[2006HighSierra]

Well folks, I'm looking at getting yet another 1895G right now and I've got a question with that in mind. I've not got to keep track of much here lately since I was on active but I'm back home for now and in debate. Is there anything actually *wrong* with getting a post-Remington move 1895, or should I stay clear and find a JM stamped 1895 from before all the crap happened? I know alot of people are looking for pre-move guns. I wasn't sure if it was quality or what, which I did have to do some work on my last 1895G out of the box to get it to even cycle. And that was from the old plant. But I was just curious so lend me your thoughts and ideas.

 

[Eli Chaps]

There have been enough reported problems here and elsewhere that I would not buy a rifle I could not see/hold/inspect. I'm not even sure they are putting out 1895G's yet though. I think I'd actually go back further and right now say I would prefer a pre-Remington (2007 and older) not just pre-move model.

This is just my opinion and I'm sure there are a lot of good examples out there but I just feel the risk has grown significantly from the "old" days.

 

[Windage]

I agree. I can speak from personal experience. Aside from the mechanical problems reported here, i.e. fail to feed, barrel droop, poor wood to metal fit, loose sights, burrs and screwdriver scratches...what immediately turned me off was the wood on the new REM proof marked 1895Gs I was shown at the local gun store. I went in with the specific purpose of buying a new Guide Gun. But even before the clerk handed me the gun from the box I knew it was a no sale. The wood looked like the quality of a broom stick and the pressed in checkering was a joke. The stock was also poorly fit and there were numerous screwdriver marks around the screws where whoever assembled the gun was obviously in a big hurry. It did cycle, but it was a grinding experience. I looked at several different Marlin models with the same results.

Yes, I wouldn't buy a new Marlin without handling it first. And I think you will see with your own eyes what I am talking about.

I ended up buying two used Marlins. A GG built in 1989 and a beautiful 1895XLR made in 2007. Both JM proof marked and both fine guns. The nice thing is that there are a lot of pre-Remington takeover Marlins turning up on the used market in this area. I suspect the supply will either dry up or the prices soar as Remlin rolls out their new stock this year.

Good luck with your search.

 

[MattPair]

I'll echo these guys. For me unless something drastic happens all my future marlin purchases will be pre 2007 models. Infact in the last week I did just that in purchasing a used guide gun rather than buy new. I got a better deal to boot.

 

[2006HighSierra]

Sounds like I'll stick with used. My first guide gun was born around 04 and nice as all get out. The last one I bought new last year and I spent several hours getting the action to even cycle. I know it's been echoed a million times, but why did they have to ruin something so good!!!

 

[chsteven]

I hope this helps and doesn't fuel the fire of the Marlington's but here goes... We are lucky enough to live within 75 miles of Cabela's and my wife 'allowed' me to choose the rifle I want. Now, I didn't NEED a new rifle but certainly WANTED a cowboy gun (my new hunting partner has been gaffing me to get one like his...sheesh).

Anyway, I wanted a Marlin Guide gun but did hear the concerns of buying without touching while Remington gets their act together (I will say, once that happens the quality will probably go up)... and in my vicinity it seemed like every small shop was back ordered on what I wanted... (They guys kept telling me everyone buys them to fly from the lakes nearby to Alaska for the bears)

Once at Cablela's I picked out of the three SBL's Cabela's had in stock. (These were the only guide guns they had in stock.) I looked all three over carefully and I have to say they were all damned nice rifles. The actions were a little stiff (understandable for a new one)... the stainless on all had a few markings from finishing or packaging.. nothing major but I am a little retentive.

Brought it home, loaded a few 300 Hornady JHP's with 50 gr IMR 4198 and let 'er buck. I also shot a few factory 325 gr FTX's.

Anyway, i am very happy with the gun. I purchased because I like to think I am a hard core hunter (#1) and wanted the composite stocks for the weather (I will say the walnut is gorgeous on the STBL and SG's) and of course the stainless is pretty and rugged. Just my kind of rifle crawling through the sticker vines in Western Wa. and walking till my feet bleed in the Eastern Wa. dessert.

(If interested, here is my original post about the rifle. http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,86534.msg826139.html#msg826139)

Hope it helps, but I could have bought one online but decided to handle mine first. That was the right choice from what I read.

 

[MOUNTAIN WILLIAM]

Being at least one of the recipients (I failed to follow my own advice at the time :-[) of a new SBL that was defective, I'm going to chime in wholeheartedly with everyone else's opinion so far. Inspect it, inspect it, inspect it, first. And if you're able to, stay with one that has a "JM" stamp on the left side of the barrel.
If you enjoy the search as much as you will the rifle, it will add to the personal value of your rifle. It has mine so far. I've lucked out and found my third STP and an STBL since my fiasco with the SBL. This particular STP is an oddball in it's own right, so I'm making a Micro SBL out of it and it's slated to be my shooter of the bunch.

 

[2006HighSierra]

what year where the LTD-IIIs produced? I might even look into one of them.

 

[MOUNTAIN WILLIAM]

Here ya go. Good luck with your search for a LTD III, they are sweet!
http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,64649.0.html

 

[eaglesnest]

I wouldn't buy any Marlin without being able to look at it first and be able to walk if it wasn't up to snuff. I was saying that before the CT plant closed too, because Remington had its hot little hands in the workings before the move. I bought 2 Marlins last year, JM's and both are great, but they were both over the counter sales. I also had the confidence to order through Davidsons, a Ruger Blackhawk 45 and a Henry 22. Those were problem free like ANY new gun SHOULD be! That was more or less the way Marlin was before the bean counters took control.

 

[caveman]

Well guys, you just gotta remember----it can happen to any make and model of gun. I bought my new 336/XLR 35 after looking and finding a 2007 JM. It is smooth, slick and very nice but I went to do barrel break in and it feeds two----the old marlin jam!!!!! I ordered from online dealer so I took my chances. That said, I don't know how many guys can load one up before buying a new one and cycling a few rounds????. I have been lucky with new guns over the years so I was probably overdue. It is such a nice one that I just calmly packed her up and sent her to Paducah for warranty repair 8)! While it's there, I am getting a surprise mod done (for the 336 forum) just to be different-----no, I ain't chopping the barrel!!!

Anyway, sometimes ship happens, but it does sound like the Rem/Marlins aren't being well made???

 

[2006HighSierra]

My problem is I don't have any place that keeps them instock. Unless you just get a plain walmart 336. I still havent decided for sure what I'm even getting I'm leaning more towards two that I *don't* already have which is the LTD III and the little stainless SDT which is really sweet. I know the LTDs are high, what does the little SDTs usually bring?

 

[Gaterskiner]

Here is an SDT. Not sure what they usualy bring.
http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,86759.0.htm

 

[2006HighSierra]

Although a 30-30, I'd like to have a 336 SDT. Does anyone know what the average price is on an 1895 SDT? I'm still in deep debate, and even thinking of an 1895SBL. I just don't know about the pistol grip stock and I'd probably have to ditch the mount/sights for a set of Brockmans peeps. I should have about $1100 to spend first of next month on whatever I get. I'm kind of leaning more the SS/laminate route because I think my poor 629 Mountain Gun I carry everyday is lonely not having a stainless companion.

 

[Windage]

I'm still in deep debate, and even thinking of an 1895SBL.

If you decide on an SBL be SURE you handle it before buying. I have been told by my local dealer that a lot of the new batch of SBLs about to be shipped to the dealers are going to have an extra dovetail cut into the barrel since Remington is using up old barrels they have on hand before making new ones specifically for the SBL.

Now since the house cleaning at Remlin they may have seen the light and will be backing off on the original plan to use the old barrels.. We will see in the next few weeks if there is a new flood of complaints as the latest production run hits the stores.

 

[rhendrix]

If you decide on an SBL be SURE you handle it before buying. I have been told by my local dealer that a lot of the new batch of SBLs about to be shipped to the dealers are going to have an extra dovetail cut into the barrel since Remington is using up old barrels they have on hand before making new ones specifically for the SBL.

Now since the house cleaning at Remlin they may have seen the light and will be backing off on the original plan to use the old barrels.. We will see in the next few weeks if there is a new flood of complaints as the latest production run hits the stores.

That is an expensive way to do business. If they still have the 5 year warranty on the Marlins against all manufacturing and workman defects, then they will get everyone of them returned. Would it not be a better business decision and less costly to just make the gun right to start with rather than sending them out with defects and then having to pay to have them shipped back and then rebuild the rifle and then pay the shipping cost to send it back to the customer? Maybe they have taken lessons from our federal government and learned how to save money by wasting money. ??? :

 

[eaglesnest]

Maybe they have taken lessons from our federal government and learned how to save money by wasting money. ??? :

I don't know about that, maybe, but I do know that Remlins parent company got 5 billion in Fed money in the last bailout circus. I would say a lot of the gov wasted money is from corporations ripping off from taxpayers but I don't expect that to change much with the current crop of bought and paid for politicians. Anybody who gets elected owes someone these days, and it doesn't appear to be the voter.