You Won't Really Save That Much. We're Talking Ounces Here. However Much Of The Tube You Cut off... I Do Like The Look Better Though.

 

And, Welcome From Alabama...

 

Thanks for both of your posts!

Now I'm thinking perhaps two inches off the barrel as well.

Vooch

 

Take her to 16.25 or nothing:biggrin:

 

Take her to 16.25 or nothing:biggrin: View attachment 128309 View attachment 128310

Nice scope carry handle you have there. :biggrin:

c.D.

 

Welcome to Marlin Owners,
A great place for friends to gather around the campfire and visit

 

Welcome! Whatever you decide, we require and appreciate pictures.

 

And why would you not just go and also get a 336XLR, then you would have one of each. Carbine and the Rifle version, win-win.

 

Personally I think reducing the number of cartridges any rifle holds is not the best of ideas. I'dfeel much better knowing I had more than 4 shots...in case something unexpected happens.....like the bear or the rabid wolf that decides "you're it" while you're eyeing a deer.

But then it's your 336 and it's all up to you.........

 

I too prefer the shorter mag tubes. It would probably make more economic sense to get an SC model or maybe a 30TK.
But if you want to keep it stainless, by all means have yours cut. I'd shorten the barrel also, as others have said.

 

Welcome from Goldthwaite, TX! Thanks for joining us! Your gun, your choice:biggrin: John

 

Thanks for all the replies! I've never seen a forum so welcoming. I'm not sure what I'll end doing, but I have until spring to decide. I've owned rifles that I've had tweaked, but this is the first I really want to make MINE.
:tee:

Vooch

 

I was thinking about this the other day while out hunting. I rarely load more than 3 in the tube + 1 in the chamber, so the extra capacity doesn't matter to me. Why only load 4 you ask? It changes the balance of the rifle enough to notice it when loaded to full capacity.

Would cutting off several inches of the mag tube make that much of a difference in weight or balance? I'm not sure, but I do know that half lug revolver barrels handle much better than full lugs and we're talking about even more weight here and further out past the balancing point.

 

I've got a 30TK and love it... but I am thinking of lengthening the tube!

The 30TK balances well, perhaps because the birch stock is lighter?

 

Vooch,
Two years back I bought a 14 inch mag tube from Brownells I think. The cost was much less than having a gunsmith do it. Seems like $18 or so. You can use the same spring. The real issue to consider is how will you attach the shorter mag tube to the gun. You may need to get a forend cap and then a tendon to attach it to the barrel. For what it is worth I think the 20 inch barrel with a 3/4 length tube gives the gun the best balance possible on a Marlin (Think 375M, 336ER or 336SC). I wouldn't oppose hacking 2 inches off a 308MX or 338MX to achieve that balance. Then you will have to do something with that trigger!
Pb

 

Sounds like very good advice, I'll look into it.

Thanks,
Vooch

 

I did this project when I built my 336A from a carbine...it is a process, with the extra parts...but it was a labor of love for me. Let us know what you decide and we look forward to the pics.

 

I've handled several SC models and a Glenfield 30 and personally I like the way that they balanced, even unloaded you can tell a difference. I also like the look of the shorter mag tubes. As far as the weight savings, I haven't done a direct comparison, but I can't see it being more than a few ounces.
I have done some research on the different ways to attach the mag tube and I've found basically three options. First is to modify the barrel band so that it fits on further down where the barrel is slightly heavier. (IMHO this works best on a Marauder type modification where the barrel and mag tube are shortened equally). Second is to change from a barrel band forearm to a end cap forearm.(Many members have advised against this as it is typically more trouble than it is worth). And the third is sort of a hybrid of the first two; If you look at how the mag tube is secured short mag tube models, you will see that the mag tube is attached by a dovetail piece on the bottom side of the barrel. There was a thread going this past summer where the OP installed the dovetail piece and modified the mag tube end cap to fit the dovetail piece. He was able to keep the original barrel band forearm and the finished result looked pretty good.(Eventually, this is what I plan to do when I get the time to shorten the mag tube on my 35rem.)
My take on the lower capacity is simple: where I hunt, if I need more than three or four shots then I have to spend more time at the range!

 

I have a 1895 SS and I want to make my mag tube longer to match the barrel length. More ammo is always better...

 

Could this be what you want ?
You need the parts from a A or SC and cut the dovetail where you want and shorten the mag tube.

 

That is what I plan on doing, if I ever get around to it. What length did you cut the mag tube, and how many rounds does it hold?

 

I would try to find a Genfield 30 or 36G.:biggrin:

Glenfield model 36G.

 

You might also Like This:

17.5in. Barrel w/ Recessed Crown & Button Mag Tube.
UncleSarge58

 

Here's a Newer Pic:

Taken this Summer. Takin' Her to the Box Stand Tomorrow AM.
My Brother just Shot a 10 Point Last Night w/ His Marlin 336CS.
There were 3 More Bucks 7 Pt or Better With Him. Gotta Get Me One Too!
US58

 

Nice pics! Helps one to visualize what an end result might look like. I've decided the mag tube will get chopped sometime this year. To what length I haven't decided yet. Thinking I might leave barrel alone at 20", but not entirely sure. Now I've got differing ideas about mounts, scopes, and other optics rolling around in my head. This could get expensive. I'll take it slow try to think things through, and proceed as money allows. Also, thinking of picking up a used 336 to play with, but that almost feels like I'm cheating on a good woman.