago. That rifle cleaned up nicely with no pitting, but some freckeling. I bought it for a project rifle, but I just have not been able to cut it up. I still have an itch for both a shorty and for a .25-35 and perhaps a .40-65. Someday soon? Good luck, Jack

 

[WyomingWhitetail]

thats kinda what i was thinking. dont seem like i ever see any marlin that i would consider builder only material. luckily a friend of my dad gave him the old 336 that im using for my 219 build. guess ill just have to keep an eye out for well used 30-30s. i want to eventually have a 25-35 and a 32 special just for fun.